Page 40 - Riding On Autumn 2023

MOTORCYCLE ADVOCACY

WHAT IS IT AND WHO DOES IT?

Do you know who your motorcycle advocacy groups are? Do All State organisations are always keen to welcome new
you know what they do? members to share the work involved in successful advocacy.
It can be a very rewarding form of volunteering, particularly
Behind the scenes, members of the Ulysses Club are amongst knowing that your fellow Ulyssians will be among the
those important advocates for all matter of motorcycling. beneficiaries.
What does “advocating” for motorcycling involve and how is it Membership of your State organisation could entitle you to
done? discounted “Roadside Assist” specifically for motorcycles,
discounts at Accessory shops, Insurance, Motorcycle
Most of us are aware, that Road Rules and Regulations are dealerships, etc.
primarily the domain of State Governments. Of necessity, that
requires representation and advocacy on a State-by-State Motorcycling advocates have achieved much success over the
basis. We are all well aware that there are some significant past 40 years through the successful advocating at both a
and some subtle differences in Road Rules and Regulations State and Federal level on matters pertaining to all aspects of
from State to State. motorcycling. Some of these include issues covering parking
rights, filtering, EU helmets, bus lane use, input for and
Each State has established its own properly incorporated against certain programs concerning Protective Gear, MotoCAP,
advocacy body to manage, coordinate and present often just taken for granted. Currently, motorcycle advocacy is
representation on behalf of all motorcyclists. engaged in meaningful negotiations with relevant Authorities

NSW - Motorcycle Council of NSW to assess, and hopefully introduce, opportunities for post-
VIC - Victorian Motorcycle Council license on-road motorcycle tuition (similar to but not the same
QLD - Queensland Motorcycle Council as a very successful program in New Zealand) called “Ride
TAS - Tasmanian Motorcycle Council Forever” - https://www.rideforever.co.nz Astute motorcycle
SA - Motorcycle Riders Association advocacy by our volunteer representatives has also resulted
WA - Motorcycle Riders Association in a number of proposed draconian measures being scrapped
NT - Rider Awareness NT before they could be introduced.
ACT - Motorcycle Riders Association Through the State organisations (listed above), and the AMC,
Each of these State Organisations along with the Ulysses Club motorcyclists have a vitally import direct voice to key programs
Road Safety Committee (UCRSC), make up the members of including MotoCAP. If you are not familiar with MotoCAP, I
the National Organisation – the Australian Motorcycle Council would strongly recommend a visit to : https://motocap.com.au
(AMC). The role of the AMC is to represent motorcycling issues MotoCAP is a national body comprising all State and Federal
at the National level, to coordinate State bodies responses and Governments and private organisations with a vested interest
contributions on a range of matters with national implications. in the Motorcycle Protective Gear space. The AMC is a member
Successful advocacy often goes unnoticed, particularly when of MotoCAP. The key role of MotoCAP is to research and
it involves preventing a backward or draconian issue from accurately assess most items of Motorcycle Protective Gear
being implemented. Similarly, successful representation with star ratings similar to the ANCAP ratings we are familiar
and advocacy often results in beneficial outcomes for all with for Motor vehicles.
motorcyclists, with many not being aware of exactly how such It is in the interests of us all to support our State Advocacy
a good outcome was achieved. groups and to avail ourselves of the vitally important

The key is the dedicated and unheralded work undertaken information and ratings on our protective gear – from MotoCAP
by volunteers of the State organisations that represent Peter Baulch #27672
motorcycling and motorcyclist’s issues in your State, many of DM #71 Vice Chairman - AMC
whom are Ulysses Club members, including those representing
the UCRSC.

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