Will you spot Joe Rider and win?

Published on 13 October 2020

MidCoast Council will launch an important road safety campaign on 19 October and they’re asking the community to get involved.

The Joe Rider motorcycle awareness campaign was originally developed by the Motorcycle Riders Association of the ACT and is now in its thirteenth year.

2020 is the first year the project has been rolled out across the Hunter Region.

Members of the public could win prizes and help keep motorcyclists safe by spotting ‘Joe Rider’ between 19 - 23 October and entering their sightings in the ‘Joe Rider’ campaign on Council’s website.

Road Safety Officers from MidCoast, Singleton, Upper Hunter, Muswellbrook, Port Stephens, Maitland and Cessnock Councils have teamed up to develop the project that is supported by Transport for NSW.

Select local motorcycle riders will be on the roads from the 19-23 October wearing bright yellow ‘Joe Rider’ vests.

Spot Joe Rider and you can enter the competition.

Once you have pulled over, register the sighting on MidCoast Council’s website. There’s $50 #ShopMidCoast vouchers available daily and a grand prize of a $250 #ShopMidCoast voucher at the end of the week.

October is Motorcycle awareness month and with the weather warming up the MidCoast is a popular spot for riders.

MidCoast Council’s Road Safety Officer, Chris Dimarco said it’s always important to look out for motorcyclists.

“Motorcycle riders are more exposed than other vehicles. If they are involved in a crash they risk serious injury or death. Motorcycles are smaller and less visible than other vehicles – which makes them more easily overlooked by other road users, particularly at roundabouts and intersections,” explained Chris.

“Joe Rider is about encouraging drivers to ‘Look out’ for motorcyclists. The intention is to reduce the incidence of SMIDSY ‘Sorry mate I didn’t see you’, that many riders have experienced.

“Develop some new habits this October, check your blindspots, your mirrors, be cautious at intersection and help motorcyclists Ride to Live.”

‘Joe Rider’ will be launched this Saturday 17 October at Cessnock with riders from participating areas enjoying a scenic ride down to the Hunter Valley to kick off this regional road safety initiative.

Remember, if you spot ‘Joe Rider’ in the local area between 19-23 October, enter for your chance to win.

For more information, visit Council’s website www.midcoast.nsw.gov.au/joerider