Getting PUBLIC sympathy

[White trash]

I've had people approach me at servos saying that they aren't a biker,

You're hardly a biker if people feel comfortable approaching you at the servo

[ManDownUnder]

Your SUV hurts more peole because it so big and solid, with no 'crush buffer' zones in its construction design
Theyre also more prone to rolling than a car is
They also seriously injure MORE motorcyclists than any other vehicle in bike vs accidents
Im sick of SUVs with HUGE blind spots due to shit mirrors and ignoramnt bulletproof drivers who know theyre a TANK pushing me off the freaking road (happened 3x in 4 years so far, to SUV's alone)

Ive had my license 25 years on Novemeber 17th (sat it on my 15th birtday)
I have clocked up millions of KM's (was a truckie for many years)

I say tax SUV's off the road, and as an ex professional road user, I say my opinion counts.

That an SUV pays the same as a Mini is ridiculous, especially when we the motorcyclists are being targeted

... my point exactly

[ManDownUnder]

You're hardly a biker if people feel comfortable approaching you at the servo

I'm fine with it now I own a Honda. Especially if they approach from behind

[Ixion]

Okay, I'm reading the document. Here's the relevant bit for cars, trucks, etc...



Now I may be reading this wrong but it looks to me like they are proposing a 9.9c levy per litre on petrol (not diesel). This means that the trucks would have to pay $585.84 instead of $302.32 they pay now (an increase of $283.52), or nearly doubling what they pay.

But what surprises me is that cars will pay $104.26 more to relicence their petrol vehicles.

I thought they said it was only about $30? And let's not discuss the petrol levy too...

Do I have it wrong? Cause it looks like it's a lot more than they say it will be...

No you have it right


Diesel trucks go up $280. Diesel cars go up $110.

the $30 figure is what the Nickster promised to cut it back to for private cars. Those figures are the actuall ACC proposal

[Mully]

Not private cars. I reckon it's taxis etc....vehicles for passenger transport.

They generally call them "passenger service vehicles". I think that's normal everyday cages.

You're hardly a biker if people feel comfortable approaching you at the servo

Good point.

I'll headbutt the next fucker that comes near me at the servo.

[NighthawkNZ:Me]

I'll headbutt the next fucker that comes near me at the servo.

carefully he could be a bigger badder biker... in his cage for what ever reason... yah just never know

[XP@]

We also need to be seen to be safe.

Being 'good'
I am trying (it's not easy) to behave especially in heavy traffic. I don't want to be seen to be doing anything "unsafe". So my lanesplitting has been taken down a level or three, I am also trying to keep both hands on the bars (most of the time) and other playing about is totally minimised. - This mornings ride in was really calm and quiet.


Wearing the gear
I stepped out at lunch to pickup my new rain suit. On my way back from the bike shop I came across a scooter rider wearing jandels, skirt & nylons and her chin strap was done up but so loose i am sure that she never bothered to undo it. I calmly pointed out that she should be a dressed a little bit more appropriatly. I nearly gave her the much louder "If you don't care about being a F'ing ugly bitch with roadrash all over your face and a limp because your feet have been cut in two..." line but the lights changed and well... I think her ipod was up too loud anyway.

[Kiwi Graham:Me]

Frosty is sort of right.

Whilst we are defending our objection to the levy increase for bikes based on the true figures as we see it, we should be including the increases proposed across the board for other vehicles and potential other levy cash cows of the future ie cyclists, competative sports men/women etc when we make statements.

I have experienced alot of 'non biking' public support from neighbours, work collegues even a dude in a van at the lights has said "I feel sorry for you guys, it aint fair"

[FastBikeGear]

OK. I just found something in a doc motorbyclist found

We may have some allies!

According to this ACC are proposing to raise truck levies by $300 !

From $302 to $585.

I wonder how many truckies are aware of this

I think we will start pushing this point. That we are not just protesting for ourselves that other people are in ACC sights.

Let's invite the truckies along on the 17th as well.

[FastBikeGear]

No you have it right


Diesel trucks go up $280. Diesel cars go up $110.

the $30 figure is what the Nickster promised to cut it back to for private cars. Those figures are the actuall ACC proposal

Ixion, thanks for pointing this out you b@st@rd!

I am so lucky I sold one of my motorbikes on Tuesday as I also have a diessel van, a diesel bus(motorhome) and two cars!

And just wait until I have to pay ACC levies on each of my push bikes.

Is there anyone charitable out there that would be happy to start up a soup kitchen and collection for me or post me a razor!

[Mr. Peanut]

Firstly I'm worried about the door in the face technique here. It's when you present people with a completely unreasonable request, i.e. the proposed hikes. Then later ask for a smaller amount, making it seem like they've done you a favour.

Could this be what they're trying for?

Secondly, the classification of motorcycles by capacity is positively Aristotlian. Does National think a larger motorcycle will bin faster than a smaller one?

It would be more scientific to tax the rider according to his mass, technically heavier bikers would come off worse in an accident, the size of the motorcycle is irrelevant as they as seperated in a crash.

[Big Dave]

There will always be those who want us to pay so they don't have to. (But we know the operative word is 'yet')

But the one thing your Garden Variety Kiwi can't abide is discrimination.
They'll even stop Rugby because of it.

If we can prove and convince them that we are being discriminated against we will win most neutral's support.

[Ixion]

Firstly I'm worried about the door in the face technique here. It's when you present people with a completely unreasonable request, i.e. the proposed hikes. Then later ask for a smaller amount, making it seem like they've done you a favour.

Could this be what they're trying for?

..

Of course.

[FastBikeGear]

I rode past the Auckland University today. There were hundreds and hundreds of bikes and scooters, parked in Symonds Street and the adjacent streets. Crammed into every space nook and cranny. I am surprised some of them haven't worked out that it is feasible (and free) to hang them from the trees in Symmonds street yet.

Question:
If just a small proportion of these students work out it's more econmomical to buy, maintain and run second hand small jap car, where will they park them all?

Answer:
In car drivers parking spaces.

Queston:
What will car drivers think of National and ACC planning then?

Answer:
I don't know but maybe Nick Smith can tell us if we ask?


P.S. I am going to start importing block and tackles

[Ixion]

There are probably twice as many parked internally within the University grounds. And many more still parked in the Owen G Arsehole Building. Plus the AUT carpark - in St Pauls St (I think)