A motorcycle safety campaign will be running in the Cessnock local government area next week, with prizes up for grabs for eagle-eyed residents.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Motorists are invited to spot 'Joe Rider' and report the sighting online as part of the campaign, which runs from May 2 to 6.
The Joe Rider campaign is all about encouraging drivers to look out for motorcyclists. The intention is to reduce the incidence of "Sorry mate, I didn't see you" (SMIDSY) crashes, which many riders have experienced.
Residents who spot 'Joe Rider' and report the sighting via council's website will go in the running to win daily $50 vouchers and a grand prize of $250 at the end of the week.
This is the second time the Joe Rider campaign has run in the Hunter. This time around residents will have the opportunity to spot 'Joe' in the Cessnock, Singleton, Muswellbrook, Upper Hunter and MidCoast LGAs.
Cessnock City Council's road safety officer Alison Shelton is encouraging residents to keep an eye out for motorcycle riders who will be sporting bright yellow 'Joe Rider' vests.
"Motorcyclists are more exposed than any other vehicles on our roads. This campaign aims to encourage drivers to consistently look out for motorcyclists, and develop new habits, helping them 'ride to live'," Ms Shelton said said.
"In the five-year period from 2016 to 2020, there were 136 crashes in the Cessnock LGA with motorcycle involvement, and 44 per cent of these involved another vehicle. Almost half of these crashes occurred in low-speed environments, and 29 per cent were at intersections, which shows they can be easily overlooked by other road users.
"Getting in the habit of checking our mirrors and blind spots for riders, and being more cautious at intersections, will help to reduce SMIDSY crashes on our roads."
Cessnock mayor Jay Suvaal said the Joe Rider campaign was a positive initiative.
"Too many lives are lost through accidents that could be prevented if drivers paid closer attention on the roads," Cr Suvaal said.
"This campaign is a fun way to change driver behaviour and help save lives."
Visit www.cessnock.nsw.gov.au/JoeRider for more details on how to enter the competition.
