Who are the MRAVic?
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Motorcycle Riders Association Australia - Victoria
The Motorcycle Riders Association of Australia was founded in Melbourne in May, 1978 as a non-profit, volunteer organisation working in the interests of it's Victorian members. In 2008 the name was changed to MRAVic. This organisation offers support to all Australian motorcyclist social, sporting and interested clubs and organsations through its membership of the Australian Motorcycle Council.
HOW THE MRA FOUND IT'S "BEARING"
Many people might not be aware that the MRA owes its existence to a suggestion from “Ball Bearing”, Secretary to the Melbourne chapter of the Hells Angels MC.
At Broadford in late 1977, Bearing made a suggestion that motorcyclists needed a lobby group, a organisation that would speak out on behalf of riders and represent them when dealing with the law-makers that seems so out-of-touch with the motorcycle community. He also recognised that members of a ‘patch’ club would not be able to do this due to the ‘image’ they had; it would have to be taken on by a group of independent riders.
Three riders were introduced to each other that day and took up the challenge. The first official meeting of the Motorcycle Riders’ Association (MRA) was called in the Corner Hotel, St Kilda, in May 1978 with 16 members. The concept was to build an organisation that was accepted by all motorcyclists and strong enough to fight for their rights and safety.
The aims of the MRA were established then and have not changed; the promotion of:
* ROAD SAFETY
* FAIR & SENSIBLE LAWS
* A BETTER IMAGE FOR MOTORCYCLISTS
In those early days, the running of the association was conducted without an office and communication was largely by word-of-mouth, particularly in Elizabeth Street on Saturday mornings, the only mailing address being a post office box and meetings were very public in hotels.
During 1979 the MRA was often in the media in Melbourne and more and more motorcyclists began contacting the MRA hoping to establish MRA’s in their own area, both in rural Victoria and interstate. Over the next few years, branches started being established in other States and local ‘Registers’ were formed catering for the needs of riders outside of the capital cities. When I joined in 1983 there were more than 6000 members in Victoria, 10,000 nationally, with 40+ branches and registers including one in the UK.
Action taken by the MRA at this time was largely via articles in the media or by mass protests and rides. The government was forced to take notice. Riders were not happy and the MRA had united them.
Melbourne Branch had set up in a fantastic 3-story building at 184 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy with workshop facilities and recovery vehicle on-site. I miss those days and that building. In 1983 a $10 annual fee entitled a member to the following services:
M.R.A. FIGHTING FUND
Political representations regarding safety and motorcycle legislation is the main function of the M.R.A. ie. to oversee motorcyclists rights and work for a better and safer deal for motorcyclists.
M.R.A. DISCOUNTS
A large number of motorcycle shops still offer genuine discounts to members on items sold or services provided. Shops displaying the M.R.A. DISCOUNT STICKER will give discounts on presentation of a current MRAVic MEMBERSHIP CARD. Check the links section for supporting resellers.
INFORMATION AND LEGAL SERVICE
Information is available on all aspects of motorcycling by phoning, email, forums or writing (check the "contact us" section for details). Free legal advice used to be given to members however the expertise in this area is yet to be renewed.
SWAP MEET
Swap meets used to be held annually to enable members to buy, sell or swap odd bits and pieces lying around, there is now a free wanted or for sale forum on the site.
BENT and BUCKLED BIKERS BUREAU (4 B's - now Riderdown)
The 4B's visit injured riders in hospital and will help by arranging legal representation and organising insurance claims. They also provide some reading material, moral support, and keep bed ridden riders informed.
M.R.A. HOUSE
M.R.A. members used to have their own meeting place which was available as a drop in centre to all members. Clubs wanting to use meeting halls were invited to do so.
SOCIAL FUNCTIONS
Regular social functions are held for members and the motorcycle community in general. These used to include: THE HOWQUA RALLY (held annually), THE MOTORCYCLE EXHIBITION, FILM NIGHTS, PUB NIGHTS, BLOOD RUNS, POKER RUNS. etc. Nowadays it includes the OZ GP Run, ToyRun, and support for the Pink Ribbon ride, Eureka ride and Ride for the Hills. All members are sent details in the M.R.A.Vic newsletter "Rider's Advocate".
M.R.A. MOTORCYCLE INSURANCE
M.R.A. Promotions even used to sell M.R.A. motorcycle insurance! Discounted to members of course.
THE NEWSLETTER (Riders Advocate)
The newsletter is posted to every financial member with information of coming social events, reports from all sub-committees, financial statements, Register reports, the Presidents report, social and rally calendars, member discount resellers, an open forum letters section, stories and other input from members
Sounds too good to be true now doesn’t it? The first to go was the bike recovery service; it went broke within a few years due to clients not paying accounts. Other services were also affected by availability of staff or funds but the MRA battled on with many wins for its members and riders in general.
The mid-eighties saw a national body formed with Hal Caston in the ACT as the first National President. Annual national gatherings were held for a few years but unfortunately differing agendas from state representatives saw the end of the national MRA by the early nineties and communication between the state branches became spasmodic following the collapse. Each state branch seemed to go its own way without much thought for what was happening nationally.
Melbourne Branch had taken over the shop that had been Bulley’s leather store at 440 Elizabeth Street by this time, and following the collapse of the national body, incorporated the name Motorcycle Riders’ Association Australia (MRAA). This was seen as arrogant by the other states and they described the actions of Melbourne president as egotistical when he then named himself national president.
Victoria had had the largest membership but the replacing of the Registers with ‘Area Representatives’ in 1992 caused an adverse reaction with the MRA members. Area Reps were businesses or individuals who were appointed to sell MRA memberships. A joining fee of $5 was introduced which was kept by the Area Rep for their service. The membership began to decline as the registers felt disenfranchised and isolated.
The nineties was a turbulent period for the MRA in Melbourne. They were now representing riders on government committees and had many successes but their resources were stretched thin. The shop was understaffed and often closed while the rent increased. Some poor legal decisions added hefty costs. Meetings often degenerated into yelling matches and the public image of the MRA waned.
The shop was finally closed and everything moved to 22 Ross Street, South Melbourne. Eventually the rent even there became too much and in 2005 the MRA moved out of inner Melbourne for a brief period at Quist Court in Dandenong. Yet the MRA has struggled on, every year since 1978 there has been a Toy Run, every summer a Blood Challenge, every year there has been a Phillip Island GP there has been a GP Run, every time a silly law has been introduced for motorcycles or riders, the MRA has fought it.
Without the MRA, riders today would have to: display front number plates on their bikes, pay a separate licence fee, not park on the footpath, not go over 80 kph when carrying a pillion, ride with their headlight on at all times, not have access to LAMS, etc, etc.
In recent years the MRA in Melbourne has been attempting to repair bridges burnt of the past. The name is now MRA Vic and there are many new faces. The original web site http://www.mraa.org.au is now a pointer site to other states as “MOTORCYCLE RIDER ASSOCIATIONS OF AUSTRALIA”. With advent of other social rider networking sites, the MRAVic now works with all the rider clubs and networks returning to it's roots as a lobby organisation for rider rights. - DJ McCarthy 2009
At Broadford in late 1977, Bearing made a suggestion that motorcyclists needed a lobby group, a organisation that would speak out on behalf of riders and represent them when dealing with the law-makers that seems so out-of-touch with the motorcycle community. He also recognised that members of a ‘patch’ club would not be able to do this due to the ‘image’ they had; it would have to be taken on by a group of independent riders.
Three riders were introduced to each other that day and took up the challenge. The first official meeting of the Motorcycle Riders’ Association (MRA) was called in the Corner Hotel, St Kilda, in May 1978 with 16 members. The concept was to build an organisation that was accepted by all motorcyclists and strong enough to fight for their rights and safety.
The aims of the MRA were established then and have not changed; the promotion of:
* ROAD SAFETY
* FAIR & SENSIBLE LAWS
* A BETTER IMAGE FOR MOTORCYCLISTS
In those early days, the running of the association was conducted without an office and communication was largely by word-of-mouth, particularly in Elizabeth Street on Saturday mornings, the only mailing address being a post office box and meetings were very public in hotels.
During 1979 the MRA was often in the media in Melbourne and more and more motorcyclists began contacting the MRA hoping to establish MRA’s in their own area, both in rural Victoria and interstate. Over the next few years, branches started being established in other States and local ‘Registers’ were formed catering for the needs of riders outside of the capital cities. When I joined in 1983 there were more than 6000 members in Victoria, 10,000 nationally, with 40+ branches and registers including one in the UK.
Action taken by the MRA at this time was largely via articles in the media or by mass protests and rides. The government was forced to take notice. Riders were not happy and the MRA had united them.
Melbourne Branch had set up in a fantastic 3-story building at 184 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy with workshop facilities and recovery vehicle on-site. I miss those days and that building. In 1983 a $10 annual fee entitled a member to the following services:
M.R.A. FIGHTING FUND
Political representations regarding safety and motorcycle legislation is the main function of the M.R.A. ie. to oversee motorcyclists rights and work for a better and safer deal for motorcyclists.
M.R.A. DISCOUNTS
A large number of motorcycle shops still offer genuine discounts to members on items sold or services provided. Shops displaying the M.R.A. DISCOUNT STICKER will give discounts on presentation of a current MRAVic MEMBERSHIP CARD. Check the links section for supporting resellers.
INFORMATION AND LEGAL SERVICE
Information is available on all aspects of motorcycling by phoning, email, forums or writing (check the "contact us" section for details). Free legal advice used to be given to members however the expertise in this area is yet to be renewed.
SWAP MEET
Swap meets used to be held annually to enable members to buy, sell or swap odd bits and pieces lying around, there is now a free wanted or for sale forum on the site.
BENT and BUCKLED BIKERS BUREAU (4 B's - now Riderdown)
The 4B's visit injured riders in hospital and will help by arranging legal representation and organising insurance claims. They also provide some reading material, moral support, and keep bed ridden riders informed.
M.R.A. HOUSE
M.R.A. members used to have their own meeting place which was available as a drop in centre to all members. Clubs wanting to use meeting halls were invited to do so.
SOCIAL FUNCTIONS
Regular social functions are held for members and the motorcycle community in general. These used to include: THE HOWQUA RALLY (held annually), THE MOTORCYCLE EXHIBITION, FILM NIGHTS, PUB NIGHTS, BLOOD RUNS, POKER RUNS. etc. Nowadays it includes the OZ GP Run, ToyRun, and support for the Pink Ribbon ride, Eureka ride and Ride for the Hills. All members are sent details in the M.R.A.Vic newsletter "Rider's Advocate".
M.R.A. MOTORCYCLE INSURANCE
M.R.A. Promotions even used to sell M.R.A. motorcycle insurance! Discounted to members of course.
THE NEWSLETTER (Riders Advocate)
The newsletter is posted to every financial member with information of coming social events, reports from all sub-committees, financial statements, Register reports, the Presidents report, social and rally calendars, member discount resellers, an open forum letters section, stories and other input from members
Sounds too good to be true now doesn’t it? The first to go was the bike recovery service; it went broke within a few years due to clients not paying accounts. Other services were also affected by availability of staff or funds but the MRA battled on with many wins for its members and riders in general.
The mid-eighties saw a national body formed with Hal Caston in the ACT as the first National President. Annual national gatherings were held for a few years but unfortunately differing agendas from state representatives saw the end of the national MRA by the early nineties and communication between the state branches became spasmodic following the collapse. Each state branch seemed to go its own way without much thought for what was happening nationally.
Melbourne Branch had taken over the shop that had been Bulley’s leather store at 440 Elizabeth Street by this time, and following the collapse of the national body, incorporated the name Motorcycle Riders’ Association Australia (MRAA). This was seen as arrogant by the other states and they described the actions of Melbourne president as egotistical when he then named himself national president.
Victoria had had the largest membership but the replacing of the Registers with ‘Area Representatives’ in 1992 caused an adverse reaction with the MRA members. Area Reps were businesses or individuals who were appointed to sell MRA memberships. A joining fee of $5 was introduced which was kept by the Area Rep for their service. The membership began to decline as the registers felt disenfranchised and isolated.
The nineties was a turbulent period for the MRA in Melbourne. They were now representing riders on government committees and had many successes but their resources were stretched thin. The shop was understaffed and often closed while the rent increased. Some poor legal decisions added hefty costs. Meetings often degenerated into yelling matches and the public image of the MRA waned.
The shop was finally closed and everything moved to 22 Ross Street, South Melbourne. Eventually the rent even there became too much and in 2005 the MRA moved out of inner Melbourne for a brief period at Quist Court in Dandenong. Yet the MRA has struggled on, every year since 1978 there has been a Toy Run, every summer a Blood Challenge, every year there has been a Phillip Island GP there has been a GP Run, every time a silly law has been introduced for motorcycles or riders, the MRA has fought it.
Without the MRA, riders today would have to: display front number plates on their bikes, pay a separate licence fee, not park on the footpath, not go over 80 kph when carrying a pillion, ride with their headlight on at all times, not have access to LAMS, etc, etc.
In recent years the MRA in Melbourne has been attempting to repair bridges burnt of the past. The name is now MRA Vic and there are many new faces. The original web site http://www.mraa.org.au is now a pointer site to other states as “MOTORCYCLE RIDER ASSOCIATIONS OF AUSTRALIA”. With advent of other social rider networking sites, the MRAVic now works with all the rider clubs and networks returning to it's roots as a lobby organisation for rider rights. - DJ McCarthy 2009
Recent lobbying on behalf of members includes:
* Ongoing lobbying State and Federal ministers for use of road side barriers that are more rider friendly than the dangerous Wire Rope Barriers (WRB).
* Ongoing efforts to retain Victoria’s footpath parking for all motocycles and scooters (Powered Two Wheel vehicles).
* Ongoing lobbying for the removal of the unfair "levy".
* Seeking increased rider safety funding, transparent “Levy” expenditure and better driver awareness education in the Community Policing and Education policy.
* Lobbying against efforts to introduce compulsory protective clothing legislation by the TAC.
* Successful lobbying for the recently released PTW Victorian Transport Strategy which covers many of the issues we raised through the VMAC.
* Discouraging use of mobile phones by drivers in moving vehicles
* Successful protests against lane splitting legislation.
* Successful protest against the reintroduction of Front mounted License plates for PTW and the ongoing lobbying against electronic ID tagging.
* Lobbying for shared use of restricted lanes by motorcyclists (bus lanes) and built up zone areas.
* Removing the levy on 2nd and subsequent bikes if you own more than one motorcycle
In attempting to further the aims of the association, the MRA Vic undertakes;
- Lobbying State and Federal governments on key issues
- Educating government agencies about motorcyclists needs
- Undertaking community work that promotes a positive image for motorcyclists and raises public awareness of our road presence
MRAVic representatives participate on various state and federal committees including the following;
VicRoads Road Safety Reference Group,
Victorian Motorcycle Advisory Council (VMAC)
Australian Motorcycle Council (AMC)
Standards Australia (Helmet Standards)
Motorcycle Safety Consultative Committee
Motorcycles in Melbourne committee
* Ongoing lobbying State and Federal ministers for use of road side barriers that are more rider friendly than the dangerous Wire Rope Barriers (WRB).
* Ongoing efforts to retain Victoria’s footpath parking for all motocycles and scooters (Powered Two Wheel vehicles).
* Ongoing lobbying for the removal of the unfair "levy".
* Seeking increased rider safety funding, transparent “Levy” expenditure and better driver awareness education in the Community Policing and Education policy.
* Lobbying against efforts to introduce compulsory protective clothing legislation by the TAC.
* Successful lobbying for the recently released PTW Victorian Transport Strategy which covers many of the issues we raised through the VMAC.
* Discouraging use of mobile phones by drivers in moving vehicles
* Successful protests against lane splitting legislation.
* Successful protest against the reintroduction of Front mounted License plates for PTW and the ongoing lobbying against electronic ID tagging.
* Lobbying for shared use of restricted lanes by motorcyclists (bus lanes) and built up zone areas.
* Removing the levy on 2nd and subsequent bikes if you own more than one motorcycle
In attempting to further the aims of the association, the MRA Vic undertakes;
- Lobbying State and Federal governments on key issues
- Educating government agencies about motorcyclists needs
- Undertaking community work that promotes a positive image for motorcyclists and raises public awareness of our road presence
MRAVic representatives participate on various state and federal committees including the following;
VicRoads Road Safety Reference Group,
Victorian Motorcycle Advisory Council (VMAC)
Australian Motorcycle Council (AMC)
Standards Australia (Helmet Standards)
Motorcycle Safety Consultative Committee
Motorcycles in Melbourne committee