More than 80,000 racing fans are expected to hit Phillip Island this weekend for the 2018 MotoGP, and VicRoads wants all drivers and riders to have a safe journey.
Racegoers can expect delays heading to and from the island for the 3-day event, running Friday 26 to Sunday 28 October.
Congestion is likely on the Monash Freeway, South Gippsland Highway, the Bass Highway, around San Remo, along Phillip Island Road and around the island.
A large number of motorcycles is expected on the roads. Drivers and riders have a shared responsibility in ensuring each others’ safety.
Drivers need to remain vigilant at all times, as motorcyclists may be difficult to see. Use mirrors and do a head-check when changing lanes to make sure blind-spots are clear.
Motorcyclists are permitted to ride two-abreast, alongside one other rider, up to 1.5 metres apart. Lane-splitting, the practice of motorcycle riders travelling at high speed between moving traffic, is not legal in Victoria. Lane-filtering however, travelling at up to 30km/h through stopped or slow-moving traffic, has been permitted since 2015.
Travel options from Melbourne to Phillip Island include:
· Train services linking Southern Cross Station with Stony Point to catch the connecting ferry, and with Dandenong to catch a regional bus
· Coach services running from Southern Cross Coach Terminal, Thursday-Monday
· Ferry services between Stony Point and Cowes
· Regional bus services operating from Dandenong and Cape Paterson/Inverloch/Wonthaggi
