TOY RUN MEETINGS AUG 14 & 28 2016

Independent Riders Group members will meet at Victoria Park to organise the 2016 TOY RUN for Father Bob on Sunday August 14 and Sunday, August 28 at 11am. One meeting is enough so pick the one that best suits you. The meetings should take about an hour. All welcome even if you can't volunteer and are not an IRG member.

We have applied to the City of Yarra to hold the TOY RUN on Sunday, December 11, 2016. The application is getting a positive hearing. The event is registered and insured.

Father Bob wants you to help with the TOY RUN. If you can't be an organiser, you can start stockpiling kids toys, books, games and non-perishable food. If you put aside one tin of beans a week, Father Bob can feed a lot of people who might otherwise go without at Christmas.

This TOY RUN is not-for-profit and is run by unpaid volunteers. All donations go to the Father Bob Foundation.

https://www.fatherbobsfoundation.com.au/

This is a great opportunity to showcase all that is good about riding
motorcycles & scooters. We generate positive media and push road safety.

https://www.facebook.com/IndependentRidersGroup/videos 

SUNRISE did a great story on the Melbourne and Adelaide TOY RUNs in 2015. Please take a few minutes to watch it (again?).

We do not charge for stalls. Club, industry and department stalls/displays are free but the IRG reserve the right to refuse unsuitable stalls.

The IRG wants to see an annual TOY RUN back in inner Melbourne with a permanent home. To ensure that we need a committee to organise the event. We need people to organise the stage, PA and band, trade stands, Marshals, First Aiders, police/VicRoads liasson, media/promotions officer, a driver and a lead vehicle and so on.

So I'm inviting members who can help organise the TOY RUN or who can help on the day (Sunday, December 11, 2016) or who are just interested, to meet me at Victoria Park on Sundays, August 14 & 28. All welcome.

WHEN: 11 am on Sundays, August 14 & 28. Pick one. It should take about an hour.

WHERE: The corner of Lulie & Turner Streets in Abbotsford. Melway map 44, reference E4. If the weather is crook we can sit under cover in the grand stand.

Damien Codognotto OAM
Spokesperson
Independent Riders' Group (IRG)
PO Box 4330
Doncaster Heights  Vic  3109

www.facebook.com/independentridersgroup

d.codognotto.oam@bigpond.com

MORE CENSUS

THE CENSUS IS ON AUGUST 9, 2016. A letter is being delivered to Australian households the gives residents a code number and explains how to complete the census online.

Go to censaus.abs.gov.au then select Complete mt census. Then login using the code provided. Complete the census and select Submit .

Make sure put 'motorcycle" in all the appropriate places.

LETTER TO VICPOL

MEAP NOT ON

CENSUS 2016

THERE'S A CENSUS COMING UP. Someone said when they fill it out, for the religion question, he would put "Motorcyclist". For the last census he was a Jedi Knight.

TOY RUN FOR FATHER BOB

We have applied to the City of Yarra to hold the TOY RUN for Father Bob at Victoria Park in Abbotsford, an inner Melbourne suburb on Sunday, December 11, 2016. 

The event is registered and insured. This TOY RUN is not for profit and run 100% by unpaid volunteers. All donations go to the Father Bob Foundation.

It is a great opportunity to showcase all that is good about riding motorcycles & scooters. We generate positive media and push road safety.

We do not charge for stalls. Industry and department stalls/displays are free but the IRG reserve the right to refuse unsuitable stalls.

We'd like to see the TOY RUN back in Melbourne with a permanent home to ensure that we need a committee to organise the event. We need people to organise the stage, PA and band, trade stands, Marshals, First Aiders, police/VicRoads liasson, media/promotions officer, a driver for the lead vehicle and so on.

So I'm inviting members who can help organise the TOY RUN or who can help on the day (Sunday, December 11, 2016) or who are just interested, to meet me at Victoria Park in August.

WHEN: 11 am on a Sunday in August the 7th, 14th, 21st, and 28th. I favour the 14th. Please email me which date suits you best. d.codognotto.oam@bigpond.com We'll pick the date when most can attend.

2 for August 14. 1 for August 21. 1 for august 28.

WHERE: The corner of Lulie & Turner Streets in Abbotsford. Melway map 44, reference E4. If the weather is crook we can sit under cover in the grand stand.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZLOrvN7Uqz4

Damien Codognotto OAM
Spokesperson
Independent Riders' Group (IRG)
PO Box 4330
Doncaster Heights  Vic  3109

www.facebook.com/independentridersgroup

UBUNTU TOO

For all my friends who couldn't make it to the launch of Ubuntu: One Woman's Motorcycle Odyssey Across Africa. Or for those who want to relive that special day. Here is the video. Ubuntu was launched by our much-loved and very inspiring Father Bob Maguire.

Book launch for Ubuntu: One Woman's Motorcycle Odyssey Across Africa

Ubuntu: One Woman's Motorcycle Odyssey Across Africa by Heather Ellis was launched by the…

INADEQUATE CRASH DATA

Road authorities in this country most certainly are responsible for ALL road users.

There are two reasons for the failures of wire rope barriers NOT being public knowledge.

First, most crash site data does not identify the barrier type. Police attending crashes are mostly NOT trained crash investigation officers as a letter from VicPol, which I recently posted online, points out. The lack of reliable crash data has been documented in more than one parliamentary inquiry in recent years.The Inquiry Into Crashes Involving Roadside Objects 2005 states. 

"The (road safety) Committee noted a number of areas where crash information was missing or could have been more detailed. The difficulty in obtaining adequate data, in particular travel exposure information to better assess crash risk and target safety treatments, is a continuing issue in Victoria, coming up time and time again in Committee inquiries. Governments agree to improve crash information , yet crash and crash risk information continues to be an impediment to the improvement of roadside safety in Victoria. Crash information recording and publications need to be greatly improved." 

In 2012 another all-party committee of MPs wrote. 

"Addressing the data issue is the single most critical aspect of our future response to motorcycle safety." 

Recommendation 1 from their report starts. 

"That an independent office of road safety data be created which will be responsible for collecting, collating, interpreting and publishing all data relevant to road safety ....." 

Presumably the MPs wrote this because the problem with crash data was/is systemic.

The other reason that WRB's failures are not common knowledge may well be the billions of our tax dollars road authorities have spent on a dangerous product acts as a disincentive to full disclosure.

WRB PROTEST OTAGO NZ

http://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/11520/riders-protest-wire-barrier

NZ WIRE ROPE BARRIER REVIEW

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/opinion/news/article.cfm?c_id=466&objectid=10471342#comment-form

TOY RUN 2016 HELP WANTED

To Independent Riders Group Members.

We have applied to the City of Yarra to hold the TOY RUN for Father Bob at Victoria Park in Collingwood. The event is registered and insured.

This TOY RUN is not-for-profit and run 100% by unpaid volunteers. All donations go to the Father Bob Foundation.

It is a great opportunity to showcase all that is good about riding motorcycles & scooters. We generate positive media and push road safety.

We do not charge for stalls. Industry and department stalls/displays are free but the IRG reserve the right to refuse unsuitable stalls.

We'd like to see the TOY RUN back in Melbourne with a permanent home. To ensure that, we need a committee to organise the event. We need people to organise the stage, PA and band, trade stands, Marshals, First Aiders, police/VicRoads liasson, media/promotions officer, a driver for the lead vehicle and so on.

So I'm inviting members who can help organise the TOY RUN or who can help on the day (Sunday, December 11, 2016) or who are just interested, to meet me at Victoria Park.

WHEN: 11 am on a Sunday in August the 7th, 14th, 21st, or 28th. I favour the 14th. Please email me which date suits you best. d.codognotto.oam@bigpond.com  We'll pick the date when most can attend.

WHERE: The corner of Lulie & Turner Streets in Abbotsford. Melway map 44, reference E4. If the weather is crook we can sit under cover in the grand stand.

Damien Codognotto OAM
Spokesperson
Independent Riders' Group (IRG)
PO Box 4330
Doncaster Heights  Vic  3109

www.facebook.com/independentridersgroup

WRB CRASH AT PYALONG IN VICTORIA

http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/dead-mans-family-blames-vicroads-barriers-for-iceaddled-teenagers-fatal-crash-20160719-gq91d3.html

MS RIDE 2016

The MS Ride is on again around the bay this year and anything you could do to push would be great.

Here are links to Facebook pages and MS donation sites.

Fundraising Page: http://www.doitforms.org.au/index.cfm?fuseaction=donorDrive.personalCampaign&participantID=2337

https://www.facebook.com/msrideformysister/

Kind regards

Billy Dettmer

TEMPORARY AUSTRALIANS IN AMERICA

PRESS AND BIKER INVITATION

Los Angeles media and motorcycling community have been invited to Bartel's Harley Davidson on Sunday, July 24 at 1pm in Maria Del Ray for the beginning of a filming and promotional road trip by an Australian TV crew heading on a journey to discover the American motorcycle culture and track down some of the many Aussies who head to the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in South Dakota.

Starting with the Bartel's Poker Run in aid of 'The Heroes Project', this motorcycle documentary series from down under aims to capture a snapshot of the enormously positive motorcycle culture in the USA.

Controversially called 'Temporary Australians', the show aims to refute the negative motorcycling stereotypes that exist in Australia and are held by many in mainstream society.

Now filming its fifth series to air later this year in Australia, 'Temporary Australians' will interview bikers from all parts of the biker culture on the journey to Sturgis.

To speak to Executive Produce/Presenter:

Call 011 61 414798440 from the US or email brotherhood_cmc@hotmail.com

Series 1-4 is available for download via Vimeo on  www.temporaryaustralians.com.au  

BIKE CRASH MARIBYRNONG VICTORIA

BIKE CRASH MARIBYRNONG VICTORIA

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/video/id-tiMWtzNDE6trVWMNqZBYaLwYfKz2Jm2s/Horrific-bike-crash?utm_content=SocialFlow&utm_campaign=EditorialSF&utm_source=HaraldSun&utm_medium=Facebook

86% PROPAGANDA

DAMIEN. PLEASE SEE BELOW

*From:*Stephen Bardsley [mailto:okeh1@bigpond.com]
*Sent:* Monday, 11 July 2016 5:06 PM
*To: <luke.donnellan@parliament.vic.gov.au>
*Subject:* Sign the Motorcycle Petition

Luke, Roger,

Do you believe this action (Operation Motus) from the Police is justified, when evidence shows that the majority of accidents between a motorcycle and another vehicle are the fault of the driver, not the rider?

https://www.change.org/p/victoria-police-stop-operation-motus-targetin
g-motorcyclists/u/17240009?tk=N1BY4Lopjun7sqqsFulZGADOilEUiwWRlKRki4tK
1r0&utm_source=petition_update&utm_medium=email



When "Operation Motus" was commenced VicPol claimed 86% of the recent 
spike in motorcycle crashes were the fault of the rider, when asked 
to provide evidence substantiating this, nothing was forthcoming.

The problem is being attacked from the wrong end, the notion that if 
motorcycling is discouraged and so less motorcycles means less 
crashes involving them, is absurd and discriminatory, but this is 
the current attitude of VicPol and VicRoads. I took the trouble to 
advise you this type of backlash was going to occur sometime ago, I 
did not receive a reply, that's OK, I appreciate you are very busy, 
but the discrimination against motorcycle riders has to stop, most 
importantly because it won't stop drivers killing and injuring 
licensed and legal motorcycle riders on Victorian roads.

Regards

Stephen Bardsley

-----Original Message-----
From: Damien Codognotto [mailto:d.codognotto.oam@bigpond.com] 
Sent: Saturday, 16 July 2016 11:02 AM
To: Stephen Bardsley 
Subject: Re: FW: Sign the Motorcycle Petition

G'day Steve. 

I 100% support what you say about Operation Motus. In any
system where justice was for all, Operation Moptus could not exist. The 86% figure was blatant manipulation of the media/public and clearly based on prejudice not science. In other words it was propaganda.

Can I put this on facebook?

Damien
IRG

ROO STRIKES IN VIC

Earlier in 2016 Assistant Commissioner Doug Fryer of the Victoria Police published a figure in the Melbourne media that 86% of fatal bike crashes were due to rider error. This bogus statistic was used as an excuse for the blitz targeting motorcyclists, Operation Motus and as a reason to lobby for compulsory bike boots and gloves.

But when a motorcyclist is found dead or dying on or near the road who is to say what caused the crash. Most country crashes are not investigated bytrained crash investigators mostly it's a highway patrol officer who writes the report, sometimes hours after the crash.

How often does a rider lose control after an animal strike or near miss? The bogus 86% figure does the credibility of police no good at all.

Damien
IRG

ANTI ASSOCIATION LAWS IN VICTORIA

These new police powers were introduced quietly in Victoria. The Melbourne Herald Sun said that civil rights advocates were concerned that these laws would "send organised crime gangs underground". It neglected to mention the more serious concern that these laws could be abused and other organisations/individuals could be targeted.

Damien
IRG

BLESS THE BIKES TOO

http://www.facebook.com/events/1740240636232282/

BLESS THE BIKES 2016

COUNTRY ROADS TOO

The Border Mail
Thursday July 7, 2016
Local News
Road upgrades in bid to curb bike road toll BLAIR THOMSON
June 22, 2016, 3:55 p.m.
HOWLONG motorcycle enthusiast Graeme Male has experienced so many near-misses while on the road over the years, he’s lost count.

During half a century of riding, he’s had people pull out in front of him, drivers change lanes without indicating and vehicles crossing double lines as they travel towards him.

The Albury Wodonga Motorcycle Enthusiasts Club president said his story was not unique.

“We have approximately 160 members in our club – you could talk to any of them and each one of them could tell you about all the close calls they’ve had,” he told The Border Mail.

In one of the most serious incidents, Mr Male missed a speed advisory sign, dropped his bike and slid onto the wrong side of the road and broke several ribs.

He has welcomed upgrades announced for the Omeo Highway on Wednesday designed to improve safety on the road.
The Victorian government announced $632,000 in funding for the highway between the Bogong High Plains Road and Anglers Rest. The route is popular with Border riders.

Cushions which wrap around sign posts to reduce the impact of a crash will be trialled on the highway.

The highway is one of three major roads set for guard rail barriers that prevent riders from cutting themselves, signage and guide posts warning of upcoming dangers.

Intersecting driveways will also be sealed to prevent gravel spilling onto the roads.

Mr Male said anything that could improve safety was positive.

Sealing the Omeo Highway has lead to more riders travelling on the road and in turn an increase in accidents.
In one of the most recent North East crashes, a 50-year-old Wodonga man died on the highway on June 13.

The man had crossed onto the wrong side of the road at Eskdale and hit a utility.

The rider died at the crash scene.

Police have been advocating for safety upgrades on the highway.

Club vice-president and secretary Paul Hare rides nearly every day and said accidents often came down to two things. “It’s speed and skill,” he said.

“You have to think to yourself that you’re not a good rider.

“If you think you’re a top gun rider, you might start to use a bit of speed when you shouldn’t be.”

Mr Hare said riding in close packs also caused problems.

“I think riders and drivers alike need more general awareness,” he said.

Roads and Road Safety Minister Luke Donnellan said motorbike riders were over-represented in serious and fatal crashes.


http://www.bordermail.com.au/story/3985823/road-upgrades-in-bid-to-curb-bike-road-toll/


http://www.bordermail.com.au/story/3985823/road-upgrades-in-bid-to-curb-bike-road-toll/

TAC ANTIBIKE TAX TO BE SPENT ON VIC COUNTRY ROADS

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/victoria/new-55m-project-to-make-roads-safer-for-motorcyclists-in-victorias-alpine-region/news-story/480c91e2d93bb0c4055f2401e59f5f67

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/victoria/new-55m-project-to-make-roads-safer-for-motorcyclists-in-victorias-alpine-region/news-story/480c91e2d93bb0c4055f2401e59f5f67

BATHURST DEAL

http://amcn.com.au/editorial/2150/

Bathurst Regional Council has entered into a five year agreement with the organisers of the Bathurst Street and Custom Motorcycle Show.

Mayor of Bathurst Cr Gary Rush said the event has been held in Bathurst since 2007 and in 2015 featured 225 motorcycles on display.

“Council’s partnership with the organisers will see Council provide support for the period 2017-2021 to help develop the event, provide for road closures in Russell Street (between William and George Streets) and assist with in-kind support from Council’s media facilities, along with the provision of the cost of road closures, traffic control and some assistance from Council’s event staff.

“Council is continuing to push for the development of Velocity Park and the associated second racing circuit at Mount Panorama and supporting events like the Bathurst Street and Custom Motorcycle Show continues to build a body of support for bringing more motor cycling events and associated activities to the city and to recapture some of the city’s long association with motor cycle racing,” Cr Rush said.

Promoter Greg Hirst said the agreement would popularise Bathurst as a motorcycle venue.

“The agreement with Council will support the continued growth of the event, and one that provides a focal point for motorcycle enthusiasts in Bathurst and beyond.

“The show will be held on the first Saturday in February each year to co-incide with the running of the Bathurst 12 Hour at Mount Panorama.

“This will be a link event in Bathurst for future motorcycle events once the new track is operational. It will bring riders from the western plains and the east coast to Bathurst on a regular basis over the next five years and will support the Councils’ motorcycle infrastructure vision around Mount Panorama,” Mr Hirst said.

DRONE CAR KILLS OCCUPANT

I have been surprised at the reaction on facebook to this story in the Melbourne Herald Sun. 

  Some readers came out strongly in support of the car making company and they condemned the newspaper for not printing all the facts. I felt these drones should not be on public streets at this stage of their development and was more concerned with the fact that if one of these cars could hit a truck and a pole, then others could. That puts other road users at risk.

And, I don't want robots living my life for me. Technology lovers can have all the gizmos they like as long as they don't adversely affect me.

www.facebook.com/independentridersgroup

Damien
IRG