AA AND THE RADIO NETWORK ARE ANTI-BIKE

[SARGE]

had the stereo on in the shop this morning.. Classic Hits had an interview with an AA representitve.. she said (paraphrasing) "dont buy a bike.. you'll get killed.. just go ahead and eat the high gas prices.. blah blah blah"

what kinda retards work for AA and the Radio Network.. @#$% fearmongering bastards..


if your company has any dealing with either of these companies.. please call them up and bitch.. boycott thier advertisers and call them up and let it be known that we are PISSED OFF!!!

the Radio Network - 373-0000.. station manager's name is Dallas.. flood his voicemail

AA Head Office 99 Albert Street
P O Box 5
Auckland
T. +64 9 377 4660
F. +64 9 309 4563
E. info@aa.co.nz

NZ Herald letters to the editor http://www.nzherald.co.nz/info/letters/

lets reallly get together on this one folks .. we have the numbers.. lets use them

[Brains]

Hmmm, wonder why AA is advising against people buying bikes? Oh yeah, the AA generates it's income from road users other than bikes. What do you expect? Good friend of mine is an AA mech, currently rides a ducati 916 - doesn't own a car, so please don't generalise about the AA.

[SARGE]

Hmmm, wonder why AA is advising against people buying bikes? Oh yeah, the AA generates it's income from road users other than bikes. What do you expect? Good friend of mine is an AA mech, currently rides a ducati 916 - doesn't own a car, so please don't generalise about the AA.


its never the soldiers who are fucked up.. always the generals.. apologies to the bikeies at AA .. i know a few also

[Postie]

had the stereo on in the shop this morning.. Classic Hits had an interview with an AA representitve.. she said (paraphrasing) "dont buy a bike.. you'll get killed.. just go ahead and eat the high gas prices.. blah blah blah"

what kinda retards work for AA and the Radio Network.. @#$% fearmongering bastards..


if your company has any dealing with either of these companies.. please call them up and bitch.. boycott thier advertisers and call them up and let it be known that we are PISSED OFF!!!

the Radio Network - 373-0000.. station manager's name is Dallas.. flood his voicemail

AA Head Office 99 Albert Street
P O Box 5
Auckland
T. +64 9 377 4660
F. +64 9 309 4563
E. info@aa.co.nz

lets reallly get together on this one folks .. we have the numbers.. lets use them


Thats a pretty loose paraphrase there Sarge
As written in todays herald,


And the AA has given a warning to anyone considering getting a motorcycle to save a few dollars to "carefully weigh the increased risk to life and limb".

A modern small car has similar fuel efficiency but is up to 80 times safer than a large motorbike, says the association.

"A better option would be a bicycle, which is 10 times safer than a motorbike and gets you fit as well, while buses are the hands down winners on safety."

[Patrick]

Unbelievable...must be on a different planet or sniffing something (oil mans arse?)...AA should be promoting whatever to reduce oil consumption, doesn't get any better than getting a bike ay? Should be promoting the fact that getting a bike not only saves gas but some of these car drivers will learn what it is like out there and be a better driver and road user for it...

[Mr Skid]

Here's an article in the Harold on the topic http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/story.cfm?c_id=1&ObjectID=10344590

It would be interesting to know where they got their figures from.

[SARGE]

Here's an article in the Harold on the topic http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/story.cfm?c_id=1&ObjectID=10344590

It would be interesting to know where they got their figures from.


thanks for that guys .. bling to both of you

[Patrick]

Here's an article in the Harold on the topic http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/story.cfm?c_id=1&ObjectID=10344590

It would be interesting to know where they got their figures from.

True. Probably a fair comment for Auckland driving standards though ay...put me off bikes years ago after 4 near misses in one day! Much safer down in Taranaki....which is why I am back into it again. Definitely don't miss the bad AK traffic/drivers

[Lou Girardin]

My boss will be discussing this with the AA, seeing that we are customers of theirs.

[James Deuce]

Thats a pretty loose paraphrase there Sarge
As written in todays herald,


And the AA has given a warning to anyone considering getting a motorcycle to save a few dollars to "carefully weigh the increased risk to life and limb".

A modern small car has similar fuel efficiency but is up to 80 times safer than a large motorbike, says the association.

"A better option would be a bicycle, which is 10 times safer than a motorbike and gets you fit as well, while buses are the hands down winners on safety."

Those are random stats pulled out of someone's arse.

Of 4 fatal accidents on the Hutt motorway between Melling and the Haywards in the last 6 months, 2 were pushies. 10 times safer than what?

I stopped using the AA's "service" when they left my wife in the shit with a cracked distributor cap at 7 months pregnant. They are nothing more than Government propaganda toadies.

I don't care about the "Soldiers vs Generals" distinction either. AA=You Suck in my Lexicon.

[Postie]

Unbelievable...must be on a different planet or sniffing something (oil mans arse?)...AA should be promoting whatever to reduce oil consumption, doesn't get any better than getting a bike ay? Should be promoting the fact that getting a bike not only saves gas but some of these car drivers will learn what it is like out there and be a better driver and road user for it...

I agree, i think everybody should be made to get a motorcycle licence before they get a car licence, it will teach them to look out for bikes when they are driving cars and like Patrick said, will make them all better drivers, much more aware of whats going on around them.

[Postie]

Those are random stats pulled out of someone's arse.

Of 4 fatal accidents on the Hutt motorway between Melling and the Haywards in the last 6 months, 2 were pushies. 10 times safer than what?

I stopped using the AA's "service" when they left my wife in the shit with a cracked distributor cap at 7 months pregnant. They are nothing more than Government propaganda toadies.

I don't care about the "Soldiers vs Generals" distinction either. AA=You Suck in my Lexicon.


well theres no way you would see me on a push bike in Auckland for any reason, all drivers in AK seem to think that cyclists are flys and they seem to aim to hit them.

not my stats, just out of todays herald.
Not sure how buses are safer other then there size obviously, but to my knowledge, there are no seat belts in buses and people stand up when its busy so when they crash, how safe is that???

[Pixie]

just sent off a polite but hardline e-mail

The silly arses don't realise that most bikers own cars

[Lou Girardin]

2 wheel accident rates have fallen in London since congestion charging sent scooter sales through the roof.
Perhaps through more bikes making more people aware of them.
And note the selective use of examples, eg. "large" motorcycles. Commuters use little bikes.

[dhunt]

A modern small car has similar fuel efficiency but is up to 80 times safer than a large motorbike, says the association.

I wonder if this true when you add in the extra time in commuting = more fuel consumed? Also the extra time waisted as well surely that needs to be added into the equation as well.

[Karma]

I wonder if this true when you add in the extra time in commuting = more fuel consumed? Also the extra time waisted as well surely that needs to be added into the equation as well.


This is true, how much time, and therefore fuel can be saved by lanesplitting through a line of traffic at the lights? I live out in Kohi in Auckland, and although I don't have my bike yet, I'd bet I could easily shave 15minutes off my travelling time just by lanesplitting around mission bay with their traffic lights that hold you forever.

Surely another factor they havn't considered is congestion. Bike parking is free and there's a fair amount of it... you can easily fit four bikes into the same space a 4x4 takes up, so why are the government not promoting it more? Perhaps there's not enough money in parking tickets for bikes?

[crshbndct]

*bike are a cost effective, cheap, efficient, better way to handle traffic woes.
*but there is less revenue to be made from them - lower fuel use = lower taxation
*traffic congestion makes the petrol companies (and in turn the government) more money
*vote national

[Ixion]

The AA have always been very anti-motorcyclist (well, for many years anyway). It is because the AA is run by tired grey old men . Have a look at their magazine, it's full of ads for mobility scooters, and old age pensioner holidays and such.

They are against sports cars too (big gas guzzling Holdens are OK though).

As for the figures, Li'l Ratty gets 90mpg. Show me the cage that'll do that .

And the treadley figure is boviously nonsense, because there are no figures for how many bikes there are ON THE ROAD. Most pushbikes don't get used, people buy them and they sit in the garage. How many people here have a grage full of unused treadlys?

In the nature of things how can push bikes be safer than motorbikes, assuming they're ridden on the road (as the law requires) . They have no more protection, their brakes are puny, they can't accelerate out of danger, they are even less visible than motorcycles.

I suspect the spokesperson is a fitness nazi.

[Karma]

The thing is that it's not a fair test, they are not comparing like for like.

Their logic is that a bicycle is safer because of the relatively lower speeds at which it travels, but they then don't factor in that it's on the road for longer.

Assume a 100km journey, a motorbike will do it in 1-2 hours dependant on speed limits, whereas I doubt any bicycle could do it in less then 4-5 hours.

[gamgee]

you're all preaching to the converted on here, why not get out onto for example the trademe general messageboard and try and convert some of those idiots, good luck tho, i've found most of them are 4wd soccer mums, so don't really go near it now, would love to see it tho

[eliot-ness]

2 wheel accident rates have fallen in London since congestion charging sent scooter sales through the roof.
Perhaps through more bikes making more people aware of them.
And note the selective use of examples, eg. "large" motorcycles. Commuters use little bikes.

On a recent TV one news interview the point was put that scooter sales in NZ were up by 60 to 70%. Two scooter riding girls were interviewed. Both said the scooters were fun to ride, dirt cheap to run and got them to work in half the time. To balance the interview they had an 'expert' possibly AA.
His comment was. "You have to realise these things are highly dangerous. In an accident it's very likely you will be seriously injured" Wonder if he'd ever ridden on two wheels?? The AA in NZ is the same as in the UK. No interest in bikes whatsoever. Over there the RAC used to look after Bikers interests.

[Patrick]

.....In the nature of things how can push bikes be safer than motorbikes, assuming they're ridden on the road (as the law requires) . They have no more protection, their brakes are puny, they can't accelerate out of danger, they are even less visible than motorcycles.

I suspect the spokesperson is a fitness nazi.

Quite right...got sick of pushbikes because cars didn't see me and had some offs...definitely not safer. Went to motorbikes but in AK it wasn't much better..different story now though in Taranaki, rode to Palmy a few weeks ago, Wanganui last week...great roads, great rides and all just out the back door...don't have to go too far to get a good outing...quiet country straights, highways likewise...good twisters too...depends what you like, but best of all, not much traffic/cars!!!!

[clint640]

That "10x safer" has got to be bollocks no matter how you spin it. I remember being further annoyed at our high rego charges recently when I learnt that pushbike accidents cost ACC more than MC ones, as with motorbikes most of these are caused by cars of course.

There's nowt wrong with a treadly for short trips though. The brakes are definitely not puny on any well maintained treadly, I'm pretty sure mine would pull up almost as quick as my KTM. I wouldn't insult my 640 by starting it up to go the 2.7km to work.

Cheers
Clint

[Smoggie]

Have phoned the station manager, who was very apologetic, and defensive, stating that the quote was from the NZ Herald, and could not get the name of the source from the AA.
We could just ban cars!

[Damon]

What a load of crap! Almost all the accidents I've had involved some idiot in a cage, if the retards we're on bikes then they wouldn't have happened, motorcycle are only "more dangerous" because of the ignorant cagers around them, it's like a moving mine field.

As for pushbikes, perhaps if they put a cycle lane on the harbour bridge or next to the motorway I might think about it, but that would probably throw their fatality stats through the roof, other wise it'll take me days to go from south Auckland through west to get to my job on the shore.

This AA guy sounds like another reason to introduce IQ testing as a part of job interviews, "oh I’m sorry, your score of 46 doesn't quite make our minimum level to pump gas for us"

[Lou Girardin]

Have phoned the station manager, who was very apologetic, and defensive, stating that the quote was from the NZ Herald, and could not get the name of the source from the AA.
We could just ban cars!

This is modern electronic news gathering - read the Herald on-line then broadcast it.

[Damon]

NZ Herald letters to the editor http://www.nzherald.co.nz/info/letters/

lets reallly get together on this one folks .. we have the numbers.. lets use them

Thanks for this Sarge, i've sent in my letter, it would be good to see if we get a reply or if any of us actualy make it into the paper?

[outlawtorn]

After all has been said and done, shouldn't BRONZ be out there fighting for our rights and keeping our name good? I know BRONZ have a bit of a bad rep, but we should call on them more often OR they should be more proactive in responsing to shit like this.

They are going to have an AGM in October, let's get our questions/demands in to them and make them work for us.

Yes/No/Maybe.........?

[James Deuce]

After all has been said and done, shouldn't BRONZ be out there fighting for our rights and keeping our name good? I know BRONZ have a bit of a bad rep, but we should call on them more often OR they should be more proactive in responsing to shit like this.

They are going to have an AGM in October, let's get our questions/demands in to them and make them work for us.

Yes/No/Maybe.........?

The "Yes/No/Maybe" bit is indicative of why BRONZ doesn't work. Democracy only happens while an election is in process. After that you put up with what you asked for. The "Consultative Process" is merely an extension of indecision by committe, but on a broader scale.

Damn right they should have had a press release out by now. Damn right BRONZ memebers should be asking where it is.

[Big Dave]

What a lot of knickers in a twist for what was not an unreasonable statement.

I agree with them - If you have never ridden a motorcycle and are planning on getting one purely for fuel costs savings then you *should* consider that it is fucking dangerous.

Look at all the hand wringing that goes on in here every time someone has an off.

And what does AA stand for BTW - is it AUTOMOBILE Association?

[SARGE]

new number for you.. JANE at AA 04-931 9992.. she claims that 80% of the accidents involving bikes are caused by us.. ACC says they will stand outside bike shops and pay you $2000 NOT to buy a bike.. i think we should take them up on the offer

[Lou Girardin]

new number for you.. JANE at AA 04-931 9992.. she claims that 80% of the accidents involving bikes are caused by us.. ACC says they will stand outside bike shops and pay you $2000 NOT to buy a bike.. i think we should take them up on the offer

It may well be true. But you have to realise that your bike falling off it's stand and landing on your foot in an injury motorcycle accident. So are farmbike offs, all off-road bike ACC claims in fact.
You can't argue with blind prejudice. We need the industry to start promoting the bike lifestyle and it's advantages.
Big ads with sexy babes on scooters, stud muffins on sprotbikes. (this'll appeal to both opposite sexes)

[Big Dave]

new number for you.. JANE at AA 04-931 9992.. she claims that 80% of the accidents involving bikes are caused by us.. ACC says they will stand outside bike shops and pay you $2000 NOT to buy a bike.. i think we should take them up on the offer

Yes - i reckon i could not buy as many as 5 motorcycles this weekend.

Did Jane name a source for her statistics? If it's bullshit i'll play my media card and give her a call.

[Big Dave]

It may well be true. But you have to realise that your bike falling off it's stand and landing on your foot in an injury motorcycle accident. So are farmbike offs, all off-road bike ACC claims in fact.
You can't argue with blind prejudice. We need the industry to start promoting the bike lifestyle and it's advantages.
Big ads with sexy babes on scooters, stud muffins on sprotbikes. (this'll appeal to both opposite sexes)

HALLLOOO - what do I do?!?!?

[SARGE]

Yes - i reckon i could not buy as many as 5 motorcycles this weekend.

Did Jane name a source for her statistics? If it's bullshit i'll play my media card and give her a call.


dude .. please call her..ask her where we collect the $2000.. i just called ACC complaints department (0800-650-222) and asked what shop they will be outside today...

hmmm.. wonder if i quallify for the $2000 for every bike i DONT SELL....

[The_Dover]

You'd be a rich man there mate...............

[Brains]

new number for you.. JANE at AA 04-931 9992.. she claims that 80% of the accidents involving bikes are caused by us.. ACC says they will stand outside bike shops and pay you $2000 NOT to buy a bike.. i think we should take them up on the offer

Actually when I was doing my research last year, the figure was 87% of motorcycle accidents are caused by the rider, versus slightly below 80% (if I remember correctly) of motorvehicle accidents caused by the driver. Fully licenced riders are the worest by far - drinking and speeding being the two largest factors, however this is somewhat misleading because fully licenced riders also make up the larged group of riders.

So what does this mean I'm agreeing with the AA? HELL NO. What it means is that because so few accidents are caused by cage drivers (13%), then if you are a motorcyclist who is riding within their own abilities, and obeying the various traffic laws, you are actually less likely to have an accident compared to someone driving a car.

It all gets a bit messy when something does go wrong, however, the AA is confusing accidents per vehicle type, and seriousness of the accident.

Naughty misleading AA people.

[ManDownUnder]

new number for you.. JANE at AA 04-931 9992.. she claims that 80% of the accidents involving bikes are caused by us.. ACC says they will stand outside bike shops and pay you $2000 NOT to buy a bike.. i think we should take them up on the offer

SWEET

I just popped in and didn't buy the scooter this arvo - wanna do it again?

That $2k NOT to buy - is that somewhere I can quote it... I'd REALLY like to... as you know... tell you what - you find it for me, and I'll take that $2k and have someone else buy the thing for me... at your place!

[Lou Girardin]

HALLLOOO - what do I do?!?!?

Where are the newspaper ads, the 'sex on wheels' TV ads. All the stuff that non-bikers should be seeing. All the advertising I've seen preaches to the converted.
And, yes, I know that's not your call.

[Big Dave]

dude .. please call her..ask her where we collect the $2000.. i just called ACC complaints department (0800-650-222) and asked what shop they will be outside today...

hmmm.. wonder if i quallify for the $2000 for every bike i DONT SELL....

I can't record anything here - lent my equipment. Better off calling in the cavalry.
I'll bring this conversation to the attention of Mackay and Clive Cooper-Smith of the importers association - and we'll do it all official.

Will keep you posted.

[SARGE]

You'd be a rich man there mate...............


not today man..@$%^ GN250s are flying out the door dammit

[Lou Girardin]

If I don't buy 11 bikes, I can afford the Superduke.
Sarge, would you not sell me 11 GN's?

[yungatart]

I wonder if this true when you add in the extra time in commuting = more fuel consumed? Also the extra time waisted as well surely that needs to be added into the equation as well.
Not to mention driving around the block four or five times looking for a park. Also who wants to turn up for work all sweaty and smelling of BO for the rest of the day after riding a pushbike-not me!

[Big Dave]

Where are the newspaper ads, the 'sex on wheels' TV ads. All the stuff that non-bikers should be seeing. All the advertising I've seen preaches to the converted.
And, yes, I know that's not your call.

Just funnin' - but i agree.

And it's industry wide - eg i have suggested online banner advertising for all my clients - i can knock out beauties, but no-one has ever given me the go ahead.

TV costs too much for the size of the potential market. Suzuki has the budget on sales, but they already dominate with what they do - so why bother.
Newspapers are a bit the same.

Vespa are currently in all the glossys M2, top gear, etc and sales are strong. But that's probably more circumstancial than the strength of the ads.

And just a thought - Your rentals are on the AA web site - ironically you pay them for promoting your motorcycle business. Ethics?

[The_Dover]

not today man..@$%^ GN250s are flying out the door dammit

Flying GN250s?? Have you guys cracked the bourbon already? C'mon it's still at least 24hrs until Friday night when the golden gates of Colemans close.............

:psst: P.S. Can you ask Mark to warm up the water blaster at 5.30'ish? The beast needs another wash, a damned bird shat on me screen! :rofl:

[Lou Girardin]

And just a thought - Your rentals are on the AA web site - ironically you pay them for promoting your motorcycle business. Ethics?

And roadside assist, Ray's dealing with that.

[SARGE]

If I don't buy 11 bikes, I can afford the Superduke.
Sarge, would you not sell me 11 GN's?


lou.. you drive a hard bargain.. can we make it 14?..i need new billet rims for my FJ

[SARGE]

Flying GN250s?? Have you guys cracked the bourbon already? C'mon it's still at least 24hrs until Friday night when the golden gates of Colemans close.............

:psst: P.S. Can you ask Mark to warm up the water blaster at 5.30'ish? The beast needs another wash, a damned bird shat on me screen! :rofl:


he will fire it up if you let me take it through Woodhill forest again :dodge:

[The_Dover]

Hmm, that may make it three in three months............

[MD]

I heard the radio news this morning about AA and was already pissed off with the DomPost Saturday story on what happens when its $2 a litre. Paper said a move to motorcycles would probably increase the road toll" and to add impact next to that was a pic. of the white crosses along Centennial Highway. Poor example since those crosses are all for recent car vs car/truck crashes.
As drivers switch to bikes there will be less cars on the road to endanger riders and what cars there are will become more aware of bikes from our increased presence on the road. Its a win win with the national petrol consumption and pollution reduced.
see if they print it.

[Beemer]

I don't care about the "Soldiers vs Generals" distinction either. AA=You Suck in my Lexicon.

So you tar every person who works for a certain organisation with the same brush do you, Jim2? So even if someone who works for the AA rides bikes and supports motorcycling, you lump them in with those who make comments on the safety of motorcycling? As a matter of interest, what do YOU do for a living?

I agree with Ixion about the AA being run by 'tired grey old men' - I went after the job as editor of their magazine many years ago but it went to the boring twat who is still there now. I think their target market is the elderly - because they are the ones who have the time and money to travel by car.

And as Dave said - it is the AUTOMOBILE Association, not the MOTORCYCLE Association - so do you really expect them to recommend people buy bikes? They may not have worded it very well, but I understand what they meant by the comment that if people rushed out and bought bikes they could harm themselves - what they left out was 'inexperienced' people - those who have never ridden before.

The AA coming out against motorcycles is no different to Suzuki NZ issuing a statement that a certain number of riders had been killed or injured while riding their bikes so they want people to think twice and look at a small car instead!

[myvice]

Why the shock?
We have all known for years that the AA are just an insurance company masquerading as a "Voice of the Driving Public."
Would blame us for the death of Farlap if they could!
We need an Auto-Cycle Association, what BRONZ is sposed to be!
"Bikes are dangerous!"
This tired old line gets pulled out every time bike sales go up, is it because car sales drop? Conspiracy theory to follow if you want it!
The ACC are a pack of money grubbing plebs who will spend $2000 to get out of paying $500 to someone who needs it.
They have been manipulating statistics for there own ends for so long that no one knows the truth anymore anyway so they just say what they want and get the figures later.
People have short memories, and few listen to talk-back or read the paper beyond the first page anymore, at least not the 15-30 year olds that are most likely to be getting into riding for the first time.
Did a stint as a pushbike courier in Auckland, dangerous? Na, Other 1/2 said she'd divorce me if I tried it again tho! That and parachuting.
Bikes are Ok tho... :chase:

[James Deuce]

So you tar every person who works for a certain organisation with the same brush do you, Jim2? So even if someone who works for the AA rides bikes and supports motorcycling, you lump them in with those who make comments on the safety of motorcycling? As a matter of interest, what do YOU do for a living?

I agree with Ixion about the AA being run by 'tired grey old men' - I went after the job as editor of their magazine many years ago but it went to the boring twat who is still there now. I think their target market is the elderly - because they are the ones who have the time and money to travel by car.

And as Dave said - it is the AUTOMOBILE Association, not the MOTORCYCLE Association - so do you really expect them to recommend people buy bikes? They may not have worded it very well, but I understand what they meant by the comment that if people rushed out and bought bikes they could harm themselves - what they left out was 'inexperienced' people - those who have never ridden before.

The AA coming out against motorcycles is no different to Suzuki NZ issuing a statement that a certain number of riders had been killed or injured while riding their bikes so they want people to think twice and look at a small car instead!

AA has a "service" for roadside repair. You do not leave a pregnant woman and two small children on the side of the road in a broken down car at 8pm and say that they can't send anyone until the morning. If the organisation doesn't want everyone tarred with the same brush then they shouldn't do things that will forever tarnish their reputation in my mind. It was not the first time they had let us down either, but it is certainly the last.

What do I do for a living? Obviously nothing of any value or worth if that's the tone you're going to take.

You might think you understood what they meant, but I guarantee they were just reinforcing long standing prejudices. I think you're deluded if you think that anyone other than a motorcycle oriented lobby is ever going to say anything positive about motorcycles.

[Paul in NZ]

I've had patchy results from them BUT they assure me that as a part of their breakdown service the will come out to me on the bike because it is the member that is covered, not their car. (different from State)

BUT - They are a funny organisation. I'm a member but frankly, I'm not quite sure why anymore?

Cheers

Edit - oh thats right - Vicki went through aperiod of locking her keys in the car and it was cheaper than replacing the side window...

[eliot-ness]

Another point that seems to have been overlooked.
If the AA think bikes are so dangerous, Why is their bike insurance one of the cheapest on the market??

[Ghost Lemur]

MAG (Motorcycle Action Group (?)) seem to be achieving quite a bit in the UK. Anyone considered making contact with them and opening a NZMAG?

I agree with the comments so far, you never see BRONZ standup and do what their supposed to. From posts by (iirc) Jackrat they sound like they've turned into the PFJ (People's Front of Judea). Sitting around in talking.

What is needed is a proactive group that will put forward our point of view.

This will be doubley needed if more plebs do take up riding due to petrol prices, etc. Reason being, you can be garanteed that a few of the pleebs will get knocked/fall off. Then we'll come on the radar of the media, which of course will mean we start showing on the politians sights. Things like certain bikes being capable of breaking the speedlimit in first gear, wheelies, knee down action, LANE SPLITTING, exaust noice, etc, etc.

If we don't have an effective lobby organisation and this happens then we can expect to get shafted. Increased reg, more regulations/restrictions, etc, etc.

[unhingedlizard]

we were with the AA until they sent us a renewal notice for our gold membership on the day before we moved. Unusually, we lost it, so we called them to send us a new one and we got told that one is all we get, so we told them if they send us a couple of cents of paper we will send them our $70odd payment, still waiting........

On the "anti-bike" note, i got pissed at this until I realised that I dont really want every numptie driver getting a bike, writting themselves off and pushing up the rego fee die to ACC levies.

[Beemer]

AA has a "service" for roadside repair. You do not leave a pregnant woman and two small children on the side of the road in a broken down car at 8pm and say that they can't send anyone until the morning. If the organisation doesn't want everyone tarred with the same brush then they shouldn't do things that will forever tarnish their reputation in my mind. It was not the first time they had let us down either, but it is certainly the last.

What do I do for a living? Obviously nothing of any value or worth if that's the tone you're going to take.

You might think you understood what they meant, but I guarantee they were just reinforcing long standing prejudices. I think you're deluded if you think that anyone other than a motorcycle oriented lobby is ever going to say anything positive about motorcycles.

You are a grumpy shit, aren't you! I find it very hard to believe that the AA refused to go out to a pregnant woman with two kids - but then if you get your woman in that state you should make sure she drives a reliable vehicle.

And as for my query about what you do for a living, I really don't give a shit - it's just that I am a journalist and get sick of being classed as scum because SOME journalists lie or aren't very good at what they do. No matter what YOU do for a living, I bet you get fed up with comments like "EVERY [insert your job here] is an arsehole".

I would LOVE it if there was a motorcycle oriented lobby group that actually did anything to create change, but there's really only BRONZ and they are about as effective as pissing in the wind.

Pull your head in and stop being such a defensive prick, there are people here who do it much better than you.

[froggyfrenchman]

bikes are still the awnser!

[Paul in NZ]

You are a grumpy shit, aren't you! I find it very hard to believe that the AA refused to go out to a pregnant woman with two kids - but then if you get your woman in that state you should make sure she drives a reliable vehicle.
.

Lordy lordy! Settle down...

I have been turned down by them when I was in a pickle too... Oh, well, too be fair, they didn't actually refuse, they just made it impossible and pointless so I found an easier way.

I have had 1 other average experience as well. They never actually helped, just confirmed my diagnosis and left me to figure out how to get home.... Which was pretty pathetic!

Jim2 is a grumpy shit and I think he does an excellent job of it BTW (PT) but really, he is entitled to an opinion. Plus he's not really doing what you are suggesting. He reckons the whole organisation is a bit duff. You are mad because people think all Journalists suck because of a few bad eggs (hey, how do you think the police feel and I'm in sales fer gods sake). His contention is more that all the various trades inside one organisation are a bit naff... That happens! sometimes.... well once... maybe.. but it could... :devil2:

Cheers

[Mr Skid]

MAG (Motorcycle Action Group (?)) seem to be achieving quite a bit in the UK. Anyone considered making contact with them and opening a NZMAG? Have you considered getting in contact with them and opening a NZMAG? Just a thought.

[NordieBoy]

So cars are 80 times safer and pushies are 10 times safer than large bikes.
Of course pushies are safer, people don't ride them!

So much to say, so much to rant about...

I think I'll just watch the latest Josh and Ben Show again :D

[Ixion]

I've had patchy results from them BUT they assure me that as a part of their breakdown service the will come out to me on the bike because it is the member that is covered, not their car. (different from State)

BUT - They are a funny organisation. I'm a member but frankly, I'm not quite sure why anymore?

Cheers

Edit - oh thats right - Vicki went through aperiod of locking her keys in the car and it was cheaper than replacing the side window...

I was a member for a while, years ago, but gave it up, because the times I actually needed them they were totally useless. (car and bike). So now I'm not.

But Mrs Ixion is a member and thinks they are wonderful.

In fairness, they are (as someone said) the AUTOMOBILE Assn not the AUTOCYCLE Assn. And I guess their breakdown service is now (a) a very small part of what they do and one they are not very interested in ; and (b) mainly useful to old ladies and other non mechanically adept people. By and large if I can't fix a roadside breakdown, the AA man is unlikely to be able to. Mrs Ixion, who does not do technology , is another story.

I still think they're a bunch of plonkers though. Meh, I hate old people.

[thehollowmen]

I'm an AA member.

I'll flick them a letter for their next mag to see what their real thoughts are on it.
I know a fair number of us have memberships... lets see how they deal with it because their letter page goes up before the brass.

[SARGE]

i am in contact with a producer from Campbell live..i am trying to get some airtime on the subject. thanks to Ixion for some stats on another thread..

[Lou Girardin]

Just a small point in the diatribes against negative bike comments.
Any non-biker reading the posts in this forum about bins would be horrified. This is a publicly available forum, do you not think that some ACC or LTNZ wonk could not get reams of anti-bike material out of here? We won't even go into the fatalities that have occurred.
I, for one, don't think crashing is anything to be proud of.

[InDeSkyz]

I know I haven't been a 'biker' for very long, but I completely support the use of motorcycles for numerous reasons and do hope that, as the tight knit and vocal community this appears to be, that some attention is paid towards the good points.
Good luck to getting this in the paper or on live tv.
I sometimes wish I were a coherent speaker ;) , so I can help stand up for what I believe/agree in.

:)

[Big Dave]

I sometimes wish I were a coherent speaker ;)
:)


Sometimes I wish I were just coherent.

[Big Dave]

Cavalry summoned - have sent the facts and quotes to the Importers Association via KR. If our facts are right MacKay feels they will seek a retraction and rattle the legal sabre.

Letter to the editor if you like too;
editor@kiwirider.co.nz
he's already got some, but it's too late for the next issue so it's a bit of a bad time frame for KR.

[hondacmx450]

Hmmm, wonder why AA is advising against people buying bikes? Oh yeah, the AA generates it's income from road users other than bikes. What do you expect? Good friend of mine is an AA mech, currently rides a ducati 916 - doesn't own a car, so please don't generalise about the AA.
when was the last time he rode hope he is making the best of the days off and the weather

[kerryg]

I
I sometimes wish I were a coherent speaker ;) , so I can help stand up for what I believe/agree in.

:)


Sometimes I wish I was richer :yes: ....oh..and handsome-er :yeah: ...oh, yes, and also cleverer. :cry: ..and then there's hairier :rolleyes: ......oh oh oh ...and that I could get my knee down.....oh oh oh oh ..not to mention...do a 3rd gear (or even 1st gear) mono and keep it up on the balance point as I surged past Valentino Rossi....ah well...such is life.... :spudwhat:

[Damon]

Just a bit of an update, had a friend call me to day to say i'd mede it into the paper, sure enough, page A12 of the Herald, Lou Girardin and i have had our letters to the editor pubished,

A little disapointing to see they edited our letters but i guess you get that when you dont own the paper but good to see our point of view getting out there, even if it's at the back of the paper

[simo]

Another point that seems to have been overlooked.
If the AA think bikes are so dangerous, Why is their bike insurance one of the cheapest on the market??

Ever tried to get settlement after a bike accident from the AA? Not that I have, has anyone? Was there any grief

[Lou Girardin]

Just a bit of an update, had a friend call me to day to say i'd mede it into the paper, sure enough, page A12 of the Herald, Lou Girardin and i have had our letters to the editor pubished,

A little disapointing to see they edited our letters but i guess you get that when you dont own the paper but good to see our point of view getting out there, even if it's at the back of the paper

Good letter.

[Jantar]

Ever tried to get settlement after a bike accident from the AA? Not that I have, has anyone? Was there any grief

I changed from AA insurance 30 years ago after trying to obtain satisfaction on a motorcycle claim. As soon as I claimed on an accident on a 3 month old GT750, they increased my excess and made it retrospective to the day before the accident. Yes, they did repair the bike, but the new excess (25% of the bike's value) and loss of no claims bonus plus one years premium magically equalled the cost of repairs.

[thehollowmen]

I changed from AA insurance 30 years ago after trying to obtain satisfaction on a motorcycle claim. As soon as I claimed on an accident on a 3 month old GT750, they increased my excess and made it retrospective to the day before the accident. Yes, they did repair the bike, but the new excess (25% of the bike's value) and loss of no claims bonus plus one years premium magically equalled the cost of repairs.

You have to be shitting me?

Glad I'm with a different insurance company.

[Lou Girardin]

I changed from AA insurance 30 years ago after trying to obtain satisfaction on a motorcycle claim. As soon as I claimed on an accident on a 3 month old GT750, they increased my excess and made it retrospective to the day before the accident. Yes, they did repair the bike, but the new excess (25% of the bike's value) and loss of no claims bonus plus one years premium magically equalled the cost of repairs.

'taint legal. Should have fought it.

[FROSTY]

AA dont friggin talk to me about AA--lowlife backstabbing scumbag assholes the lot of em --
Its all about profit centers and making money -anyway they can

[Mattyc]

I see exactly what you guys are saying, and agree, but i can see it another way, this is most likely the where AA may have their concerns

looking at this the other way - a lot of the people joining the two wheeled revolution may not have had prior motorbike experience. Just hypothetically, if suddenly 1000 mad motorists (who cant drive to save themselves anyhoo, you know the ones i mean) went out and bought bikes and started commuting in the traffic etc, it would be chaos, probably 50% would go on to be good riders, the others.....

a. all the bad riders will give us a bad name
b. Stats will change, more accidents due to inexperienced riders, more for AA to moan at
c. Petrol companies will find a way to tax motorcycles for not using as much fuel


It should be compulsory to spend 10 hours on a dirt bike before you are given a road license

[Mooch]

AA dont friggin talk to me about AA--lowlife backstabbing scumbag assholes the lot of em --
Its all about profit centers and making money -anyway they can

Yep , gotta love those birthday reminders that AA insurance each year offering life cover . I remember the last time I called them when my kawa seized. It was on the phone that they told me the policy of one free tow a year was no longer available under the normal policy , but only available for the higher preimium. Will cover me in tar any throw feathers at me .. , great news, I'm 4 hours from home. but wow , I now get AA rewards at the service station I called from ...., real useful to me at this point and amazing after being a member for 15 years .
The AA do a dis-service to the excellent techs that are called out by doing stuff like this. I couldn't give a flying pizza about rewards , when you pay for a service you expect service , not a change in policy . At least state are only charging a modest preimuim for vechile recovery .... I'm find it hard to find a reason to renew AA membership ... be it 20 years this year. The AA radio spokes person should get the sack for. As a customer this p's me off .

[Lou Girardin]

I see exactly what you guys are saying, and agree, but i can see it another way, this is most likely the where AA may have their concerns

looking at this the other way - a lot of the people joining the two wheeled revolution may not have had prior motorbike experience. Just hypothetically, if suddenly 1000 mad motorists (who cant drive to save themselves anyhoo, you know the ones i mean) went out and bought bikes and started commuting in the traffic etc, it would be chaos, probably 50% would go on to be good riders, the others.....

a. all the bad riders will give us a bad name
b. Stats will change, more accidents due to inexperienced riders, more for AA to moan at
c. Petrol companies will find a way to tax motorcycles for not using as much fuel


It should be compulsory to spend 10 hours on a dirt bike before you are given a road license


This has not happened in London.
Oil companies do not levy taxes.
Yet.

[Big Dave]

AA dont friggin talk to me about AA--lowlife backstabbing scumbag assholes the lot of em --
Its all about profit centers and making money -anyway they can


The NSW equiv is just as bad - NRMA.
'What's the only thing worse than having no insurance?'
'Having NRMA insurance.'
Was our motto after the Newcastle earthquake.

[Pixie]

Sometimes I wish I were just coherent.
Like a laser beam?

[speights_bud]

Well i'm not suprised the AA are against bikes, just cost me $210 just for me bloody learners!. the Ltsa reckons you can do the basic handling skills test for about 50 bucks according to their website. Couldn't find anywhere to do it under $130. Even at that the AA refused to tell me where i could go to even try the test. Wasn't too impressed.

[chickenfunkstar]

Well i'm not suprised the AA are against bikes, just cost me $210 just for me bloody learners!. the Ltsa reckons you can do the basic handling skills test for about 50 bucks according to their website. Couldn't find anywhere to do it under $130. Even at that the AA refused to tell me where i could go to even try the test. Wasn't too impressed.

$130? Holy moly. A friend of mine paid $40 to do it a couple of weekends ago. That was in auckland mind you.