L Plates are dangerous

[scumdog]

There is a great defensive "driving" technique I use for this. Tap your brake three times as your approach the corner. Your flashing brake light more clearly warns others behind you that you are slowing down, even if you are not deliberately braking to slow down.

Top idea - do it all the time there's any bike/car following me.

[p.dath]

I've written a BLOG entry about this (using L plates). You may find it of interest to read.
http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/en...ir-just-a-sign

[Mrs Shrek]

I've written a BLOG entry about this (using L plates). You may find it of interest to read.
http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/en...ir-just-a-sign

Just read your blog..... very interesting and also applies to car learners as well. I am teaching my 16 yr old to drive and believe me there is no way at the begining that I would let her past 3rd gear because there is so much to take in when you start out....road rules, changing gears, being aware of what is going on around you etc. It all takes practise and with it comes the ability to speed up and drive/ride confidently.

[Rogue Rider]

When I was on my learners, I actually found displaying my "L" plate was very handy.
They gave me some decent space, and allowed me the time to get myself sorted and up and going again before reacting to me.

Worked a treat for me as an early learner, wonder if others ever found them helpful?

I think people could tell you were an awesome biker chick and knew if the messed wid you the heavies would hunt em down with a howitzer and destroy every ounce of their being.......................

L plates, can't say I ever been a fan of them really, don't really have any practical use as fas as I am concerned. I disagree vigorously with the ridiculous speed limit imposed on learner riders on the open road. Anything under 100km on the open road is absolutely dangerous, and I see learners all the time riding slow on the open road. That is a death wish.

[Mrs Shrek]

I think people could tell you were an awesome biker chick and knew if the messed wid you the heavies would hunt em down with a howitzer and destroy every ounce of their being.......................

L plates, can't say I ever been a fan of them really, don't really have any practical use as fas as I am concerned. I disagree vigorously with the ridiculous speed limit imposed on learner riders on the open road. Anything under 100km on the open road is absolutely dangerous, and I see learners all the time riding slow on the open road. That is a death wish.

I'll have my plate up and Shrek say's he'll be riding shotgun can't see it myself he got bored with one lap round the village at 40 km So I guess he will be there for the first k or 2 then and meet me further up the road. But its only for 6 mths

[Virago]

The frequently voiced concern that L-plates incite an agressive response from other road users, is in my opinion, a misperception.

There is no doubt that there is the occasional tosser who, when seeing an L-plate, will decide to taunt and harrass. Some playground bullies never grow up...

For every such bully though, there will be at least another 10 such impatient road-users, who when seeing the L-plate will back off and give some space and tolerance. These generally go un-noticed, whereas the bully is very much noticed.

Overall though, I believe that L-plates have a far greater positive effect than negative - it's just not as apparent.

I've taught my wife how to ride, and several youngsters how to drive, and as part of that I have closely observed the reactions of other road-users. Most, even when being inconvenienced, will count to ten and allow that little extra time and space. A small smile on their faces will often confirm that they can recall the stresses of learning to ride or drive, and they will respond with suitable indulgence (and perhaps a little good-natured condescension).

[FJRider]

I'll have my plate up and Shrek say's he'll be riding shotgun can't see it myself he got bored with one lap round the village at 40 km So I guess he will be there for the first k or 2 then and meet me further up the road. But its only for 6 mths

If he says he will ... I'm sure he will

But within a month or so (maybe less) your speed and confidence will increase

and as you say, its only for six months ...

[_Shrek_]

I've written a BLOG entry about this (using L plates). You may find it of interest to read.

I agree with the using the L plates, but the 70k in a 100k for bikes is wrong, not all the roads are quite especially for those that live outside the city's & does become dangerous when they have to put up with impatient drivers, or traffic just pushing past, because learners have to keep to the far left as possible

on the up side most drivers I've noticed when out riding do take care when they see an L plate, the way I see it is that they should put it back up ot 100 or bring the car learners down, as they both have to learn the same sort of stuff

I'll have my plate up and Shrek say's he'll be riding shotgun can't see it myself he got bored with one lap round the village at 40 km So I guess he will be there for the first k or 2 then and meet me further up the road. But its only for 6 mths

I said I would shotgun just not for how far or long

If he says he will ... I'm sure he will

cheers for the vote of confidence

[crazyhorse]

For every such bully though, there will be at least another 10 such impatient road-users, who when seeing the L-plate will back off and give some space and tolerance. These generally go un-noticed, whereas the bully is very much noticed.

Overall though, I believe that L-plates have a far greater positive effect than negative - it's just not as apparent.

I think you are quite right. One day I went for a country ride by myself, came accross a L-plate rider, so I sat behind them for a while, for encouragement and also to not frighten them when I came out of nowhere to pass suddenly - this way, they became aware I was behind them and passed slowly and cautiously, then carrying on with my journey. I later met up with him and chatted about how he was getting his confidence up by riding in the country and gaining experience.

I do however think the 70 km rule on open roads is more dangerous, but have had this conversation with police - however they have this sad thought in their minds that a learner being on two wheels, is in more harm travelling at 100 km (yeah right) than a car driver on their learners

[Mrs Shrek]

If he says he will ... I'm sure he will

He may be a green knight in shining armour on the outside .....but he's still only human on the inside
and his bike is bigger and quicker than mine so maybe he'll give me a head start, then come up behind me and stay for a while before he speeds off into the night on his glorious steed that way he'll be keeping his word....... sort ov

[_Shrek_]

He may be a green knight in shining armour on the outside .....

he'll give me a head start, then come up behind me and stay for a while before he speeds off into the night on his glorious steed that way he'll be keeping his word....... sort ov

wot eva you wont ride at night

[DrunkenMistake]

The frequently voiced concern that L-plates incite an agressive response from other road users, is in my opinion, a misperception.

There is no doubt that there is the occasional tosser who, when seeing an L-plate, will decide to taunt and harrass. Some playground bullies never grow up...

Overall though, I believe that L-plates have a far greater positive effect than negative - it's just not as apparent.

I live in dunedin to man, and I have my sexy yellow L on the back of my bike and Iv never had problems with anybody on dunedin roads in the way of them been anti L plate other than boy racers, infact this afternoon on my way back home to mac bay from work some knob jockey overtook me at the cove, a boy racer to be exact, ill be honest I dont stick to 70 on that road, its usualy 70 plus another few 10's.. :P, weither or not this guy was thinking "oh theres a sportsbike Ill prove my worth and overtake him at a higher speed although theres nobody infront of me but him" or he just saw the L and thought he'd be a Hero, he still overtook me on a blind corner and nearly had himself a headon crash.
Stupidity.
On second thought I think this is actualy slightly off topic somehow? O_O'