Motorcycle clubs to continue charity rides

Motorcycle clubs raising funds for charity will be exempt from Operator Accreditation and Driver Authorisation requirements, Minister for Transport John Mickel said.

Mr Mickel said the exemption would apply to charity events held annually which raised donations primarily by offering day rides to pillion passengers.

``Under the current Transport Operations (Passenger Transport) Regulation 2005, these events are classified as motorcycle tourist services,’’ Mr Mickel said.

``As such, organisers have been required to hold Operator Accreditation while riders were required to hold Driver Authorisation.

``To qualify for the new exemption, organisers need to have a documented event management plan and reasonable measures in place to ensure public safety,’’ Mr Mickel said.

These measures include ensuring all riders are experienced, registered, insured and have roadworthy motorcycles.

Annual motorcycle charity rides are held across Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast and on the Darling Downs to raise funds for organisations such as the Muscular Dystrophy Association of Queensland, Give Me Five for Kids Charity, the Queensland Cancer Council and numerous hospitals.

Mr Mickel said consultation was held with representatives of motorcycle clubs and the exemption was granted based on the safety record of existing events, the contributions made to charities and strong community support.

Exempt events can only be held once a year and all proceeds must be provided to the chosen charity.

Attorney General and Member for Toowoomba North Kerry Shine encouraged organisers of the events to ensure they had their event management plan in place to qualify for the exemption.

``These events help raise thousands of dollars for charity and I’d hate to see them cancelled or postponed over a technicality,’’ Mr Shine said.

Media: Shannon Mackay 3237 1125 or Nathan Moir 3235 4060

February 26, 2008