M2 Bus Only Lane Access for Motorcycles
Granted. The key objective for Ride To Work Inc is to promote the annual International Ride To Work Day. However, this is now the “off season” for that initiative.
What we have been gifted with is a really poor excuse from the RTA as to why they will not permit motorcycles to utilise the largely empty bus only lane on Sydney’s M2 Motorway.
Accordingly, ridetowork.org.au is seeking to generate support to encourage the politicians and public servants to do the right thing and encourage the use of the most greenhouse friendly, congestion reducing long distance commuting option available to Sydney’s frazzled workers by permitting motorcycles and scooters to use the M2 Bus Only Lane.
Join the cause and follow the links to the petition.
As we get closer to next year’s ride, we’ll update the page. Until then, let’s strike a blow for common sense…
International Ride To Work Day – June 20, 2011
“Riding in winter?” you ask.
Winter riding in Australia is just divine. A little investment in warm dry riding gear rewards with sensational riding conditions.
- Weather in NSW, Queensland and WA is cool but clear. Prevailing high pressure systems mean that these months are dry with clear blue skies. Rug up and it’s perfect motorcycling weather.
- Victoria, Southern SA & Tasmania often have cool wet winter days, but those residents are acclimatised and a much more hardy breed than their northern neighbours. They’ll cope.
Winter often means people put their bikes away, but with such great riding, an event which encourages riders back on their bikes and scooters has to be for the greater good.
International Ride To Work Day has been in operation in the US for some 18 years. In 2008, the annual RTW Day was moved to the ‘third Monday in June. From a northern hemisphere perspective, their rationale for moving the event included:
- The new day is not as hot in most northern hemisphere areas, and not as cold in most southern hemisphere areas. June weather is more favorable worldwide.
- The new day provides an increased opportunity for more riders to Ride to Work. Many workplaces close for summer holiday in July, the previous International Ride To Work timing – especially in Europe.
- A Monday event encourages motorcycle and scooter commuting to continue during the entire week.
- Positive media exposure will increase. Sundays are slower ‘news days’ so there will be more coverage like this: “Look for more motorcycles on your commute tomorrow, as Monday is the annual Ride to Work day…”
- The Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) has endorsed this day, and is promoting the ‘Third Monday in June’ worldwide as the annual Ride to Work Day.
Plan ahead. Invest in that neck warmer, long johns or heated grips. Enjoy year round riding that our less fortunate global neighbours dream of. And most importantly, ride to work on June 20, 2011.