Killer roads

[Wasp27]

How many bikers (thats you and me) have to be injured, permanently maimed or indeed killed before someone cries 'Enough'......seems that almost every weekend ride I come across Roadworks with no WARNING signs posted anywhere. These Roadworks/Repairs can range in size from a small Pot-Hole to a full scale Reseal with loose Metal/Chip/Gravel or Sand left all over the road and not a bloody sign to be seen anywhere.
Whose responsible?.....why aren't the Contractors held accountable for adequate signage and for site clean-up.......with a general election looming on the horizon would this not be a good time to raise this issue with our M.Ps.
Can any of our more learned colleagues suggest a plan of attack?
Whats the present legal position with regard Roading Contractors and their obligations? I understand that any changes to present regulations may take some time, dare I suggest in the interim we establish a thread where riders (thats you and me again) can post the location/description of these Danger Zones in their respective areas. Would be nice to check for any problems on your intended route prior to riding. I bet there isn't many roads that a K.Ber doesn't ride on sometime during the week...please give it some thought. I'm sure this will benefit us all sooner or later..
Cheers W

[speeding_ant]

I've been in sticky situations around un-signposted road works. Even binned a bike. I'd like to know just as much as you do, I payed for my off.. perhaps I shouldnt have!

Who's responsible?

[Ixion]

I'll say . This is an example of the sort of thing we hapless bikers must put up with. Note the big patch of gravel in the foreground. And no warning sign in sight. The gubbermint orta DO something . Who's responsible., We'll it's not me, I only do the riding.

[peasea]

... dare I suggest in the interim we establish a thread where riders (thats you and me again) can post the location/description of these Danger Zones in their respective areas. Would be nice to check for any problems on your intended route prior to riding. I bet there isn't many roads that a K.Ber doesn't ride on sometime during the week...please give it some thought. I'm sure this will benefit us all sooner or later..
Cheers W

Here's one for you; If you're heading north from the North Shore don't use the East Coast Road, there are extensive road works up there at the moment between Glenvar Road and the Stillwater turnoff (or thereabouts) and there's little in the way of street lighting. They're doing the job with tar and pea metal too, sticky muck and the metal will all over the place for months. Just avoid it for the winter.

[justsomeguy]

Learn to stop within the visible distance ahead and stop whining.

[peasea]

Learn to stop within the visible distance ahead and stop whining.

I got the distinct impression wasp was just trying to be helpful, as was I. It's not just about the dangers, it's also about the mess. I hate coming across roadworks when I've just waxed the bike and if people post their whereabouts in my region I'll be grateful. Grow up.

[mud boy]

ahahah good one you tell them justsomeguy

[peasea]

I'll say . This is an example of the sort of thing we hapless bikers must put up with. Note the big patch of gravel in the foreground. And no warning sign in sight. The gubbermint orta DO something . Who's responsible., We'll it's not me, I only do the riding.

Gravel? What about that inconsiderate cager? How many lanes does he need? Probably a gook tourist.

[MikeyG]

We're all quick to blame the contractors but it may just be the signs were stolen. I'm in the industry and I know that some contracting companies budget $40,000 or more a year per branch to replace stolen signs and cones.

I'm currently supervising a job on Oriental Parade in Wellington. The contractor had cones go missing the first night on the job (a Monday night). People seem to find it funny to throw them into gardens, the sea etc. The contractor shouldn't have to be on call all weekend to replace cones and signage either.

I'm with just some guy. Stay observant and learn to stop or slow down quickly don't just go fast and blame others.

[peasea]

We're all quick to blame the contractors but it may just be the signs were stolen. I'm in the industry and I know that some contracting companies budget $40,000 or more a year per branch to replace stolen signs and cones.

I'm currently supervising a job on Oriental Parade in Wellington. The contractor had cones go missing the first night on the job (a Monday night). People seem to find it funny to throw them into gardens, the sea etc. The contractor shouldn't have to be on call all weekend to replace cones and signage either.

I'm with just some guy. Stay observant and learn to stop or slow down quickly don't just go fast and blame others.

Good points but all the cones in creation won't stop shit like lime getting on your bike. If I can I avoid road works, even in the car. I've got a mate who was STMS for years and he was always catching tea leaves running off with signs, cones and even a truck!!!!!

[yungatart]

hXc mentioned loads of road works on the Napier-Taupo Rd as he rode back yesterday...
I'm with you Wasp27...unmarked roadworks etc are a hazard and someone should be responsible/accountable.
MDU has a thread on this today too.

[peasea]

hXc mentioned loads of road works on the Napier-Taupo Rd as he rode back yesterday...
I'm with you Wasp27...unmarked roadworks etc are a hazard and someone should be responsible/accountable.
MDU has a thread on this today too.

There you go, more positive input.
As for who's responsible for unmarked road works; I made a comment under the pea metal thread about an incident some years back near Castlepoint. The council ducked and dived knowing we would be unlikely to throw money at a court soap opera. We didn't, they got away with it, five bikes binned in one corner, long story...It wasn't theives running off with the signs either...we know that from what the council said when offering excuses. There simply were no signs.

Also, to the smartarses who say you should be able to stop in the visible distance etc etc, it was a sharp left-hander with no 'suggested' reduced speed, on open highway. How fast we were going was quite safe for the conditions (fine, early morning, going for brekkie, no hurry) it's just that there was pea metal everywhere. Ever hit diesel, in the rain, at night? How are you going to stop in the visible distance then? Pratt.

[Grumpy Gnomb]

So what is the insurance companies position on this type of thing as it must be costing them a bundle in repair costs

[mstriumph]

they've gone too far the other way here in west aus .................

every time there's a patch of new seal there's a notice saying "no lines - do not overtake unless safe"

- i mean ....... DUH!!:wacko:

[Toaster]

Gravel? What about that inconsiderate cager? How many lanes does he need? Probably a gook tourist.

...and it looks like a bloody honda too.

[smoky]

learn to stop quick - practise it

You can never rely on anyone making the road safe - stock get on the road at night, cow shit on the road after a farmers taken his heard across, milk tankers just pulling out of a side road, slips, fallen trees, accidents, I've gone around corners to find someone coming the other way in my lane?

There a neat ride around Kawhia Harbour, but it gets exciting because the road is always being repaired and re sealed in places, never any signs.
Its fun to ride because it's a challenge, and you only get better at riding, you learn a lot more about the abilities of your tyres and bike (and yourself).

Get out and embrace the complexity of riding a motor bike
:rockon:

[justsomeguy]

There you go, more positive input.
As for who's responsible for unmarked road works; I made a comment under the pea metal thread about an incident some years back near Castlepoint. The council ducked and dived knowing we would be unlikely to throw money at a court soap opera. We didn't, they got away with it, five bikes binned in one corner, long story...It wasn't theives running off with the signs either...we know that from what the council said when offering excuses. There simply were no signs.

I see, were these five separate accidents - hope it wasn't a case of I must fixate on that tailight - had a órrible 3 bike crash down "a certain gentlemans driveway" the other year as a result of - ah it's in the past now.


Also, to the smartarses who say you should be able to stop in the visible distance etc etc, it was a sharp left-hander with no 'suggested' reduced speed, on open highway. How fast we were going was quite safe for the conditions (fine, early morning, going for brekkie, no hurry) it's just that there was pea metal everywhere.

I'm not really smart, but have been called an arse several times so I guess the comment was directed at me - so there was no indication of whether the apex was tightening, etc? If you don't mind me asking what were you looking for to suggest slowing down? Sorry to hear about your case, bins are bad things.


Ever hit diesel, in the rain, at night? How are you going to stop in the visible distance then? Pratt.

Nope, never - but I did hit it once in broad daylight. Came to a definite stop, got up, pushed my bike up the slight slope it passed as it slid into the gutter with help from some lovely cage drivers who stopped to check on me. Wasn't really expecting a sign in this case as it was just a random diesel spill in the middle of coincidentally the same gentleman's driveway (SH22 if you must ask).

Stupid me - I try and make it a point to not approach intersections in the middle of the lane anymore and try and stay off the centre of the lane at all times observing the general rules of riding in the rain - which is a bigger adrenaline buzz than riding in the dry - glad to see you too have a waterproof bike.

[justsomeguy]

they've gone too far the other way here in west aus .................

every time there's a patch of new seal there's a notice saying "no lines - do not overtake unless safe"

- i mean ....... DUH!!:wacko:

Naah - i like those signs - But yeh, they ain't good. A lot of people hate my idea of "safe"..........:innocent: So you don't want everyone to determine what safe means by themselves.

[deeknow]

There a neat ride around Kawhia Harbour, but it gets exciting because the road is always being repaired and re sealed in places, never any signs.

Aint it just, there is *never* any signage on that bloody road, or on the main Ngutunui-Kawhia road, loose patches every few corners, out of sight until your upon them, makes for a thrilling ride :yes:


Its fun to ride because it's a challenge, and you only get better at riding, you learn a lot more about the abilities of your tyres and bike (and yourself).

Yeah, and along the way you'll learn a lot about how to fill out insurance forms.

[deeknow]

So what is the insurance companies position on this type of thing as it must be costing them a bundle in repair costs

This is a bloody good call Grumpy, I've never heard anyone query it, I wonder if they dont see it as a problem coz the kind of riders who have fully comprehensive insurance don't ride roads with corners and road-works? :Punk:

[peasea]

[QUOTE=justsomeguy;1020207]I see, were these five separate accidents

I'm not really smart QUOTE]

Five bins in one moment. No newbies, all experienced riders.

No you're not, quite right.

[twinkle]

Five experienced riders in the same group all went down one after another on the same corner? :rofl: lemmings.

Hope they were ok :mellow:

[peasea]

Five experienced riders in the same group all went down one after another on the same corner? :rofl: lemmings.

Hope they were ok :mellow:

You had to be there (or not) it was a bit messy, one buggered knee, I got a buggered shoulder that haunts me to this day (just missed a culvert after endo-ing my Brit), there were buggered elbows etc but this was NOT a band of looseheads on a suicide mission. Lots of busted parts. There were thirteen bikes (bad number to get together, I know) and we were riding sensibly. I'm telling the truth when I say it was unavoidable without signage and I'm forever grateful that we weren't going for it. Call us lemmings if you will but if I took you to that corner you'd understand.

[Mr Merde]

hXc mentioned loads of road works on the Napier-Taupo Rd as he rode back yesterday...
I'm with you Wasp27...unmarked roadworks etc are a hazard and someone should be responsible/accountable.
MDU has a thread on this today too.

Idleidolidyll had a thread on this a few months back and he got jumped on by all and sundry like a pack of rabid dogs. He was all for marking places where these hazards were to be found.

Can anyone tell me why it is being discussed reasonably sensibly now?

Where are the the doomsayers and detractors now.

I know its the school holidays and they all dont have access to the kindergarten computer.


Mr :shit:

[Mr Merde]

Someone just repped me (red or green doesnt matter) for my comment. You askedme a question. I havent benn a member long enough to see who it was.

PM me and let me know who you are and I will attempt to answer you


Back on topic.

[idleidolidyll]

Idleidolidyll had a thread on this a few months back and he got jumped on by all and sundry like a pack of rabid dogs. He was all for marking places where these hazards were to be found.

Can anyone tell me why it is being discussed reasonably sensibly now?

Where are the the doomsayers and detractors now.

I know its the school holidays and they all dont have access to the kindergarten computer.


Mr :shit:

Stuff the naysayers!
I carry a flouro spray can with me and when I see some really nasty road works or an evil pothole, I spray paint it and write a warning on the road before it.
Same for unmarked and unswept gravel. I'll write something like "CRIMINALLY NEGLIGENT ROAD WORKS AHEAD!!"

I'm thinking of making up a stencil to make it earier.

[peasea]

Stuff the naysayers!
I carry a flouro spray can with me and when I see some really nasty road works or an evil pothole, I spray paint it and write a warning on the road before it.
Same for unmarked and unswept gravel. I'll write something like "CRIMINALLY NEGLIGENT ROAD WORKS AHEAD!!"

I'm thinking of making up a stencil to make it earier.


Good work, keep it up. Someone buy that man a beer.

[SixPackBack]

...................

[MikeyG]

This started when a water pipe was inserted into the north bound lane. Upon completion the ditch was filled in and crudely covered with tar, and fuck did they make a balls up reconstruction.

How long ago did this all happen? It is common in some areas to do a crude reinstatement with the entire length of works to be reinstated fully once all works are complete.

[MSTRS]

....dare I suggest in the interim we establish a thread where riders (thats you and me again) can post the location/description of these Danger Zones in their respective areas. Would be nice to check for any problems on your intended route prior to riding...

Existing here http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=6343 .
Tis a good idea to check frequently, esp when going out of your area.

[SixPackBack]

...............

[Biff]

I'll say . This is an example of the sort of thing we hapless bikers must put up with. Note the big patch of gravel in the foreground. And no warning sign in sight. The gubbermint orta DO something . Who's responsible., We'll it's not me, I only do the riding.


Ooooo - you hypocriter you.

Only a couple o' months ago you gave me a kick in because I had the cheek to blame a govt authority for this kinda action. And you blamed me. And other bike riders.

Talk about a gerbil biting his own arse.

[Wasp27]

Stuff the naysayers!
I carry a flouro spray can with me and when I see some really nasty road works or an evil pothole, I spray paint it and write a warning on the road before it.
Same for unmarked and unswept gravel. I'll write something like "CRIMINALLY NEGLIGENT ROAD WORKS AHEAD!!"

I'm thinking of making up a stencil to make it earier.

Awesome suggestion mate...:yes: this is exactly the type of response I was targeting...something positive. Cheers W

[Wasp27]

Existing here http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=6343 .
Tis a good idea to check frequently, esp when going out of your area.

Now this is good...really good.:niceone: If these posts could be rearranged into say- North and South Island...then into North-Central & Southern Zones of each island would save alot of time....thats riding time folks:ride: Be a good idea to Bookmark this thread for future reference...thanks J

[Wasp27]

Probably about a year ago?? Now they have started reinstatement the road has long sections of gravel.

Council fuckers could not organise a hand job at flora's.:angry:

Hell...they only have to glance toward the Beehive for some shining examples:tugger:

[peasea]

Jokes aside; where are the road works in your area?

[MSTRS]

Jokes aside; where are the road works in your area?

SH5 (Taupo road), Taradale Rd in Napier, some well marked on HW50, and the overbridge construction at Expressway (HW50)/Meeanee Rd

[peasea]

SH5 (Taupo road), Taradale Rd in Napier, some well marked on HW50, and the overbridge construction at Expressway (HW50)/Meeanee Rd

There you go; there are some sensible people out there who are willing to pass on helpful information. Thank you.

[Sanx]

Learn to stop within the visible distance ahead and stop whining

Another really useful comment. I hope you never come across spilled diesel on a wet night or loose pea gravel in the dark.

[Wasp27]

The Wairoa Road is in a permanent state of make-over...generally sign posted, but not too sharp on the clean up are those boys:nono: our group is becoming more familiar with that road and where they are working so we are ever vigilant for possible danger areas ( of course that doesn't take into account the stray livestock(Goats) and wild poultry (Pheasants) you also have to watch out for:yes: ) If you're ever on that road in the late afternoon or anytime for that matter and encounter goats grazing on the long acre (beside the edge of the road) its safer to follow a cage up close if you know what I mean...at least they will sweep the path ahead of you...those crazy goats are liable to walk out in front of you without warning:shit: :gob: :shit: Another thing to bear in mind is as soon as the Resealing gang has finished, the Road Works signs usually disappear a short time after

[Jahdafario]

Gravel? What about that inconsiderate cager? How many lanes does he need? Probably a gook tourist.

lol, now thats a word I haven't heard in a while.

Is there any thread to post just the spots in N.Z. that people are going through that have this slippery gravel that just suddenly becomes your tracks? If there isn't, Maybe there needs to be one

[Sanx]

lol, now thats a word I haven't heard in a while.

Is there any thread to post just the spots in N.Z. that people are going through that have this slippery gravel that just suddenly becomes your tracks? If there isn't, Maybe there needs to be one

Voila: http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=6343