-FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE-
5 November 2024:
A PERFECT DAY FOR A RIDE
A group of motorcyclists from across the local government region (LGA) joined with others from Tumut, Harden and Young on Wednesday 30 October to raise awareness for Motorcycle Awareness Month.
The road safety initiative conducted by Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council (CGRC) consisted of a free barbeque and road safety merchandise held in Gundagai’s picturesque Carberry Park.
Bikers had the opportunity to gather, talk with Council’s Road Safety Officer, passing motorists and visitors to the park about motorcycle safety.
Some 15 bikes made up an impressive display for onlookers to inspect and followed the theme of raising awareness to motorcycle safety. The event marks the end of month-long campaign conducted by Council. A similar event held in Cootamundra at the beginning of the month was saw many of the bikers take advantage of the great weather and take a ride to Gundagai to assist with the promotion of a message that is important to their cause.
Members of Cootamundra’s Antique Motor Club supported both events and had a day out on the bikes enjoying the day and expressing their appreciation to Council for hosting and initiating the message to motorists about motorcycle safety.
CGRC mayor Councillor Abb McAlister popped in to have a quick chat with the riders and said these initiatives are an important service Council takes seriously.
“If we can save one life, if we can avoid one accident, then the initiative has achieved a major goal. These programs are supported by Council as the incidents of accidents on country roads have devastating effects on everyone within our communities,” Cr McAlister said.
The statistics are alarming for motorcyclists. Despite motorcycles making up just 4.4% of all registered motor vehicles, they are involved in 18.6% of all road fatalities in NSW.
The Road Trauma Support Group of NSW says, male riders account for 96.7% of these fatalities, with a significant number of crashes involving riders between the ages of 30-59. Speed remains a major factor, yet 60% of the fatal crashes occurred with riders travelling under the speed limit.
A message for motorists:
- Motorcyclists often go unnoticed due to their size and speed.
- Always check your blind spots.
- Give motorcyclists plenty of space to manoeuvrer.
- Stay alert and watch for motorcycles, especially as intersection.
Picture and caption:
CGRC Mayor Abb McAlister joined a group of motorcyclists in Gundagai on Wednesday morning to promote Motorcycle Awareness month. The group enjoyed speaking with motorists, a free sausage sizzle and merchandise promoting the road safety message.
