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Bent & Buckled Bikies Bureau 
History, today, and the future
PAST:
Being the unique individuals motorcyclists are, it is necessary for us to look after our own.
Lets face it the only advice an injured rider is likely to get in hospital is to give up riding.
As the MRAA began with an idea being kicked around a group of rides, so the 4B’s started when a couple of MRA members saw a need and decided to do something about it.
They decided to organize support, both moral and practical, for injured riders.
The concept was developed around 1979/80 by two people who themselves, had spent time in hospital due to bike crashes. In the early 80’s, a couple by the names of Trevor and Glenda Kane really got the 4B unit up and running.
In spite of some misconceptions, name changes and splinter groups in recent years, the 4B’s are, and always will be a sub branch of the MRA.
For over 20 years, the thousands of hurt and broken motorcyclists have been visited by compassionate volunteers who give up their time to boost morale and assist in whatever way required.
They were a routine sight in many hospitals up till the late 20th century.
Other duties performed by the 4B’s were data collection, about the crash that landed the rider in hospital.
This information is used to help government understand this side of road trauma and to take appropriate countermeasures rather then the usual “Bikes are dangerous and should be banned”.
Its not easy being a 4B operative - you need a sense of humour and a compassionate heart.
To talk and look at the person that has literally been put back together with scaffolding can be a daunting experience.
PRESENT:
Today, the 4B unit was resurrected by Austin Webb, a fellow rider that joined the MRA after a hiatus from riding for some years.
Austin saw the value that this service has to offer, and only armed with very little info found at the HQ of the MRA, Austin set out to place the call to all riders, to assist were they can, and become the force that it was in its heyday.
Fliers were made, and every motorcycle forum on the web known to man was hit with the cry for help, for fellow riders.
Currently, there are about 8 active members, stretching from Frankston in the Southeast, to the west in Weribee, right through to the Bendigo region (Thanks to the Victorian Central Riders).
The Classification Act set by the government are in certain orders, if injured on the road, you are now classified as a road trauma victim.
To add salt to the wound, the Privacy Act comes into play as well.
Thats why we need you, to inform us of these injured riders.
This makes things easier for the volunteers, as well as speeds up the process.
To add based forum, has an email register for family or friends, to email the 4B’s with the riders name, and which hospital they are currently in.
This makes things easier for the volunteers, as well as speeds up the process.
FUTURE:
Moving with things like the fuel increases, and the sale of scooters skyrocketing, there will always be a call for this type of service for many years to come.
But like many efforts given by volunteers, their time is stretched thin, and we will always need riders to assist now, and in the future.
My thoughts moving forward are to have badges with the insignia “I survived thanks to the 4B’s, or something to that effect, a bit like a purple heart, so to speak.
Rallies held every year for injured riders, with the proceeds going to hospitals to assist in purchasing equipment
(I know that rallies were held, and they were called the Broken Bones Rally).
Again, this will only happen with assistance, and volunteers like yourselves reading this page.
WANT TO GET INVOLVED??
So go on, assist this great cause, drop us a email, or pop down to the MRA HQ in Quist Court Dandenong, every Tuesday night for Two wheel torque, or
First Tuesday of every month for the monthly Board meeting.
Third Tuesday night, is 4B's ideas, info and update nights.
4b@mraa.org.au
We need donated magazines and volunteers.
It doesn't take long to pay a visit to a fellow injured rider.
Thanks
Kerry McKinnon
4B's Co-ordinator
Support us, after all we support you!
Next page: Report Injured Rider