The Motorcycle Riders Association of Australia, also known as MRAA and since 2008 as MRA (Vic), was founded in Melbourne on May 16, 1978, at the St Kilda Inn by Chris Stalwell, Mark Conner and Damien Codognotto at the suggestion of the Hell's Angels then secretary "Ball Bearing". It was founded as a non-profit organisation representing the interests of motorcyclists in Victoria, Australia. The aims of the MRA (Vic) were the promotion of road safety, fair and sensible laws, and a better image for motorcyclists. MRAA membership soon surpassed an existing association called the Federation of Australian Motorcyclists. The slogan of the US ABATE group "let those that ride decide" was adopted by the MRAA. It had some successes, including challenging the 80 km/h restriction for riders with pillion passengers and continuing a workable policy for parking motorcycles on the footpath began by the FAM with City of Melbourne Council, in a manner that does not cause obstruction. While this is tolerated in many jurisdictions due to its practical value, this has long been developed into a formal and sound published policy in Victoria, and is backed by an active and successful working committee operated by Melbourne City Council (the Motorcycles in Melbourne Committee) which has been able to resolve issues raised in a creative and cooperative manner, and progressively expand motorcycle parking provisions of all kinds as the demand and volumes of motorcycles have risen. The MRAA began a Blood Challenge to Victoria Police in 1978 kicking off fund raising efforts. After reading about the publicity success of the Hell's Angels run "Toyruns" in America, the MRAA also began running Toyruns each year, donating gifts, money and food to the Salvation Army Christmas appeal. A "4Bs" (Bent, Buckled Bikies Bureau) was also formed to provide care and advice to injured riders. MRA (Vic) representatives participated on various State and Federal committees including the following: VicRoads Road Safety Reference Group, Victorian Motorcycle Advisory Council (VMAC) Australian Motorcycle Council (AMC) Standards Australia (Helmet Standards) Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) One of the successes in long-term negotiation through and participation on several of these committees has been the creation of the first State Transport and Safety Strategy for motorcycles, issued by the Victorian Minister of Transport's Motorcycle Advisory Group (MAG). The growth in motorcycles and other powered two-wheelers in Victoria has increased the importance of including transport aspects in motorcycle strategies. In