Winner of the Joe Rider Competition 2011

Congratulations to Leonard Griffiths, the winner of the Spot Joe Rider Competition for 2011. The Spot Joe Rider campaign is run during Motorcycle Awareness Week, with many riders wearing specially marked vests – they are Joe Rider. All we ask Canberra drivers to do is spot Joe and let us know where and when they see a rider.  It’s a very simple yet effective campaign to make other road users aware of motorcycles and scooters on our roads and we remind them to drive accordingly. We had over 90 responses from road users.

Leonard is a motorcycle rider himself, who also learnt a lesson from the campaign.  We had a chat to Leonard about the campaign:

Can you tell me a little about this – I notice you spotted Joe on the intersection of Barry Drive and Northbourne Ave.
Were you particularly aware of riders before this competition?

Yes, definitely. Seeing as I am a motorcycle rider myself I know how scary sometimes it gets when you are on the road to work in the morning rush.

How did you hear about the competition?

I heard about the event from a lady at work who also rides to work and has a keen passion for keeping us motorcycle riders at work safe.

Do you think you are more aware of motorcycles and scooters on the roads now?

With an ever increasing amount of riders on the road, I have come to realise that mirror checks and peripheral checks are very important, with the chance a rider could be around the next corner.

Leonard has won the ride in the Hot Air Balloon, and the MRA ACT thanks all those who spotted Joe and we hope they keep an eye out for Joe all year, not just during Motorcycle Awareness Week.