In 2008 there is a discriminatory tax of $56 a year on riders of road motorcycles & scooters in the state of Victoria. It is hidden in other road costs and justified as a safety levy. While this tax is collected no real safety budget, as for other road users, is likely.

The tax was introduced about 2002 without real consultation. It was introduced at $50 via the budget bill and later indexed to rise each year. It singles out and penalizes a small but significant group in society for their choice of transport. No other transport mode is treated this way.

When pollution, fuel costs and traffic congestion are serious problems in society and the numbers of commuters on powered 2-wheelers has doubled, responsible authorities encourage the safe use of environmentally-friendly vehicles that do little damage to infrastructure. Making motorcycling cost more is dangerous. Some riders cut back on maintenance and/or protective gear others go back to cars. 70% of traffic congestion is single-occupant cars.

Most vulnerable road user casualties are caused by car driver error. The Victorian antibike tax is bad for road safety, bad for the environment and bad for commuters trying to save time & money. A paper petition will be delivered to Parliament in Melbourne on November 12, 2008.