Protest Rally

The following was received from Damien Codognotto (former head of the M.R.A.)

Please pass the October 29 protest ride assembly areas on to as many
riders as you can.

Three things.

1. The Melbourne Age ran the pothole story.

http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/grand-prix-fans-at-risk-on-damaged-roads-motorcyclists-warn-20121023-283l2.html

The Independent Riders' Group's Dale Maggs was interviewed by Red
Simons on ABC Radio 774. He also did interviews on 3AW News and 3YB which
covers the south west of the state. Dale raised the "Bracks tax"
too.

2. Since the IRG route survey of the main route to Phillip Island on
Thursday, October 18, and the following media exposure, VicRoads has made
an astonishing effort to patch the long-offending potholes on the Bass
Highway.

The IRG did another route survey on Tuesday, October 24. In just five days,
over a weekend, VicRoads has patched the worst potholes on the road. The
Bass Highway is safer than it was a week ago but it's not pretty and not
smooth and the work does not look permanent.

And the fact that the work was done makes Minister Mulder's excuses about
the poor condition of too many roads across Victoria's a bit thin. The
IRG maintains that if VicRoads cut a lot of the waste in the areas of road
barriers and signage there would be a lot more money for road surface
maintenance and repairs.

3. Responses to the October 29 protest rally in Melbourne have been very
positive. Three groups will ride to the city for the rally the day after
the GP. The rally, among other things, is protesting against recent moves
to force motorcycle & scooter riders to wear high visibility vests,
make government approved protective gear compulsory and bring back front
number plates.

Three groups will ride to the city. All motorcycle & scooter riders are
invited to join them at the assembly areas or en route.

CRANBOURNE: The ride will be led by Johnny Gee in the Antique
Motorcycles truck - 0439 393 912. www.antiquemotorcycle.com.au Riders will
assemble in the car park next to the BP service station. As you come
through Cranbourne heading for Melbourne you pass the Centro shopping
centre on the left, then the car park, then the BP. The route will be up the
Monash Freeway. The ride departs at 11am.

CAMPBELLFIELD: The ride will be led by Anthony. Contact Leah - 0433
908 545. The assembly area is in the Kmart car park at 1434 Sydney Road,
Campbellfield. The route will be down Sydney Road past Highway
31 and Harley City to Royal Parade. There will be a short stop by the park
to regroup. Thyen on to the Haymarket roundabout, Peel Street past
Garner's Hire Bikes then left into A'beckett Street. The ride departs the
Kmart car park at 11am.

HEALESVILLE: The ride will be led by Heather - 0425 720 193. The
assembly area is at AJs Cafe - 5962 2662. www.ajsmotocafe.com.au
335 Maroondah Highway, Healesville. The route will be down the
Maroondah Highway through Lilydale to Springvale Road. Turn right on
Springvale then left onto the Eastern Freeway. The ride departs AJs at 10am.
There will be a short stop in Lilydale opposite the Olinda Hotel to pick up
riders.

CARLTON: This ride is organised by the Victorian Scooter Riders
Association. www.vicscooterriders.com.au The contact is Steve on
0409 848 428. The assembly area is Argyle Square in Lygon Street from 11am.
The ride departs at 11.40am.

Damien Codognotto OAM
Independent Riders' Group
Melbourne

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