A motorcycle safety advocate who crashed his motorcycle has launched a GoFundMe page to replace it so he can continue his advocacy work and support his sick wife.
UPDATE: He has now been gifted a replacement bike. Click here to read the article.
John Nelson, 63, says he crashed his Honda NT700V Deauville in country Victoria in June 2019 while taking a friend to pick up his new motorcycle.
John’s written-off HondaDue to his injuries and other health issues, he can no longer work.
He also could not afford comprehensive insurance and now cannot afford a replacement bike which he needs as his only form of transport.
“I need a bike to continue my advocacy work and to support my wife who is becoming very ill from complications with Type 2 Diabetes,” John says.
“My need for another bike is so that I will be able to do my thing.
“I don’t think that 32 years as a volunteer is going to upset anyone if I ask for help to continue with my passion for motorcycling and safety.”
He hopes to replace his written-off Honda with another NT700V Deauville and has kicked off his GoFundMe campaign to raise $7000. So far he has $100 from two donors.
John’s Deauville before the cxrashRider safety advocate
The former bus driver and truckie has worked with and made representations to a number of organisations, panels and committees, including:
- Victorian Parliamentary Inquiry into motorcycle safety;
- Victoria Police;
- VicRoads;
- Transport Accident Commission;
- Federal Office of Road Safety; and
- Australian Transport Safety Board.
John with Melbourne safety experts
“I was very active in the 1990s and the 2010s, but have stepped up in the past five years,” he says.
“My resources and funding are non existent. I don’t have a computer, just an old iPhone.
“I have made a significant contribution for motorcyclists’ safety and I want to continue my work.
“I have a few significant achievements in this game, breaking down some barriers in recognition of the Elizabeth St bike precinct in Melbourne and lobbying for and achieving registration and licensing of motorcycles (mostly Harleys) for joy rides for the public.”
John is also a qualified Tour Guide and motorcycle tourism consultant to regional shires.