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.
“Why is it this way? I guess it sells more newspapers, doesn’t it.”
We know about the major road safety campaigns that the government runs on TV, radio and in the press, but we never hear about the smaller and very effective initiatives that are taken as well. An example would be the Rider Survivor program that never seems to get the press coverage it deserves.
And we never hear about road improvements and safety measures such as the “rub rails” that have been installed along the Nerang-Murwillumbah Road to prevent motorcyclists going underneath the steel guard rail. Or the warning signs that have been paced along the same stretch of road.
Nor do we hear about the support groups that have been set up to assist people to deal with the sudden and tragic loss of a loved one.
So it is baffling to me that the Gold Coast Bulletin continues to run incorrect, unbalanced and horribly biased reports whenever a motorcycle death occurs on our roads and ignore the efforts that are being taken to reduce the road toll and the effect of those efforts.
The report that surfaced yesterday has sensationalised an event that will be causing the family and friends of the rider untold grief. It paints a very gloomy picture of motorcycling and fails to mention that the number of deaths in the region are much lower when compared to the same time in the previous two years.
And then there’s the question of the “coffin on wheels” image that seems to have become a trademark of the Gold Coast Bulletin’s reporting of anything to do with motorcycling.
“Together we can get a message out to the community that can make a difference.”
Granted, it is often difficult for a reporter to filter out the facts when presented with a situation as that reporter would have been, and often they can get the details wrong. I think that is an accepted but unfortunate thing in the fast paced world of press reporting when a reporter is trying to piece together disjointed pieces of information from various sources and meet a deadline.
But to add the sensationalism that has been seen around these recent stories, to totally ignore the positive and promising steps that are being taken, and to not report the results of those actions in my mind is unforgivable. Why is it this way? I guess it sells more newspapers, doesn’t it.
I invite the Gold Coast Bulletin to work with us in our mission and challenge the editorial team to begin presenting a more balanced view of motorcycling and the issues faced by those who choose to be a part of it. Together we can get a message out to the community that can make a difference. I am aware that members of this group have attempted to discuss issues with the Gold Coast Bulletin in the past and it would appear that the team there are unwilling to do so. Once again I think I speak for many members of MATES when I say that we are happy to discuss these issues at any time.
And I also live in hope that one day we can all join together and work towards that common goal of saving lives.
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Well done Steve and well presented, the MATES are out there trying to get the message out there to grab the attention of not only riders but those who know riders and family.
Comment by Nigel — Jun 12 @ 9:28 pmYou are correct in your statement that some reporters get it wrong, and so the report printed is not reflecting the correct story and becomes more fiction than fact. This leads to miss information to friends and family when reading the article which does not help at this time of grief. An accurate report would be better and could be used by support groups to help in the quest to reduce the road toll, make the community aware of the problems of roads not only for motorcyclists but all road users.
I agree that the Gold Coast Bulletin has used the coffin on a bike in poor taste and does not reflect the efforts made by community based groups such as MATES and the current road safety campaign.
So come give us a call and lets get a more focused working relationship and work as a team on this very important task and together help save lives and create the right awareness about the problem.
Hey Steve, have you ever read a “Bully” report that is true to the facts or not sensationalised? I’ve been on the Coast for a long time and can say that (where i’ve been aware of the circumstances and there are a few)i haven’t read too many reports that are written professionally, factual or with any consideration for those affected by a traumatic situation. Whether it’s an aviation, marine, or road incident, offence or any other news worthy story.
There’s something wrong in their business if a reporter can’t attend, investigate, interview, digitally record what was said, get back to their keyboard and write a few paragraphs without distorting what had actually occurred.
I could go on but that’ll do.
I do agree that some how something needs to be done and changed. It appears that this site is a great starting point. I’d focus on working with the real people that can make a difference, i.e. trainers, industry groups, local and state government agencies.
The Bully will continue on as it always has. Bulletin June 13-14 article “fixed wing’s a chopper stopper”. The reporter somehow links the lack of a chopper with the motorcycle death toll. “The motorcycle death toll highlights the fact that police chases on the roads would be a waste of time.”
I’m more than happy to be corrected on any of the above and yes I do want the QPS to get their chopper fleet.
Comment by eyesup — Jun 13 @ 10:38 pmWell said Steve. Yesterday, MATES launched a very important media tool in their mission to promote motorcycle, awareness, training, education and safety issues. Congratulations to Channel 9 Gold Coast and NBN9 News for a very comprehensive coverage of the MATES website launch. That news report can be viewed at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hMt15LcdGxk I cannot use the same complimentary words about the Gold Coast Bulletin coverage. The Gold Coast Bulletin put the story on page 17 of today’s paper and did not publish any details on their own website. Why not, because it is a good news story about a volunteer community organization trying to reduce the motorcycle road toll. Good news on page 17 and bad (and sensationalized) news, the fatal motorcycle crash report on 10 June 2009 in the Gold Coast Bulletin, covered the first two pages of the paper. I guess good news - about motorcyclists - does not sell the Gold Coast Bulletin. MATES members are not bikies, they are bikers.
Comment by koppa — Jun 17 @ 5:18 pmI find it very difficult to read the Gold Coast Buletin at the best of times, because of its one sided and biased reporting of many events in relation to road trauma.
Comment by Craig — Jun 23 @ 1:03 pmPossibly the question needs to be asked of the Bulletin editorial staff directly “Why the attitude problem?”…
A positive and balanced approach to the issues has long been the best way to effect change in any scenario. It also promotes a safe environment for people to air their views and/or grievances. Whereas what the Bulletin seems to achieve is a “demonisation” of motorcycling, and that can only cause people to intravert, and feel isolated…these two feelings together are tantamount to passive anger in the individual. Feelings are not shared, but rather expressed in ways that are quite often not helpful when a person feels disempowered. This can give rise to a “rebelious” element in any sub-culture.
We need dialogue not epilogue.
Well how can you argue with the facts that you have all covered so well. They are well researched, evidenced based and accurate. It seems to me that reporters get what they can at the time and due to time constraints submit the story to the editor who edits it and away we go with what little facts (loose at the best)they have. I do not read the paper based on the poor reporting. I wouldn’t mind if they continued to follow up and report more accurately but that doesn’t sell papers.
Keep up the good work MATES. Perhaps once more socially responsible involvement in working with groups that are trying to make a difference happens, we will continue to see the current poor standard of reporting. I also know that Police, Emergency Services, Main Roads and Transport want to make sure our roads are safer and love the feedback. Perhaps if the GCB tried communicating in a more responsible way they may get a more professional response.
Comment by Curley — Jul 6 @ 9:50 pm