Hartsuyker raises danger of wire rope barriers in Federal Parliament

The danger wire rope barriers pose to motorcyclists has been raised in the Federal Parliament by The Nationals Federal Member for Cowper Luke Hartsuyker.

Speaking in Parliament on issues relating to the upgrade of the Pacific Highway, Mr Hartsuyker highlighted the risk wire ropes are to bike riders.

“The other issue that I will talk about briefly in regard to the highway is the issue of wire rope barriers,” Mr Hartsuyker said in Parliament.

“Tragically, near Taree we had an accident recently where a motorcyclist had his leg amputated as a result of an accident in which he fell on a wire rope barrier.

“I think an important element that needs to be incorporated into our planning processes is consideration of safety aspects for motorcyclists.

“They are a high-risk road user, but there are almost a million registered motorcycles in Australia.

“There are a large number of motorcyclists who I believe are being put at greater risk by the expansion of the network of wire rope barriers.

“There are good reasons for having wire rope barriers—to separate oncoming traffic. They are vitally important.

“But I think it is important that we have a look at the design of wire rope barriers, the location of wire rope barriers, whether they are actually enhancing safety outcomes and the implications of wire rope barriers for motorcyclists.

“As cars and trucks share the road with motorcycles, it is important that we place a far greater focus on safety outcomes for motorcyclists as a result of the placement of those wire rope barriers.

“Can we make those barriers safer, perhaps by covering certain key areas of wire rope barriers with an impact-absorbing plastic so that if a motorcyclist falls on it he will not suffer the same fate as the motorcyclist recently injured in Taree? This is a very important issue.”

Mr Hartsuyker said he intended to table a Private Members Motion caling for governments to review the use of wire ropes.

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