The Enemies Within

I have briefly discussed the bickering and lack of cohesion when it comes to representation of motorcyclists here in Victoria. It seems things are getting worse, not only for the State of Victoria but for the whole of Australia.

In a recent issue of Australian Motorcycle News (Volume 58, No 5, 3-16 September 2008) it was reported that Motorcycling Australia (MA) has been appointed to the Federal Government’s primary consultative committee on motorcycle safety, the Transport Safety Bureau’s Motorcycle Safety Consultative Council (MSCC). Dan Rotman, manager of MA‘s Riders’ Division, is to be the MA representative on the MSCC.

Some of you may ask, “Well what is wrong with this? Surely it is a win for motorcyclists to get MA on board?".

I have an issue with people whom purport to represent motorcyclists, claim to be a motorcyclist and yet do not ride nor own a motorcycle. But I understand some people may think, “If they represent us well, why should we care?”.

So consider this: how can someone fully understand the problems facing riders every day if they themselves do not face them?

When was the last time you owned a motorcycle, Mr Rotman? At a recent MRA (Vic) meeting I observed many things that convinced me the MRA isn’t adequately representing riders’ interests, but at least all its Committee members ride!

So what is MA anyway? MA is the governing body of motorcycle sport in Australia. Its core business is to develop the rules and regulations of motorcycle sport, and to represent its members. Anyone who wishes to become involved in motorcycle sport must join MA as a member; the organisation claims to have a membership of approximately 26,000 strong membership.

In other words, this is a body whose principal reason for existence – to regulate motorcycle sport in Australia – is of no relevance at all to motorcycle safety on the road.

It should be acknowledged that MA launched a ‘Riders’ Division’ relatively recently, to cater for non-competition motorcyclists. But how many Riders’ Division members are there? Who does the Riders’ Division purport to represent?

It is quite possible the size of MA’s membership contributed to the decision to appoint MA to the MSCC. But one must ask how many MA members actually ride on the road, given that many people who race bikes do so as a hobby and do not own a road bike. It can be inferred that a sizeable number of MA’s 26,000 members are competitors who joined simply to get a racing licence from MA. If that is so, what does MA have to offer a government committee working to improve motorcycle safety on public roads?

Very little, it would seem. Yet the MA is now a member of the Federal Government’s peak body dealing with motorcycle safety.

The situation here in Victoria is just as interesting. Currently the Victorian Motorcycle Advisory Council (VMAC) invites motorcycle bodies to join as members. One member body is a group referred to as the Victorian Motorcycle Council (VMC). So…who or what is the VMC?

If you perform a Google search, the only references to the VMC you will find are on the VMAC website, where a Mr. Detlef Lamp is listed as the VMC representative on VMAC.

I ask Mr. Lamp these questions: What is the VMC? Who are its members? What are the grounds for its membership of VMAC? What is its position on rider’s rights, and how was that position reached? How can the VMC purport to represent motorcyclists on the VMAC yet have a public profile that is virtually non-existent?

Moreover, what is your role with the MRA (Vic)? What are the implications of that role for the VMC as an independent organisation?

Yet again we can see the lack of cohesion that exists within the motorcycling community. We have too many groups claiming to represent riders, diluting our impact and power base. This is why we at Countersteering look to the MCCNSW and AMC models of representation as the ONLY way forward here in Victoria.

We need to be united if we are to flex our considerable political muscle. We need to involve motorcycle manufacturers and motorcycle dealers. We need to have a single clear and consistent message. Only then shall we win the outcomes we deserve.

As always feel free to contact us via a comment or email us a countersteering@optusnet.com.au

Dave and the Countersteering group

Your Response

Thanks to all those people, who have over the last month decided to have a look at this humble blog and read what we have had to say. Over the next month we hope to announce a major development in our "Push for a Change of Direction.

Since the launch of this blog, we have had some media coverage with ACMN magazine, once in a sidebar article and a mention in Mick Matheson's editorial (Vol 58 No 4 20 Aug - 2 Sep 2008) of which we are chuffed at and hope it has made people think about who represents them.

We have also had comments on our blog articles, some of which I cannot repeat, but I would like to respond to one here as an article. The comment was made by a chap called "Pete". I tried to respond directly to "Pete" but the email bounced. The response was that the address ( motorcyleone@bigstring.com) didn't exist, so here is firstly Pete's unedited comment and then my reply.


From: Pete [mailto:motorcycleone@bigstring.com]
Sent: Thursday, 21 August 2008 10:16 PM
To: countersteering@optusnet.com.au
Subject: Counter Steer : Representation by Intimidation

Pete has sent you a link to a blog:

So when are you correcting your lies about the police bikes then. I notice now that the MRA has actually got VicRoads moving on the Monash problems you've suddenly discovered them. Hmm - Dave Swift - probably related to the semi-cretinous Lindsay.

My response to "Pete"

From: countersteering@optusnet.com.au
Sent: Wednesday, 27 August 200 08:27 PM
To: Pete [mailto:motorcycleone@bigstring.com]
Subject: Counter Steer : Representation by Intimidation

Thanks for your comments regarding the website and articles. To address the points you raise:

1. The comment about the police bikes you refer to was a direct copy of the communiqué from the VMAC chairman. I did not alter it in any way. Until the proposal to fund the purchase of police motorcycles from the 'Motorcycle Safety Levy' is categorically removed from the agenda I will continue to highlight that the VMAC is considering the proposal. Under no circumstances should any funds from the unfair and unjust $56 levy be used in this manner - I would like to think you share this view.

2. The purpose of the media release was twofold. First, to highlight the issue of rider safety along the M1 as a result of the roadworks. Secondly, as a counterpoint to the fact that the RACV was the only organisation approached by the media for comment.
   
   The second point is extremely important. When seeking comment on an important road safety issue affecting thousands of road users daily, the media did not think it necessary to approach the body that claims to represent the interests of all Victorian motorcyclists (the road users at greatest risk from the unsafe road conditions). Did the MRA (Vic) do anything on this issue except maintain a low profile? Where was its media release? More importantly, why hasn't the MRA positioned itself as an essential contact point for journalists writing about road safety issues?
   
   The safety risk posed by the M1 roadworks is not new. The roadworks have been underway for months, yet the MRA (Vic) only went into action on 12^th August 2008, according to a thread started by John Karmouche on the MRA (Vic) web forum. This is simply too late. Moreover, the actions of VicRoads you refer to do not represent a clear commitment to finding and implementing a solution as a matter of urgency.

3. I am no way related to or associated with Lindsay Swift. In fact I have made it clear to him that I wish to remain fully independent of him and his group. Your comment that he is “semi-cretinous” illustrates the need for effective rider representation in Victoria that is free from the emotional and historical 'baggage' of the past. Old issues and enmities serve only to divide the riding community and make it harder for motorcyclists to be properly represented. It's time to move on.

Feel free to get in touch via the website

Regards

Dave

So if you would like to comment as Pete did, simply do so via a comment to an article or email us directly.

Dave

Media Release 19th August 2008: Countersteering "A Push for a Change of Direction"

Unsafe road works pose a serious risk to Victorian motorcycle riders

A new website has been created with the goal of improving the representation of Victorian motorcycle and riders in the formulation and implementation of State transport policy. That website is www.countersteering.blogspot.com, “A Push for a Change of Direction”.

The dangerous condition of the M1 freeway as a result of the current roadworks is a clear illustration of the need for change.

In the 13^th August 2008 edition of the Herald Sun newspaper and on the Herald Sun’s website, http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun the RACV expressed concern about the road surface of the M1.

The RACV spokesperson, Mr. Brian Negus, is quoted as saying, “It’s like being caught in a rail track”. Mr Negus further comments that, “the road in the state it is, now posed a serious safety issue as well as wear-and-tear matter for cars”.

We at Countersteering heartily agree with Mr. Negus, and wish to strongly point out that the poor road surface poses an even greater safety risk for Victoria’s motorcyclists and scooter riders. Thousands of motorcycle commuters and weekend riders use the M1 each week, and have to tolerate road surfaces that are extremely dangerous in both dry and wet weather.

It appears that once again motorcyclists (an important group of vulnerable road users) have been overlooked in any analysis of the risks faced by users of the M1 while the current roadworks are undertaken.

The road surface is dangerous because the “rail track” effect on two-wheelers is more severe than it is on cars or trucks. In addition, road users may be less likely to see a motorcycle rider in time to avoid a collision if they are also having to concentrate on navigating around pot holes and through dug up sections of road.

Motorcycles and scooters are a legitimate form of transport. There are over 270,000 licensed motorcycle riders in Victoria (figures at January 2007 as published by the organisers of the 2007 Blue Line run), whose needs are regularly overlooked when roads are designed, constructed or repaired.

Countersteering calls on the Victorian Government to formulate a transport policy that properly addresses the safety requirements and other needs of motorcyclists The current M1 road works are just one illustration of how badly this is required.

From now on, ”Countersteering” will be highlighting the need for change and how matters can be improved. We will be an independent voice of reason and clarity striving to clear the fog that currently envelopes the motorcycling political landscape in Victoria.

For more information contact:

David Swift: countersteering@optusnet.com.au

Representation by Intimidation

On July the 5th a protest ride was organised in Melbourne to show those in power that motorcyclists are fed up with the lack of respect show to them when it comes to policy making, specifically:

• Front number plates
• Freeway tolling for motorcyclist on the new Eastlink road
• TAC Motorcycle "Safety Levy"

This ride was organised by a small team and motorcyclists responded with a healthy 2000+ turning up on the day, I even know of riders from NSW making the trip to stand beside their Victorian brethren in support . Channel 7 and 9 Saturday news had coverage of the ride with an opportunity for some of the participants to speak there mind, all in all a good outcome.

So what was the MRA (Vic) response...well it was interesting.

Firstly the MRA (Vic) refused to condone or support the ride. That's right, their motto might be "Let those who ride decide" but in this case they seem to have forgotten it. The MRA (Vic) board seem to be too hung up on who organised the ride (ex-President Damien Codognotto) and not focusing on the reasons why it was organised in the first place.

The reaction of the current President, John Karmouche, was to stand above on an overpass, and condemn those riders who decided for taking part.

That's right the President, of the body that claims to represent all Victorian motorcyclists - both members and non-members, knows that there is a protest ride participated in by thousands of riders, yet he doesn't turn up. He doesn't speak to his "constituents". He just stands on an overpass and watches the whole thing pass him by.

It was important enough for Stuart Strickland from Honda and VMAC, who also attended and from memory actually spoke on the day, to show his support.

Secondly a member of the MRA (Vic) thought that this protest ride and its outcomes would be ideal for the "News" section of the MRA (Vic) forums. Guess what happened...the article was not deemed newsworthy and was deleted.

Not sure of what you define as censorship, but I would say that is a classic example. Further more when this member asked the question of why it was not deemed newsworthy and removed he was then intimidated and bullied by guess who...the President (and others) of the MRA (Vic) no less.

I have been in touch personally with this person and have a record of the forum posts which show this quite clearly...even where President of the MRA (Vic) John Karmouche threatened this member directly with the words "Now - I don't want to see anything I have said here reproduced in the forum. If it does appear - I warn you that THERE WILL BE CONSEQUENCES - and I will find out who you are......."

Is this the sort of people you want representing you?

Dave

VMAC

The VMAC "Chairmans Communique" dated the 12th June 2008 was an interesting read. Mixed in amongst the drivel was the following statement:

Community policing and enforcement

"VMAC confirmed support for the funding and development of the "community policing" project which aims to increase the number of police motorcycles in action as part of a strategy to increase driver awareness of motorcyclists in general.

In relation to "policing" of errant motorcycle rider behaviour, the project also includes a substantial shift in emphasis in the police motorcycle unit from direct enforcement to training, information and education of riders to improve behaviour, skills and safety awareness.

VMAC is continuing to work with Victoria Police and VicRoads in refining the development of the education and training package and the funding proposal for additional police motorcycles."

In Victoria all riders who register a motorcycle have to pay Vic Roads a $56 levy. Firstly let's just call it for what it is...a discriminitory tax on motorcycles, Vic Roads calls it a safety levy. Firstly this was allowed to happen under the supposed "watch" by our non-representatives. Secondly as a group, motorcyclists are alone in being charged this tax. No other road user in Victoria has a levy like this.

These funds are to be used for specific programs that will improve rider safety (read more here).

Now tell me VMAC how will this money, which on your website states that it to be used for projects over and above the normal expenditure by Vic Roads and Victorian Police, in being used to buy more police bikes will improve my safety as a rider?

Don't try to tell me more cops on bikes = safer roads for bikes, the equation is not that simple. You know it, I know it and even the police and government know it (although may not admit it).

This proposal shows what little power the VMAC really has within the hollowed halls of the Victorian government and Vic Roads. The VMAC continually rollover on issues like this when instead they should stand up for all riders.

Over the coming weeks we will take a close look at the VMAC and its members to show you why OUR VOICE is lost...assuming it was ever given a chance to be heard.

Dave