Motorcycling minister promotes riding

Federal Defence Minister Dr Brendon Nelson's office released this recently:

At the Silverwater Motorcycle Show on Saturday 3 February 2007, the Brotherhood Christian Motorcycle Club (CMC) joined forces with Brendan Nelson, Minister for Defence, to promote the Defence Motorcycle Awareness Campaign.

Greg Hirst, spokesman for the Silverwater Street and Custom Motorcycle Show (Sydney), now in its 13th year, took Dr Nelson on a tour of 90 competition bikes plus the record number of trade and motorcycle club displays and then interviewed the Minister on his attitude toward Biker safety, in front of a crowd several hundred strong.

"Bikers should be given more respect on the roads," said Nelson.

"As bikers, we can’t take anything for granted. We have to assume that every car is going to pull out in front of us.

"When I learned more ADF Members suffer injury from biking than in battle, I had to do something to maintain and enhance the skills of motorcyclists in the Defence Force.

"Consequently, I introduced the Defence Motorcycle Awareness Campaign – a $1.9 million campaign, where licensed motorcycle riders – both ADF members and Defence civilians – can access fully refundable advanced rider skills courses once every three years.

"Congratulations to the Brotherhood CMC for promoting biking in a family friendly atmosphere, over so many years."

Dr Nelson, who has ridden motorcycles for most of his adult life, also called on governments of all persuasions to encourage the use of motorcycles in the general community.

"Increased motorcycle usage has real benefits for the environment and for a more efficient use of petrol supplies." he said.

(Pic shows Greg Hirst at left and Dr Nelson on right.)