Motorcyclists urged to wear yellow for safety campaign

RIDERS are being urged to wear yellow vests across the Tweed Shire this month as part of the returning Joe Rider motorbike safety campaign.

The council is calling on motorcyclists to register by September 28 to take part in the visibility initiative, which reminds drivers to check their mirrors and blind spots.

Between 2018 and 2022, motorcyclists made up 48 per cent of all road fatalities in the Tweed, compared with 19 per cent statewide, according to Transport for NSW.

The council’s road safety officer Lily Morgan said the campaign was building on the momentum of last year’s event.

“Right now, we’re trying to recruit as many volunteer motorbike riders as we can so that the competition is really visible on our roads,” she said.

“Helping out is simple – you just need to wear the vest – that’s it. Last year showed us how powerful that simple action can be.

“By being out there in the Joe Rider vest, you’re making a statement that every rider deserves to get home safely.”

Kingscliff rider Terri Dodd, who took part in the 2024 campaign, said the experience was rewarding.

“It was fantastic to be part of the campaign. I’m still buzzing from the experience,” she said.

“I loved getting out there, being celebrated, and stopping at some of my favourite spots in the Tweed where people were curious about what I was doing.

“I’m a strong supporter of riding visibly, riding safely and keeping my training up to date. I’d encourage other motorcyclists to get involved, too.”

The campaign also includes a Spot Joe Rider competition, which runs from October 18 to 26 and offers daily cash prizes for residents who spot a vest-wearing rider.

Motorcyclists can register at yoursaytweed.com.au/joe-rider, and community members can enter the competition at yoursaytweed.com.au/spot-joe-rider.