A WIMMERA motorcyclist believes poor road conditions throughout regional Victoria are the biggest challenge riders face.
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Rupanyup motorcyclist Dale Maggs has been riding motorcycles for more than 40 years.
“I got my licence when I was 16,” he said.
Mr Maggs said the biggest challenges riders faced was poor roads.
“There are issues with things like bumps, dips and general bad surfaces throughout regional Victoria,” he said.
“The constant movement grinds on the body – it’s much easier to travel in a car because there’s more cushion than on a motorcycle.
“If you are travelling long distances, riders can get really fatigued because of it, and that’s when you make decisions you wouldn’t make otherwise.”
Mr Maggs said more funding was needed to upgrade the roads.
He said the worst road he experienced was between Horsham and Murtoa.
“The road is so degraded, that the speed limit has dropped to 80 kilometres an hour,” he said.
Mr Maggs said riders had to learn to predict the actions of other road users.
“It’s about learning road craft,” he said.
“We have to a be aware of others, especially long vehicles like trucks and caravans.
“Often people don’t indicate early enough for turns and we have to watch out for that and adjust accordingly.
“You have to set yourself in a good position on the road.”
Mr Maggs said he loved the freedom that came with a motorbike.
“It’s good to get out – it gives you a sense of freedom,” he said.
“You also see a lot more on the bike than in a vehicle and you have heightened senses, such as smell.
“It a privilege to experience.”
Mr Maggs said there was roads all throughout Australia that needed upgrading.
“I think all users should meet with ministers often about the state of the roads,” he said.
“That includes heavy vehicles, vulnerable users such as motorcyclists and cyclists, people with caravans and the everyday commuters.
“They should all come together to discuss issues – it would make the road better for everyone.”