President’s Report March 16

In this report:

• March Guest Speaker
• Non-Member Joins after MRAWA assists in overturning a fine
• Longriders Dwellingup Bikefest
• MRAWA Policy Statements
• MRAWA Constitution
• Motorcycle Safety Week
• Australasian College of Road Safety
• April Guest Speaker

March Guest SpeakerKate Fandry – Business Development Manager, Paraplegic Benefit Fund to talk about club memberships.  Possibly add the option to opt in on our website.Non-Member Joins after MRAWA assists in overturning a fineI was contacted in January by a rider (a non-member) who felt he had been unfairly dealt a $75 parking fine in an area with poor signage and inadequate motorcycle bays.  The MRAWA gave him advice on who to contact and gave a sample letter from a previous challenge that was successful.  He emailed me last week with good news:“Just thought I'd give you an update - the Ombudsman is still reviewing the case and I haven't heard back since January when I submitted my initial complaint and followed up with the information you provided.However, a couple of weeks back I didn't (sic) receive a notice from the fines office of COP to say they reviewed the matter in light of the Ombudsman review and have subsequently withdrawn the fine, issuing a 'warning' instead.So a win for the good guys here, thanks for your support.As promised, I have since signed up as a member of MRAWA as a small token of my appreciation.Thanks again and I'll keep you posted if/when I hear back from the Ombudsman.Kind regards,”Longriders Dwellingup BikefestThe inaugural Longriders Bikefest on Sunday was successful with six new memberships.  While there was a good crowd, there were not as many riders congregated as I thought there would be, they seemed to come for something to eat and then move on.  It was after all, a great day for riding.  My address to the crowd went off without any problem but it was important to tell everyone about our safety focus for the event, which was Fatigue, Hydration, Road Craft and Safety Attire.  Two of the new members were Sally and John who own the Longriders Café which was good to see.  They even asked me if they could display our business cards and 138138 cards in their café.  I would like to give many thanks to the volunteers who helped man the stall, Dave W., Chris and Sue, Rob P and Chris C.MRAWA Policy StatementsThis section was in January’s report and is included to retain relevance.Our senior Safety Officer has offered a suggestion that the MRAWA should have policy statements on our website roughly aligned (updated to suit the MRAWA) with those from the Australian Motorcycle Council (AMC).  The purpose is to let MRAWA members, and the general public know what the MRAWA stands for and how we operate, which in my view will help to advance people’s understanding of us.MRAWA ConstitutionWe have been informed that the new constitution in its current form is not compliant with the rules governing constitutions.  I have asked a barrister and solicitor to review and advise on where we are not compliant.  We can either vote on the content, which is the important part and fix compliancy later or defer to next month’s meeting.Motorcycle Safety WeekThe Motorcycle safety week begins on Saturday the 11^th April with the York Motorcycle Festival.  The MRAWA will have a stand to display safety videos and pamphlets.  Is there a volunteer who can drive the equipment to York and setup on the Saturday morning?  Volunteers will also be required to assist in manning the stalls.All week – There will variable safety messages on electronic freeway signs.11^th – The MRAWA will lead a safety ride to the York Festival for all interested riders.  Riders will meet at the Midland Gate carpark where a donation can be made to support Beyond Blue.  A coffee van will be present for those who need charging.   MRAWA volunteers are required to act as corner markers.14^th – Ride your Motorcycle to Work Day.  The purpose is to get as many motorcycles onto our roads as possible, so drivers become more aware that they do actually share the road with motorcycles.  Talk to your employers about allocating a couple of car bays at your workplace for the extra motorcycles.  Get behind this initiative to raise awareness.17^th – Free Ride Right advanced motorcycle skills course run by Dave Wright.  Registration for this event is required as seats are limited, further details will be available closer to the date.18^th – MRAWA sponsored safety ride with coffee and donuts for all riders.  Further details shall be forwarded closer to the date.Australasian College of Road SafetyI attended a seminar in February hosted by the ACRS who talked about road safety in W.A., road crash statistics, where they occur and frequency.  This data will be used by the Main Roads Department to help design urban intersections to be safer, as they have a probability for an accident.  The benefits of being a member of this organisation was obvious, so I have now joined as a general member.  That gives the motorcycling community two voices in any discussion in urban design and how it affects vulnerable road users.  The other being Dave W who has been a member now for 10 years.April Guest SpeakerThe April Guest speaker is Edward Rose who is the ACRS Treasurer and Technical Services Coordinator in Urban Development who will talk about intersections and their design in an urban environment.That is all for now, the next general meeting will be on the 20^th of April 2021 and will be chaired by the Vice President, Gary P.The next Committee meeting will 6^th of April 2021.Jeffrey ThomasPresidentMotorcycle Riders Association of W.A. Inc.Mobile: 0409 293 320president@mrawa.orgRide Like Your Life Depends on It.