OFF THE WIRE
Each year, local bikers journey to Toronto for an event they would prefer never had to take place – a rally to remember riders killed in motorcycle accidents.
Last year at the Fallen Riders Memorial Awareness Rally, said Brad Cutler, about 11 more names were added to the list of those killed in collisions.
Cutler is the provincial government liaison for this region’s Bikers’ Rights Organization, BRO #30. The local group meets each month in Port Colborne.
BRO is a not-for-profit organization composed of motorcycle enthusiasts. It has members across Canada and other chapters as far away as England and the United States. Their collective motto is Let Those Who Ride Decide.
“There are 180 members across the province in seven different regions,” said Cutler.
“We work to improve public awareness and lobby the government to improve safety laws.”
This past Sunday, May 1, regional members gathered to kick off the biking season with a ribbon-cutting ceremony in front of the Belmont Hotel in Port Colborne. Mayor Vance Badawey joined the group as did Wainfleet mayor April Jeffs.
Jeffs, who can, on occasion, be seen piloting her own Kawasaki Ninja, credited BRO for promoting safety as more and more riders take to the road.
“Safety awareness really can’t be overstated,” said Jeffs. “Drivers need to remember they are sharing the roadway.”
BRO of Ontario was founded in 1979 and members continue to strive for changes to unfair legislation but also discriminatory practices that affect the lifestyle of today’s modern rider.
For example, said Cutler, Ontario is the only province that doesn’t allow motorcycles to travel in HOV (High Occupancy Vehicle) lanes. Cutler said they would also like to see stiffer penalties for those who make left-hand turns cutting off and striking motorcycles.
“The Highway Traffic Act is due to be revised, so we need to get these things on the table,” adds Louis Legault, local road captain and regional government liaison.
In addition to working to make the roadways safer, BRO members also work with local police services.
“We work with local law enforcement to discuss the concerns of the motorcycle community and their concerns with us,” said Cutler.
While the groups are politically active they also strive to promote motorcycle safety through public awareness programs by actively supporting local charities through fundraising efforts. Last year the local group raised money to send two young athletes to the Special Olympics. They have also worked to help out local scouts and cadets.
And of course there is the other thing that draws them together.
“The other side is we like to ride,” said Legault, who is a retired school teacher.
Legault rode his first motorcycle almost 30 years ago and returned to it about two years ago.
BRO welcomes both men and women and you don’t have to be a rider to join.
“We have members who don’t ride but care about biker rights,” said Cutler.
Members are expected to do their share to help out with fundraising and new members are welcome.
The message is simple but direct: share the road.
“Remember we are there and actually look for us,” said Cutler.
http://www.niagarathisweek.com/community/article/1002544--bikers-remember-fallen-riders
