Apologies . . . straying off topic a little
Quote:
Originally Posted by
PeterM
Cate, could you please invite Damien to do something really useful for riders and never show his face in public again?
Peter, I find your comment not only totally inappropriate, but puerile, insulting and disrespectful. You are of course, entitled to your opinion, however, have you, as a rider, for however many years that may be, ever showed any support for, or given of your time to constructively contributing to real change for rider safety in this State?
The reason the scooter riders get more done, as do the cyclists, with changes to legislation affecting their safety, is because they are united, and irrespective of personality differences, they rise above them to achieve a common goal for all.
The main reason why motorbike riders continue to be disrespected by many other road users, and authorities, is because they lack unity. How can we ever gain respect, or validity as a major group of vulnerable road users, when we seem unable to rise above petty differences of opinions, and inflated ego's? Unfortunately, you are not alone in your self righteousness, made obvious in your posts with Treads.
Regardless of whether Damien is liked or not, he has literally devoted his life to fighting for riders rights, in his own time, and with his own money. He has made a significant difference on a political/legislative level, and continues to do so. He 'walks the walk', and remains focused on the end goal, which is to make sure that ridiculous restrictions aren't placed on our liberties as riders. It seems his tireless commitment to this cause hasn't gone unnoticed, otherwise why would he have OAM after his name?
You're not the first rider to dislike him, and won't be the last, but in most cases I'm aware of, not one of those riders has ever done a thing to contribute constructively to rider safety, they just like making a lot of negative, destructive noise. Ironically, the same noisy empty vessels will be the first to bitch and moan if tighter, more costly laws are passed. Is it any wonder we fight an up hill battle?
I also respect the work of ALL our emergency service agencies, which does include VicPol, and find your comments distasteful, disrespectful, and out of line. In fact, I am surprised you haven't been pulled up by a Moderator yet.
Cate
NB If there are any other members who ride motorbikes, trail bikes, or scooters, who are seriously interested in making a difference to our lives as riders, please feel free to contact me independentridersgroup@iinet.net.au