- Sikh motorcyclists are demanding to be granted an exception from helmet laws
- A group of Sikhs from regional New South Wales say removing turbans is hard
- Farmers from Woolgolga want to be able to ride low speeds helmet-less
A group of Sikh motorcyclists are demanding to be granted an exception from helmet laws because the untying and re-tying of their turbans is taking up too much time.
The Sikhs from Woolgolga in regional New South Wales say attending functions and wedding receptions is becoming an ordeal because they can’t fit their helmets over their traditional garb.
‘To tie it properly it takes at least 10 to 15 minutes. That’s why we need an exemption from wearing the helmet,’ Ajit Nurpuri told the ABC.
A group of Sikh motorcyclists are demanding to be granted an exception from helmet laws because the untying and re-tying of their turbans is taking up too much time (file picture of Sikh motorcyclists)
The group of men, who are blueberry farmers by trade, say they rarely are travelling on highways and are requesting the exception for low speed riding.
‘Whenever we go to attend any functions and marriage functions, or we go to the temple we have to then tie on our turban,’ Mr Nurpuri said.
They say travelling under ’50 or 60 kilometres an hour’ is a safe enough speed to ride without the safety headgear and would save them considerable time in relation to their turbans.
The Sikhs from Woolgolga say attending functions is becoming an ordeal because they can’t fit their helmets over their traditional garb (file picture of Sikh motorcyclists)
Manveer Singh, a younger member of the group who rides a Harley Davidson, says the rules should only apply to local roads and not to highways.
He says if they were granted an exception he would be able to wear his formal ‘crown’ turban which takes more time to apply, rather than the small turban he wears to fit under his helmet.
The group have approached Coffs Harbour councillor John Arkan, who is the state’s first Sikh representative, to help them in their efforts.
Mr Arkan said while he appreciated their situation, it was not something he would consider.
‘I would wear a helmet. I’ve only got this head and I don’t particularly want to damage it,’ he said.