Victorian Safe Routes Scooter Rally - February 19

Now in its sixth running, the aim of the rally is not only to get together with fellow scooterists and enjoy an official ride, but also to raise awareness of scooters as a viable transport alternative.

As in past years, the rally will travel from St. Kilda's Luna Park, to Argyle Square in Carlton. The rally leaves St. Kilda at 10:00AM, and will travel through Albert Park, Southbank and the CBD, through to Carlton, where there will be live music, stalls and activities in Argyle Square.

The rally is also an opportunity to remind politicians, and motorists, about the role scooters play in reducing congestion and pollution and easing pressure on parking spaces. The VACC advocate the environmental benefits of scooters and are calling for a number of measures to promote and protect scootering, including:

 The implementation of designated and signed 'safe routes';
- access by low-powered scooters to use certain designated bicycle lanes;
- filtering in stationery or slow moving traffic;
- boxed turns at certain busy intersections;
- the introduction of six monthly registrations and dedicated scooter training courses;
- car licence holders to be permitted to ride 50cc scooters, provided training is undertaken.

To register, go to the VACC website - www.vacc.com.au - and click on the News & Advocacy link to VACC Events. Several Melbourne scooter clubs have already signed up to participate, with hundreds of riders expected to take part. There's also a scooter rally Facebook page. Become a friend today.

For more details about the VACC's Safe Routes Scooter Rally, or for more information about lobbying on behalf of the scooter industry, contact: (03) 9829 1148, or go to www.vacc.com.au