Riding along one of Victoria’s most popular motorcycling routes will be safer thanks to significant road safety upgrades to be delivered by the Allan Labor Government in the Yarra Ranges. 

Works will soon begin on the first stage of motorcycle safety improvements on Gembrook-Launching Place Road, which will improve safety along the full 25.3 kilometre length of the road.

Road shoulders at key locations will be sealed to help riders stay in control of their vehicles if they veer off the road, while safety barriers will also be installed and upgraded.

The $5.4 million project, which is expected to be completed by March, will also include resurfacing and patching key sections of the road, and improving signage and line marking.

Minimal delays to motorists are expected during construction.

Several high priority driveway entrances will also be sealed to reduce the amount of gravel and loose materials on to the road.

Assessment for these upgrades will be completed during works and will begin after stage one has been completed. The works are being funded through the Motorcycle Safety Levy.

Since the Levy was introduced in 2002, more than $100 million has been spent on motorcycle road safety initiatives, including road safety infrastructure upgrades, education and research programs, and motorcycle policy and law.

In the past three years, there were 22 recorded motorcycle crashes on Gembrook-Launching Place Road resulting in one fatality and 12 serious injuries.

The works have been guided by the Making Roads Motorcycle Friendly framework, which provides up-to-date advice about improving the safety of motorcycle riders across our state.

Quote attributable to Minister for Roads and Road Safety Melissa Horne

”Motorcyclists are some of our most vulnerable road users, making up four per cent of registered vehicles in Victoria but 17 per cent of road fatalities, which is why we continue to invest in infrastructure that improves motorcyle safety.”

Quote attributable to Member for Monbulk Daniela De Martino

“Gembrook-Launching Place Road is a popular route for residents and visitors riding in the Yarra Ranges – we’re getting on with important works to make this road safer for motorcyclists and the community.”

Quote attributable to Chair of the Motorcycle Community Engagement Panel Sonja Terpstra

“As part of Victoria’s Road Safety Strategy, we are investing in programs, campaigns and infrastructure to improve motorcycle safety.”