Like most MPs I’ve been getting heaps of emails from angry motorbike riders about the National government’s massive ACC levy hikes. Yesterday I even had people come to talk to me about it at my regular constituency clinics.
Rick Barker put out a great statement last week which I’m sure reflects the views of bikers everywhere. Rick points out that the cut-off points in terms of cc ratings don’t take into account the relative power of motorcycles. He also points out that many bikers will own several bikes but they can only ride one at a time:
“I have friends who own up to seven bikes, each for different purposes: off-road, trail, touring and collectables – and they could end up paying about $5000 just to ride their bikes. They can only ride one at a time.
Rick also argues that many motorcycle accidents are actually caused by car drivers, not the biker:
“How is it fair that a motorcyclist is knocked off their bike by a car and then charged much higher levies for the experience? This means the victim pays.
Of course motorbikes are also better for the planet because they use less fuel, not to mention they take up less space in the carpark.
I suspect the National government are secretly quite happy that people are getting angry about ACC. They’ll then use that anger to justify their privatisation agenda. How cynical.
