SMIDSY 2

http://www.mauriceblackman.com.au/media/1396421/motorcycle_concern_caboolture_news_p11_10102012.pdf

SMIDSY AD! TAKE A LONGER LOOK!

PLEASE PASS THIS ON

John Voyage from Maurice Blackburn Lawyers will address motorcycle & scooter riders on the SMIDSY campaign at the October 29 protest rally in Melbourne.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B5eTIODzzC8

The Independent Riders Group is pleased to support and recommend the "TAKE A LONGER LOOK" TV ad. Congratulations to Maurice Blackburn Lawyers and Motorcycling Australia. A job very well done and a real contribution to safer roads. 

Had Victoria's Transport Accident Commission consulted stakeholders on it's motorcycle safety campaigns instead of treating those campaigns as "products", it may have produced several TV ads as good as the SMIDSY ad (link below) and avoided the embarrassment of the recent costly deconstruction ad.

It is time for the the TAC Board to have a member with road safety expertise and motorcycling experience.

Damien Codognotto OAM
Independent Riders Group
Melbourne
Tel: 03 9846 8621

Hi Damien,

Maurice Blackburn Lawyers are delighted to release our Stop SMIDSY motorcycle awareness advert 'Take A Longer Look'. Can I please request the IRG share it around as much as possible?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B5eTIODzzC8

www.lawyers4riders.com.au

Kind regards,

Adam

Adam Kostick | Community Engagement

Maurice Blackburn Pty Limited
Level 10, 456 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
T (03) 9605 2688 F (03) 9258 9600
AKostick@mauriceblackburn.com.au | http://www.mauriceblackburn.com.au

Maurice Blackburn is a leading Australian law firm certified to the international ISO 9001:2008 quality standard.

BIKE SAFETY SURVEY 1

Earlier in 2012 the Victorian Government set up a council of ministers to develop a road safety plan. A survey was run by the Melbourne Herald Sun. The paper published some of the results. They do not look good for motorcycle & scooter riders. Have a look at the October 29 protest run flyer at the end of this blog. There is a link there to the police submission on compulsory, protective high visibility clothing. http://tinyurl.com/8w6dwmk  

Get involved. Go to www.facebook.com/groups/262152063888175

BUS LANE TRIAL - MELBOURNE 2

Bicycles have been permitted to use bus lanes in Victoria for more than two years. There was no trial as for motorcycles & scooters. VicRoads apparently changed the rules for the pushbike lobby with a stroke of the pen based on a bureaucrat's opinion. The bus lane sign pictured above is in a hilly suburb and this bus lane is in a 70 kph speed zone.

The VicRoads trial permitting motorcycles & scooters to use a straight, flat bus lane in Hoddle Street began in November 2011. It was supposed to end in July 2012, but it did not. Papers obtained by the IRG through the freedom of information law does seem to show any problems with motorcycles & scooters using bus lanes but the results of the trial are still in the bowels of VicRoads four months after the trial was supposed to end.

Damien Codognotto OAM
Independent Riders' Group
Melbourne

PROTEST RUN 12

 Responses  to  the October 29 protest rally in Melbourne have been
very  positive.  Four  groups will ride to the city for the rally the
day after the GP. The rally, among other things, is protesting against
recent  moves  to  force  motorcycle  &  scooter  riders  to wear high
visibility  vests, make government approved protective gear compulsory
and bring back front number plates.

Three  groups  will  ride to the city. All motorcycle & scooter riders
are invited to join them at the assembly areas or en route.

CRANBOURNE:  The  ride  will  be  led  by  Johnny  Gee  in the Antique
Motorcycles  truck - 0439 393 912.   www.antiquemotorcycle.com.au
Riders will  assemble  in the car park next to the BP service station. As you
come  through  Cranbourne  heading  for  Melbourne you pass the Centro
shopping centre on the left, then the car park, then the BP. The route
will be up the Monash Freeway. The ride departs at 11am.

CAMPBELLFIELD:  The  ride  will be led by Anthony. Contact Leah -
0433 908  545.  The  assembly  area is in the Kmart car park at 1434 Sydney
Road,  Campbellfield.  The route will be down Sydney Road past Highway
31  and Harley City to Royal Parade. There will be a short stop by the
park  to  regroup.  Thyen  on to the Haymarket roundabout, Peel Street
past  Garner's  Hire  Bikes  then left into A'beckett Street. The ride
departs the Kmart car park at 11am.


CARLTON:  This  ride  is  organised  by  the  Victorian Scooter Riders
Association and led by Greg.   www.vicscooterriders.com.au     The contact is
Steve on 0409  848 428. The assembly area is Argyle Square in Lygon Street from
11am. The ride departs at 11.40am.

HEALESVILLE:  The  ride  will  be  led  by Heather - 0425 720 193. The
assembly  area  is  at AJs Cafe - 5962 2662.  www.ajsmotocafe.com.au 
335  Maroondah  Highway,  Healesville.  The  route  will  be  down the
Maroondah  Highway  through Lilydale to Springvale Road. Turn right on
Springvale then left onto the Eastern Freeway. The ride departs AJs at
10am. There will be a short stop in Lilydale opposite the Olinda Hotel
to pick up riders.

VICTORIA THE POTHOLE STATE

Monday. October 22, 2012.

RIDERS heading for the Moto GP on Phillip Island BEWARE!

Victoria's roads are in an unprecedented state of neglect. The main route to the Island from Melbourne via the South Gippsland and Bass Highways is particularly dangerous. On Thursday, October 18, 2012 a route survey revealed more than 50 large potholes and associated road debris between Koo Wee Rup and San Remo.

These potholes are dangerous for cars. They are death traps for motorcycle & scooter riders.

Roads across the state are in shocking condition. Transport Minister Mulder excuses himself blaming the weather. VicRoads excuses themselves blaming budget cuts. The fact remains road users are at risk. If the Minister made VicRoads spend less on roadside barriers that deny riders life-saving run off areas and overkill signage there would be enough money to repair road surfaces.

VicRoads has a duty of care to tax paying road users. Road users have a right to expect, and get, a safe  road environment.

If you are headed for the Island this weekend, please take extra care. Our roads are dangerous.

Damien Codognotto OAM
Independent Riders' Group
Melbourne

Wednesday, October 24, 2012.


The Melbourne Age (24/10/2012) ran the pothole story.

www.theage.com.au/victoria/grand-prix-fans-at-risk-on-damaged-roads-motorcyclists-warn-20121023-28312.html
www.theage.com.au/victoria/grand-prix-fans-at-risk-on-damaged-roads-motorcyclists-warn-20121023-283l2.html

The  Independent  Riders'  Group's  Dale  Maggs was interviewed by Red
Simons  on  ABC  Radio 774. He also did interviews on 3AW News and 3YB
which covers the south west of the state. Dale raised the "Bracks tax"
too.

Since  the IRG route survey of the main route to Phillip Island on
Thursday,  October  18, and the following media exposure, VicRoads has
made an astonishing effort to patch the long-offending potholes on the
Bass Highway.

The  IRG did another route survey on Tuesday, October 24. In just five
days,  over  a weekend, VicRoads has patched the worst potholes on the
road.  The  Bass  Highway is safer than it was a week ago but it's not
pretty and not smooth and the work does not look permanent.

And  the  fact  that the work was done makes Minister Mulder's excuses
about  the  poor  condition  of too many roads across Victoria's a bit
thin. The IRG maintains that if VicRoads cut a lot of the waste in the
areas of road barriers and signage there would be a lot more money for
road surface maintenance and repairs.

Damien Codognotto OAM

Independent Riders Group

Melbourne

***********************************************************************************

Maurice Blackburn have recently launched

www.lawyers4riders.com.au

It is a dedicated site for riders where  Maurice  Blackburn  experts  will  discuss directly with riders
their  rights,  entitlements  and  other support services available to them.

http://www.mauriceblackburn.com.au

                 

***********************************************************************************

Sounds like Victoria.

http://www.chicagoaccidentinjurylawyer.com/2012/01/beware_of_potholes_1.html

Dale Robert Maggs
Mob: 0432 776 458
@convictstock
Independent Riders Group

Cuts to Vicroads endangers riders.

http://m.theage.com.au/victoria/warning-bumpy-roads-ahead-20120819-24glw.html

Dale Robert Maggs
Mob: 0432 776 458
@convictstock
Independent Riders Group

http://www.standard.net.au/story/327417/class-action-call-over-pothole-damage-to-tyres-rims/

Dale Robert Maggs
Mob: 0432 776 458
@convictstock
Independent Riders Group


Please pass the message on that our roads are not safely maintained & we are on the edge of an international tourist event, the Moto-GP. Who's looking after motorcycle riders on our roads if the Government fail us?

Potholes can KILL riders!

http://www.thecourier.com.au/story/314421/victoria-is-the-pothole-state/?cs=64#dsq-form-area

Dale Robert Maggs
Mob: 0432 776 458
@convictstock
Independent Riders Group

OCT 29 PROTEST T SHIRTS

$30 EACH

d.codognotto.oam@bigpond.com

BUS LANE TRIALS - MELBOURNE 1

There earlier blog entries on the Hoddle Street trial permitting motorcycle & scooter riders to use bus lanes in peak hour. The Age ran a story on a report that suggests bicycles be allowed to use bus lanes. It just mentions the motorcycles & scooters trial which seems to be in limbo.

The Age got it wrong. bicycles have been permitted in peak hour bus lanes for more than two years with no trial or study, apparently a stroke of the pen and a bureaucratic opinion is all you need to change regulations if you are a bicyclist.

BUS LANE TRIAL IN THE AGE

Bicycles  are  permited  to use bus lanes. The above picture of the

sign  is  in a 70 kph zone. Few bicyclists, even with enhanced performance, 

can do 70 kph in hilly suburbs like Doncaster. VicRoads changed the rules 

without a trial or  study. See the VicRoads letter below.  It  seems  VicRoads  

did not consult bus drivers, only bus company executives.

The  motorcycle & scooter bus lane trial in Hoddle Street was supposed

to end in June 2012 but seems to be in limbo.

Apparently  VicRoads  did  not consult all stakeholders on the Hoddle

Street trial. Mike McNess bus driver representative at the TWU did not

know  of the trial. It seems VicRoads consulted bus company executives

not drivers.

Documents  obtained  by  the  Independent  Riders'  Group  through the

freedom  of information act indicate the trial permiting motorcycles &

scooters  to  use  bus  lanes  had  a  positive outcome. Motorcycles &

scooters did not appear to slow buses as they can keep up with traffic

and  riders  are  safer in bus lanes with professional drivers than in

peak hour traffic.

www.theage.com.au/victoria/buses-reject-lane-share-with-bikes-20121021-27zhk.html#poll

Please read The Age story on the bicycle report and vote and comment.

Damien Codognotto OAM

Spokesman

Independent Riders' Group

Melbourne

CRASH SITE MANAGEMENT

HI folks,

Please find below a link to the All States ASMI video, 
that was filmed at Sturgis last year.
An excellent promotional video on what we do,

http://youtu.be/siNMuMgvfpI 

Kind regards

Philip Lemin
Executive Director
Accident Scene Management Australia ltd

phil.l@asma.org.au

RIDE ON SUNDAY

ON RIDE THIS SUNDAY

·         With the 110 year celebrations in 2013, Director of Marketing at Harley-Davidson AustraliaAdam Wright pops in to discuss all things Harley Davidson

·         We catch up with God Squads’ International President John Smith about their 40th Anniversary Celebrations in Melbourne in November

·         We talk to Eliza Tobin from Rider Awareness Northern Territory (RANT) about the bike scene in that part of the world

·         And we find out how the launch of Motorcycle Awareness Week in Sydney went on Thursday

·         Plus lots of news, views and music from Australia and beyond

TUNE IN in Sydney live on 90.5 FM and across Australia on www.alive905.com from 7pm -9pm EST on Sunday.

Please check out Facebook and if you like the programme don't forget to Like this page and recommend it to you friends.
           
http://www.facebook.com/pages/RIDE-on-2ccrfm-with-Greg-Hirst/265400733475447

PROTEST RUN 11

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OE1MTAYOHuQ&feature-youtu.be

Please pass this on.

Damien

PROTEST RUN 10

Bloody oath Damien. Go for it.

I forgot to note the magazines' publication dates initially which means that if Motorcycle Trader should publish my letter, it might be too late to include the Rally. I woke up to it and didn't mention it to Old Bike Aust. as its current issue is just out. Feel free to use my words on the mentioned rallies and edit as you see fit if you choose.

Here's to ya..........Auss.


G'day Aussie.

Can I use this on my blog?

Damien

Hi folks.

Encouraging to see the motorcycle media highlighting the latest bits of outrageous discriminating bullshit aimed at motorcyclists. I was further galled by Negus from RACV  stating on national TV that motorcyclists should wear Day-glo vests. All these dicks who don't ride telling us how to!

I am forwarding this letter I wrote to Peter Ryan in July to hopefully encourage motorcyclists generally to stop whinging and write. Also be at the protest on 29th October, at noon in A'Becket Street Melbourne. As the saying goes; "Be loud and proud!" to make the bastards take notice. Remember the immense protest rallies in the 1980s when much was achieved in our finest hours. 

Here's to ya..........Aussie Sadler.

PO. Box 493,

Mornington, 

Vic. 3931.

8000 bikes at Parliament House in Melbourne in 1986. Among other things this run won Victorian riders the right to park on footpaths, kept CTP insurance premiums down and help end the Yellow Brick Road.

From: A.Sadler 

Sent: Wednesday, July 11, 2012 4:04 PM

To: The Hon. Peter Ryan MP. Minister for Police.

Cc: The Hon. Daniel Andrews MP. Leader of the Opposition. 

Subject: Unsubstantiated law.

Dear Peter Ryan.

Snr. Sgt. Gore of Wangaratta Highway Patrol was quoted as saying at a forum, “Within 18 months the government will legislate that all your (motorcyclist’s) jackets have got to be this colour.” That is Dayglo lime green. I don’t know on what authority he states this, but I would like to know the research behind his statement. A compulsory “lights on” law with its horrific legal ramifications and lack of research was thrown out some years back. Seems it’s a case of “Here we go again.”

In my forty six years of riding motorcycles I have never been involved in a car/bike accident. Initially, believing in the “Be seen, be safe” motto, I wore a bright yellow jacket and had my light on at all times despite doing electrical damage to my early model motorcycles which were not suitably designed. I found that drivers generally treated me with disregard at best and at worst, blatant aggression. Following a near miss with a car crossing on my left in front of me AFTER we had made eye contact, I reviewed my strategy on the grounds that everyone sees and respects a black leather clad outlaw bikie. Since then I have worn dark leathers and momentarily turn the light on and off at my discretion when a situation calls. Coupled with a philosophy of, “Regard all car drivers as idiots” I’m still happily riding. I guess one could say that I have done my own unintentional research.

Snr. Sgt. Gore goes on to say that motorcyclists should do everything in their power to see they don’t fall off. I couldn’t agree more. However I fail to see what Dayglo jackets have to do with this statement. He also says, “If you don’t like this, stop riding motorcycles.” With such belligerence one could question his ability to uphold the law in a fair and just manner. I don’t need him to tell me what to wear or how to ride a motorcycle any more than he needs me to tell him how to be a policeman. Having said this, maybe some public relations counselling might not go astray. I would actually support less cameras and more police on our roads as well as more comprehensive rider AND driver training as is practiced in a number of European countries. I couldn’t believe the respect and road courtesy displayed when I was over there.

I sincerely hope that Snr. Sgt. Gore is wrong in his forecasting the introduction of this totally dictatorial, discriminating, useless law. I for one will face court action sooner than abide by it and I certainly won’t be giving up riding my motorcycle!

Yours, 

Aussie (Austin) Sadler. 

PO Box 493,

Mornington,

Vic. 3931.

PROTEST RUN 9

VSRA - Victorian Scooter Riders Association

Media Release

16 October 2012

The  VSRA,  representing  Victoria’s  four  largest  scooter clubs, is
adding  its  voice  to concerns in the motorcycle fraternity regarding
expected  findings  from  the  Victorian  Parliamentary  Inquiry  into
Motorcycle Safety. The government is expected to introduce legislation
in  the  near future, based on findings from this inquiry. Anticipated
by  scooter  riders  is  the  introduction of compulsory fluoro vests;
compulsory  jackets,  gloves  and boots and the return of front number
plates or other forms of identification.

The  VSRA  supports  improvements  in  safety  for riders but does not
believe  these anticipated measures will improve scooter rider safety.
The  greatest  threat to scooter riders is cars. The VSRA would rather
see  better  education  programs  for  car drivers and riders than the
introduction of mandated gear such as fluoro vests.

VSRA spokesperson Steve Bardsley, speaking on behalf of scooter riders
said  “Scooter  riders  are  supportive of appropriate safety gear but
believe  that  it  is  up  to  individual  riders  to  decide  what is
appropriate  for  their  riding  conditions.”  A  great  percentage of
scooter  riders are commuters using the inner city road network and do
not ride at high speeds. The VSRA does not support the introduction of
mandatory safety gear that is suited to high-speed sports bike riders.
This  gear  is not appropriate for the vast majority of scooter riders
commuting to work.

The VSRA believe that front plate identification is more about revenue
raising than safety for riders. Front plates will be costly, difficult
to   retrofit  and  will  achieve  zero  improvements  in  safety  for
scooterists  and motorcycle riders. The VSRA wants money spent on real
safety  initiatives such as driver education to minimise the risk that
cars pose to scooterists rather than front plate identification.

The  VSRA will be joining other motorcycle riders in a protest ride on
Monday 29 October to oppose the anticipated findings from the inquiry.

For further information or media interviews please contact:

Steve Bardsley on 0409 848 428 or info@vicscooterriders.com.au

The VSRA represents:

    The Vespa Club of Melbourne

    The Melbourne Crusaders

    The Lambretta Club of Australia and

    The Melbourne Scooter Connection
......................................................................
Victorian Scooter Riders Association
Web: www.vicscooterriders.com.au
Email: info@vicscooterriders.com.au

PROTEST RUN 8

RIDES IN TO THE OCTOBER 29 PROTEST RALLY IN MELBOURNE HAVE BEEN ORGANISED.

One will depart Kmart in Craigieburn.

Another will depart AJ's Cafe in Healesville and come to the city via Lilydale then the Eastern Freeway from Springvale Road.

Clubs in the Victorian Scooter Riders Association will form up in Carlton.

We hope other rides will come from Geelong, Melton, Sunbury and San Remo via Cranbourne.

Motorcycle & scooter riders are invited to join rides at the assembly areas or en route. Club flags and banners welcome. We have to work together on this one. Numbers count. People power works.

T-shirts should be ready from Wednesday, October 17. $30 each. Limited number. I will have the shirts in the city from 10am to noon at the corner of Elizabeth & A'Beckett Streets, Melbourne on Wednesday. We need volunteers to distribute flyers that day. Please help if you can.

More details as I get them.

Damien

d.codognotto.oam@bigpond.com

FAIR GO FOR ALL 2

THE SUNDAY HERALD SUN

LETTERS

Cyclist Nicholas Aberle noted that police blame car drivers for 75% of injuries  to  vulnerable  road  users  (SHS Oct. 14, 2012). Yet police seem to target cyclists rather than drivers.

Motorcycle  &  scooter  riders  are  vulnerable  road users too and we support  the  call  for  police  to  protect pedestrians, cyclists and riders  of  powered  two wheelers (PTWs) by targeting in-car offences, particularly mobile phone use.

City  of  Melbourne  surveys  show  commuters  on  PTWs have more than doubled. The Auditor General found that the number of registered bikes was  up  more  than  58%  since  2002.  Traffic  congestion, costs and inadequate  public  transport  mean  that PTW numbers will continue to steadily increase.

PTW  riders are legitimate road users and they deserve a fair go. It's time  for  police  to review their priorities and blitz the road users doing the damage.

Damien Codognotto

Independent Riders' Group

Melbourne

CRASH SITE DATA - OCT 13 2012

CRASH SITE DATA in Victoria is unreliable and the further from the city the crash is, the less reliable the data is.

This fatal crash wasn't far from Melbourne. It was in central Victoria. Black top all the way and plenty of places for a chopper to put down but it took some 4 hours for trained specialists to get to the crash site.

Serious injury crashes get even less attention.

The Parliamentary Inquiry into Crashes Involving Roadside Objects (2005) reported a number of areas where crash data was missing or could be more detailed.

Isn't it time police got on with policing and left road crashes to an independent road safety & traffic authority with an agenda for road safety only?

LETTERS TO EDITORS

One  dead,  four  fighting  for  life  after another smash in regional
Victoria,  this one at Tatura. Eight farm workers in a minibus collide
with a truck (Oct. 13, 2012).

Crashes like this are far too common. A contributory factor in many is
road condition. Small cars, motorcycle & scooter riders and bicyclists
are most a risk from potholes and road debris.

In coming weeks tens of thousands of motorcycling tourists from across
Australia  and  around  the world will ride Victoria's neglected roads
travelling to and from the Moto GP on Phillip Island.

Neglect  by  road  authorities,  more  interested  in big projects and
corporate  image  than in road repairs and maintenance, contributes to
the  road  toll.  This puts residents at risk and damages our tourist
industry.

It  took  around  four hours for a trained crash investigation team to
reach  Tatura.  If  it had been a serious injury incident an untrained, local
officer  would probably have  filled in a form. The further a fatal
smash  is  from Melbourne,  the less reliable the data is.

The 2005 Parliamentary Inquiry into Crashes Involving Roadside Objects
found crash site data was inadequate.

TAC officials  told  the  current  motorcycle safety inquiry that data was
"cleansed"  at  VicRoads  (TAC  quote.  August  31,  2012).  Then it's
presented as fact. They readily admitted that data on the exact location of a crash
was not collected so roadside objects like wire rope barriers were virtually impossible
to identify in police reports and that hospital data on the type and severity of injuries
could not be linked to specific crashes.

www.parliament.vic.gov.au/rsc/inquiries/article/1407

Crash  site  data  does  not  expose the size of the pothole problem. Victoria
really  is  the  pothole state and our potholes are adding to the road toll.

Damien Codognotto
Independent Riders' Group
Melbourne

FAIR GO FOR ALL 1

VicRoads should stop obsessing about big projects and corporate image and concentrate on building, maintaining and repairing roads across the state. Victoria should have an independent road safety & traffic authority that will treat all road users fairly.

PROTEST RUN 7

Volunteers needed to distribute protest rally flyers in Melbourne.

Meet 10am at the corner of Abeckett and Elizabeth Streets in the city on Wednesday, October 17, 2012.

Damien
0419 846 855

PROTEST RUN 6

PROTEST RUN T-SHIRTS $30

To cover the cost of the October 29 protest rally in Elizabeth Street, Melbourne, t-shirts have been produced. Shirts can be ordered by sending a cheque made out to D. Codognotto at: 

PO Box 3091, Doncaster East, Victoria 3109. 

Please do not send cash. Sorry no card set up yet.

Don't forget to include the size(s) you want.

Damien Codognotto OAM
Tel: 03 9846 8621.

http://tinyurl.com/8w6dwmk

www.facebook.com/groups/262152063888175

CITY OF MELBOURNE ELECTION 4

Tuesday, October 9, 2012, 4:27:08 PM, you wrote:

Hi Damien,

Good to hear from you.

I have discussed your questions with the team and have provided our
responses below.

As usual, not all are straightforward answers.

As  a  Councillor for the last 3 years and 10 months, sometimes, it is
not  easy  to  get  everything  done  as there are so many groups with
cross-interests.

Best regards
Ken Ong
Councillor candidate
Gary Singer-John So - Melbourne Living

From: Damien Cognotto OAM [mailto:d.codognotto.oam@bigpond.com]
Sent: Sunday, 7 October 2012 11:55 AM
To: ken@futurekidschildcare.com.au
Subject: CoM ELECTIONS 2012

GARY SINGER - JOHN SO MELBOURNE LIVING

Dear Candidates.

My family votes in the City of Melbourne elections.

Motorcycle & scooter (PTW) riders who own city businesses and property
vote in these elections.

Tens  of  thousands  of  people  commute  by  PTW to the CBD and inner
suburbs   each   working   day.  Many  more  visit  to  shop  and  for
entertainment.  This  number has doubled in a decade and will continue
to  grow as people seek to avoid the problems generated by Melbourne's
chronic traffic congestion.

If elected, will you:

1.   seek to establish & promote more centre-of-the-road PTW parking?

                  - Yes in suitable locations

2.  seek  to  establish  &  promote  more  off-street PTW parking with
lockers for protective clothing as a road safety measure?

                  - As above

3. lobby park & ride facility operators to provide secure, lit parking
for PTWs as a link to public transport, particularly in outer suburbs?
You can park 6 to 10 PTWs in a single car space.

                  - Yes, will advocate and lobby for this

4.  lobby  the  Ambulance  Service  and  MFB to use more PTWs to lower
response  times,  reduce traffic disruption and cut costs? A full-size
ambulance  or fire truck responding to a false alarm or minor incident
in  the  city  disrupts  traffic.  The  majority of emergency calls in
Melbourne are false alarms or minor incidents.

                  - Ambulance and MFB decision - they may have their
                    own OH&S regulations.

5.  lobby  for  more  and  continuing  enforcement of in-car offences,
particularly mobile phone offences. This would benefit pedestrians and
bicyclists too.

                  - Yes

6.  support  and  promote the 110 anniversary celebration of the world
famous PTW precinct in Elizabeth Street? The first motorcycle shop was
opened near the GPO by the Milledge Brothers in 1903.

                   - Yes

7.   support PTW safety promotion like a RIDE TO WORK DAY for PTWs?

                   - Yes

8.  lobby for PTWs to be permitted to use bus lanes as done interstate
and overseas? A trial in Hoddle Street was due to end in June 2012 but
seems to have slipped into limbo.

                   - If VicRoads can agree.

9. lobby VicRoads to permit and encourage traffic filtering by PTWs as
they do with bicyclists.

                   - Yes if no safety issues

The  Independent Riders' Group would very much appreciate your answers to
these  9  questions so we can inform riders who vote in the coming CoM
elections.

Attached is some background information.

Damien Codognotto OAM
Spokesman
Independent Riders' Group
Melbourne
Tel: 03 9846 8621

d.codognotto.oam@bigpond.com

CITY OF MELBOURNE ELECTION 3

Thanks for your email.

I am also a motorbike/Scooter rider.  If I was elected I would be seeking a
review of the Bicycle lane network with the bike of Motorcycles and Scooters
sharing some lanes along major article roads such as Royal Parade. Albert
Street and Punt Road and St Kilda Road.  Sadly the MRA do not have a voice
and needs of motorbike and scooter riders often go missing when the City
Council designs our road infrastructure.  I would like to see the interests
of Motorbike and Scooter riders taken more seriously.


Regards

Anthony van der Craats
Candidate


Saturday, October 6, 2012, 12:57:19 PM, you wrote:

Dear Damien

In response to your questions The Our Melbourne team are committing to a city wide review of Parking which would include the adequacy of Parking for PTW. We will be inviting all stakeholder groups to participate in the review.

It is obvious that more trips taken by alternate methods than cars will contribute to lower congestion and improve the sustainability and amenity of the City. We will be keen to implement policies that encourage this , whilst not impacting adversely on residents and businesses.

Any scheme will have to be properly costed and have broad community support.

In terms of the motorcycle precinct celebration our Neighbourhood development policy 9 see attached
is designed to support such a promotion.

On Behalf of the Our Melbourne Team

Friday, October 5, 2012, 9:17:51 PM, you wrote:

Dear Damien,

Please find below "PUT PUBLIC FIRST" responses to your 9 questions.

1. No

2. Yes

3. Yes

4. First responder

5. Yes

6. Yes

7. Yes

8. No

9. No

Thank you.

All the best,

Dr. Joseph Toscano – Dr. Jean Ely

CITY OF MELBOURNE ELECTION 2

You can (and should) write to candidates for the Melbourne City Council too. You can get their email addresses from:

vec.vic.gov.au

Damien
IRG
********************************************************************************

Monday, October 8, 2012, 2:46:12 PM, you wrote:

Dear Damien

Thanks for your note. I am  to you on writing on behalf of the Morgan Elliot Team. 

To be frank - Although I have several friends who  ride scooters and motor bikes   I knew very little about the Motorcycle & scooter (PTW) perspective on Melbourne  

until I received your email. I had not really thought about the particular issues which impact on their experience of the roads.

Our Team  has commented on the 9 points below.

Should we be elected, we look forward to investigating the many issues you raise. 

Clearly more motorcycle and scooter use will help address the congestion which is choking  Melbourne.

Jackie Watts

Michael Kennedy 

MORGAN ELLIOTT - PROSPERITY FOR LIVEABILITY

________________

So : 

If elected, will you:

1.   seek to establish & promote more centre-of-the-road PTW parking?

METeam : We commit to is investigating with the view to ensuing the space allocation for bikes & scooters is adequate and fair.  

2.   seek to  establish  &  promote  more  off-street PTW parking with

 lockers for protective clothing as a road safety measure?

METeam : we commit to investigating this.  

3.   lobby  park  &  ride  facility  operators  to provide secure, lit parking  for  PTWs as a link to public transport, particularly in outer suburbs? You can park 6 to 10 PTWs in a single car space.  

METeam : This completely aligns with Morgan Elliott policies parking at the perimeter of the City of Melbourne, However, as you know we have no direct control of such matters in outer suburbs but are happy to co-ordinate our actions with other councils.

4.   lobby  the  Ambulance  Service and MFB to use more PTWs to lower response  times,  reduce  traffic  disruption  and  cut  costs? Af full-size  ambulance or fire truck responding to a false alarm or

minor  incident  in  the  city  disrupts traffic. The majority of emergency calls in Melbourne are false alarms or minor incidents. 

METeam : Yes shall lobby - but our concern remains  that  the redesigned Swanston St a hazard impeding emergency vehicles of all kinds.

 5.   lobby  for  more  and  continuing enforcement of in-car offences, particularly   mobile   phone   offences.   This   would  benefit  pedestrians and bicyclists too.

METeam : Certainly - we argue that not enough regulatory enforcement. 

6.   support and  promote the 110 anniversary celebration of the world   famous  PTW  precinct  in  Elizabeth Street? The first motorcycle shop was opened near the GPO by the Milledge Brothers in 1903.

METeam : Yes - sounds like a  great opportunity to celebrate our cycle heritage.

7.   support PTW safety promotion like a RIDE TO WORK DAY for PTWs?

METeam : Yes - again sounds like a reasonable request for   equitable representation 

8.   lobby  for  PTWs  to  be  permitted  to  use  bus  lanes as done interstate  and overseas? A trial in Hoddle Street was due to end  in June 2012 but seems to have slipped into limbo.  

METeam : it does seem reasonable that a trial should occur and then a determination made.

 9.   lobby  VicRoads to permit and encourage traffic filtering by PTWs as they do with bicyclists.

METeam : We commit to exploring this matter further with VicRoads and other councils

Jackie Watts

Michael Kennedy 

MORGAN ELLIOTT - PROSPERITY FOR LIVEABILITY

CITY OF MELBOURNE ELECTION 1

Have a look at the candidates in the City of Melbourne elections this month. Send them an email.

vec.vic.gov.au

Click on "here" to get a list of candidtates. Send them an email on motorcycle & scooter
issues. I sent the email below with a more detailed submission.


Dear Candidate.

Motorcycle & scooter (PTW) riders who own city businesses and property
vote in the City of Melbourne elections.

Tens  of  thousands  of  people  commute  by  PTW to the CBD and inner
suburbs   each   working   day.  Many  more  visit  to  shop  and  for
entertainment.  This  number has doubled in a decade and will continue
to  grow as people seek to avoid the problems generated by Melbourne's
chronic traffic congestion.

If elected, will you:

1.   seek to establish & promote more centre-of-the-road PTW parking?

2.   seek to  establish  &  promote  more  off-street PTW parking with
     lockers for protective clothing as a road safety measure?

3.   lobby  park  &  ride  facility  operators  to provide secure, lit
     parking  for  PTWs as a link to public transport, particularly in
     outer suburbs? You can park 6 to 10 PTWs in a single car space.

4.   lobby  the  Ambulance  Service and MFB to use more PTWs to lower
     response  times,  reduce  traffic  disruption  and  cut  costs? A
     full-size  ambulance or fire truck responding to a false alarm or
     minor  incident  in  the  city  disrupts traffic. The majority of
     emergency calls in Melbourne are false alarms or minor incidents.

5.   lobby  for  more  and  continuing enforcement of in-car offences,
     particularly   mobile   phone   offences.   This   would  benefit
     pedestrians and bicyclists too.

6.   support and  promote the 110 anniversary celebration of the world
     famous  PTW  precinct  in  Elizabeth Street? The first motorcycle
     shop was opened near the GPO by the Milledge Brothers in 1903.

7.   support PTW safety promotion like a RIDE TO WORK DAY for PTWs?

8.   lobby  for  PTWs  to  be  permitted  to  use  bus  lanes as done
     interstate  and overseas? A trial in Hoddle Street was due to end
     in June 2012 but seems to have slipped into limbo.

9.   lobby  VicRoads to permit and encourage traffic filtering by PTWs
     as they do with bicyclists.

The  Independent Riders' Group would very much appreciate your answers
to  these  9  questions so we can inform riders who vote in the coming
CoM elections.

Attached is some background information.

Damien Codognotto OAM
Spokesman
Independent Riders' Group
Melbourne
Tel: 03 9846 8621

d.codognotto.oam@bigpond.com

PROTEST RUN 5

October 29, 2012, protest rally in Melbourne.

Many riders won't be able to attend this protest rally. Some will have to work. Some will be too far away. But that doesa not mean they can't contribute if they feel strongly about the issues facing the motorcycle & scooter community in Victoria.

Take a copy of the flyer to your local newspaper or radio station. Tell a journo how you feel about it. Take a copy to your local MPs office and let the staff know why the protest is happening. See the MP him/her self if you can.

Copy the Flyer and put it up where other riders will see it. Send it out over the internet. Encourage riders who can attend to be there.

SUNDAY RIDE

ON RIDE  THIS SUNDAY

·         We catch up with Australian Grand Prix CEO Andrew Westacott to find out how Casey Stoner and the Phillip Island Moto GP are lining up

·         Angry Anderson reflects on the place of tattoos in the biker culture and society in general

·         We find out the latest about this years Breakfast Torque in the Shire as part of Motorcycle Awareness Week in NSW

·         Damien Codognotto update us on the burning motorcycle issues in Victoria including the use of scooters for drivers who have lost their license and the upcoming protest ride

·         And we check on the legal fight against the NSW consorting laws with barrister Wayne Baffsky

·         Plus lots of news, views and music from Australia and beyond

TUNE IN in Sydney live on 90.5 FM and across Australia on www.alive905.comfrom 7pm-9pm EST on Sunday. Please check out Facebook and if you like the programme don't forget to Like this page and recommend it to you friends.
               
http://www.facebook.com/pages/RIDE-on-2ccrfm-with-Greg-Hirst/265400733475447

Ride                                                                                                

What’s the next best thing to having some motorcycle fun? Listening to others who are having it as well!And you can do that on Sundays for two hours from 7pm EST. on Alive FM 90.5 when national motorcycling identity Greg Hirst will entertain you.

ROYALAUTO OCT 2012

Heather's Shed is featured in this months issue of ROYALAUTO, the RACV magazine.

www.heather-ellis.com