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Visiting Drivers 
Touring Motorcyclists
If you’ve travelled to Tasmania by motorbike or you intend to ride a motorbike while here, there are a few simple tips and rules you should know that will help keep you and your pillion safe. Tasmania is a great place to explore on two wheels. Beautiful scenery, changing landscapes and roads make for a great journey but conditions can take motorcyclists by surprise.

Road rules and recommendations

The following are important road rules and road signs for motorcyclists:

  • ALWAYS drive on the LEFT side of the road.

  • SLOW DOWN on winding, gravel or icy roads in bad weather.

  • Slow down and LOOK-OUT for animals on the road, especially at dawn and dusk.

  • You MUST OBEY speed limits. In poor conditions, drive slower than the limit.

  • LOOK OUT for a corner or curve ahead and take note of the advisory speed.

  • WARNING of a sharp bend ahead.

  • LOOK OUT for winding roads ahead.

  • Hazard markers warn that the road ahead is about to CHANGE DIRECTION.

Travelling Tips

Riding on unfamiliar roads can increase the risk of a crash. Try and plan ahead, obey road rules and always be aware of changing road and weather conditions. Most roads in Tasmania are single lane in each direction. Some roads can also be narrow, winding and have sharp corners. You may also encounter gravel roads. Please drive to the conditions, allow time when travelling, go slow and pull over in a safe place to allow others to pass from behind. Try and stay the night in your arrival city and be well rested before setting off. Travel times in Tasmania can be longer than you expect. Travelling 150 km may take 2 hours. Plan no more than 300 km per day and take frequent breaks. Before setting off, become familiar with important road rules and get to know your vehicle.

 

Plan your ride

Riding on unfamiliar roads can increase your risk of having a crash. Plan ahead, ride with caution and always be aware of changing road and weather conditions. Motorcycle riding is physically demanding particularly on winding roads. Travel times in Tasmania can be longer than you expect. Travelling 150 km may take 2 hours. Plan no more than 300 km per day and take frequent breaks.

Advice from the experts

  • Tasmania’s Huon Valley
  • Tasmania's West Coast
  • See Tasmania Safely

Stay alert

Tiredness and fatigue can creep up on you and is potentially fatal. To avoid becoming fatigued, have a good night’s sleep, avoid riding at night, stay hydrated, and take frequent breaks to rest. Most importantly, don’t ride for too long in a day. If you feel the effects of tiredness in any way, stop and rest.

Look out for

  • wildlife and roadkill, especially at night and early morning
  • other vehicles cutting corners and bringing dirt and stone on the departure side
  • overhanging branches and fallen tree limbs
  • gravel, dirt, rocks and soft corners
  • livestock and farm vehicles along roadsides and at property entrances
  • tree canopies covering roads leaving them damp, slippery or wet
  • trucks, caravans, bicycles or machinery travelling slowly or creating a hazard

In an emergency

    • Dial 000
    • Make the scene safe by warning and directing traffic
    • Help those injured, reassure them and keep them calm
    • Don’t move people unless they are in danger

Safety checklist

Service your motorcycle before starting your ride in Tasmania. Consider new tyres even if yours are in pretty good condition. Check these features before each ride:

  • Brake fluid and pads

  • Cables, chain and belts

  • Lights, horn and steering

  • Tyre pressures

  • Roads with black ice and moss

Ride to the conditions

Most Tasmanian roads are good but never assume what’s ahead. Ask locals about the current road conditions, check the weather the night before (it can snow as late as December), don’t rush and let someone know where you’re going. When you’re riding in a group, make sure there’s enough distance between you and the rider in front for you to safely stop suddenly. Regardless of where you are travelling in Tasmania, be prepared for sudden changes in weather conditions. Blue skies and sunshine can quickly change to rain and hail. Fog, snow and ice can also be experienced in some areas. Hazards on the road can be caused by the weather. Be wary of damp patches on the road underneath tree canopies. The west and east coasts of Tasmania have very different weather conditions. Always check the weather forecast before setting out.

 

Weather

Regardless of where you are travelling in Tasmania, be prepared for sudden changes in weather conditions. Blue skies and sunshine can quickly change to rain and hail. Fog, snow and ice can also be experienced in some areas. Hazards on the road can be caused by the weather. Be wary of damp patches on the road underneath tree canopies. The west and east coasts of Tasmania have very different weather conditions. Always check the weather forecast before setting out.

Touring motorcycle riders

 

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