26 June 2008

Transit funds study into motorcycle safety

Transit New Zealand is taking part in a new study to improve understanding of what type of road safety barriers are better for motorcyclists.

General manager of network operations Roly Frost says the study, which has just started, will look at all types of road barriers, including wire rope barriers, in an attempt to reach a conclusion about which is safest for motorcyclists.

"We understand motorcylists' concerns about wire rope barriers, but for years there has been a lack of research in this area. This is why we are helping fund this important study."

The study is being carried out by the NSW Injury Risk Management Research Centre at the University of Sydney, and will take two years.

Transit is co-funder, along with equivalent agencies in Australian states of New South Wales and Western Australia.

"Motorcyclists can be assured that we take their safety seriously and we are committed to monitoring the performance of our wire rope barriers and international developments on the topic. This new study will have an important role to play in this, particularly because it will be based on local information and experience.

"We also always look for opportunities to meet motorcyclists to hear their concerns and share information with them. We have had regular meetings, regionally and nationally, with the Bikers' Rights Organisation of New Zealand (BRONZ) to ensure we understand their view point."

ENDS

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