Welcome to the March 2011 edition of the BRONZ Auckland newsletter. This month we outline recent submissions made by BRONZ Auckland and gear up for three more upcoming events. Enjoy the last of the Golden Weather and keep the Sunny Side Up!
BRONZ Meeting
The next BRONZ meeting will take place on Wednesday March 16th 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.
BRONZ Behind The Scenes
BRONZ regularly submits on new pieces of legislation which directly or indirectly affect motorcycles. This update from the latest BRONZ flyer outlines what BRONZ has been submitting on of late:
Vehicle Noise
We have made submissions on vehicle noise, highlighting motorcycle-specific issues.
As a result of all the submissions, more notice has been taken of after market systems, and their ability to be approved, not just the Original Equipment Manufacturers.
Motorcycle Headlights on during the day
We have made submissions on the recent law requiring motorcycle headlights to be on during the day. As a result of these submissions, older motorcycles were granted an exemption from the law.
Safety Barriers
We have made submissions on all manner of road furniture, from Wire Rope Barriers (cheesecutters) to ARMCO and concrete barriers. These submissions resulted in meetings with Roading Engineers and ensured the authorities are aware of the concerns motorcyclists have with Wire Rope Barriers and with road furniture in general.
Driver Licensing Amendment
We have made a submission covering all the points of this proposed amendment that affect, motorcyclists, either directly, or indirectly. The amendment covers everything from learner legal motorcycles to requiring motorcycle licence testers to hold a motorcycle licence themselves. For a full explantion of the points covered and to view the BRONZ submission visit our website.
Free Parking Petition
The Free Parking petition is open until April 11th so if you have not yet signed your name to it click here http://www.wellington.govt.nz/haveyoursay/e-petitions/ep/details/147
to do so or to share it with your friends and colleagues.
Why? 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
http://www.bronzwellington.org.nz/
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.
You can also spread the link via our BRONZ facebook page.
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 the new Auckland Transport are listed below and the ‘report a hazard’ link is on the front page of their site.
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.nz
Auckland Transport (09) 355 3553 http://www.aucklandtransport.govt.nz/
Events:
Christchurch Earthquake Appeal Ride
When: Saturday March 19th.
Departs: 10:30am from Dairy Flat BP on the Northern Motorway.
Arrives: 11:30 am at the Muddy Waters Tavern in Mercer
Donation: $10 per Bike
With tributes and support coming in from around the world, now is the time to show how much we care about our own.
There are thousands of Kiwis in Christchurch that need assistance now more than ever.
A cash donation from bikers in the North Island will indeed help some of those who are going through desperate times.
All we are asking for is a $10 donation from each Bike.
The Appeal funds collected will be forwarded to the Salvation Army Earthquake appeal.
59th BRONZ Blood Run
When: Tuesday, 19 April, 2011, 6pm-8pm
Where: Blood Donor Centre, Great South road (Behind Dilworth School)
What: Mass blood donation. Badges will be for sale for $10
20th BRONZ Easter Egg Run
When: Saturday, 16 April, 2011
Departs: Sylvia Park Shopping Centre 1100
What: Bring along an Easter egg to donate to children who would otherwise go without. Badges will be for sale for $10.
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
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
All the BRONZ newsletters are now available online here at http://bronzcoms.blogspot.com/
News updates will also be posted here. The blog includes direct links to the BRONZ Auckland website
Useful Links:
BRONZ Auckland
KiwiBiker discussion forum
Bikers Against ACC
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
