October 2011
We have the Perth Motorcycle and Scooter Show on November 4th – 6th and once again we will be there in the foyer of the Convention Centre making riders more aware of what the MRA is up to in rider safety (and our social rides of course) and we hope to encourage a rush of new members but we need volunteers for the 3 days. We are hoping to have enough of you to share the load and have 3 sessions each day of about 3- 4 hours each. Anyone who can help will get a free pass to the show and our eternal gratitude.We are holding the Motorcycle and Scooter Safety Awareness week from October 31st - November 6th and will include the Perth Motorcycle and Scooter Show Nov 4th – 6th, the MAD ride on Sunday 6th. Ride your bike to work day Friday 4th. A Motorcycle and Scooter Safety Advisory Group forum on Saturday 5th. This will be open to all interested riders (those who attended the previous forum will be invited) we have some interesting presentations from some invited experts in their field. Liz De Rome from the George institute will be presenting her findings on her recent study into the effectiveness’ of protective clothing. We also have Professor Raph Grzebieta from Monash University Accident research Centre (MUARC) who will be presenting his finding on his study into roadside barriers. We also have Ken Beer from Vicroads and he will be giving us the rundown on his publication for road engineers, Making Roads Motorcycle Friendly. This is your opportunity to have your say on what you think can help to reduce the incidence of fatal and serious rider accidents at the workshop sessions after the presentations.As from 10th October the Department of Transport will be introducing the new motorcycle theory test. They will be changing the theory test requirements for applicants for a learners permit authorizing you to ride a RN class ( moped not exceeding 50cc) RE class ( motorcycles not exceeding 250cc) This means that you will no longer be required to undertake the car theory test for a motorcycle learners permit. The new motorcycle theory test is computer based and covers motorcycle specific questions as well as general road rules. It contains 35 questions that must be answered within 35 minutes and you must score 80% to pass. All questions will be drawn from the new Ride Safe handbook (available from all Licensing Centre’s) the cost of the motorcycle theory test is the same as the car theory test. I believe there will be some sample motorcycle theory tests on the Dept. of Transport website for you to try at home www.transport.wa.gov.auWe have meeting scheduled with Hon. Troy Buswell (Minister for Transport) whose portfolios cover Main Roads Dept, Dept of Transport, and Office of Road Safety. We hope to cover and reach some agreement on a number of motorcycle safety and transport issues and on a related matter I also have a meeting with Ken Travers (opposition spokesman on Transport) so we can keep both sides of politics up to date with our issues, hopes and aspirations’.Now that the great riding weather is upon us please keep in mind that we need to be extra careful on the roads because in the end we are the only ones that are responsible for our own safety RIDE LIKE YOUR LIFE DEPENDS ON ITDave