Road authorities in Australia are contemplating the introduction of front number plates on motorcycles and scooters.  They estimate the cost to introduce will be approx $70.6 million over 10 years, $10 million of that in an Education campaign.
Ok so what is the pressing reason for front number plates? Why do we need to align ourselves with India and Singapore (the only other two nations in the world that enforce this)?
Well apparently to save lives.  The logic goes that if motorcyclists thought they were more likely to be caught for speeding due the the fact front facing speed cameras could “catch” them, they would then slow down and less would die. Based on figures in Queensland where 17,000 Vehicles in one year could not be fined due to inadequate or lacking number plates. Out of that number only 2,553 were motorcycles, that’s right approx 15%. So it seems this would not be a large impact on the riding community, considering that the majority of these would be repeat offenders, the same people going to same route to and from work every day. It could be as few as 10 people caught everyday. (I don’t think it is only ten guys but it just shows how low the figures are.)
Many accident studies around the world have shown that it is not excessive speed itself that causes the majority of motorcycle accidents but poor road conditions. 1 in 5 single vehicle motorcycle accidents are due to things like potholes, loose gravel and oil spills are the responsible cause of motorcycle accidents, and roadside objects that cause most deaths.  87% of all motocycle accidents occur on Urban roads and 61% involve another vehicle. 61% of the time the other vehicle is to blame for the accident.
Based on the figures above I would prefer the $70 millions dollars to be spent on bad road conditions and driver education. That would save more lives and target the problem areas.
Information in this post was from TwoWheels magazine and the Motorcycle Council of NSW
It’s interesting you know, I can remember when they removed number plates from the front of motorcycles in Queensland (I think it was 1981).
The reason given for the removal of the front number plate? Safety (and cost).
Apparently, the loosely attached bit of metal (ie number plate) on the front of bikes was likely to hurt someone during an accident. Usually the rider.
Hope your feeling better.
Meow.
They are talking about plastic plates and possibly stickers, however I am not sure how many bikes will have space for them.
Better a little, slowly getting there.