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Source: ONE News -
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Motorcyclists are revving up protest action at plans to increase ACC levies for bikers.
Bikers say it is a disgrace that ACC is planning to increase the levy on bikes over 600cc by around $500 a year and say they have the figures to prove big bikes are being unfairly targeted.
Peter McIntosh of the Ulysses Motorcycle Club says there is no denying motorcycling is a risky business.
"But there are other occupations and pastimes that people have that are just as risky," says McIntosh.
While the levy on all motorcycle classes is rising, bikers say powerful motorbikes are being unfairly targeted for the largest increase.
After studying 423 motorbike crashes, Canterbury University researcher Charles Lamb agrees.
"The most commonly recorded number that was involved in accidents was 250cc, so that really challenges their statement that bigger bikes are having the most accidents," says Lamb.
In fact, bikers say the number of motorcycle crashes is decreasing as riders get older and more experienced.
But ACC argues that while big bikes might not be involved in as many crashes, when they do get into a crash, their riders are likely to sustain lifelong injuries that can cost up to $20 million to treat.
"We have motorcar drivers still subsidising the cost of motorcycle injuries by $77 a head. So this is a fairness and equity issue," says Jan White, ACC Chief Executive.
Bikers say they are now working out exactly how to protest the charges.
They say one thing is for sure - they will not be silenced.
