Volunteer motorcycle riders are being sought across the Hunter to take part in the Jo/Joe Rider Motorcycle Awareness Campaign during Motorcycle Awareness Month in October 2026.
Road Safety Officers from Cessnock, Maitland, MidCoast and Port Stephens councils are calling for riders to volunteer as Jo/Joe Rider from Thursday 1 October to Friday 9 October 2026.
Riders can volunteer for one or more days and take part individually, with a friend or as part of a group.
“Whether you can volunteer for one day or multiple days, we’d love to hear from you.”
Volunteers are needed in the following local government areas:
- Cessnock
- Maitland
- MidCoast
- Port Stephens
Each volunteer will receive a high-visibility Jo/Joe Rider vest to wear while taking part in the campaign.
The community will be encouraged to spot Jo/Joe Rider and enter a competition, with the campaign designed to increase motorists’ awareness of motorcycles and improve rider safety across the Hunter region.
The campaign aims to reduce “Sorry Mate, I Didn’t See You” (SMIDSY) crashes by encouraging motorists to actively look out for motorcycle riders.
Campaign messages promoted by the Motorcycle Council of NSW include “Looks Clear Look Again” and “Look Again For Riders” for drivers, and “Assume You’re Missed” and “To Them the Road is Clear” for riders.
What’s new in 2026
The 2026 campaign is being delivered in partnership with the Motorcycling Council of NSW (MCC of NSW).
The MCC of NSW will manage volunteer registrations, distribution of Jo/Joe Rider vests, rider liaison and coordination, and community competition entries.
Local Road Safety Officers will also support volunteers participating in their areas and provide refreshment vouchers to encourage fatigue breaks during rides.
For more information click here.
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