The law is an ass

[shrub]

Before I get told that "this thread has been done a million times", I'm something of a newby so have no idea what has and hasn't been done.

OK, disclaimer out of the way, the way the law treats motorcyclists is ridiculous and does little to increase our safety - something I think all of us know. Although I work in a bike shop (if you can call it "work"), I have a background in public relations and marketing, and I am quite keen to engage in lobbying for our safety and ability to enjoy our sport the way we want to. I'd like to see awareness by the law makers of how ineffective the current licensing system is, of what are the real dangers we face (unmarked roadworks vs doing the incredibly dangerous speed of 111 kmh) etc, but I can't do it by myself.

So, two questions - is there already a lobby group is there, and how can I make contact with them?

Or if not, is there anyone out there interested in joining me to form a motorcycling interest lobby group?

[The Pastor]

bronz is a lobby group.

[shrub]

I've just had a look at their website and it looks like they think like I do, so I will be in touch with them.

[Marmoot]

From linguistic perspective, self-elected representation can probably be an acceptable euphimism of "wanking".

[p.dath]

I don't know about the bike clubs in your area; but bike clubs often have people that attend the council and ACC safety meetings and loby for the rest of us. So try talking to your local motorcycle club as well.

[Katman]

I'd like to see awareness by the law makers of how ineffective the current licensing system is, of what are the real dangers we face (unmarked roadworks vs doing the incredibly dangerous speed of 111 kmh) etc, but I can't do it by myself.

Instead you could try making motorcyclists aware that their greatest danger lies within themselves.

Then you could end up looking as ugly as me.

[tigertim20]

Instead you could try making motorcyclists aware that their greatest danger lies within themselves.
that could be debated for hours and hours and hours...
Then you could end up looking as ugly as me.
that probably wouldnt be... lol

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

[shrub]

Instead you could try making motorcyclists aware that their greatest danger lies within themselves.

Then you could end up looking as ugly as me.

Nice thought, but that would be a challenge as we're an individualistic bunch on a good day, and tend not to like being told what to do or (shock, horror) how to ride.

[jtzzr]

Nice thought, but that would be a challenge as we're an individualistic bunch on a good day, and tend not to like being told what to do or (shock, horror) how to ride.

I tend to disagree with you on that point.

Katman has a very valid point,if I`m reading the thread properly , Katman wants people to know their own limitations , and to learn to ride to the conditions, and ride to their individual abilities, before looking at other road users and bitching about them. Sometimes we make mistakes due to inattention or reading the situation wrong.

But I do think it`s cool what your sentiments are .

And the law is an ass, it`s like the biggest ass.

p.s believe it or not some riders do take advice or other tips on board.

[shrub]

I tend to disagree with you on that point.

Katman has a very valid point,if I`m reading the thread properly , Katman wants people to know their own limitations , and to learn to ride to the conditions, and ride to their individual abilities, before looking at other road users and bitching about them. Sometimes we make mistakes due to inattention or reading the situation wrong.

But I do think it`s cool what your sentiments are .

And the law is an ass, it`s like the biggest ass.

p.s believe it or not some riders do take advice or other tips on board.

I agree entirely, we need to take riding bikes more seriously and recognise that accidents are often voluntary. I read somewhere that riding a bike at speed on the open road requires the same degree of skill and concentration as piloting a jet fighter, and I reckon that's probably about right.

And I get really irritated with tossers on bikes outriding their ability and the roads simply because they have a fast bike, and I no longer ride to Akaroa in weekends because I have damn near been taken out by idiots on bikes that think they're at Ruapuna, and that I'm not just some old fart on a Triumph, but their competitor. I'm also sick of watching guys overtaking dangerously, coming into a blind corner way too fast, cutting other road users off etc, and then at the pub moaning about other road users (and yes, I know that sounds hypocritical) and the pothole in the middle of a corner that nearly took them out.

But I am also sick of being told how dangerous bikes are, and how the only way to keep me safe is to wrap me up in red tape.

[Squiggles]

But I am also sick of being told how dangerous bikes are, and how the only way to keep me safe is to wrap me up in red tape.

When you read your middle paragraph there, are you surprised people say how dangerous they are?

[shrub]

When you read your middle paragraph there, are you surprised people say how dangerous they are?

But bikes aren't innately dangerous. What makes them dangerous, in my rarely humble opinion, is the effect of having so much power. Power corrupts, and when you combine a weak mind with the kind of performance that super car manufacturers can only dream of you have a corrupted mind leading to madness on the road. Or you get the "look at me, I'm really tough and staunch" thing happening. I remember riding in a small group, all well spaced and staggered when a macho neanderthal came roaring up the middle of us.

[peasea]

But bikes aren't innately dangerous. What makes them dangerous, in my rarely humble opinion, is the effect of having so much power. Power corrupts, and when you combine a weak mind with the kind of performance that super car manufacturers can only dream of you have a corrupted mind leading to madness on the road. Or you get the "look at me, I'm really tough and staunch" thing happening. I remember riding in a small group, all well spaced and staggered when a macho neanderthal came roaring up the middle of us.

Do you mind if I ask what type of machine the 'neanderthal' was riding?

[hospitalfood]

Im not to fussed about the laws protecting us etc, what the system can do to improve our safety. they wont outlaw cars for us.
I kind of ignore the rules anyway. and I don't like red tape.

however, it costs me close on $700.00 to register my bikes each year and that hurts. as I plan to get a third road legal bike it will only get worse. and sadly I also have to own a car at present.

surely there could be a better system for multiple owners.

[peasea]

Im not to fussed about the laws protecting us etc, what the system can do to improve our safety. they wont outlaw cars for us.
I kind of ignore the rules anyway. and I don't like red tape.

however, it costs me close on $700.00 to register my bikes each year and that hurts. as I plan to get a third road legal bike it will only get worse. and sadly I also have to own a car at present.

surely there could be a better system for multiple owners.

To be fair they should simply tax the license, not the vehicle. You can only operate one vehicle at a time, but being fair is not what it's about. We have five vehicles to license every year, insure, service and we even get taxed on the water we use to wash them! (Can't wait to install a tank and collect my own damned water!)

I know of people who have so many cars they license themselves as dealers and use a 'd' plate to get around. I also know of bikers who have one-brand collections and simply register one and rotate the plate through the rest. The chances of getting sprung are pretty slim.

Our licensing system is a rort, no mistake.