News

• Latest Inside Line available - Summer 2006 (4 December 2006)
   
• For those unable to attend her excellent presentation on 14 November, Ms Liz de Rome has very kindly made available her speaking notes. On the night more than 100 interested people heard Liz' address, entitled Fashion or function? : the injury reduction benefits of motorcycle protective clothing, which was very informative and gave much food for thought (4 December 2006).
   
• Warne Norris Appeal. A payment was made in November to reimburse childcare expenses, childrens' birthday parties, a family holiday and safety accessories for the family vehicle (26 November 2006).
   
• Glenloch Interchange Changed Arrangements. Changed traffic arrangements commenced at the Glenloch Interchange on Monday 11 December 2006 and will remain in place till mid 2008. These changed arrangements will include the Tuggeranong Parkway, William Hovell Drive and Caswell Drive, and will result in significant delays. Details can be found here (16 November 2006).
   
• Members not going to Sydney for the Motorcycle Show might like to attend the 4th annual "Marques in the Park" on 19 November - meet at the footsal stadium in Acton Park from 8:00am for a cruise to John Knight Park in Belconnen. Organiser Bruce Perry is anxious to increase the motorcycle component (both machines and clubs) so please consider going along and 'flying the MRAACT flag'. An information sheet can be found here. (12 October 2006).
   
• Nineteenth Annual Canberra Swap Meet at EPIC on 29 October. Organised by the Veteran Vintage and Classic Motorcycle Club ACT Inc. (24 August 2006).
   
• Norway Bans Wire Rope Barriers On 4 August, the Norwegian Government joined that of the Netherlands in banning wire rope barriers, after years of lobbying from the Norwegian Motorcycle Union (NMCU). Read the NMCU's press release at http://www.netrider.net.au/?page=news&action=fullnews&showcomments=1&id=405.(14 August 2006).
   
• ACT Opposition Calls for Safety Audit of Bike Lanes System Go to http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200608/s1712475.htm to read this ABC News item. (14 August 2006).
   
• MRA ACT 2006 Toy Run to be held on 9 December This year's Toy Run will take place on Saturday 9 December and will be co-ordinated by Malcolm Stewart and Dave Payne. Many hands make light work so, if you'd like to help (in any capacity) to making the day it's usual success, please contact Malcolm or Dave. (9 August 2006).
   
• Ride4 Sophie a Great Success! The generosity of ACT region motorcyclists and their support for good causes was on public display during Saturday's Ride4Sophie. Organised by Got'M and MRAACT (and supported by ACTION Motorcycles), the social ride attracted 130 bikes and raised $1500.00 for the Day of Difference Foundation. Thanks to all who participated or volunteered for helping to make the Ride a great day. (4 July 2006).
   
• Got'M, MRAACT and the Ulysses Canberra Branch are arranging a social ride on 1 July to raise funds for the Day of Difference Foundation as Canberra's part of the Ride4Sophie (in honour of Sophie Delezio). Meet at the Pine Island carpark at 10:00 am for a 10:30 departure, and arrive at ACTION Motorcycles at Mitchell about 11:30 for a sausage sizzle (16 June 2006).
   
• The Veteran Vintage and Classic Motorcycle Club of the ACT will hold its annual Gluhwein Run on 20 August - meet at the Cotter barbeques at 9.30am for hot breakfast, then ride to Corin Dam for a hearty hot lunch. For further details, email the VVCMCC's Committee (31 May 2006).
   
• Check out the great images of Saturday's Blanket Run - and the 2005 Christmas Toy Run - that Fair Dinkum Photos now has thumbnailed on their website (select 'Events' from the home page, then the appropriate link). All photos are available for sale, with 10% of the price being generously donated to the Smith Family (15 May 2006).
   
• NTC Withdraws Rule 151A (8 May 2006). The National Transport Commission (NTC) has withdrawn proposed Rule 151A (anti-lane-splitting) from the Road Rules Amendment package to be presented to the Australian Transport Council (ATC) next month. MRA ACT responded formally to the proposal and welcomes the NTC's decision, but still has two concerns:
• the 'disquiet' in the motorcycling community, evident in the overwhelming response to the draft laws, caused a halt to the progress of Rule 151A. However, in the NTC's response to the NSW MCC, there is no mention of ongoing discussion with stakeholders - ie, proposed discussion with motorcyclists - and there is nothing in place to address the fact that lane splitting/filtering of any sort is still illegal and therefore subject to many points lost and substantial fines at the discretion of police. Watch out!
• another proposal restricting child pillions on the basis of age only. It's MRA ACT's view that this suggestion is flawed because chronological age has little to do with biological age and physical capabilities. However, it looks as though this one will proceed.
   
• ACEM launches its Guidelines for Powered Two-Wheelers - Safer Road Design in Europe at the Intertraffic conference in Amsterdam (27 April 2006)
   
• Blanket Run - Saturday 13 May (26 April 2006)
   
• Latest Inside Line available - Autumn 2006 (26 April 2006)
   
• Return to Eden Weekend Ride Sat 29 and Sun 30 April. Wanna go??? See our current Calendar or ring Malcolm Stewart on 0439303106 (23 March 2006)
   
• Launch of new rider development program - Ride'n Thrive! Brochure and application Form. Suits all discerning and competent road riders who want to perfect their road riding ability! (23 March 2006)
   
• MRA ACT's response to the National Transport Commission (NTC) and the Australian Road Rule Management Group (ARRMG) proposed Rule 151A outlawing lane splitting/filtering!! (20 January 2006)
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• Australian Motorcycle Council (AMC) response to NTC and ARRMG's proposed road rule amendments. Also see public submissions at NTC Website (20 January 2006)
   

Inquiries about items on this page can be directed to Robyn Major, mobile 0431 598 636.

 

2005 News