Riders will be wearing Joe Rider vests during Motorcycle Awareness Month in October to make Sydney drivers aware of how many riders are on the road.
Motorcycle Council of NSW chairman Kevin “Trip” Henry says their road safety campaign will encourage drivers to look out for ‘Joe’ on their way to work.
There will be daily $50 fuel vouchers offered as incentive prize for those who identify the correct location of a Joe Rider through the MCC NSW Facebook page.
Joe Rider competition
The competition will run from 1-4 October 2019 and be backed by a radio advertising campaign on KIIS FM and Edge FM.
All entrants will also go in the draw to win a $500 Red Balloon Getaway voucher sponsored by Shannons Insurance.
“This competition is a great way to remind drivers to look out for motorcyclists,” Kevin says.
Kevin “models” the vest in his driveway“By being diligent drivers on our roads, lives will be saved.
“Sixty-one percent of multi-vehicle crashes involving a motorcycle are caused by the other driver failing to see or give way to the rider.”
“In motorcycle crashes where the other vehicle was at fault, it was found that 81% were private cars and 9% were a light truck, so if we can get this safety message to car drivers, we can hopefully prevent many accidents.
“Between 2008 and 2016 motorcycle registrations increased by 54%, and car registrations up 21%. There are significantly more motorcycles for drivers to look out for.”
Regional message
Kevin says they are also targeting the Central West region of NSW this year with a radio campaign leading up to the Two Wheels to Wellington motorcycle ride.
“Regional NSW is prone to motorcycle accidents and fatalities – with 27.5% of all motorcycle fatalities occurring in regional NSW up to August 2019,” he says.
To keep the momentum going throughout the month, MCC of NSW are also sponsoring several motorcycle events.
They include the Pink Ribbon Ride on 20 October in Western Sydney to raises funds for breast cancer and Breakfast Torque on 27 October at Heathcote.
“Events are a great way for motorcyclists to show their love of riding with friends and family, increases the road users’ awareness of motorcyclists and raise money for worthy causes,” Kevin says.
The event also corresponds with the third annual Ride Your Motorcycle to Work Week from 7-11 October.