It’s not a race, it’s a ride: MRA chief

AS MOTORCYCLISTS prepare for this Saturday’s MRA Cranbourne GP Run, police are sending out a warning to be safe on the roads.
As this year’s Moto Grand Prix at Phillip Island, which usually occurs in October, will take place on Sunday, police are reminding motorcyclists that some road closures from the snow season will still be in place.
Road Safety Advisor Senior Sergeant Bill Gore said every year thousands of motorcyclists travelled locally and interstate through Victoria to the Moto GP, with a large number of these traversing the Victorian High Country. “In 2004 there were two motorcyclist fatalities in this region and in 2005 there was one. All were travelling to or from the Grand Prix,” he said.
With thousands of motorcyclists participating in this year’s 70 kilometre run from High Street, Cranbourne to Phillip Island, Casey mayor Kevin Bradford encouraged riders to be fully prepared for the ride.
“Members from the MRA and Victoria Police have already scoped the entire ride to identify any safety issues and to arrange appropriate action, ensuring that participants in this year’s event will have the smoothest, safest and most enjoyable ride possible,” Cr Bradford said.
MRA president Dale Maggs said this year the GP Run was expected to again attract a large number of riders from all over Australia.
“The MRA Cranbourne GP Run is well planned and the safety of riders and the general public is paramount. We hope that all riders observe the rules of the road and, most importantly, take care while riding in the group,” Mr Maggs said.
“If you observe a rider in trouble give them a hand. This is not a ‘race’ but a ‘ride’ to enjoy.”
Sen Sgt Gore said police would again conduct Operation Gassit, which aims to enhance road safety conditions for motorcyclists travelling to the event.
“Police are asking motorcyclists to plan their trips around the snowfields to avoid any inconvenience. For safety reasons, no motorcyclists will be granted entry to the snowfields and they will be asked to turn around,” he said.
“The operation involves a highly visible police presence and combines resources from Regions 4 and 5 in an effort to ensure that motorcyclists travelling to Phillip Island do so in a reasonable and safe manner.”
Operation Gassit will run from September 13 to September 19.
This year, 25 motorcyclists have died on Victorian roads, compared with 28 at the same time last year.