Tweed Shire Council invites local motorcyclists to register as Joe Riders by 28 September, ahead of the road safety campaign and Spot Joe Rider competition running 18 to 26 October.
By wearing the bright yellow 'I am Joe Rider' vest, volunteer motorbike riders will help shine a spotlight on motorcycle safety by reminding motorists to check their mirrors and blind spots when travelling on Tweed roads.
Residents of the Tweed will be invited to participate in the online competition at the end of October where they nominate the time and place they saw a motorcyclist wearing a Joe Rider vest. One person per day will win $50 and there is also a grand prize of vouchers valued at $250.
Council's Road Safety Officer Lily Morgan said the campaign builds on last year's success, when riders, motorists and the community joined forces to spark safer driving habits across the region.
"Right now, we're trying to recruit as many volunteer motorbike riders as we can so that the competition is really visible on our roads. Helping out is simple – you just need to wear the vest – that's it!
"Last year showed us how powerful that simple action can be. By being out there in the Joe Rider vest, you're making a statement that every rider deserves to get home safely," Ms Morgan said.
By volunteering, riders join a grassroots movement that not only supports road safety but also celebrates the strength and camaraderie of the Tweed's motorcycle community. Riders don't need to change their routine, the vest is supplied and all that's required is to wear it while out riding during the campaign period. In return, participants receive fatigue prevention vouchers and a first aid kit as a thank you.
One of last year's Joe Riders, Terri Dodd, said the experience was both rewarding and unforgettable.
"It was fantastic to be part of the campaign. I'm still buzzing from the experience! I loved getting out there, being celebrated, and stopping at some of my favourite spots in the Tweed where people were curious about what I was doing. I'm a strong supporter of riding visibly, riding safely and keeping my training up to date. I'd encourage other motorcyclists to get involved too," Ms Dodd said.
The first Joe Rider campaign proved that visibility can change behaviour. Nearly 90 community members submitted a Joe Rider 'spot' and many reported checking blind spots more often, giving riders more space and being more patient on the road. Thousands engaged through radio, social media and community events, showing that one small act can ripple through the whole community.
Transport for NSW data highlights why this work matters. Between 2018 and 2022, motorcyclists accounted for around 48% of all road fatalities in the Tweed, compared with just 19% statewide. Speed was a factor in half of all motorcycle deaths locally, most on high-speed roads.
How to register
Motorcyclists can register now via Spot Joe Rider competition | Your Say Tweed. Registrations close Sunday 28 September.
The community competition
From 18 October to 26 October, motorists and locals are encouraged to 'spot' a Joe Rider wearing their vest and enter the draw for daily $50 prizes and a $250 grand prize in Tweed | Why Leave Town gift vouchers. Enter via Spot Joe Rider competition | Your Say Tweed.
