Police interview - look out for motorbikes.

[Edbear]

My information is that the return-to rider injuries are a significant statistic - but I have no quantifiable data.

Ed, think scooter rider lane splitting in shorts and Jandals when you say noob.

Yeah there does seem to be an increasing number of those. I guess I was thinking about the newbies who post here. Of course the vast majority of these new scooter riders have probably never heard of KB and don't consider themselves motorcyclists, just commuters. Most seem to be girls, too. Very few wear any protective gear apart from their helmet.

I haven't been commuting in traffic for six months now, so I've forgotten a bit.

[Drew]

I didn't think that was their role. Isn't that what insurance is for? Would you pay your ACC levies is they did replace gear?

When I had my accident personal effects were the responsibility of my insurance company, helping me live and recover, the responsibility of ACC.

I agree, I'd like a breakdown of the stats.

They used to pay for all clothing needing replaced after a personal injury. Since sometimes it's the medical staff chopping it off.

When insurance becomes mandatory (and I think it should), I believe it is their responsibility, but ACC used to pay for it, the laws haven't changed, and they still get to say too many people are getting hurt from not having the right gear.

It is as usual, hypocritical bullshit, and it chaps my ass.

[Edbear]

They used to pay for all clothing needing replaced after a personal injury. Since sometimes it's the medical staff chopping it off.

When insurance becomes mandatory (and I think it should), I believe it is their responsibility, but ACC used to pay for it, the laws haven't changed, and they still get to say too many people are getting hurt from not having the right gear.

It is as usual, hypocritical bullshit, and it chaps my ass.

Sorry, my memory's a bit foggy, I think you're right about that. They haven't been doing that for a long time now. I think insurance, at least third party should be compulsory but you'll still have the issue of people ignoring the law, just as now with reg and WoF and licences until the courts start getting serious about penalties and stop the wet bus ticket approach.

[Katman]

While I do agree the learning process needs to be improved, from most of the posts on KB it's not the newbies we need to target. They, by and large, are very well aware and seem to be quite sensible.

But unfortunately, quite clueless.

I think it's important that those charged with handing out BHS certificates realise that there is an onus on them to provide those newbies with as many clues as can possibly be drumed into them.

[Edbear]

But unfortunately, quite clueless.

I think it's important that those charged with handing out BHS certificates realise that there is an onus on them to provide those newbies with as many clues as can possibly be drumed into them.

That's exactly why I said the learning process needs improving. Proper training and a defensive driving course should be basic requirements. Is there anyone who does the BHS here who can offer their opinion on what they do? It seems too easy to me.

[Drew]

That's exactly why I said the learning process needs improving. Proper training and a defensive driving course should be basic requirements. Is there anyone who does the BHS here who can offer their opinion on what they do? It seems too easy to me.

Which is it then? The young ones have their shit together, or they need more training?

[Edbear]

Which is it then? The young ones have their shit together, or they need more training?

There's a difference between training and experience and the actual problems recorded. While the young newbies lack both they are not disproportionately represented in the figures for accidents, traffic offences, non-compliance, etc. It's the supposedly experienced and older riders who are causing the most problems with their attitudes and riding records!

[tri boy]

The whole targeted road side rego checks still stinks of Nick Smiths lost revenue.
Road side education my arse. If they really want to educate riders, and the greater quantity of road users, they would use a better medium.
Sorry Dave, but you can keep your Kool Aide.
They might be well intentioned coppers, therefore I'm sure they could come up with a better stratergy.

It's a crock. MHO

[Drew]

figures for accidents, traffic offences, non-compliance, etc. It's the supposedly experienced and older riders who are causing the most problems with their attitudes and riding records!

Traffic offenses are in this now? Sounds less like concern for our well being by the second.

[Big Dave]

Sorry Dave, but you can keep your Kool Aide.

You know what? I don't care.

"‘I can hear the cries of ‘Big Brother’ resounding around the internet now’ I suggested."

:-)

[myvice]

But unfortunately, quite clueless.

I think it's important that those charged with handing out BHS certificates realise that there is an onus on them to provide those newbies with as many clues as can possibly be drumed into them.

If you fuck it up, it will hurt you.
If you fuck it up badly, it’ll kill you.
It may not be you who fucks it up.

Shouldn’t they be giving the motorcycle safety pamphlet to car drivers?

[miloking]

But unfortunately, quite clueless.

I think it's important that those charged with handing out BHS certificates realise that there is an onus on them to provide those newbies with as many clues as can possibly be drumed into them.

haha, i seriously doubt they do at all... my friend decided he wants to get a bike and bought CBR125 few months ago, also just completed his BHS test last week...and all it was to ride around some cones for 5 minutes, here is your cert & good luck buddy!

[Edbear]

Every one has to start somewhere, but the stats show the age groups most involved in accidents, ACC claims, infringement notices, etc. it's not the newbies, mate...

Traffic offenses are in this now? Sounds less like concern for our well being by the second.

Do you have a chip on your shoulder or are you just obnoxious in general?

[Swoop]

... why not take it back to the licence test and actually have compulsory training and proper testing before letting people drive/ride?

Thank goodness some people are getting the right idea.

Start the whole process of learning to drive/ride off on the right foot. Correct training (NO PARENTAL TRAINING to hand down and perpetuate BAD habits) followed up with a decent test. No scratch-and-win bollocks.

[Paul in NZ]

Erm - Just bear with me, its just an opinion I'm forming, not a religion or anything.

I started riding when I was 16. I sold a really nice bike or two to afford a ring worthy of Miss Vicki and 30 years later still think it was a sound investment. Unfortunately she was so enamoured of me she fell preggers immeadiately and that meant riding really crap bikes for 5 or 6 years, one of the better ones was a $75 TS250 Suzuki. You learnt to be humble and appreciate the fun to be had from a small bike. Riding small crappy bikes also forces you to get overyourself and ride defensively.

Better bigger bikes have come and go and I've learnt what works for me. The 1970 TR6C must work as its been ours for 22+ years now. faster sportier bikes have gone as I have learnt I'm a friggin idiot with little self control and easily convinced I'm invicable.

However, every few years we meet people with motorcycle fever. There is no particular age or use profile but it comes commonly with a return to biking and a brand new bike OR first big bike and when folks have it they usually have it bad. All they talk about riding, bikes, cornering techniques, motorcycle politics, they join groups, training blah blah blah. They do have one thing in common - they ride like they have 'rights' and think the cops (and everyone else) are picking on them etc etc. They have another thing in common too, they all cry like babies when they are laying broken in a ditch. The ones that dont cry are the worst - mostly they dont make it.

What I see is that the worse you get the fever the more likely you will either burn out and give up or crash (repeatedly) and give up.

Moderation in all things is not a bad motto to ride by and in addition, try and find a few non motorcycling activities as well, it will make you a better rider via a wider perspective.

I'm no saint on the road, I've done and will do stupid things but these days I genuinely try to keep a lid on my stupidity. The spirit still moves me some days but I like to think its weighed a bit more carefully and I do think that most Police are genuinely concerned about our behaviour. Not all of us but a significant number.

I'm grateful I've seen and survived some of the carnage as it changes your attitude. Once there are a few ghosts you know personally sitting on the side of the road it gives you pause to think and I for one want to die in my bed thanks. (hopefully in a moment of passion although that may upset Vicki somewhat)