MONTREAL - Years of protests seem to have paid off for motorcycle riders.
After doubling and tripling insurance premiums, the Quebec automobile insurance board has decided to lower rates starting next year.
In the past, Quebec argued motorcyclists needed to pay higher premiums because when they're involved in accidents they cost the system too much money.
That got bikers so riled up they took to the streets in these slow-speed demonstrations called Operation Escargot - or Operation Snail.
Now, motorcyclists will see decreases in their insurance premium from between 15 per cent to 23 per cent.
Eric Lessard, president of motorcyclists' common front, says a big part of the reason for decrease is the overall safety record of bikers.
"We put the emphasis on motorcyclists being more and more responsible about the safety,
premiums bikers pay now cover claims with the SAAQ," he told CTV Montreal.
The SAAQ says not all bikers will see a cost savings. Motorcyclists who've lost demerit points or who up-grade to a more powerful bike may not see a savings.
