Join free workshops available from Wollongong to Bega

Shellharbour City Council is coordinating a series of five free Survive the Ride Motorcycle Safety Workshops across six Local Government Areas and will be available in Shellharbour and Kiama, Wollongong, Shoalhaven, Eurobodalla and Bega.

The first workshop will be held at the Shellharbour Civic Centre on Saturday 12 November.

The workshops will be presented by David Tynan, a motorcyclist and committee member of the NSW Survive the Ride Association. They are suitable for both new and experienced riders.

The workshops will focus on:
•    Key decisions for managing common challenges for motorcyclists such as cornering, riding in groups/traffic and staying alert.
•    The various elements of riding posture for each type of bike – cruisers, sports, scooters, etc. 
•    Reducing personal risks, acknowledging the little mistakes and making a plan to avoid them in the future.

Participants will receive a hi-vis vest, Centre for Road Safety educational material, snacks and beverages.

According to the New South Wales Centre for Road Safety, between 2016 and 2020, on South Coast roads stretching from Helensburgh and Bega, there were 680 motorcyclist crashes resulting in 742 casualties. 

Of these casualties, 308 (51.2%) were seriously injured and 19 (2.5%) were killed. 

Of all crashes (5,886) on South Coast roads, Motorcycle crashes represent 11.5%. 

Over the same period, Shellharbour motorcycle crashes represent 20.6% (95) of all crash types. Male riders represent 70% and 46.5% were aged between 30-39 years.  

Motorcycle riders are invited to join and collaborate with other champions of change to see how we can each play a role in making riding in Shellharbour and surrounds a safer activity for all.

The Survive the Ride Association of NSW is part of a social movement working to encourage motorcycle riders to enjoy riding motorcycles, without injury, for as long as they choose.

Shellharbour City Mayor Chris Homer said the workshops were a great way to learn about motorcycle safety and how everyone can play a part in creating safer ways to ride.

“These workshops are an opportunity to learn or refresh your safety skills, spread awareness and encourage others you know to play a part in addressing this important issue,” Mayor Homer said.

“I encourage our community members to attend, have conversations and learn how we can create a safer riding experience for everyone,” he said.

To register into one of the five workshops visit: https://forms.office.com/r/K969WGYZqz or visit the Survive the Ride Website: https://www.survivetheride.org/projectsnevents/workshops/ 

For more information, contact Council’s Road Safety Officer on 4221 6007.

Media enquiries: Kelli Wells 0448 361 008