Those fears have been further heightened following the death of a 71-year-old man whose bike struck a pothole near Ballarat on Sunday, September 13.
The motorcyclist, Peter Mason, died at the scene, and the circumstances of the crash remain under investigation.
“I don’t want anyone dying from a pothole, it’s terrible,” Goulburn Valley Motorcycle Club member Allan Brunt said.
“I feel for the family of the deceased,” club president Dave Hession said.
Mr Hession is also a heavy transport operator and said he was faced with the carnage on the roads every day.
“I’m concerned for the safety of myself and the others around me,” Mr Hession said.
“The state of the roads is atrocious.”
Mr Hession said he would like to see those responsible for the declining conditions of the roads held accountable.
Mr Brunt has also seen the poor condition of Victoria’s roads from Echuca to Yea during his frequent travels across the region.
“I try to pay attention because our roads are so terrible,” Mr Brunt said.
“I’m aware of what can catch you.”
While he is confident in his own ability to keep himself safe, Mr Brunt said he was worried for younger riders and drivers.
“Can you imagine a younger driver having a blowout?” he said.
On August 30, the Victorian Government announced a $352 million one-off investment to double the number of potholes filled this year.
Patch fixes and filled pothole have become a more common sight over the past few months, but areas of concern are still present on major roads such as the Gouburn Valley Hwy and Echuca Rd.
“They come along and patch them but within a week or so they’ve opened up again in the same place,” Mr Brunt said.
On his trips to Melbourne, Mr Brunt has observed a difference in condition between the suburbs and regional areas.
“Melbourne suburbs probably get a better deal on fixing potholes,” he said.
“We do tend to miss out in regional areas.”
While he emphasised the need for motorcycle riders to take responsibility for their own safety, Mr Brunt believes the Victorian Government has a duty of care for motorists.
“We elected these people to take care of us,” he said.
“It’s their work, this is why we pay taxes.
“I don’t think it’s fair for taxpayers to put up with it.”
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