Recognised for successful motorbike safety programme

A motorcycle safety awareness programme in North Canterbury has been recognised for its leadership, innovation, achievements and commitment.

Hurunui District Council's Road Safety Coordinator Dean Eades is part of a group of Road Safety Coordinators (including Waimakariri, Christchurch City, and Selwyn) who were the worthy recipients of a national award for the work they did as part of the ‘Kickstart’ motorbike rider improvement programme.

The Cedric Rogers Award is in memory of Cedric Rogers, former chairperson of the Road Safety Coordinators Association of Aotearoa (now SASTA). This annual award is presented to a SASTA member who has shown individual achievement in their ‘safe system’ approach to road safety or sustainable transport projects. Kickstart is part of Ride Forever, a programme offering coaching and education to motorbike riders of all levels.

Eades said they were thrilled with the achievement, up against many great road safety initiatives happening across New Zealand.

He said the success of Kickstart is largely thanks to the coordinated work taking place between district councils.

"Receiving the Award was a reflection of us working well together, to collectively increase awareness and boost safety around motorbikes and their riders."

To learn more about Ride Forever and Kickstart, and upcoming courses in spring, please visit https://www.rideforever.co.nz/