Police killing us again!

**avgas** · 14th April 2011, 15:11

Originally Posted by Spearfish

With all this talk about vulnerability maybe bikes just aren't suited to NZ roads?

Nah the problem with NZ vehicle accidents are all the vehicle operators fault. Very few accidents occur without an operator.

**oneofsix** · 14th April 2011, 15:14

Originally Posted by avgas

Nah the problem with NZ vehicle accidents are all the vehicle operators fault. Very few accidents occur without an operator.

Too simplistic NZ vehicle operators are the same species that operate the same types of vehicles in other parts of the world. Other factors such as the state of the roads, their uses (e.g. cattle races), and our laws etc all play a part.

**Spearfish** · 14th April 2011, 15:15

Originally Posted by avgas

Nah the problem with NZ vehicle accidents are all the vehicle operators fault. Very few accidents occur without an operator.

Fair enough.

**Spearfish** · 14th April 2011, 15:18

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**Smifffy** · 14th April 2011, 21:04

Originally Posted by Spearfish

I understand what your saying but if bikers present themselves as perpetual victims of cercumstance then who knows where that could lead...

Probably lead to an increase in costs administered by govt agencies in order to set up a speacialist team of bikers to advise on how bikers can reduce their risk of becoming victims of circumstances, and either encourage or eventually tax them off the road.

Nah, that could never happen in a democracy like godzone.

**idb** · 15th April 2011, 00:03

Originally Posted by Spearfish

I understand what your saying but if bikers present themselves as perpetual victims of cercumstance then who knows where that could lead...

Yep.
How often do you hear someone say "It was my own stupid fault...I cocked up"?
Bugger all.

**StoneY** · 15th April 2011, 08:50

Originally Posted by Smifffy

Probably lead to an increase in costs administered by govt agencies in order to set up a speacialist team of bikers to advise on how bikers can reduce their risk of becoming victims of circumstances, and either encourage or eventually tax them off the road.

Nah, that could never happen in a democracy like godzone.

Clever mate, nice use of irony.
You know, we see more and more issues from the same perspective, but due to one of the hats I wear in the very group you elude to here, I have to tread very carefully

One thing I am getting wound up to start making big noise about is the constant attacks on our lifestyle. the new rego hold laws are ridiculous
More grooming to make private services more attractive and regardless of any role I hold with TPTB I am thinking it may be time to roll out another bikeoi........

**Spearfish** · 15th April 2011, 10:31

at least 10 characters.

**oneofsix** · 15th April 2011, 10:35

Originally Posted by Spearfish

These questions are not meant to sound smart arse but to some it could...

What is the bikers lifestyle?

if there is, is there just one?

Surly what affects one lifestyle affects the whole NZ community?(again said loosely)

Is calling bike riding a lifestyle de-powering in some way or empowering?

Are those who use bikes and scoots purely as a viable commuting alternative included? ( a bit of a grey area as people migrate from one to another or both throughout their riding life)

IMHO a lifestyle that includes riding bikes for what ever reasons. There are of course variations on this lifestyle based on your reasons for riding a bike.

**MSTRS:Me** · 15th April 2011, 10:46

Originally Posted by Spearfish

These questions are not meant to sound smart arse but to some it could...

What is the bikers lifestyle?

if there is, is there just one?

Surly what affects one lifestyle affects the whole NZ community?(again said loosely)

Is calling bike riding a lifestyle de-powering in some way or empowering?

Are those who use bikes and scoots purely as a viable commuting alternative included? ( a bit of a grey area as people migrate from one to another or both throughout their riding life)

My take on the biker lifestyle is...
Some are attracted to bikes for the benefits they offer in commuting, parking, etc but far and away the majority are attracted to bikes for the leisure side, the illusion of freedom that riding offers, the thrill of feeling alive in the face of danger, the pleasure of the journey rather than the destination.
Threaten an addict with the removal of his 'fix' and see how he reacts - for many bikers, the feeling that someone is taking away the source of his pleasure is the same.
It's not that we need bikes to live, but we need them to feel alive.