An update following on from the Whangarei Safe As Workshop
After the workshop I approached the Cop that was there and the woman, who was the Wellington Road Safety Co-ordinator from memory (I have all their details at home, but not here). So anyway, I suggested that there were a group of bikers that were interested in taking on a consultative role in the policy making process, not as a lobbyist group, but more focused on discussion and input in policy decisions / recommendations, perhaps to the road safe forum. This was quite well received, both gave me cards and said they would follow up with me.
Well, they kept their word.
Yesterday I received a call from a gentleman by the name of Andrew Bell, he is the Regional Road Safety Co-ordinator for the Auckland Region.
His first point was to apologised quite profusely at having neglected to inform our “group” (Kiwi Biker), and conceded that one of the major lessons gleaned from the process was the organisation of the Auckland Workshop was substandard, and that there should have been more, and better publicised.
He further asked if I could be recorded as a contact for our group, and what other ways there were to keep us informed.
My first point was to clarify that Kiwi Biker is not a “Group” (he referenced BRONZ and Ullyses in the same context), that it was an online forum, to which I was a member, but that I am not representative of the collective. I suggested that one of his team might sign up an account with the view of keeping us informed, but he did not seem altogether keen on that approach.
I said that if he liked, he could record my details as an interested party, and that I would post any information he provided me in a professional and unbiased form.
I continued on to say there were a number on the forum that were interested in either extending the public profile of BRONZ, or instigate a new entity, focused on taking a proactive, semi political, definitely consultative and definitely not lobbyist approach to bikers interests.
I outlined that some of the things in mind were to seek funding and operate supplementary safety courses, provide bulk buying capability for products and services, and be the AA of the biker world. Actively promote safe riding, and have our voice heard at the right time, in the right place, in the right forum. Focus on input at the grass roots stage, rather than remedial lobbying to change or disrepute policy.
He has indicated that this would be something they would have a very serious interest in from the perspective of having our considerations included, and as a medium to consult with bikers and the increasing two wheel commuter community. He further indicated that both his department, regional councils and ACC would be interested in assisting, particularly in relation to the promotion of safe riding and the ancillary courses. He suggested when we have a more formal concept to approach him as a pathway to the others.
Anyway, that’s it, looking for some comments, good or bad. I took from the conversation that they did not intentionally exclude us, and through me, they will ensure a greater effort is taken to make sure we are in the know.
Of course, I will pass on every piece of correspondence relating to our discussions as I indicated to him, purely on the basis of letting people know, not as an advocate for any of the information provided. i.e. Don’t shoot the messenger!
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