Media Releases - 2009
Rider safety focus at Australian Motorcycle Expo Gold Coast
Police-led initiative Bike Safe is just one of a number of safety features that will be be presented to visitors at the Australian Motorcycle Expo Gold Coast which opens this Friday.
Sergeant Bradyn Murphy, who runs the course in the local area, joined a number of Australia's leading freestyle motocross riders at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre this morning to help spread a vital message.
Kain Saul, Matty McFerran and Brad Burch, all in their mid-20's, represent one of the age groups most at risk and lent their own experience and advice to the cause.
Sgt Murphy, who has been riding motorcycles for over 38 years, said education and awareness were factors that required the most focus.
"I've been performing traffic duty on motorcycles for over 20 years and the senseless death and destruction is incredibly hard to take," he said.
"I started Bike Safe on the Gold Coast to help educate riders regardless of age or level of experience.
"The program covers issues such as rider attitude, road position, hazard perception, cornering and overtaking. We also cover the basics of braking and use of gears."
Sgt Murphy said the use of high-profile riders to promote the program at the Australian Motorcycle Expo would add more impact to the message.
"These guys have been riding for much of their lives and do it for a living, but they still recognise the importance of responsible riding and remaining aware at all times."
Saul said despite his daredevil day job - he recently became the first person in the world to backflip a Harley-Davidson - he would take no chances when it came to safety on the roads.
"We work and perform in a close, controlled environment which has been created to be as safe as it can be for riders," said Saul.
"On the road it is a different story, there are so many hazards and distractions. Anyone can benefit from participating in the Bike Safe program and either learning new skills or refreshing themselves with the basics."
Saul, along with Showtime Yamaha FMX teammates McFerran and Burch, will perform across all three days of the event.
Australian Motorcycle Expo Gold Coast Event Manager Mark Petersen said the exhibition would offer a range of safety features and demonstrations to visitors.
"We are pleased to team up with Sergeant Bradyn Murphy and Bike Safe for the event, he will delver a very important message direct to those most affected," said Petersen.
"In addition there will be regular on-stage presentations by Survive the Ride with models showing off the latest in safety gear and accessories plus a display by the Gold Coast City Council's SMART rider program."
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