It comes as no surprise that lots of seasoned motorcyclists simply will not travel to Phillip Island to watch the GP, as Victorian police again put “motorcycle safety” at the forefront of their minds.
Operation Motosafe “is focussed on reducing injuries and fatal collisions on our roads,” according to a Victorian Police press release (which has been subsequently removed from the Victoria Police website).
The operation will see an increased police presence throughout October and coincide with the motorcycle Grand Prix.
Punters riding to Phillip Island can expect random breath testing sites and road blocks.
Police will also use automatic number plate recognition technology to detect any unregistered vehicles.
Eastern Region Road Policing Inspector Stewart Westfield said even though motorcyclists are vulnerable road users it is up to everyone on the roads to take care.
“There’s no doubt that with the warmer weather upon us and with the Grand Prix coming up we do see an increase in the number of riders coming through our area,” Inspector Westfield said.
“We all need to look after each other, no matter what mode of transport you’re in, stay within the speed limit and take regular breaks on long journeys.
“The Grand Prix will be a major focus of the operation with police out and about on all roads leading to Phillip Island between 19 and 22 October.”
Over the past five years during the month of October the eastern region of Victoria has sadly seen 47 people killed on their roads.
Of these 47 lives, 21 per cent were riders.
To put the stats in perspective it equates to roughly two lives per year.
While Inspector Westfield said fixing the road toll is up to everyone, he hasn’t said what Victorian Police is going to do about fixing the other 79 per cent.
The Victorian Government currently has a motorcycle tourism strategy in place, because it sees Victoria as the country’s top destination for motorcycle culture.
With this sort of treatment it’s not; Victoria Police is cutting off the nose to spite the face.