Queensland is the first state to relax harsh travel restrictions and will allow riders back on their motorcycles for a ride up to 50km from home.

Premier Anastacia Palaszczuk has announced the new rules from next Saturday (2 May 2020).

Adventure riders will also be allowed to ride through some national parks so long as they are within 50km of home.

For most Brisbane riders, that would mean they would get half way up Mt Glorious before having to turn back.

Gold Coast riders would get to Canungra for a coffee before turning around and Sunshine Coast riders would be able to explore the Blackall Ranges.

Of course, you still can’t cross the border and come back without a special permit and 14 days of isolation!

For a rough guide to a 50km radius from your house, click here.

Google Maps shows how far Brisbane riders can go.

Policing restrictions

It is unknown if Queensland Police will strictly patrol the 50km rule.

This Queensland intra-departmental email from Assistant Commissioner Peter Crawford has been circulating since last Tuesday.

It advises officers not to fine errant riders, but practise “compassion”.

Queensland Police tis afternoon issued this statement:

Motorcyclists are permitted to travel up to 50km from their principal place of residence with a member of their household or an individual and one friend, except when permitted circumstances exist. The QPS thanks the community for their cooperation, police will continue to educate and show compassion when engaging with members of the public during these unprecedented times as we all work together to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

You can probably expect police to have a heavy presence on popular motorcycle routes next weekend.

Flagrant breaches

State Disaster Co-ordinator Steve Gollschewski says police will “assist people to understand the new rules but will still enforce flagrant breaches”.

“Police will be understanding but this isn’t an invitation for people to undo everyone’s hard work,” he says.

We saw Sydney beaches opened up last week only to be quickly closed again when they became crowded.

Riders are advised that social distancing still applies which means no congregating at stops.

We will also have to ride solo, with one other rider or with several members of the same household.

“We will closely watch the numbers of new infections and review the measures after two weeks,” the Premier says.

Steve Spalding

RACQ safety officer and Triumph Bonneville rider Steve Spalding has welcomed the move.

“It’s a good start,” says Steve who is hoping to get away for a three-day ride in June if restrictions are further eased.

“At least it will give riders the opportunity to get some fresh air and ride for enjoyment.”

Further loosening of travel restrictions will be subject to flattening the curve and that may only happen if motorists obey these eased restrictions.