Motorcyclists Protest Against Road Rage and Safety Concerns in Adelaide
A protest in Adelaide saw motorcyclists rally against road rage, highlighting safety concerns after a young woman sustained severe injuries from an aggressive driver. With fatalities on the rise, the event called for greater awareness and accountability.
Aussie motorists are being urged to be vigilant and respectful of other road users, especially motorcyclists. Close to eighty motorcyclists took to the roads on Sunday to protest against aggressive drivers, standing in solidarity with Rachel Secker, a young woman who suffered traumatic injuries in an alleged road rage incident.
Rachel was back on her motorcycle for the 'Ride Against Road Rage' event in Adelaide, despite being haunted by a past incident where she was knocked off her bike two years ago, resulting in significant injuries. "Even though I love riding, it's put a bit of a dampener on it for me," the 23-year-old shared. "Every time I get on the bike, it's like ... Is this going to be the last ride?"
Having undergone over 20 surgeries, Rachel highlights the lasting impact of road rage. Many participants expressed their own experiences, with some fearing for their safety due to aggressive drivers. "This behaviour needs to be publicly declared unacceptable," the event organisers stated.
Bronwyn Ridge, a key organiser of the ride, explained that aggressive driving is a continuous issue within the motorcycle community, where distracted car drivers often pose threats. "We know what it's like to be tailgated, for cars to change lanes without looking," she noted.
During the event, the group encountered a near-miss when a car disregarded a giveaway sign, demonstrating the ongoing dangers faced by motorcyclists. The rising motorcycle fatalities, increasing by 10.3 per cent from 2023 to 2024, underline the urgency of addressing this issue.
In total, 1,300 people died on Australian roads in 2024, a significant rise from the previous year. Rachel's injuries stem from a motorist who has pleaded guilty and will be sentenced. "We just hope the crime is treated seriously," Bronwyn concluded.
