Finally, a reply from the gubbinment

[Bren]

Well a while ago (23rd March) I sent an email to Nathan Guy, nationals Otaki MP with regard to more cheesecutters going up in Kapiti....here is what I sent

Dear Mr Guy,
As a motorcyclist I am very concerned with the amount of wire barriers going up on our local roads. I admit that they do stop cars and light four wheel drives effectively, but unfortuanately they are a death trap for two wheeled commuters. The Kapiti coast is a wonderful place for riding but we are losing that pleasure as the days and weeks go by with the implementation of more and more barriers. I ask you to either stop installing these barriers or look at making them safer for motorcyclists. There is a product designed specifically for that called "moto-tub" that decreases the risk of motorcyclist deaths associated with wire barriers.

Kind regards,
A concerned biker

Well I recieved a reply this week...I cant copy and paste so here it is as an attachment



Typical Gubbinment response....

[Kendog]

Typical Gubbinment response....

By typical do you mean informative and considered?
It seems like a pretty good response to me.

[Urano]

i have to agree.
it's a good response. not the usual "we'll let you know", he seems to have actually collected information, and says that they are trying to find solutions.
it's the right thing to say.

now, if i were you, to get the best from his shown availability, i'd organize a beautiful working group, lookin for all the solutions adopted elsewhere in the world, better if attached with some cost information.
then send the folder to him.
something as "dear mr, we appreciate your effort in finding better solutions for all road users. in the hope of helping the research group, we send you all the possibilities we've found around the world, to ease the work of adopting the best one, etc etc...."

if you demonstrate a serious and propositional approach, there are possibilities to be invited to participate in research, and stand for the voice of you all.

[Bren]

now, if i were you, to get the best from his shown availability, i'd organize a beautiful working group, lookin for all the solutions adopted elsewhere in the world, better if attached with some cost information.
then send the folder to him.
something as "dear mr, we appreciate your effort in finding better solutions for all road users. in the hope of helping the research group, we send you all the possibilities we've found around the world, to ease the work of adopting the best one, etc etc...."

if you demonstrate a serious and propositional approach, there are possibilities to be invited to participate in research, and stand for the voice of you all.

Alas, I am a simple man, and do not do well in all political things, but that is a bloody good idea...someone out here could well have the know how and ability to do that

[MSTRS:Me]

That reply is full of the standard responses. The ones that, when you boil them down, actually say "Fuck off! We'll keep using (and installing) these things for as long as we see fit."

There is a wealth of studies and info out there, for the taking. And not one of them shows WRB in a good light for bikers. Strangely enough, no volunteers are available anywhere in the world for actual contact test. But there are endless computer-generated simulations that show just what a rider can expect (if one lacks the imagination to figure it out).

[MSTRS:Me]

Further proof of just how much concern is given to rider/barrier safety is well illustrated by the new Armco posts...

[p.dath]

I presume they are doing the research with Monash University in NSW. I don't think there is much more to research ...

Monash have already released a report stating the dangers of each barrier type for Motorcycles, and how to mitigate that risk. The NZTA just have to read it.

Alas the PDF is 1.1MB, and I can only upload 1MB PDF attachments.

[bogan]

I presume they are doing the research with Monash University in NSW. I don't think there is much more to research ...

Monash have already released a report stating the dangers of each barrier type for Motorcycles, and how to mitigate that risk. The NZTA just have to read it.

Alas the PDF is 1.1MB, and I can only upload 1MB PDF attachments.

sounds interesting, don't suppose you have a web link for it? or send me the file an I can probly upload it to hotfile or something.

[p.dath]

Found it on the web.
http://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/pdf/esv.../05-0095-O.pdf

[avgas]

I presume they are doing the research with Monash University in NSW. I don't think there is much more to research ...

Monash have already released a report stating the dangers of each barrier type for Motorcycles, and how to mitigate that risk. The NZTA just have to read it.

Alas the PDF is 1.1MB, and I can only upload 1MB PDF attachments.

And your telling us why?
No offense - but explaining to us rather than them seems a bit pointless don't you think.

Seems there a lots of people out there who wish to complain. But very few who actually propose cases to the govt with substance.
If you don't like something, find a cheaper alternative that you prefer and then ask them why they enjoy getting ripped off.

[Nasty]

As mentioend by others its an interesting reply - even if filled with the normal bullshit that they spout.

I think a question to pose is "why are they installing the WRB's in contradiction to installation guidelines of 3 meters either side being clear"

I am sure that it was we discovered a long time ago when this campaign started - and no one has actually answered that question. Instead they are installing them in smaller and smaller areas with less leeway on either side.

[MSTRS:Me]

As mentioend by others its an interesting reply - even if filled with the normal bullshit that they spout.

I think a question to pose is "why are they installing the WRB's in contradiction to installation guidelines of 3 meters either side being clear"

I am sure that it was we discovered a long time ago when this campaign started - and no one has actually answered that question. Instead they are installing them in smaller and smaller areas with less leeway on either side.

I know I saw such a recommendation on a manufacturer's website. It stands to reason that room is needed, for when the wire flexes under a strike.
However, I failed to note the web-page and have been unable to find it again.
This lot here (NZTA) aren't interested in installation guidelines or instructions. They simply see the finished product as taking up less room than a concrete barrier, and that's why it was installed along the Paekak coast road.

[saxet]

And your telling us why?
No offense - but explaining to us rather than them seems a bit pointless don't you think.

Seems there a lots of people out there who wish to complain. But very few who actually propose cases to the govt with substance.
If you don't like something, find a cheaper alternative that you prefer and then ask them why they enjoy getting ripped off.

As far as I can make out the cheescutters are the cheapest option but are known to be the most dangerous ,especially to motorcycles.
It's not about being ripped off but using the least safe method of protection. Bit like the rythym method ( ask a Catholic)

[avgas]

As far as I can make out the cheescutters are the cheapest option but are known to be the most dangerous ,especially to motorcycles.
It's not about being ripped off but using the least safe method of protection. Bit like the rythym method ( ask a Catholic)

Ah yes - but your assuming that the govt gives a flying fuck about motorcyclist. Previous history tells me, no.
The only way your going to get them on this issue is very simple. Cost or Legal.
So either prove that (without crashing) they pose a hazard, or show them that they are not cost effective.
This can be done when you consider aspect like - repair and maintenance - something concrete rarely requires.
I am no going to do it for you guys - because I personally have no issue with WRB. I simply don't crash into them. If I did - it would be my own fault.
But I am sick of people complaining here - and working harder not smarter. Its annoying.

[mashman]

The only way to go is to remove them altogether... they're catering for the majority of road users, not the most vulnerable... and that being the case anything short of giant fly paper isn't going to make a blind bit of difference... but that's the way of the world these days...