Women riders and ACC protest

[PrincessBandit]

I am still keen to see if we can get a group of girlies (ok, women) riders together to add a different public face on the ACC protest action.

New Plymouths rally took headline space on stuffs homepage this morning and the main pic shows a tough looking selection of biker men.

The media at the rally at Manukau also seemed to largely show big bushy bears, tatts, black leathers, etc and I think the public might be surprised to see how many "nice young ladies" (said with license...) ride motorbikes. Not everyone who straddles a big strapping vibrating beast is a scary looking person who hoons around frightening small children, committing crime and intimidating the community!

Who is interested in a peaceful ride through Auckland doing a "cafe" crawl (not the traditional pub crawl) to draw attention to a growing sector in the motorbike community who have a voice?

We could hand out leaflets with info on why we're strongly opposed to the ACCs attempts to price us off the road and how undemocratic it is that our right to ride is under threat from bean counters who claim we cost too much to remain on the road.

If we could get enough a phone call to the local community newspapers outlining a ride route and the purpose of our ride would surely be of interest to them....

Pm me if interested. Would most likely have to be a weekend as many of us work, and I know that this time of the year is getting really busy but I reckon the politicians and powers-that-be will be hoping that we're all just too busy to put up any sustained resistance. Sound like an idea we women can get off the ground?

[Mom]

I am up for this for sure. Cant do the next 2 weekends though, but I dont think that matters. This action must continue, we can not allow things to simply fizzle out after the big BIKEOI!

[klingon]

Yes! I like this idea. A variation on the theme of a Girly Coffee Ride - with a purpose!

We could target a whole area then move on to the next. Say (for example):

• Newmarket
• Kingsland
• Grey Lynn
• Ponsonby
• Devonport

I'm thinking of the kinds of places where people sit at tables on the footpaths sipping lattes and discussing the world's social injustices. It would mean we could have a chat and pass out flyers without necessarily entering private property.

We would be very visible as we pull up on our bikes and take off our helmets, all looking like gorgeous super-models underneath.

[yungatart]

its a great idea...can't join you in Auckland, but I will organise my own thing down here!

[PrincessBandit]

I am happy to map out a proposed path and draft a flier (suggestions only at this stage, and welcome ideas and input).

Yes, it is the sort of thing that there is no immediate urgency for as I agree that ongoing visibility and "protest" after the 17th and the national bikeoi is essential. Having said that - the sooner the better if poss, let's do it!!

[nadroj]

I am still keen to see if we can get a group of girlies (ok, women) riders together to add a different public face on the ACC protest action.

New Plymouths rally took headline space on stuffs homepage this morning and the main pic shows a tough looking selection of biker men.

I resemble that comment!

[oldrider]

I looked around the crowd at Timaru on Saturday and remarked how much we all "looked the same"!

The average age of the group looked to be quite old too!

When I looked closer at the younger riders, I was surprised how many of them were female!

Female riders were mostly confined to little scooters when Mrs oldrider got her bike licence some 40 odd years ago!

Good to see the increase in female bike riders, (IMHO) good luck with your proposed protest ride!

[prettybillie]

I am happy to map out a proposed path and draft a flier (suggestions only at this stage, and welcome ideas and input).

Yes, it is the sort of thing that there is no immediate urgency for as I agree that ongoing visibility and "protest" after the 17th and the national bikeoi is essential. Having said that - the sooner the better if poss, let's do it!!

I'm in for that! Let us all know when and where and we'll be there

[Thani-B]

I'm in for that! Let us all know when and where and we'll be there

And me! Providing its not planned for when Im on holiday in Christchurch.

[Lucyloo]

I'll be in as long as not already pre booked.

"all looking like gorgeous super-models underneath" - can't promise this bit though! ;-)

I'm sure some of the WIMA gals would be keen to join in if it was ok with you all.

Luce.

[MSTRS:Me]

What a good idea. You girls represent a (slightly) more civilised view of biking. That has to be worth exploiting.

[Maha]

And they look good in bike gear.....

[MadDuck]

I think the public might be surprised to see how many "nice young ladies" (said with license...) ride motorbikes.

Lets not get too carried away ah?

I am keen as mustard but like Mom the next two weekends are out.

[Bounce001]

I'm keen and will put the word out to other ladies not on KB. Perhaps this is something we can organise after the Wellington Bikoi to keen momentum up. Also keen to help out with anything.

[EatOrBeEaten]

I'm well in for this!

We need to put a more acceptable face on biking and the protest. For example, every time I see the ACC levies compared to rape it makes us look like a bunch of chauvanist no-marks A coffee run sounds like a really good way to get our point across!