Welcome to the first BRONZ Auckland newsletter of 2011. Things are heating up down in the capital with a review of free bike parking on the council agenda. Driver licensing changes are also on the cards. Read on to find out how these will affect those of us on two wheels and how you can have your say.
BRONZ Meeting
The next BRONZ meeting will take place on Wednesday January 19th at 7.30pm at Danish House, Rockridge Ave, Penrose. Meetings usually take place once a month, on the third Wednesday of the month. We would love to see some fresh faces at our first meeting for 2011 so if you wish to contribute please come along.
Free Parking Petition
Free parking has long been one of the attractions of motorcycle riding, particularly for those who commute. Wellington City Council is currently reviewing their policy on charging for motorcycle parking. Their decision could set a precedent for other regions of the country, affecting not only Wellington riders but everyone on two wheels. BRONZ Wellington has launched a campaign to 'Keep Wellington a Motorcycle Friendly City, keep our parking as it is!'
Riders from all regions, take a moment to add your name to the petition and ensure that riding continues to be a cheap and viable option.
Submission on Driver Licensing Amendment
BRONZ Auckland recently submitted on proposed changes to the Land Transport (Driver Licensing) Amendment [2011] Rule 91001/7. The proposed amendments were on the whole beneficial and positive, and BRONZ Auckland believes they will be supported by the majority of motorcyclists. Our submission (full document attached) included the following points:
- BRONZ Auckland support the introduction of a LAMS based scheme, basing learner legal bikes on power-to-weight ratios rather than the current limit of 250cc and below
- BRONZ Auckland support scrapping the 70km/h speed limit for learners
- BRONZ Auckland do not object to introduction of a new 6M licence class for mopeds. This would put an end to car drivers riding mopeds on their Class 1 car licence.
- BRONZ Auckland believes that testers for motorcycle licence tests should be required to have a motorcycle licence themselves
BRONZ Auckland has also submitted on the proposed motorway to Wellsford, advocating no tolls for bikes, no ‘cheesecutter’ wire rope barriers and not opposing having no exit at Puhoi. And in other news, Auckland Transport is yet to add a motorcycle to their logo list of transport modes. We are currently working to have this oversight rectified.
BRONZ Toy Run
Thanks to everyone who turned up to support the BRONZ toy run on December 4th. The Salvation Army really appreciated the support of all the riders who provided some Christmas cheer to the children who would otherwise have gone without gifts.
Blood Donations
Regular BRONZ blood runs take place in April and November but most people are eligible to donate four times a year. With the next run three months away, now is the time to get down to a blood centre and submit to your mid-BRONZ-runs bleed. The Auckland University Scooter and Motorcycle Club are having their regular donation next week, BRONZ members are invited to come along too.
When: Tuesday 19th November 2011, 5-7pm
Where: Blood Centre, Great South Road (Behind Dilworth School)
Why: For the chocolate bikkies. For the bragging rights. To help save lives.
Contact: Stephen Dodge, 021 268 5528
Local Road Safety
Noticed loose gravel, slippery tar snakes, pot holes or a diesel spill on a nearby road? Report road hazards to the relevant agency and help protect yourself and others from the danger. The contacts for Auckland are listed below. BRONZ also has business cards with this information on them available upon request.
NZ Transport Agency: 0800 444 449 1(North Island)0800 444 449 2(South Island) www.nzta.govt.nzManukau City Council: 09 262 5104 www.manukau.govt.nzWaitakere City Council: 09 839 0400 www.waitakere.govt.nzAuckland City Council: 09 370 2020 www.aucklandcity.govt.nzNorth Shore City Council: 09 486 8600 www.northshorecity.govt.nz
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 March 20
Where: Whenuapai Air Base
Cost: $60 for full day
Contact : Finn on 09 625 5533 or 027 484 6326 or bronzrrrs@hotmail.com
When: 21st - 23rd Jan & 28th - 30th Jan
Where: Hampton Downs
Prices start from $49.50 for one day
What: Classics Festival
When: 4th, 5th, 6th Feb
Where: Pukekohe Park Raceway
$30 for 3 days
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. Alternatively you can contact BRONZ via P.O. Box 96187, Balmoral, Auckland, 1342
BRONZ Blog
News updates will also be posted here. The blog includes direct links to the BRONZ Auckland website
Useful Links:
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.
Contact BRONZ Auckland
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
Hanne Nielsen
Newsletter
021 057 0749
hanne@kiwibiker.co.nz
