Anti-SMIDSY campaign

Unfortunately I had a great SMIDSY this morning...............I can't believe how some people react when they've committed the SMIDSY sin......

I was waiting to turn right through a busy CBD intersection, I had a large queue of cars behind me also wanting to turn right.......

The on-coming traffic was very heavy, so much so that the intersection was barely clear........

The lights turn from green to amber......I creep forward, stand the bike up and balance her through rear brake, throttle and clutch manipulation......rocking, rocking, rocking.....

I see a woman in a Silver Astra hatchback entering the intersection.......no intention of stopping......I'm still balancing and edging forward VERY slowly as I rock the bike......I catch her eye to eye.......she SMILES!? and waves......the lights turn from amber to red......the bonnet lifts......she's on the gas...........slams on through intersection.....running the red.......

Shaking my head and thinking what hope do we have I continue my LEGAL turn through the intersection......live to fight, and ride, another day.......

What really gets me about this is the driver attitude........She clearly saw me and had time to smile and wave.....as if to say "I know, I'm sorry I'm performing a potentially deadly manoeuvre..........I'm sorry you might not get home tonight to see the Missus.......but I've REALLY got to make this light.....you understand, right?"

Wrong.......

The silver lining to my rant?..........................Over the last couple of years a prominent Law firm, Maurice Blackburn, have been campaigning against the SMIDSY killer........

Each year I buy a couple of T-Shirts for myself and fellow riding buddies.....all proceeds go to supporting riders and their families with Pro-Bono legal fees etc.......

Maurice Blackburn are also doing a fantastic job with some very simple, effective and meaningful ad instalments in response the recent almost fraudulent TAC campaign.......

C'mon guys........stop the SMIDSY

\BitSar

Protest Rally

Melbourne CBD was briefly transformed into Motorcycle Central this afternoon when like minded riders congregated to express their displeasure with the finger pointing SMIDSY attitude rife amongst many motorists.

As all riders know........Sorry Mate I Didn't See You.........is a red rag to a bull.........for any cagers reading this.....don't do it......if you do......don't say SMIDSY.........just a heads up.......

The Victorian State Government along with TAC are eluding to legislation which will make it mandatory for all motorcyclists to be legally required to wear hi-viz clothing and display a forward facing number plate.....these two laws, according to the decision makers, will prevent SMIDSY's and keep riders safe........hhhmmmmm.,.........okay then?

There was a large turnout - everyone was very well behaved.......they stood quietly.....listened intently......and parked politely.......after everything was said and done a Protest Rally departed A'Beckett Street for laps of Melbourne CBD in attempt to be seen and heard by the public.......yes......riders are out there on the roads.......please look for us.....no more SMIDSY.......