’Ride Free’: Singh's Social Motorcycle Club secures support from Senator Shoebridge for helmet exemption

After two years of lobbying for a legislative helmet exemption, the Singh's Social Motorcycle Club of Australia's ‘Ride Free’ campaign has landed support from Greens Senator David Shoebridge and MLC Cate Faehrmann.

A scene from a Singh's Social Motorcycle Club ride. Credit: Mavleen Singh Dhir

Speaking with SBS Punjabi, Mavleen Singh Dhir, the club's co-founder, said they have been pushing for a helmet exemption since launching in 2021.

“The turban symbolises spirituality, holiness, honour and self-respect,” Mr Dhir said.

The club approached the Labor party in 2022, met with Greens Senator David Shoebridge in 2023 and also sought support from the Motorcycle Council of NSW this year.

Members of Singhs' Social Motorcycle Club ride their motorbikes at a parade. Credit: Mavleen Singh Dhir

The 'Ride Free' campaign's agenda has now received some support after a meeting with Mr Shoebridge and encouragement from NSW Greens Member of Legislative Council Ms Faehrmann.

Ms Faehrmann publicly announced her support, calling for the government to meet and speak with the group about the possibilities of a helmet exemption for Sikh riders.

She also posted a video on Facebook of her raising this issue to NSW Minister for Roads John Graham.

"They are asking for an exemption, New Zealand does it, other jurisdictions do it, many overseas countries do it, will NSW consider it?" Ms Faehrmann asked.

“We have been researching legislation allowing a helmet exemption for Sikhs in other countries and statistics on rider injuries within these nations. We will present this data and our proposed changes,” Mr Dhir said.