From 1st July 2009, new Queensland Government laws apply for safer riding by motorcycle riders.  Three new laws relate to:

1. LAMS - Learner Approved Motorcycle Scheme;
2. Pillion Passenger restrictions; and
3. Displaying P Plates.

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What a couple of weeks it’s been for MATES. With the official launch of the website to the media on the 16th June came a string of interviews, reports and subsequent attention from the public. To all those who have been involved in the launch and raising the awareness of MATES in the community we send you a big thank you.

If you missed the events around the launch, here’s a quick summary …

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It may be a long way from the Sunshine State, but the Snowy Mountains have some great routes.  Last year we did a trip in Snowy Mountains in the Spring, when the flowers were out, the air was clean, the temperature was cool and crisp, and the views were great.
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During a recent road trip through New South Wales and Victoria I saw some innovative and creative billboards, displaying road safety messages for car drivers and motorcycle riders.  The most prominent billboard for car drivers in NSW was the lovely lady displaying her ‘pinkie’ finger and that billboard features on western and coastal roads.  I noticed motorcycle related billboards and signs, with discreet and clever messages, strategically placed in high risk areas in NSW and Vic.  (more…)

In 2007 19 motorcyclists were killed in fatal traffic crashes on Gold Coast roads.  Those crashes contributed to over 44% of all fatal crashes on the Gold Coast and was twice the percentage of motorcycle riders killed on all Queensland roads.  Many more motorcycle riders were injured in serious traffic crashes on Gold Coast roads and in Queensland.

In 2008 7 motorcyclists were killed in fatal traffic crashes on Gold Coast roads.  Although this was a significant reduction when compared to 2007, the percentage was still higher than the rest of Queensland.  Again, many more motorcycle riders were injured in serious traffic crashes on Gold Coast roads in 2008.

MATES: Motorcycle, Awareness, Training, Education, Safety.

In response to the tragic statistics, government agencies and members of the community formed a partnership seeking assistance from the community to address the motorcycle fatal road toll on Gold Coast roads.

In late 2007 the Gold Coast Motorcycle Safety Working Group was formed and in 2008 changed its name to MATES - Motorcycle, Awareness, Training, Education, Safety.  The motto for MATES is “MATES helping MATES”. (more…)

Three courageous people have taken a brave step into the public arena.  Sam, Kym and Andrew are real people, telling real stories with real emotions.  Sadly it has taken a tragic circumstance for them to show their bravery.  Each person has lost a family member in a fatal motorcycle crash and now they want to tell you their story.  The three people agreed to publish their emotive and personal story to emphasize to riders to “ride smart, stay safe - think about your family”.

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One of the things I was taught early on in my riding days was something that a lot of people tend to overlook - what have you got on your feet?

Apart from the obvious things with wearing normal shoes when riding a motorcycle - like shoe laces getting caught around levers (yep, done it) - there’s what happens to your ankles if you do happen to come off the bike. A normal pair of shoes or even sturdy boots will fall very short of protecting your ankle from getting horribly twisted or even broken.
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It is unfortunate and indeed very sad that over recent days we have heard of the death of two motorcyclists in the Gold Coast region. To the families, the friends and the people who knew and cared about these people I extend my deepest sympathies and respect - and I’m sure I speak for every person involved in MATES in doing that.

The major purpose behind this group is to raise issues and take actions that will assist in reducing the number of motorcycle crashes, and the consequent injury and death of motorcyclists on our roads. And it is not just this group that is working towards that goal, there are the often unmentioned actions of government and local council authorities and members of the public as well.

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I was a teenager in the 1970s living on a 11,000 acre wheat farm in western New South Wales.  Our nearest neighbours were 5 miles (8kms) away and they were our next door neighbour.  As kids on a farm, to get around we improvised with any means of transport; sometimes we rode pushbikes; there was the car with no doors, little brakes, and a few other safety features missing; there were horses, but they were too much trouble to saddle up; and, there was the motorbike.

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I believe we can all help to improve our local road conditions by listing the improvements that we would like to see then passing the list onto the Main Roads Department.

1. Car Driver awareness campaign. “Use side mirrors when changing lanes”.
2. Make lane markings “Non Skid”.
3. Fix pot holes on dangerous country roads.
4. Oil on roads. Make Roadworthy certificates for cars & bikes compulsory.
5. Road signs for black spot corners etc
6. Remove loose gravel from roads.
7. Fix very bad cambers on some roads with loose gravel at the edge.

Would be great to hear everyone’s thoughts on the above and perhaps add to the suggestions.