Victorian motorcyclists demand action on pothole-riddled roads

For longtime motorcyclist Michael White, his bike is not just transportation but a way of life. White recently completed a 4000-kilometre ride through Victoria, South Australia and New South Wales and said he saw more potholes in the first 20 minutes coming back into Victoria than in all the other states combined.

White and Paul Povh began their biker podcast, Hogs, Cogs and Two Aussie Flogs, in 2020. Within six months, they were speaking out about the condition of Victorian roads.

"We know riding motorcycles is dangerous, more dangerous than driving a car," White said. "But give us a fighting chance, for God's sake. That's what we're asking for, a fighting chance to get home to our families."

The state election is looming, and riders say they have had enough. The condition of the roads, they argue, is a matter of life and death.

Analysis

Why This Matters

Motorcyclists are more vulnerable to road hazards than car drivers; potholes can cause loss of control, serious injury or death.
The poor state of roads affects all road users, but riders bear disproportionate risk.
With a state election approaching, the issue could become a political pressure point for funding and maintenance commitments.

Background

Victoria's road network has been deteriorating for years. A recent report from the Victorian Auditor-General's Office found that almost half of the state's roads are in poor or very poor condition, with repair efforts failing to keep pace with the rate of decline. Motorcyclists have been vocal about the dangers, using their podcast to highlight the problem.

Key Perspectives

[Motorcyclists]: They argue that the government has failed to maintain roads to a safe standard, putting riders at unnecessary risk. They want immediate repairs and a long-term maintenance plan. [Victorian Government]: No response was reported in the article. The government faces competing budget priorities but may be pressed to respond ahead of the election.

What to Watch

Whether the government announces new road maintenance funding or a specific pothole repair program before the election.
Motorcyclist advocacy groups may increase public pressure through campaigns or protests.
The Auditor-General's next report on road conditions will indicate if the decline is slowing or accelerating.

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