MOTORBIKE riders from across the state will ride to Parliament House in Sydney in protest of the anti-bikie laws recently introduced in Queensland.
Many social motorbike clubs are concerned about the new laws and think they will be unfairly targeted as police try to cut down on motorcycle gangs and lawless associations.
Local motorbike rider Sean Griffiths will be leading a team from Bathurst in the Freedom Ride on Sunday, December 1.
Mr Griffiths is particularly concerned that the new laws will see police target groups of three or more outlaw motorcyclists riding together and thinks this will have flow-on effects for social clubs.
“If we cross the border we get scrutinised because we’ve got a bike and tats and look bad,” he said.
“If there are more than three bikes together, we can be stopped and questioned.
“I don’t mind being pulled over if its random or because I’ve done something wrong, but when you’re being pulled over just because you’re in a group or because you look bad, it’s not fair.”
Mr Griffiths said there was already legislation to deal with people who broke the law and there was no need for everyone with a bike to come under scrutiny because of the actions of a few.
He said there were fears the NSW government would introduce similar laws and that the laws would escalate if successful.
Over 200 motorbike riders are expected to converge on Parliament House in Sydney where speakers will discuss key issues and updates to the law.
Mr Griffith said motorbike riders from Lithgow, Springwood and Eastern Creek would join the riders from Bathurst as they make their way into Sydney.
He said there would be a ride in most states, as many clubs were concerned their freedoms could be imposed upon.
“Even if you’re not with an outlaw group, they want you to register with police to go on a ride.
“I am a member of the Harley Owners Group. We have some 25,000 riders nationally and nearly every weekend one of our groups are having a ride out somewhere,” he said. “They are social events, a chance to meet new people while out enjoying the open road.”
Mr Griffiths said anyone who felt affected by the laws, biker or not, was invited to come along for the ride.
The Freedom Ride will depart from the Bathurst McDonald’s on December 1 at 7.30am sharp.
http://www.westernadvocate.com.au/story/1922082/bikers-to-converge-on-sydney-to-protest-laws/?cs=115
Many social motorbike clubs are concerned about the new laws and think they will be unfairly targeted as police try to cut down on motorcycle gangs and lawless associations.
Local motorbike rider Sean Griffiths will be leading a team from Bathurst in the Freedom Ride on Sunday, December 1.
Mr Griffiths is particularly concerned that the new laws will see police target groups of three or more outlaw motorcyclists riding together and thinks this will have flow-on effects for social clubs.
“If we cross the border we get scrutinised because we’ve got a bike and tats and look bad,” he said.
“If there are more than three bikes together, we can be stopped and questioned.
“I don’t mind being pulled over if its random or because I’ve done something wrong, but when you’re being pulled over just because you’re in a group or because you look bad, it’s not fair.”
Mr Griffiths said there was already legislation to deal with people who broke the law and there was no need for everyone with a bike to come under scrutiny because of the actions of a few.
He said there were fears the NSW government would introduce similar laws and that the laws would escalate if successful.
Over 200 motorbike riders are expected to converge on Parliament House in Sydney where speakers will discuss key issues and updates to the law.
Mr Griffith said motorbike riders from Lithgow, Springwood and Eastern Creek would join the riders from Bathurst as they make their way into Sydney.
He said there would be a ride in most states, as many clubs were concerned their freedoms could be imposed upon.
“Even if you’re not with an outlaw group, they want you to register with police to go on a ride.
“I am a member of the Harley Owners Group. We have some 25,000 riders nationally and nearly every weekend one of our groups are having a ride out somewhere,” he said. “They are social events, a chance to meet new people while out enjoying the open road.”
Mr Griffiths said anyone who felt affected by the laws, biker or not, was invited to come along for the ride.
The Freedom Ride will depart from the Bathurst McDonald’s on December 1 at 7.30am sharp.
http://www.westernadvocate.com.au/story/1922082/bikers-to-converge-on-sydney-to-protest-laws/?cs=115