Motorcycle Riders Association of SA

Welcome
	Welcome to the site of the Motorcycle Riders' Association of South Australia. The MRASA is the recognised voice for motorcycling with the Government. Please visit our about page for more information on what the MRASA are about.

Event Calendars

Camera Lost at Toy Run 2018
	A patron at the MRASA Toy Run 2018 lost their camera at the event. We are keen to re-unite it with it's owner. If you have found or seen this camera, please contact either the webmaster or secretary (see email page). Details of the camera and case are as follows: Camera: Panasonic Lumix TZ11 Digital 10x Zoom (black) Belt pouch: Charcoal/greyish colour with Velcro flap and contains other accessories Pouch size: 120mm high x 75mm wide approximately
Resale of Helmets - 28 June 2018 (Updated August 2018)
	A motorcycle or push-bike helmet is the single most important yet most commonly abused piece of safety equipment available to riders. We drop them, we perch them on mirrors, we leave them in the sun and we put stickers on them. In other words we damage both the outer shell and inner linings. Often we use them after their safe working life has passed, or fail to wear them correctly In spite of constant mistreatment we expect them to protect us at all times. Sadly, like our brain, once a helmet is damaged it cannot be repaired. The MRASA urges all riders to give their helmet the care and attention it deserves. Strangely, when mandating riders must wear an approved helmet, our politicians and bureaucrats failed to consider how we purchase them. Most riders will buy a new helmet from a dealer and use it until either a newer or more attractive model is available, or the fit or damage is so bad it must be replaced. Disturbingly, there is ABSOLUTELY NO WAY to tell if a helmet is fit for purpose short of testing it to destruction. Currently it is illegal to sell used car seat belts. Like helmets, they too can only be checked for safety by testing to destruction. At this point we come to the legislative loophole. We can sell our used or damaged helmets to the unwary or uncaring. Most second hand shops have a range of helmets for sale, often at very low prices making them very appealing for use as a spare helmet, or for the occasional rider. The MRASA discussed the resale of helmets with the RAA. Their opinion, like ours is that this loophole must be closed as a matter of urgency. For seat belts, baby capsules, helmets and other primary protection devices, we accept they are batch tested to ensure compliance to standard at the point of manufacture. Once sold, the integrity of these items is unknown. We assume second hand seatbelts have been mistreated and so cannot legally buy used ones. It is time that we treated helmets and other primary life saving devices in the same manner. Surely your brain is more important than saving a few dollars by buying a helmet which may not be fit for purpose. Buyer beware is no longer acceptable. It is time for Governments to legislate to protect the unwary from the unscrupulous. We ask all riders to join the MRASA and lobby the authorities to ban the commercial resale of helmets. Feedback from the motorcycling community has confirmed our need to allow private resale.
When Safe to Do So - 28 June 2018
	Legislative laziness is creeping into the Road Traffic Act by introducing laws which cannot be accurately defined. Laws are including the clause "When Safe to Do So". This is fundamentally interpretive, and is not just a motorcycling specific issue but applies to all sections of the act. We are allowed to cross a double white line "When Safe to Do So", and we can lane filter "When Safe to Do So". We are required to travel past schools at 25kph whenever children are present, but without the inclusion of proximity distance this becomes open to interpretation. Inherently The MRASA supports the basic concept of undertaking manoeuvres safely and to have legislation that clearly defines the criterion. What we vigorously oppose is the random interpretation of the clause "When Safe to Do So" by law enforcement authorities. We have been advised that riders have been booked by officers reporting incidents of lane filtering and standing on pegs to be a dangerous manoeuvre. One reported incident of an officer's assessment and application of "When Safe to Do So" was subsequently revealed that the officer had no riding experience much less understand the physics in action when riding. Appeals to the Commissioner of Police have been summarily dismissed. We accept the fact that the Commissioner must publicly be seen to be supporting his staff, however it would be beneficial to all concerned if we were informed of the basis of this response. Laws are applied according to a strict definition in all other cases. It is important that we have visibility of the criterion an officer judges an action to be unsafe, especially when there is no evidence to suggest any other road user was embarrassed, inconvenienced or hindered in any way. The MRASA asks all riders to approach their members of parliament to give road users clarity of this law and stop random interpretation i.e. we demand to have a clear definition of what the term "When Safe to Do So" means. It is this type of randomness which fuels the myth that front line offices are more interested in fulfilling performance targets than enforcing road safety. Ebi Lux - Road Safety Officer, MRASA
Vale Paul Morgan - Ridden-on 18 May 2018
	Sadly, our friend Paul passed away last week. He will be greatly missed. Our fondest memories of him will be his cheeky grin and his matter-of-fact way of looking at life. Paul enjoyed life, meeting people, hanging out with friends and family, and riding his motorcycle. Paul was a Vietnam Vet and had seen the best and worst that people can do, but this never coloured the way he saw people. He was always accepting and welcoming. Paul was a stalwart of the MRA for many years, often wearing more than one hat. In the years 1992-3 he was Vice-President. From 1993-1998 he was Secretary of the Association and from 1993-2007 Stock Control Officer as well as taking on the role of Publicity Officer from 2003-2007. He was also our Toy Run Coordinator for 13 years from 1995 to 2008. He also worked hard to make the Great Escape Rally a success in its early years. The MRA wouldn't be where it is now without his dedication and contribution. In meetings he always called a spade a spade and we could be assured of his considered advice. Paul also used his considerable design skills for the MRA designing logos and badges for us. The many years of Toy Run badges are all ideas from Paul. We all appreciated what he did and we all learned from him. Paul joined the MRA in November 1989 and was awarded a Life Membership in 1997. Unfortunately, a debilitating illness in 2007 took a lot of his strength and energy and in 2009 he had to retire not only from the MRA but from riding as well. This was a source of great distress for him but he accepted it and moved on to another phase of his life. He didn't disappear entirely however. He made it his business to attend every Toy Run just to make sure that we were doing it properly. A thumbs up from Paul meant that we got it right again and he told us in few words just what we needed to do to improve the day. At this time our thoughts are with his wife Daphne, his family and his grandchildren whom he adored.
National Road Rules - April 2018
	The National Transport Commission (NTC) is an independent statutory body tasked to provide advice to the Transport and Infrastructure Council on regulatory and operational transport reforms. The NTC with the cooperation from key stakeholders undertakes these reforms across road, rail and intermodal transport to improve safety, productivity, environmental and regulatory efficiency outcomes. Each year the NTC provides a progress report to the Council on the implementation status of nationally agreed reforms. The 2017 National Transport Reform Implementation Monitoring Report is the fifth report delivered. This report will outline which local jurisdiction has adopted the various packages and which have not. The Australian Road Rules set out the basic rules of the road for motorists, motorcyclists, cyclists, pedestrians, passengers and other road users. The purpose of a single national set of road rules is to provide uniformity across Australia so that people are not confronted with different requirements as they travel from one state or territory to another. Harmony of rules across jurisdictions is common sense, and it something the MRASA and AMC have been working on for years.
National Road Rules - 9 March 2018
	The Parliamentary Counsel's Committee (PCC) is a committee representing the drafting offices in Australia and New Zealand and provides a forum for the preparation of national uniform legislation, a forum for discussion about the development of legislation and the management of those drafting offices, and an IT Forum for those drafting offices. On the 5th February 2018 there was a new release of a consolidated version of the Australian Road Rules. These were approved by the Transport and Infrastructure Council and published by the Parliamentary Counsel's Committee. These rules are a national model law and are intended to provide the basis for nationally consistent road rules. These rules do not, by themselves, have any legal effect. Some of the laws have already been adopted in part or fully in various Australian jurisdictions, however these represent a basis for harmonious laws, for each jurisdiction to adopt. The document includes items for: ARR270 (wearing motor bike helmets) ARR271 (motorcycle control) ARR297 (proper control) ARR299 (VDU's) ARR300 (use of mobile phones) In relation to ARR270, compliance of a helmet is at the point of manufacture, with mention of not compromising the helmet's outer shell. The MRASA wish to congratulate the AMC (especially Guy Stanford and Rob Salvatore) for many years of hard work of which the MRASA proudly funds and supports. View the full ARR publication from the PCC View the AMC press release View motorbikewriters article from 9 March
Proposed Changes to the GLS in South Australia - 1 February 2018
	The Hon Minister Chris Picton MP called a meeting of the Motorcycle Reference Group in December 2017 for members to discuss and suggest options to reduce motorcyclist fatalities. Changes to the Graduated Licensing System (GLS) was just ONE of the measures discussed. A GLS is a countermeasure that has been successful in reducing the risk of crashes among novice drivers. A GLS works by imposing restrictions on novice drivers/riders and gradually lifting them as the drivers/riders progress through the different phases of the system. In this way, driving/riding experience is obtained initially in conditions of low risk, with more challenging conditions only encountered once a driver has reached a particular level of experience and maturity. The Centre for Automotive Safety Research (CASR) has been researching a revised GLS for quite some time. CASR presented their research and recommendations for proposed changes to the GLS at the MRG meeting held on 29 January 2018. The report is titled 'Recommendations for a Graduated Licensing System for Motorcyclists in South Australia'. Members then were invited to ask questions and make some initial comments. The minister has publicised the CASR report and is seeking feedback. A public consultation phase has now commenced and concluded. More information is available from the MRASA GLS changes page.
Proposed New SA Laws - Drink and Drug Driving - 15 January 2018
	The Hon Minister Chris Picton MP announced via a letter to the MRASA proposed laws that were approved by the South Australian Parliament on 29th November 2017. This was part of the Statutes Amendment (Drink and Drug Driving) Bill 2017. Unlike alcohol-related road fatalities, the number of drivers and riders killed in road crashes who are testing positive to drugs is not decreasing. Over the last five years (2012-2016), and average of 24 percent of drivers and riders killed on SA roads tested positive to cannabis, methyl amphetamine or ecstasy or a combination of these drugs. The MRASA supports higher penalties for road users who do not respect the safety of others. Repeat offenders with a blatant disregard for their own safety and safety of others must be held accountable. The new laws aimed at reducing the incidence of drug driving and improving road safety for all road users. The changes include: From 22 February 2018 The roadside drug testing process will be streamlined so that only one screening test rather than two will be undertaken by Police. From 8 March 2018 Penalties for a first drug driving offence will increase Licence disqualification periods imposed for repeat drug driving offences will increase The penalties for refusal or failure to undertake a drug screening test, oral fluid analysis or blood test will increase From 24 April 2018 A driver detected drug or drink driving (0.08 BAC and above) with a child aged under 16 years in the car must show they are not dependent before being re-licensed Drink and drug drivers required to undertake a dependency assessment will have the option to complete a treatment program The penalty for driving unlicensed at the end of the disqualification period, if the driver did not show they are not dependent on alcohol and drugs will increase More information is available from the towards zero together website.
Federal Minister's ABS Media Release - 1 December 2017
	The Federal Minister for Urban Infrastructure Paul Fletcher approved the Australian Design Rule and said the requirements will ensure new motorcycles sold in Australia feature the same life-saving braking technologies currently required in Europe, Japan and a number of other major markets around the world. Here is a link to the original Media Release. "Research has shown that Anti-lock Braking Systems (ABS) and Combined Braking Systems (CBS) can reduce motorcycle related road trauma in Australia by more than 30 per cent." Mr Fletcher said. "With motorcycles currently the fastest growing vehicle type, widespread fitment of this safety technology will make a real impact on reducing fatalities on Australia's roads each year by ensuring that the safest motorcycles are made available to Australians at the lowest cost." The introduction of advanced braking systems for motorcycles was agreed to under action item 16c of the National Road Safety Strategy 2011-2020, and action item 7 of the National Road Safety Action Plan 2015-17.
Lane Filtering reminder...
	Reminder - Lane Filtering has been legal in South Australia since 15 April 2017 South Australian law addressing lane filtering specifically states: speed limited to 30kph cannot use bicycle, bus or tram lanes no passing between vehicles and kerb no filtering at roundabouts not in school zones during school hours only for riders on a full licence
Australian Motorcycle Council backs protective clothing research - 3 October 2017
	The Australian Motorcycle Council (AMC) has welcomed a major step forward in plans to introduce a ratings system for protective clothing. Motorcyclists around Australia and New Zealand will soon have access to more information about the safety of protective clothing with the formation of a working group and commencement of a pilot program at Deakin University. In an historic collaboration, the Australian Motorcycle Council has joined with road agencies, motoring clubs and other stakeholders from across Australia and New Zealand to develop a ratings system for the protective clothing worn by riders. AMC chairman Shaun Lennard commented: "The Australian Motorcycle Council has backed this plan for eight years and it's great news that it's now underway. Importantly, the AMC is at the table as a member of the working group as this ground-breaking project progresses." With more than 10,500 motorcycle riders admitted to hospital with serious injuries over the past five years in New South Wales alone, improving the quality of the protective equipment and clothing could have a significant impact on this trauma. A 12-month pilot program has started with Deakin University, where some of the clothing currently available to riders is being tested at its Waurn Ponds campus. Informational links below. AMC media release AMC Protective Clothing Position Statement Article on MCNews The AMC supports the UN Decade of Action for Road Safety 2011-2020. The MRASA actively supports the activities of the AMC.
MCC of NSW post helmet videos - 18 October 2017
	With all the confusion around helmets and helmet laws, MCC of NSW arranged funds from Transport for NSW to clarify some issues and move discussions away from 'stupid laws' and onto a proper discussion about helmets. The MCC of NSW have produced the following three videos: WHICH helmet do I wear in Australia? HOW do I fit a helmet? WHAT can a helmet do for me? The videos are available from the MCC of NSW website whom like the MRASA are a member of the AMC.
Australian Community Attitudes to Road Safety Management - September 2017
	Australia's first National Road Safety Strategy was established by federal, state and territory transport Ministers in 1992. It provided a framework for national collaboration on road safety improvement that has evolved over the last two decades. Our last national strategy, for the period 2001 to 2010, aimed to achieve a 40 per cent reduction in the per capita rate of road deaths. We fell some way short of the target - recording an actual reduction of 34 per cent - but we strengthened our commitment to national action on road safety issues and made significant gains in many areas. Under the 2001-2010 strategy, Australia was one of the first countries to formally adopt the Safe System approach to road safety improvement. The Safe System approach takes a holistic view of the road transport system and the interactions of its various elements. It aspires to create a road transport system in which human mistakes do not result in death or serious injury. This National Road Safety Strategy (NRSS) 2011-2020 aims to elevate Australia's road safety ambitions through the coming decade and beyond. The MRASA invite motorcyclists and the public to review the NRSS 2011-2020 and then participate in a survey that aims to develop a scale of community attitudes towards the road safety measures (or interventions/strategies) contained in the national strategy. Links provided below. The survey is confidential. No individual participant will be identified to a third party. The results will only be used as aggregate outcomes. Once analysed, the data will be destroyed. The survey is being conducted by Dr Joao Canoquena who is the person solely responsible for the accuracy, acceptability and functionality of the survey. Any issues with the survey should be directed to costa.canoquena@hdr.qut.edu.au or jcanoquena@hotmail.com. Australian National Road Safety Strategy 2011-2020 (122 pages) Survey - Australian Community Attitudes to Road Safety Management
Before you head out for a ride - 23 September 2017
	The MRASA is concerned about the 2017 fatality statistics, and wish to urge riders to take more care. MRASA Road Safety officer Mr Ebi Lux was quoted by the Advertiser in a article on motorcycle fatalities regarding some typical pre-ride checks. This time of year seasonal riders will be dusting off their bikes and getting back out on the road. The weather is warming up enticing riders to blow out some cobwebs and get some fresh air. Before you head out, you should go through a few checks to help you enjoy the ride and arrive home alive. Make sure the motorcycle is registered, roadworthy and is serviced Adjust the controls of the motorcycle to be comfortable. Check the mirrors are clean and adjusted Ensure all lights are working, are clean and can be clearly seen Check your tyres are in good condition and have tread at least 1.5mm deep. Check the sidewalls of the tyres to be free of cracks or bumps. Ensure the tyres are at the correct pressure for the road surface Check the chain (or belt) has the right tension, and is well lubricated Check fluids - fuel, coolant, engine oil and brake fluids. Don't forget yourself, be well hydrated, take water for the ride, stop and rest at regular intervals Wear protective gear, all the gear, all the time (atgatt). Cover exposed skin. You will need a good helmet (approved of course), purpose made riding gloves, jacket, pants and footwear Be in the right headspace, ride defensively and ride to return. Your survival depends on your full concentration on the road. If fatigued or you cannot concentrate fully, don't ride. Allow enough time to make stops, do not be in a rush to get somewhere Do not ride if you have had any alcohol or drugs, these can seriously impair your response times, riding abilities and hazard perception Portions of the information above are attributed to The Rider's Handbook from mylicence.sa.gov.au
SAPOL publishes safety tips for motorcycle riders - 4 October 2017
	After a recent increase in motorcycle deaths on our roads, authorities have teamed up to make an announcement to the public on motorcycling safety. Also in attendance at the Operation Safe Hills 2017-2018 announcement by Assistant Commissioner Bronwyn Killmier was Mick Doohan and Matt Hanton, MAC Road Safety Communications Manager. Other safety announcements were made by Road Safety Minister Chris Picton and the RAA. Below are some tips SAPOL announced at the announcement. Traffic and road surfaces change quickly. Don't rely on being seen: stay alert, look ahead and check your mirrors to see what's happening around you - don't take risks. Always check mirrors and blind spots before changing position on the road. Keep to the speed limit and adjust your speed downwards to the prevailing road conditions. Always keep a safe following distance: three seconds in normal conditions, six seconds in wet weather or other poor conditions. Look out for bumps, pot holes, loose gravel, wet leaves or other problems with road surfaces. Steel road plates, manhole covers and painted lane lines can become slippery in rain. Make sure your motorcycle is in good condition. Tyres should be the right pressure and not worn or damaged. Brakes, controls and lights should be checked regularly. Mirrors should be checked and adjusted every trip. Be seen: the brighter your protective clothing, the easier you are to see. Use reflective stripes or tape on helmets, gloves, jackets; particularly at night or in poor weather. Wearing an approved helmet is the law and it could save your life. Always wear the right helmet for your head size; buy the safest you can find for you and your passenger. Link to the announcement of Operation Safe Hills 2017-2018.
Proposed amendments to the Australian Road Rules - 27 June 2017
	The National Transport Commission (NTC) has released the latest package of proposed amendments to the Australian Road Rules (ARRs) for public consultation. The proposed changes aim to harmonise the road rules across the States and Territories to improve road user safety. Key changes in the latest package of proposed amendments include: New rule to allow lane filtering in those jurisdictions whose road rules do not currently provide for lawful lane filtering Amending the definition of 'Approved motor bike helmet' New load restraint requirements to improve clarity about legal obligations Updating technology-based terminology for rules that govern the use of visual display units and mobile phones New rules that impose restrictions on drivers' use of 'bus only' lanes The draft amendments and a document explaining all of the proposed changes are available on the NTC website and links below have been provided for your information. Any individual or organisation can make a submission to the NTC on the proposed amendments. The public consultation period is open until Friday, 11 August 2017 and feedback may be submitted online at www.ntc.gov.au. Draft Amendments (pdf) Explanation of Proposed Changes (pdf) The Media Release issued by the NTC
Helmet Mounted Cameras - 17 June 2017
	The MRASA believes there is no need for South Australian legislation to allow cameras to be mounted on motorcycle or pushbike helmets. SAPOL, DPTI and MAC have all indicated that helmet cameras is not an issue in South Australia. We wouldn't stand in the way of it, but think there are more pressing things to focus on. It has been an issue in both Victoria and New South Wales where riders were booked for them. The AMC (Australian Motorcycle Council) worked with Maurice Blackburn to have a test case in each state contested. Both riders won in court. Provided the helmet is not damaged by the mounting of a camera and the mount is designed to break away, the helmet is fit for use. Camera's can be mounted on helmets but the helmet must not be damaged in the process. A point that is not well enough understood is; the approved helmet standard referenced in the road rules is written for the design and manufacture of the helmet. It is not an in-service standard. The MRASA is not aware of any South Australian rider being booked for a camera being safely mounted on a motorcycle helmet. We are more than willing to support a test case if it is needed. Phil McClelland - President
National Road Rules - April 2017
	The MRASA supports national road rules bringing consistency across borders. Each state can introduce new legislation that often do not conform to the rest of the nation. Lane filtering laws are a prime example of this, where there are minor differences in each state. It is difficult for every rider to be across every minor difference when travelling interstate. This is why it is important to have consistent laws across the nation. The MRASA actively support the work of the AMC who are now well positioned to represent all riders and lobby at a national level to achieve uniformity. This is a lengthy process and is now gathering momentum, you may have noticed some activity in the media on this. The National Transport Commission together with the Australian Road Rules Maintenance Advisory Group are players at the national level.
Lane Filtering Legislation - Effective from 15 April 2017
	Minister Malinauskas MLC has announced that lane filtering will be legal in South Australia as from the 15th April 2017. The Department of Planning Transport and Infrastructure has launched a video and will be running an educational campaign to help all road users understand the new laws. The Motorcycle Riders' Association welcome the introduction of lane filtering for motorcycles. This is the culmination of a lot of hard work over many years by many groups and individuals. We thank the minister for introducing legislation which will improve road safety for motorcycle riders. We now encourage all road users to understand the changes to the SA Road Rules. Here are some links to the relevant information. Lane Filtering state matrix - which state allows what Government News Release from Minister Malinauskas Government Gazette outlining the new clause 11C Page from mylicence website containing DPTI video
MRASA Achievements and Projects
	The MRASA achievements and projects listing is in a prelimary state of delivery. We look forward to your feedback on the contents of this page.
ICE - This could save your life
	In Case of Emergency (ICE) is a program that enables first responders, such as paramedics, firefighters, and police officers, as well as hospital personnel, to contact the next of kin of the owner of a working mobile phone to obtain important medical or support information. The phone entry or entries are intended to supplement or complement written information in a wallet or on a marked bracelet or necklace. The MRASA have recently been made aware of a Council in NSW promoting the use of an information card to have on your person that can be used by emergency services personnel in the event of an emergency. This card would ideally be stored in your wallet. If you possess a mobile phone and carry it with you when motorcycling, the ICE method would fit the same purpose. To use the ICE method, simply add an entry into your phone contacts. Set the first name to ICE, leave the surname blank, set the company to be the name of the person and their relationship to you (Mary - Wife). You can store multiple ICE entries by giving each a number suffix, i.e. ICE1, ICE2, etc. Emergency services personnel can then access these entries to find out who to contact in a medical emergency. If you are using an iPhone, you can simply ask SIRI for your 'ICE contact' and in most cases this will be displayed even without unlocking the phone. For security purposes, many mobile phone owners now lock their mobiles, requiring a passcode to be entered in order to access the device. This hinders the ability of first responders to access the ICE phone list entry. In response to this problem, many device manufacturers have provided a mechanism to specify some text or an image to be displayed while the mobile is in the locked state. Some devices will let you enter contact and other information in a 'Medical ID' that can be accessed from the emergency screen of your mobile device. This method provides additional fields for you to include allergies, medicines and other medical details that may save your life in the event of an emergency. This information is freely available without requiring the passcode to be entered. There are plenty of resources on the Internet to guide you through the setup on your particular device. If you need more information, please Email us via our contacts page.
Accident Scene
	If a motorcyclist is involved in a crash, in most cases it is best to leave their helmet on as it provides support to the head and neck. Only remove the helmet if the casualty is unconscious, is vomiting, has severe head injuries and/or bleeding. Removing a helmet needs to be done by a trained person. First responders will almost always think it is important to remove the helmet. To help inform first responders NOT to remove your helmet, you can affix a sticker. The MRASA produced a run of these stickers over a decade ago, and they were all distributed. These stickers are also currently available from FAFM, and one is provided as part of attending their first aid course. The MRASA has decided this should be available to all South Australian motorcyclists, so at the 2016 Toy Run the MRASA will be handing out FREE helmet stickers. Be sure to get yours if you want one. An MRASA initiative for the safety of all motorcyclists.
Returning Rider Course Announced - 15 September 2015
	The MRASA is pleased to inform you the Minister for Road Safety has announced that the Rider Safe Returning Rider Course will be available from 26 September 2015. The Rider Safe Returning Rider Course is a voluntary course tailored for motorcycle licence holders who wish to refresh their riding skills. The course will be conducted primarily at the St Agnes and Murray Bridge Rider Safe training ranges with country courses operating subject to demand. The MRASA has been a strong advocate for this course for many years. We have worked to put this on the Government agenda for a long time, years of efforts have finally come to fruition. Motorcycle riders may be at greatest risk of being involved in a crash when they resume riding after an extended period of not riding, particularly if they are riding a more powerful or different style motorcycle than the one they used to ride in the past. Although the number of motorcyclist serious road casualties has shown a downward trend, each year motorcyclists have become a larger part of serious road casualties - up from 11% in 2005 to 17% in 2014. It is likely that some of the people seriously injured were returning riders. The course covers issues such as safe braking and cornering techniques, hazard perception, protective clothing, vehicle technology such as Antilock Braking Systems and responsibilities regarding carrying a pillion passenger. The course is conducted over half a day at the department's Rider Safe motorcycle training ranges and costs $116. Here is a link to the Minister's news release. Here is a link for more information about the about the Rider Safe Returning Rider Course.
MRASA Tips for Riders - 29 July 2014
	MAC will be promoting a campaign in early September to coincide with the winter lay-off riders returning to the road - the 'seasonal riders' whose skills may be rusty or lacking. The MAC asked our road safety officer Neville Gray to provide '10 top tips' to go on their website and to be possibly promoted through other media. Look for other road users that are not looking for you. Ride conspicuously and never in blind spots. Never assume that the other vehicle will stop. Riders, unlike car drivers with aids such as air bags, collapsible steering columns and the stability of four wheels, only have their hazard perception and avoidance skills and their protective clothing to make them safer. Always wear good quality protective clothing from your head to your feet. Protect your extremities with helmet, gloves and leg and arm protection in all weather conditions. Most cars can stop quicker than most motorcycles especially in emergency situations. Therefore always keep a 3 second gap to the vehicle in front of you. Always perform a head check before changing lanes. Just looking in your mirrors is not good enough. It is vital to ride at a speed to suit the prevailing conditions. In bad weather, this could mean at a speed under the posted speed limit. Riding under the influence of alcohol and drugs is plain suicidal. You need all of your faculties at a high level to successfully ride a motorcycle. Don't forget the safety of your pillion as well as your own. They too need good protective clothing and be informed about the dynamics of a motorcycle and know how to assist by being a good pillion. Never lend your motorcycle to riders who are unlicensed or inexperienced. Intersections are high risk areas. Slow down when approaching an intersection and be ready to avoid a possible collision.
Meetings
	We welcome all interested people to attend our General Meetings. See the Meetings page for more details. MRASA Committee & General Meetings are held at the hall of Motorcycling South Australia, 251 The Parade Beulah Park.
Interesting Links
	We have posted a few new items on the Links page, including a link to the LAMS approved motorcycle list, and a link to the World Health Organization global road safety report 2013. Use the About menu above or access the Links page here.
Motorcycling Fact Sheet - Roadworthiness
	We are providing a copy of the Motorcycling Fact Sheet as published by the DPTI for the benefit of members and the motorcycling public. Our aim is to publicise a readily available document in the interests of ensuring our members understand the minimum requirements for their bike to be roadworthy. If by following the guidelines a member finds their bike needs work, the potential saving is about $500 ($350 fine for riding an unroadworthy vehicle and at least $150 fee for the inspection to certify the defect has been fixed) and then there is the demerit points and possible time off work to attend the assessment to be considered as well.