To:

• The Hon Michael Ferguson MP – Minister for Infrastructure and Transport
• Dean Winter MP – Shadow Minister for Infrastructure
• Dr Rosalie Woodruff MP – Leader, Tasmanian Greens
• Department of State Growth – Transport Policy and Strategy Division
• Motor Accidents Insurance Board (MAIB)
• All Members of the Tasmanian Parliament

We, the undersigned residents, riders, and concerned Tasmanians, are calling for urgent reforms to key motorcycle policies that are outdated, unfair, and in some cases unsafe. Tasmania’s unique riding conditions and road network are not being adequately reflected in current laws and insurance frameworks.

We specifically request the following:

1. Reform the 80 km/h Restriction on L & P1 Riders

Tasmania requires learner and provisional 1 motorcycle riders to travel no faster than 80 km/h — even on roads signed for 100 or 110 km/h. This rule:

• Places new riders in more dangerous situations by forcing them to travel significantly below the speed of traffic
• Increases the risk of rear-end collisions, aggressive overtaking, and road rage
• Discourages safe riding progression

We request this rule be revised to allow L and P1 riders to travel at speeds closer to the limit under appropriate conditions, with appropriate safety checks or training milestones.

2. Make MAIB Premiums Fair for Multi-Bike Riders

Currently, motorcycle owners must pay a full MAIB insurance premium for every motorcycle, even though one person can only ride one motorcycle at a time. This:

• Creates duplicated costs without increasing MAIB's risk exposure
• Unfairly penalises enthusiasts and responsible owners who use multiple bikes for commuting, touring, or recreational riding

We propose a fairer model:

• A per-rider MAIB charge, based on the highest-risk motorcycle owned
• Or, discounts for second and subsequent motorcycles under one rider's name

3. Stop Prioritising Revenue Over Risk-Based Fairness

We understand the current system provides stable revenue, but public insurance must also be just and transparent. Charging multiple premiums for the same rider risks eroding public trust and is out of step with the fairness expected from government-mandated insurance schemes.

We believe cost-of-living pressures make this issue even more important, and that the burden should not fall disproportionately on safe, law-abiding riders.

4. Raise the 125cc “Low-Risk” Threshold to Reflect Tasmania’s Roads

Currently, MAIB offers discounted premiums only to motorcycles under 125cc. However:

• Tasmania’s roads are far more hilly and high-speed than mainland metro areas
• 125cc motorcycles are often considered underpowered and unsafe in these conditions
• Most instructors and riders recommend avoiding 125cc bikes in favour of safer 300–400cc learner-legal alternatives

We propose MAIB reassess its risk classification and raise the threshold for low-risk discounts to include motorcycles up to 300–400cc for Tasmania. This would encourage safer motorcycle choices without compromising risk assumptions.

What We’re Asking For:

We urge the Tasmanian Government, MAIB, and the Department of State Growth to:

• Review and update these outdated policies
• Engage with rider communities and safety experts
• Bring Tasmania’s rules in line with real-world road safety, fairness, and equity

Motorcyclists deserve regulations that protect them — not policies that endanger or unfairly charge them.

Sincerely,