Grand Prix racer Casey Stoner obtained his scooter L-Plates after doing the compulspru rider training course at Newcastle, NSW.
The scooter industry has dismissed claims that motor scooters are the new menace on the road.
AAMI Insurance had claimed in a national media release issued on 18 July, 2007 that a survey it commissioned found that one-third (33 per cent) of drivers nationally said that scooters were the new menace on Australia’s capital city roads.
The Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) and the affiliated Australian Scooter Federation (ASF) have questioned the substance of the suggestions based on the survey findings.
The industry totally rejects these claims. AAMI has sought to draw a very long bow here. The claims are not supported by their own research, said FCAI chief executive, Andrew McKellar.
I must say the industry is somewhat puzzled by the assertions contained in that press release, and the motives behind them, but generally if a question in a survey receives only 33 per cent support, then it suggests that 67 per cent did not support that view.
The FCAI believes that the growing numbers of scooter riders are legitimate road users, and like most other road users the majority of them are responsible and sensible.
The FCAI represents Aprilia, BMW, Cagiva, Ducati, Harley-Davidson, Honda, Husqvarna, Hyosung, Kawasaki, MV Agusta, Triumph and Yamaha, while the ASF members are Aprilia, Bolwell Scoota, Bug Scooters, Daelim, Gilera, Honda scooters, Hyosung, Kymco, Peugeot scooters, Piaggio, Sachs, SCP, Suzuki, TGB, Vespa and Yamaha scooters.
The AAMI media release also pointed to data on motorcycle accident statistics and research that found that 32 per cent of motorcyclists admitted to sometimes not wearing correct protective clothing.
Mr McKellar said that FCAI members through their dealer networks actively advise new riders of their responsibilities to undertake rider training to gain learner and provisional rider permits, and the importance of purchasing necessary riding gear.
The industry is very conscious of the importance of rider training for both new and experienced riders, and raising their awareness of updating their riding apparel in line with the use of new materials and designs that enhance rider protection in the event of an accident.
Mr McKellar called for co-operation between all stakeholders to raise levels of awareness of the different needs of the variety of vehicles that frequent roads in Australia’s metropolitan areas.
The FCAI believes that it is vital to unite all road users through a mutual understanding of the different types of vehicles that inhabit our roads, and we will continue to work with all stakeholders to ensure that process continues, Mr McKellar said.