Police urge motorcyclists to... blah blah blah

[Steam]

At the bottom of this story is a bit about motorcyclists:

(Last Easter five people died on the roads, three of them motorcyclists.
Both police and ACC urged motorcyclists to do all they could to ensure they were seen by wearing visibility vests and riding with headlights on. )

Police want motorists to light up
NZPA | Thursday, 5 April 2007

Police, ACC and Land Transport New Zealand (LTNZ) are reminding motorists to take extra care on the roads this Easter.
Police are urging motorists to keep their lights on while driving during the Easter break, to improve visibility.
Acting national road policing manager Inspector Carey Griffiths said: "Easter is a particularly dangerous time on the roads, the time frames are short and the weather is often difficult.
"All drivers need to make sure that they are driving to the conditions but something as simple as keeping your headlights on can make a difference."
LTNZ chief executive Wayne Donnelly said drivers needed to stay fit to drive by taking frequent breaks.
"Easter weekend is a time to relax, but there are also extra pressures facing drivers on long journeys with high volumes of traffic on the roads.
"Taking breaks on long trips is a great way to ease that pressure and see a bit more of the country."
ACC roads programme manager Phil Wright said its research showed many serious crashes happened when drivers were away from home.
In the Waikato, a hotspot for serious injury crashes, 45 per cent of accidents involved people from out of town, he said.
Last Easter five people died on the roads, three of them motorcyclists.
Both police and ACC urged motorcyclists to do all they could to ensure they were seen by wearing visibility vests and riding with headlights on.

[James Deuce]

Last Easter five people died on the roads, three of them motorcyclists.
Both police and ACC urged motorcyclists to do all they could to ensure they were seen by wearing visibility vests Fuck off. Stick your hi-vis vest up your arse.


and riding with headlights on. and if I could I'd use it when I felt it was necessary, not be forced to leave it on all the time.

People can fucking look instead of us having to shoulder the ENTIRE responsibility for our own safety.

Having said that, make sure you shoulder the ENTIRE responsibility for your own safety, because no other fucker, including other motorcyclists, actually gives a shit about anyone except themselves.

[YLWDUC]

Amen to that,

The only time I've had a bin (so far, touch wood), is AFTER I stopped to put on my high vis vest. 2 minutes down the road a driver just pulled out from his drive way and "didn't even see me".

Of course, he wouldn't have stopped even if he did see me

So bright jackets save lives but Loud pipes don't?

[Her_C4]

Having said that, make sure you shoulder the ENTIRE responsibility for your own safety, because no other fucker, including other motorcyclists, actually gives a shit about anyone except themselves.

Aye - 'tis sad but true!!! Heads up, wheels down, eyes peeled - ride safe this weekend. :sunny: :scooter:

[Her_C4]

So bright jackets save lives but Loud pipes don't? not in my experience..... either or both appear to say ...."GAME ON!!!!!" :dodge: :shit:

[Big Dave]

Fuck off. Stick your hi-vis vest up your arse.




BRONZ BRONZ BRONZ.

The 'compulsory' fight must not be far away.

Prepare - get the infrastructure in place now. That's what we/I've been trying to do.

Everyone needs to join up.

[Steam]

Yeah, it's a bit of a tired old message. They'll make hi-vis vests compulsory soon I reckon.:shit:

[Ixion]

Bugger. I usually wear one. But out of sheer perversity, I can't now. I wear one cos I think it's a good idea but I'll be buggered if I'll have some jack in office telling me I must.



BRONZ BRONZ BRONZ.

The 'compulsory' fight must not be far away.

Prepare - get the infrastructure in place now. That's what we/I've been trying to do.

Everyone needs to join up.


+1

[Str8 Jacket]

Yeah, it's a bit of a tired old message. They'll make hi-vis vests compulsory soon I reckon.:shit:

Awesome, I hope so!

[avgas]

i think that if you cant read that sheet (in 5 seconds or less) when they do your drivers license. You don't deserve to be on the road.
I also believe the whole i didn't see you is bullshit - if people can read a txt message they can see me from 4-5 miles away.
That reminds me - cant remember who said it.....but im getting a rifle bag

[JimO]

its just like prop bags for boats if your close enough to run into a prop your too close

[The Pastor]

bah I don't care if they make hi vis compulsary, then no one can can say that I look gay saftey noob wearing one on rides.

I'd rather they not make another law you will get a ticket for, but when has nz done anything other than bend you over?

[Robbo]

Don't look at me.. I did'nt vote for the Bastards.

:done:

[sunhuntin]

ive got a hi vis i bought last winter....dunno where its got to though...

during the day, i ride with my light on full [its hardwired] and then dip it at night.
last night, i left work at 7pm. headlight on, as always. went the long way home cos theres less paint lines and it was pissing down.
got tailgated the whole freakin way. freakin tossers!!
am glad the roadworkers had smoothed the gravel stuff, otherwise it would have been a rough as ride! [its posted at 30k, but no way would i have been able to slow down. that time of night theres no workers anyways]

would flicking my hazard lights on make a difference? might try it tonight if it happens again. :angry:

cant do much more to make myself visible than having my lights on...advertising needs to target cagers as well with reguards to tailgating in foul weather. with the car so close, i was almost blinded to the road work cones etc, from their lights in my mirrors. the lack of distance between us would have been dangerous no matter what vehicle i was in. [and...nowhere to pull of due to roadworks and yellow lines everywhere]

[riffer]

Laugh all you like at the high-vis vests, but I have to admit, since I started to wear one (I got one for my birthday in February) I have noticed that the cagers see you a lot more easily.

They used to just pull out in front of me; now they try and pull out, see me, hesitate, and most of the time let me through.

So I'm sticking with mine. :yes:

But then, I never did give a shit what others thought of me... and I certainly won't cut my nose off to spite my face.

[more_fasterer]

Fuck off. Stick your hi-vis vest up your arse.

x2

A headline I would like to see:

Motorcyclists urge Police to target stupidity. Or crime

[James Deuce]

So I'm sticking with mine. :yes:
.

That's fine. It's your choice.

They've already removed choice in regard to headlights thanks to other idiots in other countries thinking they know best.

My riding gear has built in hi vis for night time riding in the form of reflective strips. Most textile gear does. I bought it by choice though.

The argument is two pronged and has nothing to do with you wearing your nanny bib.

1. Freedom of Choice
2. Other road users should be taking some responsibility for the safety of those road users they are sharing the road with.

Contrary to popular opinion it isn't a war out there.

[kiwifruit]

x2

A headline I would like to see:

Motorcyclists urge Police to target stupidity. Or crime

+ 1

[The_Dover]

yeah, fuck the pigs.

I look gay enough in my power ranger suit and I don't need a high vis vest to make me look more ridiculous.

[scrivy]

Can someone tell me how many motorbike cops have been taken out by cars??
Why is it that the fucken tin tops can see cops on bikes?????:shit:

[The_Dover]

they smell them coming.

like being stalked by a bacon sandwich

[Str8 Jacket]

Can someone tell me how many motorbike cops have been taken out by cars??
Why is it that the fucken tin tops can see cops on bikes?????:shit:

Is this while there parked in obscure places on the motorway with radar gun in hand or when they have parked up the bike outside the donut shop?



(j/k, gee whiz!)

[MSTRS]

With the amount of hi-viz stuff out there now, it is just another thing that cagers have learned to not notice. After all, it is only what is unusual that stands out to the brain-dead.

[Big Dave]

If there was a darker colour than black I'd wear it.

Looking like you will rip the steering wheel out and shove it down their throat works far better at having drivers notice you than any flouro vest.

If you want to wear a flouro vest go ahead - I have better solutions that I don't need to be legislated into abandoning.

[scrivy]

Looking like you will rip the steering wheel out and shove it down their throat works far better at having drivers notice you than any flouro vest.

Just like cops on bikes, how many 'Bad mo fos' on bikes get taken out by tin tops?? Im picking naf all!
Why can the motorists see those riders, and not all others? Because they can't be fagged to care!! If they were given a fucken HUGE fine, or loss of licence, would that change their apathy to us motorcyclists?? I'm guessing yes.:yes:

[Disco Dan]

A black helmet and dark black tinted visor in west Auckland... you will never 'not be seen' again. :shutup:

Failing that, put a giant geye bright red top box and bolt it to the back of your bike. Then you have actually got to be completly blind NOT to see the bike. :yes:

I have a hi-vis vest. I only use it when it is heavy rain or foggy.

I also ride around 24/7 with my light on high beam. why? I dont care if it annoys cagers and they have to dip their rear view mirror. The more people that flash their lights at me and try and signal to me to dip my lights the more reason I have for keeping it on high! BECAUSE THEY CAN FARKING SEE ME ! The fact that they try and signal to me to dip it means they can see me. I dont care if the odd cage driver gets dazzled by my ONE headlight. If they can see me i dont care if they cant see anything else!

The only time I dip my headlight is when im on a group ride during the day. Even at night on a group ride I keep my high beam on - better visibility for me = safer.

[The Lone Rider]

I ve already nearly been plowed off the road by some bitch who decided to change lanes in the middle of the intersection.. with me next to her

It happened during what I like to call the "Go home early from work cuz its the weekend/holiday" rush hour

I suggest anyway who has a run in to use the report a driver on www.police.govt.nz

It DOES have an effect using it. I've reported four people so far, and the police have rang me back twice for more details to bust these peoples nuts. They even sent out a message to patrol cars in city on a Friday night to look for a party bus that nearly ran me down while trying to drag race another party bus

[Steam]

So I'm thinking of a theme for my new bike...
It's white already...
I can get a white helmet...
A yellow hi-vis vest...
White hard-case panniers.
And paint POLITE on the side, that's only one letter different from POLICE.
Hmm... ideas.
Anyway, I'll never be not seen again if I do that, I reckon.

[James Deuce]

Except by other bikers, bikers who have chips on their shoulders......

[Disco Dan]

Except by other bikers, bikers who have chips on their shoulders......

or sausage and chips on their head...:dodge:

[NighthawkNZ]

I disagree with all vehicles Daytime Running Lights...

I wrote this a couple of months ago
http://quantumillusions.com/biker/node/228

[Busy]

I was pulled over by a cop today, I thought it was because I went past him at 60k while rubbing my nose, but to my surprise he put forward a BRIGHT orange vest and one of those mountaining key link things and asked if I wanted to go into the draw to win some petrol vouchers.
I asked him what the catch was, he said no catch, I gave him a funny look, he said trust me I'm a cop, I gave him another funny look, we laughed.
So I took the vest and key thingy and gave him my details, then he asked if I wanted a second vest so I said yeah why not - still stunned I wasn't getting a ticket although bike is all legal (for once).

I'll probably wear the vest once it fades a bit, at present it is so damn bright it could be seen from space. The vest and key thing have "ride for ever" with the web address www.rideforever.co.nz

It's a freebie and I guess I shouldn't be ungrateful but the vest only has a half zip so would probably ballon up in the wind unless wearing a back pack or camel pak etc

[Grahameeboy]

Yep the site and I quote says ".....So wise up and gear up. That way, you can ride to the max now ................'. So it's official the Police support the site!!

[Mr. Peanut]

BRONZ BRONZ BRONZ.

The 'compulsory' fight must not be far away.

Prepare - get the infrastructure in place now. That's what we/I've been trying to do.

Everyone needs to join up.

Sounds like a good idea.

[doc]

Amen to that,

The only time I've had a bin (so far, touch wood), is AFTER I stopped to put on my high vis vest. 2 minutes down the road a driver just pulled out from his drive way and "didn't even see me".

Of course, he wouldn't have stopped even if he did see me

So bright jackets save lives but Loud pipes don't?
too right why did they makes us wear helmets too. Infringin on ma rights man.

[Grahameeboy]

too right why did they makes us wear helmets too. Infringin on ma rights man.

Silly boy...........................

[Ixion]

So I'm thinking of a theme for my new bike...
It's white already...
I can get a white helmet...
A yellow hi-vis vest...
White hard-case panniers.
And paint POLITE on the side, that's only one letter different from POLICE.
Hmm... ideas.
Anyway, I'll never be not seen again if I do that, I reckon.

Don't count on it. I ride a white BMW, slightly larger than a main battle tank. With a white helmet. And a yellow hi-vis vest. And running lights.And panniers.

And still they pull out on me. I've seen them pull out in front of B-trains, lit up like Christmas trees.


Other times I ride a blue chookchaser with a grey helmet and a black leather jacket. And still they pull out on me.

What I DO notice with the BMW , is : less tailgating, less "I'm going to move over into your lane", less "I see you coming but I'm a shit hot driver so I'm going to go anyway" and less swerve right and accelerate when I try to pass. Oh , and people are MUCH better at moving over to let me through when I'm lane splitting.

[doc]

Silly boy...........................
Exactly the only motorcyclists, car drivers recognise are "Patched gang members" and "Police bikes" because they are a threat. Feeerk man if a santa's flashing nose helped make bikes more visible they would have us wearing those next . Our defensive habits are the best protection we"ve got. It's up to us. You ride a bike you have to be prepared to be at risk. If you want to avoid the risk drive a car.

[Big Dave]

Exactly the only motorcyclists, car drivers recognise are "Patched gang members" and "Police bikes" because they are a threat. Feeerk man if a santa's flashing nose helped make bikes more visible they would have us wearing those next . Our defensive habits are the best protection we"ve got. It's up to us. You ride a bike you have to be prepared to be at risk. If you want to avoid the risk drive a car.

+1.......................................

[Grahameeboy]

Exactly the only motorcyclists, car drivers recognise are "Patched gang members" and "Police bikes" because they are a threat. Feeerk man if a santa's flashing nose helped make bikes more visible they would have us wearing those next . Our defensive habits are the best protection we"ve got. It's up to us. You ride a bike you have to be prepared to be at risk. If you want to avoid the risk drive a car.

Yeah but wearing a helmet has to be done................and who are these Pumpkin Patch gangs??

Trubs is that if driver's don't look then doesn't matter whether you are lit up like a Christmas tree but protective gear a must and it hardly impinges on our freedom cause we are riding a bike...

[Grahameeboy]

+1.......................................

What's this +1 business Big D?

[pritch]

Exactly the only motorcyclists, car drivers recognise are "Patched gang members" and "Police bikes" because they are a threat.

Exactly the point I was going to make, and why I wear black on black. Guess I'm trying to look sinister, well, sort of fat sinister anyway.

Alas! even a gang patch and "originals" won't help. Some years ago the President of the local bikers was T boned by a woman doing a u turn. I asked him what he had to say to her about that, "Nothing much, I wasn't feeling too good.."

Best just to assume they can't see you at all.

[Ixion]

I was pulled over by a cop today, ..to my surprise he put forward a BRIGHT orange vest and one of those mountaining key link things and asked if I wanted to go into the draw to win some petrol vouchers.
..

Shit! Free stuff! Where is this PC Santa Claus. I gotta go ride back and forth in front of a bunch of cops and see how many free vests I can accumulate. I'm a poor old man , I can't afford to buy them myself, 'tis only just and proper that the cops and ACC should spring for helping me keep safe . 'Tis not my fault that I have to ride a motorcycle, poor old folk like me can't afford a car. Thank you kind officier, warmed the cocckle sof me old heart you have.

(What category would they go under on Tardme ? )

BTW what the hell ARE the cockles of your heart?

[doc]

Yeah but wearing a helmet has to be done................and who are these Pumpkin Patch gangs??

Trubs is that if driver's don't look then doesn't matter whether you are lit up like a Christmas tree but protective gear a must and it hardly impinges on our freedom cause we are riding a bike...

Jeeezzzz....uuuuss if you want to be safe dont ride a friggin bike. What sort of crusade are you on ? friggen crickets they're starting again

[Grahameeboy]

Jeeezzzz....uuuuss if you want to be safe dont ride a friggin bike. What sort of crusade are you on ? friggen crickets they're starting again

I want to ride a bike and be safe..............I don't get on my bike and think 'oh dear I might have an accident...sniffle'............safe riding is waht it is all about you troll you.

[Big Dave]

What's this +1 business Big D?

shorthand for 'I agree'.

[Grahameeboy]

shorthand for 'I agree'.

Righto.......................................

[doc]

I want to ride a bike and be safe..............I don't get on my bike and think 'oh dear I might have an accident...sniffle'............safe riding is waht it is all about you troll you.Jeeezzzzusss.Why do you wear a helmet then ???????

[Grahameeboy]

Jeeezzzzusss.Why do you wear a helmet then ???????

So I don't loose anymore hair and get bugs in my eyes silly

[doc]

So I don't loose anymore hair and get bugs in my eyes silly Your'e stalkin me aren't ya. Well I'm not a christian check out Graham Capill. He might have what your'e lookin for.

[Grahameeboy]

Your'e stalkin me aren't ya. Well I'm not a christian check out Graham Capill. He might have what your'e lookin for.

You can tell.......not a Christian.......ah well no matter each to their own is cool with me

[doc]

You can tell.......not a Christian.......ah well no matter each to their own is cool with me
Going on the ride to the unveiling on sat? I like to meet the one's that wind me up . I won't be armed I promise.

[WarlockNZ]

Everyone has to be responsible for safety, come on ... you know that cage drivers don't care about anyone but themselves and where they are going and how fast they can get there.

personally, i think that any law that dictates a restriction on personal freedom is a bad idea, the hi vis idea, while a great idea, still restricts my personal freedom to wear what i want to.

That being said ... I own and wear a yellow jacket, not a high vis vest ... but still damn visible .. that's me taking responsibility for my own personal safety and trying to make sure that the cage drivers that do care, can actually see me.

I'm not trying to incite a flame war here, but compare this topic to evolution theory, it's the same sort of thing, the smart survive and the stupid die.

The only difference between us and the rest of the animal world is that any loss of human life is tragic, but just like evolution, ones own survival has to be the responsibility of the individual.

Just my opinion....:scooter:

[Grahameeboy]

Going on the ride to the unveiling on sat? I like to meet the one's that wind me up . I won't be armed I promise.

Will be there all being well...........leaving at 9........

[doc]

Will be there all being well...........leaving at 9........Sorry but as your'e riding a suzuki shouldn't you be leaving a bit earlier than that.

[Big Dog]

too right why did they makes us wear helmets too. Infringin on ma rights man.

Totally agreed. They made us wear them for the last thirty years. This has led to the decline of the average IQ of our surviving bikers.
The concept was to protect those too stupid to strap one on by themselves.
All we have really done is allow those same geniuses (that had to be told that their head was in danger from the hard black stuff and he shiny metal bits) lived long enough to breed a whole new generation of people who are now so stupid that when you buy a new bike it has to have stickers that advised letting go of the handlebars may cause the bike to be less stable.

Let those who ride decide, Darwinism will take care of the rest.

Yes, this is a little tounge in cheek.
No, I don't wish anyone dead.
I do believe that if we keep legislating what is safe people will continue to proceed with the concept that legal = safe.

[doc]

Totally agreed. They made us wear them for the last thirty years. This has led to the decline of the average IQ of our surviving bikers.
The concept was to protect those too stupid to strap one on by themselves.
All we have really done is allow those same geniuses (that had to be told that their head was in danger from the hard black stuff and he shiny metal bits) lived long enough to breed a whole new generation of people who are now so stupid that when you buy a new bike it has to have stickers that advised letting go of the handlebars may cause the bike to be less stable.

Let those who ride decide, Darwinism will take care of the rest.

Yes, this is a little tounge in cheek.
No, I don't wish anyone dead.
I do believe that if we keep legislating what is safe people will continue to proceed with the concept that legal = safe.
Sorry Darwin is after you personally. You ride a hayabusa. Don't tell me "its for commuting" officer

have you read the instuction manual on litre bikes nowdays "engage clutch before depressing the gearlever"

[Grahameeboy]

Sorry but as your'e riding a suzuki shouldn't you be leaving a bit earlier than that.

What have I told you about being silly..............

[Bob]

I disagree with all vehicles Daytime Running Lights...

I wrote this a couple of months ago
http://quantumillusions.com/biker/node/228

Over in Europe, the while DRL issue is getting worse. For years bikes were "encouraged" to ride with headlights on.

And for years the biking organisations fought against this, as there is no real, totally agreed and supported evidence that lights on helps - and there is a viewpoint that daytime lights are a bad feature as they affect distance judgement on the part of the other motorist.

Next, more and more bikes are brought out with AHO (automatic headlights on) as standard - my ER6 is like this.

And the biking organisations fought against this, for the reasons above.

In the (not too distant) future? They are talking about ALL vehicles running AHO.

And the biking organisations are against this, as it means that bikes will not stand out... in other words, going 100% against everything they've been fighting for over the years!

OK, I'm knocking them here - but AHO for all vehicle means we don't stand out - get lined up with a truck light behind you (if you're riding something like a Bandit with single headlight) and you effectively disappear.

Not sure who it was did the "POLITE" thing on this thread, but I see someone who rides an old GT500 - painted white, with some flat-sided white panniers on it. And wears a yellow flouro jacket. And a white helmet with an orange flouro strip round it. And the bike has orange flouro strips along the side.

Funnily enough, it is like the parting of the Red Sea when he filters through traffic!

[doc]

What have I told you about being silly..............So you think I should be riding a suzuki then. They eat those whales theyr'e researchin you know. And how do they finance that research they build SV1000'S by the millions.enough said

[Grahameeboy]

So you think I should be riding a suzuki then. They eat those whales theyr'e researchin you know. And how do they finance that research they build SV1000'S by the millions.enough said

Take some medicine Doc and things will be clear in the morning .........next please...

[BarBender]

Fuck off. Stick your hi-vis vest up your arse.

..., give it a farken twist and then stick :finger:up there!!!!.

[Grahameeboy]

..., give it a farken twist and then stick :finger:up there!!!!.

Yeah with 3 kids Jim never quite worked out the contraception thing and still doesn't realise that yellow vests don't stop you having an 'accident'......

[Big Dog]

Sorry Darwin is after you personally. You ride a hayabusa. Don't tell me "its for commuting" officer

have you read the instuction manual on litre bikes nowdays "engage clutch before depressing the gearlever"

Well, Darwin is in for a long wait.

Fast bikes are not dangerous, people who lack the self control, training and ability to ride safely and responsibly are.

These people will be just as dangerous on a gn250, gsx250, gsx600f, SV650,SV1000, GSXR600, GSX1100f GSX750R, GSXR1100, GSX1300R or any number of "Slow Suzukis". Riding a tractor will not make you any further from the reach of the reaper.


I have no aspirations toward being a fast rider, I do hope to be an old rider one day.

That is not to say I have never sped on that bike, just that the sorts of speeds I have had it up to I have also had an Yamaha xs250 up to and a GPX250 beyond in my youth (Older and wiser now).
When I decide I am a good enough rider to start to explore the other half of my speedo (either way you want to take that) I shall do so on the track where it is a reasonable assumption that there is no traffic coming the other way.

Road safety is about ownership and personal decisions not hardware.


Climbs down of favourite soap box after remarkably short speech, for me.

[Big Dog]

You ride a hayabusa. Don't tell me "its for commuting" officer[/SIZE]
Sorry had to reply to this one with a seperate soap box.

People ride for many different reasons.
Some ride because they want to impress the girls.
Some ride because it is practical - they never seem to stick around long.
Some ride because they like to go fast - their the ones under "manufacturer recall" in my previous post.
Some ride because.

I fall in to the latter.
There was very little logic that went in to it. Purchasing that bike was a crime of passion.

The logic other people used to try to get me to buy it that did not have any real input on my decision:
* its fucking fast.
* its got the biggest sport bike engine - not actually fact then or now.
* its the fastest production bike in the world - FIM standards = 2000 plus units per annum.
* its fucking insane.

Logic used buying it.
* smooth as silk around town.
* I feel like a god riding it.
* it behaves very nicely.
* handling at the speeds I ride at is not noticeably adversely affected by my weight.
* I can ride it to commute.
* I can keep up, if I want to, on the weekends.
* my hips are not wider than the bike - they are bigger than a GSX anything else.
* She is a thing of beauty, a work of art.
* She is capable of carrying me and a pillion - unlike many that I weigh more that the max laden weight.
* 1 headlight puts most car pairs to shame - important when it is your only transport.
* more grip than I have the ability to spend - Very helpful in the wet.
* not a lot of chrome - very important as a daily rider in all conditions.
* good mileage - between 7km/l on the Dyno and 19km/l gentle touring - My style of riding - I get further per litre than a GN250 would most weeks.
* even on stock pipes it sounds gorgeous.

EOD logic had nothing to do with it.
One look and I new I was going to buy it.

Yes I too would buy a Harley, or a Guzzi, or any other Marque if they had a bike fit for the use intended. My 'Bus ticks all the boxes and a few more.
Any other bike I can think of only ticks a few.

Don't be so quick to judge a rider by the bike he rides.
The Coro Loop we met on I assumed you would hold us up. You did not look fast and your sportster ( if memory serves correct) did not look like it could keep up through the twisty bits.

Truth is I learnt a lot about corner speed that day just sitting in your groove (until the 250 a few bikes ahead spat it's chain, cue roadside repairs, including tools from three different bikes).

[NighthawkNZ]

People ride for many different reasons.

I ride cause I don't have a cage license :scratch:

[Disco Dan]

I was going along a local street and was aproaching a parked car on my left. I saw there was a driver inside, then as I slowed to 50k she indicated right.. I slowed right down.. much to the anoyance of the car behind me to 30k. The woman shouted out her window as i was goin past "you a farking idiot or something mate?" ..i carried on. Safe in the knowledge that I avoided a t-bone. ....as luck would have it I pulled into the gas station only for this same woman to pull in too... "oh great here we go i thought". She approached me and asked me why I slowed down... I told her that as a motorcyclist I am very vulnerable, and I treat ever other vehicle as if they dont see me, and are idiots. That did not go down too well... further explaination and she understood what I was saying...

The point though, is there is not really any true way of knowing that you have been seen. And even then, idiots will still pull out in front of you. With all the education in the world, there only needs to be one idiot who thinks he/she can 'make the gap' and pulls out killing you.

Im not a 'risk taker' when it comes to the road. There is too many variables to make a 99% judgement... at the end of the day its a numbers game.

All we can do is hope. Hope that the time we brake suddenly that the car driver behind us is paying attention.. hope that the car driver looks twice before pulling out.. hope that the car drivers around us when we are on the roads are culturing sufficiant brain matter to not take us out. A risk indeed. And the price we pay... is all too real and for the 'unlucky' - also the ultimate price.

Take every 'reasonable' steps and you still get idiots.

[Shadows]

Looking like you will rip the steering wheel out and shove it down their throat works far better at having drivers notice you than any flouro vest.

If you want to wear a flouro vest go ahead - I have better solutions that I don't need to be legislated into abandoning.

I've heard that those flouro vests go all doughy when it rains.
They reckon that fluoro is a much better way to go.

[Big Dave]

I've heard that those flouro vests go all doughy when it rains.
They reckon that fluoro is a much better way to go.

Actually saw it was wrong and left it as a mark of respect.

[MaxB]

Not sure who it was did the "POLITE" thing on this thread, but I see someone who rides an old GT500 - painted white, with some flat-sided white panniers on it. And wears a yellow flouro jacket. And a white helmet with an orange flouro strip round it. And the bike has orange flouro strips along the side.

In the 80s I was in college in the UK (= extended biking OE) and there was a guy in Harrow, North London who rode around on a white XS1100 with a Rickman fairing and Craven panniers just like the cops. He even had aerials and coloured lamps on it. The word "Polite" was stuck all over this thing. Last I heard he was being busted for impersonating a police officer after a stranded woman motorist asked him for help and she got told where to go. I had to be back in Enzed before the case got to court so I never found out what happened.

I never once saw him lock the bike or have trouble parking.

[Big Dave]

I've had big, white test bikes - ST1100 that looked like a police bike - gave me the shits. Everyone slowed right down in front of it. Never.

[stelartia]

They used to just pull out in front of me; now they try and pull out, see me, hesitate, and most of the time let me through.


probly find that they subconciously appreciate that youv made an effort to be visible.
:scooter:

i rekon tho that the cagers who see us best are in fact of our own kind. biker stuck in cage.

car drivers still need to wake the fcuk up and look too.

i have never been so aware of my mortality than when im riding my bike.

[doc]

Don't be so quick to judge a rider by the bike he rides.
The Coro Loop we met on I assumed you would hold us up. You did not look fast and your sportster ( if memory serves correct) did not look like it could keep up through the twisty bits.
until the 250 a few bikes ahead spat it's chain, cue roadside repairs, including tools from three different bikes).

Yep them Harley's just gotta wait for an opening and your'e gone. It's called patience. Was that a 250 I told everyone it was Dover on his Gixer 1000.

[klingon]

ACC roads programme manager Phil Wright said its research showed many serious crashes happened when drivers were away from home.


That's the bit that bothers me. I was planning to have all my serious crashes while still at home, so I could go back to bed afterwards. Oh well, you live and learn...

[Grahameeboy]

That's the bit that bothers me. I was planning to have all my serious crashes while still at home, so I could go back to bed afterwards. Oh well, you live and learn...

Not too many hazards in your driveway eh.......

[klingon]

Not too many hazards in your driveway eh.......

Dunno... there's an SV1000S that sometimes gets in the way. The Volty's almost taken it out a couple of times, but then we come back to the rider looking all menacing in black leather and somehow the Volty manages to swerve a moment before impact...

[MidnightMike]

Us get high res vests, pfft, paint the cages fluoro orange and see how they like it!!!!

[heyjoe]

+1 to that Jim2.
I totally agree with your comments.
If we don't watch it we will all be riding around in dayglo vests, lights on, flashing lights on our shoulders, blue strobe lights on our helmets, hazard lights swtiched on etc just in case the drivers of cars don't see us. IT IS THEIR JOB TO LOOK FOR ALL OTHER MOTORISTS AND DRIVE SAFELY NOT OURS TO SAY "HEY LOOK AT ME...LOOK OUT FOR ME" BECAUSE I RIDE A BIKE.



Fuck off. Stick your hi-vis vest up your arse.

and if I could I'd use it when I felt it was necessary, not be forced to leave it on all the time.

People can fucking look instead of us having to shoulder the ENTIRE responsibility for our own safety.

Having said that, make sure you shoulder the ENTIRE responsibility for your own safety, because no other fucker, including other motorcyclists, actually gives a shit about anyone except themselves.

[heyjoe]

Great comment Midnightmike.
And very amusing.


Us get high res vests, pfft, paint the cages fluoro orange and see how they like it!!!!

[Grahameeboy]

Dunno... there's an SV1000S that sometimes gets in the way. The Volty's almost taken it out a couple of times, but then we come back to the rider looking all menacing in black leather and somehow the Volty manages to swerve a moment before impact...

That's reVolting...................

[sunhuntin]

well done, disco. :yes:

headin to work the other day... the way i go, i pass through a section of roadworks [river bank collapsed in the last storm and destroyed the walking track] posted at 30k, only due to non-existant pedestrians crossin the road, and the occasional works truck. other side of it either leads straight, or turns left up the hill. theres a medium lane for opposing cars heading up said hill.
got blocked behind a classic car the other day, she was turning up the hill. i was one car behind her. 2 cars opposing going the same way. still, she stopped midturn, allowing the opposing cars to turn in front of me. the car i was behind had blocked me from their view. luckily id seen they were there and had slowed down just in case. first car turned, car in front went through, second car turned... almost right on top of me. and he looked right at me at the time.
the classic car should not have stopped as there was a decent line behind us [traffic had been stopped at the works to allow a truck to dump a load of gravel]
no amount of disco lights would have prevented me being blocked from the view of opposing traffic.

[scumdog]

Laugh all you like at the high-vis vests, but I have to admit, since I started to wear one (I got one for my birthday in February) I have noticed that the cagers see you a lot more easily.

Out in the work car today and noticed heaps of riders and pillions wearing them. High fairings and top-boxes tend to ruin the hi-vis effect though.

[Disco Dan]

Out in the work car today and noticed heaps of riders and pillions wearing them. High fairings and top-boxes tend to ruin the hi-vis effect though.

One thing I have wondered is how visible my tail light/brake light is with the top box on. The bracket blocks it from the side and from behind if your too close. I was wondering if I could somhow integrate an extra brake light into the back of the top box somehow...

[Dodgyiti]

People ride for many different reasons.
Some ride because they want to impress the girls.





Chicks do dig scars after all.
Nice soapbox delivery

[sunhuntin]

One thing I have wondered is how visible my tail light/brake light is with the top box on. The bracket blocks it from the side and from behind if your too close. I was wondering if I could somhow integrate an extra brake light into the back of the top box somehow...

there should be a way...no idea how though!! maybe stick some little mirrors around the light to reflect the light perhaps?

[Ghost_Bullet]

I see the sense in Hi vis, but it is not me.. ignorant of me maybe??? :whocares:
I do not even have a light switch on me machine... The engine starts and lights auto fire up ":no: choice in the matter"... I think that is not a bad thing, and at least a compulsary requirement

[Bob]

Out in the work car today and noticed heaps of riders and pillions wearing them. High fairings and top-boxes tend to ruin the hi-vis effect though.

You can buy reflective strips - flouro for daytime and reflective at night. Put them on the top box and that should help.

[Disco Dan]

You can buy reflective strips - flouro for daytime and reflective at night. Put them on the top box and that should help.

I would much rather have lights than reflective strips.

Saw a guy on a GN this morning. Hi vis jacket... Top box covered in bright yellow reflective tape... more tape on his white helmet... more tap around his number plate... hi vis jacket... the guy looked like a farking UFO.... :rofl:

...at least he can be seen from space.

[Big Dave]

...at least he can be seen from space.

Planet nerd.

[GSX-RJIM]

A good mate of mine was killed, cage vs bike, he was wearing a fucking vest thing, the burnt the fucking thing. Cages don't (some of them ) ive a shit any how-man I'm in a bad mood, does any one want a smack in the face ?

[Disco Dan]

Planet nerd.

Maybe, but imagine a cage driver trying to pull the age 'ol "did not see you" line... :rofl:

Wouldnt have been so bad if the guy was going faster than 50kph... *rolls eyes* ...not that overtaking him would have solved anything.. top box was overloaded (again) and turns my bike into a wheelie bike at every downshift... :innocent:

[GSX-RJIM]

I would much rather have lights than reflective strips.

Saw a guy on a GN this morning. Hi vis jacket... Top box covered in bright yellow reflective tape... more tape on his white helmet... more tap around his number plate... hi vis jacket... the guy looked like a farking UFO.... :rofl:

...at least he can be seen from space.

I've seen this fella to i think, stopped at the end of the North Western, he is a very serous man. he did not understand why I was laughing at him, hehehehehehe, mummy's boy!!!!

[scracha]

Used to wear one for 90% of my riding in the UK and here. Unfortunately the fasists here reward "highly visible bikers" by pinging them with their radars more frequently.

[Big Dog]

Just got given one by the police.
Will give it a go, but I will protest heartily if they try to make them law.

suspect it will become like my last one, worn religiously in bad weather and low light, hidden under seat in good weather.

[idb]

Does anyone remember the "Chopper Guard"?

I've put one on the 888.
It looks way cool.

[idb]

You can't expect to leave your safety completely to others.
Taking the attitude ".....it's their job to look out for me...." is plain stupid.

When you get taken out I'm sure the knowledge that it wasn't your fault will be a great comfort.

People fuck up and do dumb things without thinking all the time....it's human nature.

It's only sensible to make it as easy as possible to be seen, and to ride defensively.

Mind you.....I hate legislated common-sense as much as the next person.

If I were to wear a Hi-Viz vest, the time delay between a motorist spotting me and my actually arriving there would be so long they would either have fallen asleep or lost patience and pulled out anyway.

[James Deuce]

You can't expect to leave your safety completely to others.
Taking the attitude ".....it's their job to look out for me...." is plain stupid.


That's NOT what I said. Are we sharing a road or are we just a bunch of victims with a lesser life expectancy because other road users think we deserve that status?

I believe that latter part of my comment is true, and that attitude borders on criminal. There's an undercurrent amongst NZers in general that motorcyclists are temporary NZers and they "deserve" everything they get.

[scumdog]

Does anyone remember the "Chopper Guard"?

I've put one on the 888.
It looks way cool.

Did ya also add the banana seat, T-bar shifter, ape-hangers and spokey-dokeys???

Man, you would have been The Man then!! oooh-yeah baby!!

[James Deuce]

I had an emerald green banana seat with a glitter finish and thick clear vinyl cover - but I never put it on a pushy I owned because I was so short that I wouldn't have been able to ride the bike if I'd put it on.

[scumdog]

I had an emerald green banana seat with a glitter finish and thick clear vinyl cover - but I never put it on a pushy I owned because I was so short that I wouldn't have been able to ride the bike if I'd put it on.


idb might just buy it off you!!!

[idb]

Did ya also add the banana seat, T-bar shifter, ape-hangers and spokey-dokeys???

Man, you would have been The Man then!! oooh-yeah baby!!
I'm trawling ebay as we speak, but that stuff is hard to find these days.



I had an emerald green banana seat with a glitter finish and thick clear vinyl cover - but I never put it on a pushy I owned because I was so short that I wouldn't have been able to ride the bike if I'd put it on.



idb might just buy it off you!!!

As if I could dream that someone would ever part with such a treasure...........!

[James Deuce]

I think I swapped it for some panniers for my Healing 10 speed.

Sigh.

[idb]

I think I swapped it for some panniers for my Healing 10 speed.

Sigh.


I suppose it's too much to hope that you've still got the panniers?

[idb]

That's NOT what I said. Are we sharing a road or are we just a bunch of victims with a lesser life expectancy because other road users think we deserve that status?

I believe that latter part of my comment is true, and that attitude borders on criminal. There's an undercurrent amongst NZers in general that motorcyclists are temporary NZers and they "deserve" everything they get.

I wasn't referring to anyone's comments in particular Jim, but it's a theme that's repeated over and over on this forum.

I never see myself as victimised because I ride a bike.
I know that there are risks from other road users, I take them into account and choose to ride anyway.

[Big Dave]

and that attitude borders on criminal. There's an undercurrent amongst NZers in general that motorcyclists are temporary NZers and they "deserve" everything they get.

Payback for lane splitting and not having to sit in lines of traffic.


Can you give me 600 words about it?

[James Deuce]

Touche Lurch!

[Hitcher]

Awesome, I hope so!

After that law has been introduced, there'll be one that says you'll have to ride behind somebody who's waving a flag.

[idb]

After that law has been introduced, there'll be one that says you'll have to ride behind somebody who's waving a flag.

Bloody good idea I say.......... there should be some way of warning people when there's someone ahead waving a flag!!

[scumdog]

Bloody good idea I say.......... there should be some way of warning people when there's someone ahead waving a flag!!


And another one behind to warn of a biker ahead - and another flag bearer behind the one warning of the bike ahead and anothe........

[Quartermile]

So cars are visible enough but bikes aren't, so do Goldwing riders still have to wear the vests?:killingme

[Sanx]

Requiring all riders to wear high-viz clothing may stop one or two accidents, but that's about all. Most cagers simply don't look. Wouldn't matter if you were wearing black leathers, a high-viz vest or a gorilla outfit - they simply wouldn't see you.

The best defensive weapon a biker can have is something that might make a cager look. An aural warning of your impending approach. Loud pipes work quite well. My prefered approach, however, is for a genuine police-issue siren. That usually gets people's attention, especially when combined with blue and red strobes...

[Big Dave]

They should also make a law then that also says all the front quarters of all cars have to be painted or adorned with orange and yellow so we can see them equally. Otherwise they are being discriminated against surely ;-P

[u4ea]

They should also make a law then that also says all the front quarters of all cars have to be painted or adorned with orange and yellow so we can see them equally. Otherwise they are being discriminated against surely ;-P


exactly my thoughts there too!!!!They can stick their dayglows up their profiteering jacksies for all I care!!Im a biker cause I want to be free from the ratrace bollocks that society tries to hem me in with!!!!I will not wear one....maybe under the ganeva convention it is my right...

[Sanx]

Otherwise they are being discriminated against surely.

Sorry, I never realised that encouraging cagers to actually look before pulling out of a junction was impinging on their human rights. How thoughtless of me.

Perhaps we should call a hui to discuss it. Maybe organise a protest march on parliament. Seek advice from tribal elders on the best way to address the issue in a culturally-sensitive manner. Even better, we could commission a modern dance troupe to perform an evocative and challenging ballet that explores the emotional boundaries of why cagers are too sodding lazy to even glance in the direction of oncoming traffic before making their move.

[Big Dave]

exactly my thoughts there too!!!!They can stick their dayglows up their profiteering jacksies for all I care!!Im a biker cause I want to be free from the ratrace bollocks that society tries to hem me in with!!!!I will not wear one....maybe under the ganeva convention it is my right...

Of course there is no evidence of any of this happening, but it's good to speculate.

So,

furthermore I spend thousands on safe & cool looking, functional protective clothing and someone wants to turn me into a $20 licorice all sort. harrumph. :sunny:

[Ixion]

Not really a liquoice allsort. But, if you had an orange vest, and wore a green helmet, you would look very like a very large mobile carrot.

[Big Dave]

Not really a liquoice allsort. But, if you had an orange vest, and wore a green helmet, you would look very like a very large mobile carrot.


So if they did say 'i didn't see you' - I could say 'eat me'.

[Ixion]

Yes. Though you might wish to consider carefully who you made such an invitation to.

[idb]

....... Most cagers simply don't look. .....

What rubbish.
The fact is though that it only takes a small proportion of drivers that aren't paying sufficient attention to make the roads as dangerous as they are.

[paulj]

Well ... I reckon anything that improves my chances of avoiding a prang is worth having - short of not riding my bike at all. My employer issues hi-vis polar jackets made by Kaiwaka - lined, waterproof and with sensible pockets. Apart from the hood, which Kaiwaka tell me they can supply the jacket without, it is an excellent biking coat. From what I can tell, the material is similar to the Dri-Rider range of products.

My biking partner tells me she can see me a long way off (ahead of course!!) totally because of the fluorescent colour.

I'm staying with it ... and it's cheap!

Here's a couple of links that kinda prove the point...

http://www.webbikeworld.com/Motorcycle-Safety/Hurt-study-summary.htm
http://www.motorcyclesafetyinfo.com/motorcycle_rider_conspicuity_study.html

[James Deuce]

Here's a couple of links that kinda prove the point...



The only point those links prove is that when researchers are looking for hi-vis vests and jackets in traffic they'll see them.

Similarly your girlfriend has a vested interest in seeing you too.

A motorcyclist's biggest enemy is motion camouflage. It isn't that they can't see you, it's that they don't register you as a threat until you appear to be approaching very rapidly, from a very close proximity.

The hi-vis vest isn't helping you to be seen, it is helping your peace of mind, which is a bad thing. Don your safety gear and relax. Wrong. Don your safety gear and work twice as hard to avoid incidents.

[scumdog]

The hi-vis vest isn't helping you to be seen, it is helping your peace of mind, which is a bad thing. Don your safety gear and relax. Wrong. Don your safety gear and work twice as hard to avoid incidents.

Can't agree with you completely Jim2 - after all, I wear gloves, helmet and leathers yet do not feel 1 jot safer than if I did not have them.

I don't wear hi-vis but have my headlight on plus two glaring-as small spots - I KNOW they have made me more visible.

On the hi-vis topic, - the ironic thing is that they are at there best on a bright day - when you're most likely to be noticed anyway!

[James Deuce]

Heaven help us all, there's one policeman out there LESS cynical than me.

[more_fasterer]

It never ceases to amaze me how many drivers in our fair city fail to see police cars (with lights blaring) coming up behind them, or coming into an intersection they are blindly travelling through.

If cops can't be seen in a car lit up like a christmas tree, what difference would a hi-vis vest make for a bike?

[Squeak the Rat]

ACC, the government and the cops can stick their high vis vests up their arses. Bikers are not invisible.

Does anyone have statistics on how many patched gang members have crashed into cars that have not given way?

I doubt many drivers would miss seeing a mongrel mob rider hanging off the ape-hangers on a chopped up harley, but they don't wear high vis.

[Edit:] i'm not saying don't wear it because at times it probably does make it easier for drivers to see you, but don't make me wear it.

[Hitcher]

I have been frantically scouring the net for a report I read a few years ago that demonstrated that the most visible vehicle on the road was a policeman on a police motorcycle. All help in locating this would be greatly appreciated.

[Deano]

I wear gloves, helmet and leathers yet do not feel 1 jot safer than if I did not have them.


I feel much safer all leathered up - I wear jeans most of the time to slow myself down.

[James Deuce]

I don't feel safe. Ever. Which no doubt explains the twitches.

[paulj]

The only point those links prove is that when researchers are looking for hi-vis vests and jackets in traffic they'll see them.

Similarly your girlfriend has a vested interest in seeing you too.

A motorcyclist's biggest enemy is motion camouflage. It isn't that they can't see you, it's that they don't register you as a threat until you appear to be approaching very rapidly, from a very close proximity.

The hi-vis vest isn't helping you to be seen, it is helping your peace of mind, which is a bad thing. Don your safety gear and relax. Wrong. Don your safety gear and work twice as hard to avoid incidents.

No - I can't agree - there's no perfect solution except not riding and then one's arteries clog up so that don't work either! And a hi-vis vest will help me to be seen, certainly more so than black blending in with the countryside.

The research seems to say otherwise Jim2 - but I guess we could argue forever - here's a nice report on the psychology of sight with some good ideas for one to learn.

There's a whole bunch of factors as you allude to, sorry but I'm going with those who have studied this stuff - rightly or wrongly. It won't stop me copping it but it will reduce the chances.

[James Deuce]

No - I can't agree - there's no perfect solution except not riding and then one's arteries clog up so that don't work either! And a hi-vis vest will help me to be seen, certainly more so than black blending in with the countryside.

The research seems to say otherwise Jim2 - but I guess we could argue forever - here's a nice report on the psychology of sight with some good ideas for one to learn.

There's a whole bunch of factors as you allude to, sorry but I'm going with those who have studied this stuff - rightly or wrongly. It won't stop me copping it but it will reduce the chances.

Who pays for the research? Universities are funded by corporations, not governments.

If 3M commissions a study saying hi-vis vests make you more visible it is in their interest, isn't it? ALWAYS ask or find who funded the study and THEN make a decision on the validity of the research. There is no longer any such thing as independent research. I've been a research bitch and all published modern research is based on a pre-determined result. Ask, ask, ask. Question, question, question.

You have to take full responsibility for yourself and you need to participate in active safety 100% of the time, not passive, "look at me I have a vest on" safety.

You may think it makes you more visible. It doesn't. Someone will still claim not to see you, and usually they will be sitting at 90 degrees to the traffic flow you are travelling in. The "average" driver poses a "significant" risk to motorcyclists ( and this is from a Monash University study in Victoria, and those people HATE motorcycles) spends 1/10th of second checking in each direction before exiting a side road. Most of the decision making process is made on instinct NOT cognitive decisions.

Your hi-vis vest is not a force field.

[doc]

Yep the site and I quote says ".....So wise up and gear up. That way, you can ride to the max now ................'. So it's official the Police support the site!!
No they support speeding to the MAX bigger bonuses

[doc]

It never ceases to amaze me how many drivers in our fair city fail to see police cars (with lights blaring) coming up behind them, or coming into an intersection they are blindly travelling through.

If cops can't be seen in a car lit up like a christmas tree, what difference would a hi-vis vest make for a bike?
Sort of like Playsation mentality you have to bring out new things all the time because everything gets boring if its the same

[NighthawkNZ]

Your hi-vis vest is not a force field.

Awwwe bugger i not buy one then :lol:

I know the hi vis vest is obstructed from view on a lot of bikes, ie from behind on my when I have my luggage on, my riding position blocks the side on view. My fairing and riding postion most likely blocks most of the front view. (I do know my last bike the fairing block just about all)

My riding gear has Hi vis strips the reflect well

[Busy]

I got given one (well two) of those vests and have been wearing one at night.
Did a little test the other night ...

You know those portable speed displays they have around the place, without the vest the bike doesn't seem to register on them, with the vest it only flashes "SLOW DOWN", maybe I was going to fast ;)
I only did it a couple of times as the people started to look at me funny (and probably called the cops) so is only a very basic test. Might try it again once the weather clears.

hmm maybe flashing lights might work better ... stick on one my helmet ...

[dmouse]

if most cage users were not on the phone or texting or reading there paper while driving, or even loud music maybe they will have time to look for us, but most drivers go brain dead once they turn on the ignition they dont drive but just go on auto pilot. and i see push bikers more at threat than bikers as they creep through lights and junctions without a thought but i dont see them being made to wear flouro and they out number us !!!

[dmouse]

just a thought maybe these govermental types include push bikes in there figures along with motor cyclists after all didnt this goverment try to bring in a fart tax !!!

[James Deuce]

No because cyclists are the chosen ones. They are allowed to flout traffic laws, and ride on the footpath, and wear clothing that is made from the same fabric as underpants.

For their carbon footprint is minuscule.

This is the word of the Governmental Laborious.

All hail the Governmental Laborious.

[NighthawkNZ]

[LEFT]No because cyclists are the chosen ones. They are allowed to flout traffic laws, and ride on the footpath, and wear clothing that is made from the same fabric as underpants.

but but but... they have to wear a helmet yah know... to protect there feet when the fall off wear tshirt , shorts a jandals :gob:

[Big Dave]

Bleahhhhhhhhhh.

[Deano]

but but but... they have to wear a helmet yah know...

And how often do you see that getting enforced ?

When I look left or right at intersections in the cage I subconsciously think about motorcycles - must just be cause I'm more aware of them being one myself.

[Bass]

I used to be of the mind that lights on and high viz vests were a bit over the top, but I had an incident that changed my mind.
I was in the cage, driving back to Orks from parts south, up SH27 on one of the loooong straights north of Matamata. It was late afternoon/early evening but the visibility was still OK and no-one had their lights on. I came up behind a slower car and had a look before passing. There was a big cabover Mack coming but he was off in the distance, so no probs and I went out to overtake. I was about half way through the manoevre when I noticed a guy on a bike coming towards me and much closer than the truck. He was wearing dark gear, riding a dark coloured bike and had been completely hidden in the silouette of the truck. Remember that I had been looking straight at him for several seconds before I saw him because he was almost entirely the same colour as the truck silouette.
I floored it and manged to get back in OK and while it wasn't a panic situation it was still too close for comfort.
Now, if an accident had happened, it was entirely my fault, but to this day I cannot think of anything more that I could have done to have seen that rider sooner and I have thought about it often !!!
On the other hand, if he had been wearing anything brightly coloured or had his light on, I would never have attempted to overtake.
I am relieved that the light is on when the key is on with the Sprint

[NighthawkNZ]

And how often do you see that getting enforced ?


my point exactly... and they don't pay ACC either

[Squeak the Rat]

Remember that I had been looking straight at him for several seconds before I saw him because he was almost entirely the same colour as the truck silouette.

Dark gear with a dark background is hard to see as there is no contrast. Likewise - bright gear against a bright background can be hard to see.

Don't assume that bright gear is always easier to see.

[NighthawkNZ]

On the other hand, if he had been wearing anything brightly coloured or had his light on, I would never have attempted to overtake.
I am relieved that the light is on when the key is on with the Sprint

if he had had his lights on? this would have been enough... but if the truck was doing the daylight running of lights we are back to square one (The main reason I dis agree with the call for all vehicles to have the lights on during the day)

What if it was a brightly coloured truck??? same problem the vest would have blended in as if it wasn't there...

[Bass]

What if it was a brightly coloured truck??? same problem the vest would have blended in as if it wasn't there...

The angle of the sun had a fair bit to do with it in this case. The truck WAS actually quite brightly painted but was in silouette so the colour didn't show.
I take your point, but still believe that in this instance, if any one of the circumstances had been different, I would have seen him a lot sooner

[NighthawkNZ]

having his head light on in this case may have been more effective though...

I do believe all bikes should have lights on 24/7 (I disagree that all vehicles should do this though)

as for the vest don't really see the point

[Ixion]

Bleahhhhhhhhhh.

Riding a motorcycle is a job of work not a fashion parade. If it keeps you dry , warm, safe who cares what it looks like.

[sunhuntin]

bass... ive had something similar. bike was out of action for some reason, so dad had picked me up from work. turned across a medium strip to turn right. see a car coming over the hill a decent ways off. we make the turn... and as we do, i find myself staring at a helmet of a scooter rider!! she had her light on... but so did the car behind. it was 7pm... her light was made invisible by the car behind her. neither of us saw her until we had already turned.

i have started to adopt the weave idea when coming up to busy intersections. my light is on full during the day, but one intersection, im forever being pulled out on. that doesnt happen when i start weaving around though.

[NordieBoy]

Mmmmm, liquorice.

[Big Dave]

Riding a motorcycle is a job of work not a fashion parade. If it keeps you dry , warm, safe who cares what it looks like.

Bull - it's an expression of who I am. What I do and what I like. I spend a shitload on gear that keeps me warm safe and dry - and looks da bomb.
Furthermore I'd rather be uncomfortable and cold than look like a nerd.

[Ixion]

Strange. I need no especial raiment , nor even a motorcycle to express who I am. And indeed am totally uninterested in any such expression. Why should I want to express anything to humans? I care not a fig what any of them may think, and would certainly not sacrifice any utility to make such an expression.

I wear what I wear, ride what I ride, am what I am , because it suits me thus. What it looks like, what others may think it looks like, is a matter of such vast indifference to me that it very seldom crosses my consciousness.

Do you, when selecting your apparel, worry what the neighbourhood cats or dogs might think of it? Or the birds of the air? If you care not for their opinion why care so much about what humans may think?

[doc]

Riding a motorcycle is a job of work not a fashion parade. If it keeps you dry , warm, safe who cares what it looks like.
You don't have a harley do you ?

[Big Dave]

Strange.

What - you notice now?

Id, mojo, self esteem, marlon brando, clint eastwood, steve macqueen, Lee Marvin, Gere's officer and gentlemen (all triumph riders note). I'm in touch with all of them every time I pull on a pair of Johnny rebs and buckle up a bomber jacket. Just Cool.
A rebel swimming against the flow and laughing in the face of danger. Cool and damn sexy.

Pooh jackets.

will say this too - I'd advise newbies to wear one if they think it gives them an edge. I'm just blabbering for me.

[James Deuce]

I yam what I yam

Thanks for that Popeye.

Tell I Olive I still think she's hot.

Yours

Bluto

[Big Dave]

Thanks for that Popeye.

Tell I Olive I still think she's hot.

Yours

Bluto

What bit of popeye never rusts?

[NordieBoy]

The bit he sticks in Olive Oyl.

[James Deuce]

I had no idea chestnuts could get even hoarier.

[Big Dave]

I had no idea chestnuts could get even hoarier.



I didn't think she was that sort of girl. - what chest?

[Bass]

i have started to adopt the weave idea when coming up to busy intersections. my light is on full during the day, but one intersection, im forever being pulled out on. that doesnt happen when i start weaving around though.

Never thought of this one. It makes sense to me as our powers of observation are based on motion to some extent - like most predators. So movement relative to the background should help.
I also have nearly been caught by the "lights hiding in lights" scenario and the bikers concerned were friends. Wasn't a close one though and I look twice now.

[Skyryder]

After that law has been introduced, there'll be one that says you'll have to ride behind somebody who's waving a flag.

At walking speed.

Skyyrder

[idb]

At walking speed.

Skyyrder

Jeez mate....you've been stewing on a witty retort for 11 days and that's it?!!

[kevie]

got tailgated the whole freakin way. freakin tossers!!



HEHEHE I remember in Wanganui in the early 70s when I was a sweet young thing :innocent: ... when we had a tailgater we used to push down the 'A' stand to the tarmac :gob: and send 2 long lines of sparks out the back... the car backed off quite smartly .... kills the ole 'A' stand in very quick time tho :rofl: guessing Mr Plodd would see that as a worse offence than the motorist risking running over a motorcyclist nowadays

[Pixie]

I wear what I wear, ride what I ride, am what I am

Popeye the sailor man?

[sunhuntin]

HEHEHE I remember in Wanganui in the early 70s when I was a sweet young thing :innocent: ... when we had a tailgater we used to push down the 'A' stand to the tarmac :gob: and send 2 long lines of sparks out the back... the car backed off quite smartly .... kills the ole 'A' stand in very quick time tho :rofl: guessing Mr Plodd would see that as a worse offence than the motorist risking running over a motorcyclist nowadays

dang... one more reason for me to get an old bike! sounds like a bloody good idea! make for a nice show goin past the primary school too.

*envisions a stand on back of virago, with long rod reaching to foot brake, which, when pressed, drops the stand*

[scumdog]

dang... one more reason for me to get an old bike! sounds like a bloody good idea! make for a nice show goin past the primary school too.

*envisions a stand on back of virago, with long rod reaching to foot brake, which, when pressed, drops the stand*

Hob-nails and/or steel heel-plates on your boots dragged along the road do the trick too. (or so I've been told:innocent: )

[sunhuntin]

Hob-nails and/or steel heel-plates on your boots dragged along the road do the trick too. (or so I've been told:innocent: )

well... since its you, it must be legal!! i know what im doin on my day off!!

[Swoop]

but but but... they have to wear a helmet yah know... to protect there feet when the fall off wear tshirt , shorts a jandals :gob:
Muahahahahaha!!!

[James Deuce]

Muahahahahaha!!!

See? Lycra mince bag.