Thousands of Victorians rode into Spring Street fed up with roads that are killing their mates and politicians who keep promising to fix them and never do. Police estimate more than 3,000 people turned out for the Broken Promises, Broken Roads rally, and the anger was aimed at every politician who has let it get this far. "We're here because of the bloody state of the roads," co-organiser Michael White told the crowd, "and we're sick of burying our mates."

The rally followed the death of 71-year-old Peter "Tiki" Mason last month, after he was believed to have struck a pothole. Organisers read out the names of four riders they say have died on Victorian roads in the past two years: Jay Munn, Vicky J Dawson, John David Hogarth and Mason. All four set out on a simple ride and never came home.

A woman who lost her brother said her family had been ripped to pieces, and she offered her condolences to Mason's family, who were in the crowd.

The state's own auditor backs up what the protesters are saying. A recent Victorian Auditor-General's report found that the share of state-managed roads in poor or very poor condition rose from 39 to 48 per cent between 2021 and 2024.

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The stories from the rally were blunt. One protesters said they dodged at least 200 potholes on the ride in and counted every one. Another rider said he sees perhaps 100 or 200 potholes across the rest of Australia, then hits 400 in the first 20 kilometres after crossing into Victoria. Several said they no longer ride at night.

For a motorcyclist, a pothole means far more than a broken rim. Protesters explained that a hole a few inches deep can throw a rider across the road, and some had been thrown themselves. Others spoke of mates living with lifelong injuries. Organisers said they rallied with about 1,200 riders a year ago, have been raising the alarm for four years, and were told they were imagining it.

With the November election approaching, the politicians have taken notice. Premier Ben Carroll did not attend but phoned organisers the day before, which they called too little, too late. Labor has promised $1 billion for road maintenance on top of an extra $352 million for potholes this year.

Opposition Leader Jess Wilson did front the crowd. "You shouldn't have to be here today," she said. "You should be going out for a ride, not giving a second thought about whether or not Victoria's roads are safe." She pledged $5 billion over four years to repair and rebuild the state's roads. The reception was lukewarm, but the crowd stayed respectful. One Nation also sent a speaker, who promised to audit the state's books.

The crowd was sceptical of all of it. After years of broken promises, protesters said they want the roads fixed now, not a five-year plan. As one put it, there always seems to be money for overseas trips, perks and bonuses, but never for the most basic job a government has.

Rebel News will keep covering the issues Victorians want heard on Spring Street in the lead-up to the election. If you want to support more reporting like this, chip in at SupportRebel.com.