Why us? Harley rider riled at big hike in bike fees

Mike Barrington | 18th October 2009

Northland big bike riders are in danger of blowing personal gaskets over proposed ACC increases which will boost their annual motorcycle registration costs by more than $500.

Mopeds are not classed as motorcycles at present and owners pay an annual ACC levy of $58.97, while all motorcycle owners are levied $252.69.

ACC says it collected $12.3 million in levies in 2008/09, when it paid out more than $62 million for accidents involving motorcycles.

As a result, the ACC board now aims to classify mopeds as motorcycles and to impose  annual motorcycle ACC levies in three categories.

The proposed new charges are: Mopeds and motorcycles up to 125cc, $257.58; 126cc-600cc, $511.43; 600cc+, $745.77.

The Harley Davidson "doctor" at Shaw Motorcycles in Whangarei, mechanic Andy Neumann, yesterday indignantly asked why similar levies were not imposed on cyclists, quad and farm bike riders.

He accused four-wheel motorists of causing crash injuries to motorcyclists by not driving carefully enough at traffic lights, intersections, compulsory stops and roundabouts.

And he suggested that motorcyclists paying the proposed higher costs should be able to expect improved highways without potholes and loose gravel which cause problems for bike riders.

The parts manager at Shaws, Tony Stitt, was also upset by the proposed higher costs. He suggested ACC levies should be applied to individuals rather than their vehicles.

"I own two bikes, but I can only ride them one at a time so why should I pay two ACC levies?" he asked.

His brother, Gary Stitt, said he had read about ACC chairman John Judge saying each car driver subsidised motorcycle riders by $77 a year. "I own two cars, both of them registered, so maybe I should get a subsidy discount for my motorbike's ACC levy,"  Gary Stitt said.

He rode a 900cc cruising motorcycle which he said was a slower machine than most 250cc motorcycles, therefore less likely to be in an accident.

So why the higher ACC levy for the bigger machine?

The bike riders were all irate that criminals, skateboard riders and sports players could all collect  compensation for injuries without paying levies.

Public submissions on the proposed new levies can be lodged by email on consultation@acc.co.nz