MA launches safety campaign

Motorcycling Australia has launched a motorcycle road safety camaign using Suzuki MotoGP star Chris Vermeulen as its figurehead. Here is what the organisation had to say.

Vermeulen spoke about how, with motorcyclist injuries and fatalities on the rise, he felt compelled to act and to spread a safe riding message to everyone on the roads.

"The statistics I've seen for motorcyclists are pretty bad," Vermeulen said.

"I love racing and riding bikes both on and off the road, so safety is a pretty big concern for me.

"I feel that if I can give something back to the community, and can help somebody stay safe on the roads, then it's been worth all the effort that many people have put in."

Vermeulen was adamant that everyone on the roads, motorcyclists and drivers alike, need to take control and be aware of others.

"Motorcyclists cannot treat the road like race track," he said.

"When I race, I have a team of mechanics continually monitoring my bike and my progress, I know what the track is going to be like each time I go around and I only have to contend with other highly skilled and trained riders.

"When riding on the roads however it's very different, the condition of the road can change unexpectedly, there are cars, trucks and busses sharing the road with you and there are so many other unknowns.

"Riders need to take control of their situation; no one forces a motorcyclist to speed or to take corners too quickly, so it's their responsibility to take control - it's their hand on the throttle!

"Motorists also need to be aware of motorcycles when they're driving, keeping riders in sight and checking behind them."

Also attending the launch was Mr. Chris Hayes MP (Member for Werriwa), representing Mr. Anthony Albanese MP (Member for Grayndler), who spoke about the value of campaigns such as this in changing the attitudes of people taking to the roads.

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