Welcome to the May edition of the BRONZ newsletter. Upcoming events include a talk on Motorcycle Accident Statistics in Christchurch and a Ride RIGHT Ride SAFE course in Auckland. We also take a look at motorcycle tolls for the Northern Gateway Road and launch the BRONZ page on Facebook.
Enjoy, and keep the sunny side up.
BRONZ Meeting
The next BRONZ meeting will take place on Wednesday May 19th at 7.30pm at Danish House, Rockridge Ave, Penrose. Meetings take place once a month, on the third Wednesday of the month. We would love to see some new faces so if you wish to contribute please come along.
Northern Gateway Toll Road
The NZ Transport Agency has announced that motorcyclists will be tolled for using the Northern Gateway Toll Road on State Highway 1 north of Auckland. They claim that ‘everyone who uses the toll road enjoys the benefits of the straighter, quicker route. Motorcyclists equally benefit from the shorter travel time, safer motorway and fuel cost savings’.
BRONZ disagrees with this, given that motorcycles cause far less damage to the roads that four wheeled vehicles and carry the added bonus of easing congestion. BRONZ made a submission to this effect during the public consultation period in late 2009.
BRONZ is considering taking action to express its disappointment at the decision, but in the meantime it is worth noting that as of 1 June 2010 all motorcycles will be liable for a $2 fee for using the road.
More information here.
BRONZ on Facebook
BRONZ Wellington has recently set up a facebook page to communicate with members and spread the word about up and coming BRONZ related activities. Check it out here and feel free to join and give feedback.
57th BRONZ Blood Run
The 57th BRONZ Blood Run saw record numbers show up to donate. Thanks to all of those who took the time to help save lives, a show of over 20 people is not to be taken lightly! The next BRONZ Blood Run will take place in October.
ACC News
MR27
It’s not too late to register your motorcycle for an extra 15 months under the existing rates, just get down to the AA, an NZ Post Shop or VTNZ and pick up an MR27 form. This will allow you to register your bike for an extended period and delay the impact of the new levies until September 2011. These must be completed prior to 1st July 2010. The new ACC levies for cars and motorcycles come into effect on July 1st 2010.
No Way Nick Protest – Auckland City Compass Protest Ride
BRONZ would like to thank all those who organised and participated in the Auckland City Compass (ACC) Protest Ride on May 1st. Despite dubious weather over 100 bikes came from all corners of Auckland, converging on the Auckland Domain without any incidents. Following some inspiring speeches the ride proceeded up Queen St, grinding traffic to a halt while the sounds of revving engines and horns drew the attention of the hundreds of bystanders present. From there it was on to Mission Bay. The message was clear: ‘We are still here and we are still not satisfied: One levy for all private passenger vehicles’. $270 was also raised for Rape Crisis from donations on the day.
Contact: Anne James 0274 599 925
Next ACC Action
Keep the 27th of June free for the next big ACC event. This is the last weekend before the new levies come into play. We will keep you posted.
Events:
RRRS
Ride RIGHT Ride SAFE is a rider training course that runs once a month. Divided into alternate riding and non-riding segments, the course is made up of riding and classroom segments. Exercises in motorcycle control, counter steering, including its use for cornering, as well as exercises in braking and the theory of motorcycle control, techniques of motorcycle riding and protective gear are all included.
When: Next course May 16
Upcoming Courses: June 20, July 15
Where: Whenuapai Air Base
Cost: $60 for full day
Contact : Finn on 09 625 5533 or 027 484 6326 or bronzrrrs@hotmail.com
Motorcycle Accident Myths
Associate Professor Charles Lamb, Head Business Management, Law and Marketing and Director Australasian Institute of Motorcycles Studies Project at Lincoln University is presenting a detailed analysis of the NZ Ministry of Transport accident data that questions the commonly held view of what is causing NZ’s motorcycle accidents. A flyer for this event is attached below.
When: Tuesday 18th May, 7.30pm
Where: The Cashmere Club, 88 Hunter Terrace, Christchurch
Speed Show
When: 24 -25 July 2010
Where: ASB Showgrounds, Greenlane, Auckland
What: New Zealand’s largest motoring and motosports show. Ducati join the new motorcycle line-up this year with some very special bikes and merchandise. Triumph, Aprilia, Suzuki, Victory, Honda, Kawasaki, BMW and Royal Enfield brands are confirmed as is an extremely rare brand – Cotton Motorcycles. For more information visit http://www.speedshow.co.nz/
If you are aware of any upcoming events please contact the webmaster on bronzweb@gmail.com, with details on what and when and a contact number.
Useful Websites:
http://www.bronz.org.nz/
http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/forumdisplay.php/108-ACC-levy-campaign
http://www.bikersagainstacc.org.nz/
Aims of BRONZ:
· To Promote road safety through road user education
Education Rather Than Legislation Saves Lives
· To protect and promote the rights of the motorcyclist to decide his/her own future as a road user
Let Those Who Ride Decide
· To promote and protect the general welfare of the motorcycling public
What Does Being A Member of BRONZ Mean?
BRONZ is a voluntary, non-profit organization. Your membership fee goes back to you, the member, via research into proposed legislation and road safety, regular newsletters and other social activities (eg Toy Runs, Blood Run, Easter Egg Run).
Your membership entitles you as a member and a motorcyclist to a say in how the organization is run. You are entitled to vote on issues that will affect the future of motorcycling and you may contribute anything that you feel is important. You are not obliged to attend any meetings or other functions regularly, although to get the full benefit of what BRONZ offers it is suggested that you avail yourself to as many as possible.
Branch meetings are open to everyone, members are welcome to bring a friend.
Being a member of BRONZ does not interfere with membership of any other organization or club. As a member of BRONZ you are expected to behave in a manner that will not be detrimental to the good name of BRONZ and the image of motorcycling.
Newsletters
If you would prefer to receive the BRONZ newsletter electronically, please send an email including your name to bronzweb@gmail.com with ‘Newsletter’ in the subject line.
Contact BRONZ
BRONZ
P.O. Box 96187
Balmoral
Auckland 1342
Les Mason
Auckland President
021 781 322
Les.mason@gmail.com
Finn Nielsen
Ride RIGHT Ride SAFE Coordinator
09 625 5533
bronzrrrs@hotmail.com
Peggy O’Neal
Secretary
09 638 9227
bronzauckland@hotmail.com
John Maloyd
Webmaster
021 894 988
bronzweb@gmail.com
David Cohen
Press Officer
09 523 5308
mail@davidcohen.co.nz
