Motorcyclists across the MidCoast are being urged to strap on a hi-vis vest and get involved, as the popular Jo/Joe Rider Motorcycle Awareness Campaign gears up for its return this October.
The campaign is run by Hunter Road Safety Officers from Cessnock, Maitland, MidCoast and Port Stephens Councils, and forms part of Motorcycle Awareness Month.
It aims to cut down on so-called SMIDSY crashes, where drivers fail to see riders, described by the Motorcycle Council of NSW as “Sorry Mate, I Didn’t See You” incidents.
New campaign messages this year include “Looks Clear Look Again” and “Look Again For Riders” for motorists, while riders are being reminded to “Assume You’re Missed” and that “To Them the Road is Clear”.
From Thursday, 1 October to Friday, 9 October, the community will be encouraged to spot Jo/Joe Rider out on the roads and enter a competition, helping to raise awareness of motorcycles across the region.
Volunteer riders are now being sought across the MidCoast, Cessnock, Maitland and Port Stephens local government areas. Successful volunteers will be handed a high-visibility Jo/Joe Rider vest to wear while taking part, whether for one day or the full nine.
This year’s campaign marks a new partnership with the Motorcycling Council of NSW (MCC of NSW), which will take over volunteer registrations, vest distribution, rider liaison and competition entries. Local Road Safety Officers will continue to support riders in their area and will hand out refreshment vouchers to encourage fatigue breaks.
Riders can take part solo, with a friend, or as part of a group, on any or all days of the nine-day campaign.
Anyone keen to volunteer can email secretary@mccofnsw.org.au, listing which area they intend to ride in and their estimated availability.
For more information, contact your local Road Safety Officer on (02) 7955 7372.
Don’t miss any of the important stories from around the region. Subscribe to our email list.