Motorcylists in and around Rye have always been the topic of much conversation over recent years and Rye News has run many stories on the bikers which, in turn has prompted many of our readers to submit their comments and opinions and many bikers have had the same opportunity to respond to the comments and put their side of the story forward.
Some time ago, I arranged to meet Steve Mallet at Strand Quay, Steve is the South East Region Representative for MAG (Motorcyclist Action Group) who wanted to see (and hear) what was happening at Strand Quay, mainly at weekends. Following our meeting I published an article, Motorbikes, decibels and locals last year and then followed it up with a further article on the subject entitled Speeding Bikers, being proactive which prompted another barrage of comments from our readers.
Everyone was given an equal opportunity to take part in a voluntary action group by setting up speed cameras and reporting any offending biker to the relevant authorities. Sadly, despite the sense of feeling on the subject, nobody came forward to offer their services.
There is now another chance for you to have your say and do something positive to help as the long heralded "Meet the Bikers" PR event will take place on Strand Quay on Sunday, September 26. Steve Mallett will be setting up at 9:30am and should be ready to meet people by 10.
We expect to see "Biker down" teams from Kent and Sussex fire and rescue,
an advanced motorcyclist group and a police motorcyclist and representatives from MAG in their well known publicity gazebo.
I understand representatives from Rye Town Council will be putting in an appearance during the day and hopefully this joint initiative will help to allay some of our locals concerns and give them the opportunity to make their feelings known.
The bikers are throwing down the gauntlet and taking the initiative to do something to placate the locals and improve the image of bikers visiting the area, so if you want to help to make a difference, be there on the day and hopefully the relationship between Rye residents and visiting bikers will improve as a result.
