NSW Rider Awareness MonthThe annual NSW Motorcycle Awareness Week has this year been expanded to a full month of activities, including a special parliamentarian ride around Sydney to acquaint decision-makers with rider needs.
Motorcycle Council of NSW chairman Christopher “CJ” Burns says a capped number of riders will have the opportunity to speak to members and senators on Wednesday, October 12, from 6am during a casual breakfast and “share their opinions or issues with the people that generate change in NSW Government”.
After breakfast, parliamentary guests will go for a short ride through Sydney streets to give them “a taste of two wheels”.
Expressions of interest to pillion a parliamentarian should be directed to CJ via email.
He says this year’s awareness focus is on encouraging riders to upskill, to get some training to sharpen up their riding techniques and road craft.
“People pay good money for professional development courses to improve their employability and income so why wouldn’t you make the commitment to professional development for your life?” he says.
“The cost of advanced training is a small price to pay for better riding skills and increased chances of avoiding a collision, injury or death.”
He says that if your partner or a family member rides then riders should buy them a training course as a gift to show you care.
“In-depth emergency training is considered mandatory for many sports and even in day-to-day work environments, so just book in and do it,” he says.
The awareness month will be launched in Alfred Street at Sydney’s Circular Quay on Tuesday, October 11, from 7am-2pm with lunchtime guest speakers.
Tracy of First Aid for Motorcyclists will be on hand to answer questionsRiders will have the opportunity to speak with representatives from NSW Police MRT, Centre for Road Safety staff, First Aid for Motorcyclists founders Roger Fance and Tracy Hughes, and the MCC on relevant issues.
The MCC will also be giving away an innovative chin-strapless Vozz helmet ($888) to a lucky rider.
Second prize is a $100 gift voucher (courtesy MCAS) and third prize is a copy of “Motorcycling Adventures” courtesy of author Michael Rohan Sourjah and a copy of “Bikers A-Z Survival Guide” by Steve Lambert.
You can enter at the MCC tent on the day. The prizes will be drawn at 1.30pm and winners need to be present.
Other Motorcycle Awareness Month highlights:
- The 16th annual Pink Ribbon Ride returns to Club Marconi at 121-133 Prairie Vale Rd, Bossley Park, on Sunday October 16. Registration from 9am.
- Subsidised training days run by Skillmaster in conjunction with Kempsey Council, on October 28-29, for $25. Numbers are limited. Book via Kempsey Council on 6566 3200.
- Wheels to Wellington festival on October 30 from at 10am with stalls, bikes, music and more.
- Breakfast Torque, Heathcote Oval Wilson Parade, Heathcote, with free breakfast for riders on October 30 from 8-9am. Live entertainment, simulated crash scene demo, riding skills demos, local retailers stalls, expert safety advice and tips.
- Compression Vs Depression ride in Byron Bay on November 6, from The Green Garage, corner Tennyson and Browning Streets, with registrations from 7:30am and the major prize draw of a DR650SE at 3.30pm.
- Turkey Run from Hexham on November 4-6, through the hills to Uralla, Port Macquarie and return. Meet at Hexham McDonalds, Friday at 7.30am for registration. Ride leaves at 9am. Book your own accommodation in the Top Pub Uralla for Saturday night.
The MCC NSW Motorcycle Awareness Month is supported by the Centre for Road Safety, NSW Police, NSW Ambulance and Transport for NSW.
The Motorcycle Awareness Month campaign is timed for the start of the summer riding season to raise awareness of motorcycles in the minds of all road users and encourage all to share the road.
