Young people from Launceston's Northern suburbs will be offered the chance to obtain their Learner motorcycle license through a new safety program facilitated by the City of Launceston.
Thanks to a $35,000 grant from the 2021-22 round of the Community Road Safety Grant Program, the City of Launceston will roll out the free Full Gear motorcycle training program in Northern Tasmania.
The program was established by the Glenorchy City Council in 2017, seeking to deter illegal, unsafe and nuisance trail bike riding on local streets. In Launceston, the program has been tailored to cater to young people who have encountered barriers to obtaining their motorcycle license.
The City of Launceston will offer 14 training places to young people from the northern suburbs to attend the Full Gear training course at either Ravenswood's Starting Point Neighbourhood House or Rocherlea's The Shed.
The program will be coordinated by Strength 4 Life mentor and motorcycle enthusiast Jon Evans and will consist of six one-hour training sessions over six weeks. The program will cover key topics including road-craft, protective gear, and crash risk factors.
Successful participants in the program will receive a helmet, a pair of riding gloves and a two-day pre-learner practical test with AJL Training.
The City of Launceston is seeking applications from Ravenswood, Rocherlea, Newnham and Mowbray residents aged between 16 years and nine months, and 25 years old. As places are strictly limited, applicants will be assessed on their enthusiasm and commitment to completing the course, their transport needs, and financial circumstances.
Launceston Mayor Albert van Zetten said he hoped the program would highlight the critical importance of safety for young motorcycle riders. "Motorcycles are a relatively cheap and convenient form of transport, but motorcycle riders continue to be overrepresented in crash statistics in Tasmania," Mayor van Zetten said.
"We're hopeful this program will make a real difference for the participants and ensure they keep safety front of mind at all times.
Applications are now open and will close on Friday, March 25 at 5pm.
