Motorcyclists not the cause of crashes

So why are they getting hit with ACC rises?

BY RACHAEL FERGUSSON - KAPITI OBSERVER

Motorcyclists should not have to pay the price for accidents that are mainly caused by other drivers, Kapiti bikers say.

Last week, ACC Minister Nick Smith announced proposed increases to motorcycle levies.

For some it would mean an increase of nearly $500 a year.

Paraparaumu biker Joe Hall said the changes were "certainly not a fair rise".

The increase would have a "huge impact" on bikers  specially on older and younger motorcyclists, he said.

He had emailed bike organisations and clubs around New Zealand urging them to take action.

"I would propose that if all the clubs were to contact their members, these members were to contact their friends and we were able to find a date to congregate and ride to Wellington, we may achieve at least some amount of pressure," he said.

It would make a big impression if 10,000 motorcyclists went to Wellington, he said.

However, it was not just about motorcyclists, Mr Hall said.

"Everyone has a good reason to support this."

If it was not motorcyclists paying extra, it would be someone else, he said.

Mr Hall believed most riders were responsible and that the "majority of accidents are caused by other road users.

Unfortunately most of the accidents are caused by road users not looking", he said.

Twin Cam Motorcycles manager Randall Savage agreed, saying most motorcycle accidents were "car on bike".

It was "bloody rude" the Government was considering hiking up ACC levies for motorcyclists, he said.

Bikers were paying the price for the misconduct of other drivers, he said.

The Government was "picking on one part of the community", focusing solely on motorcyclists.

The deadline for submissions is November 10.