Motorcycle Safety Advisory Council (Ex Motorcycle Safety Levy Establishment Group)

[Smifffy]

Thanks StoneY - I'm quite capable of speaking for myself and I will soon...

We're on the edge of our seats. You could start with an introduction.

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/fo...w-Member-Speak

Would be the polite thing to do.

[oneofsix]

Hardly surprising though. At the end of the day Police resources only stretch so far and the earthquake is going to swallow up a lot of them.

they were still on traffic duty on the Wellington urban motorway this evening, and I'm not referring to a camera van

I've got my fingers crossed that Christchurch motorists are showing the way at the moment - there's a number of traffic lights out at intersections and people have had to go back to old-fashioned courtesy and common sense. Perhaps they might try that in Tasman in the absence of police on the roads.

Unfortunately I'm not that much of a naiive fool to ever think that for too long. Let's hope we don't hear about any head-ons on Takaka Hill or Rau Valley Racetrack.

comments on TV, stuff and Herald have indicated this is working in Chch so far. Surprising in some ways as we have become so dependent on controlled intersections some of the younger drivers are initially thrown by having to revert to the right hand rule.

[Mom]

Mr AA I presume?

No, the AA are now going to speak in part via a ministerial appointed council on Motorcycle Safety. This group charged with administering the spend of a levy imposed on bikers as a result of skewed figures. Of course the AA are biker friendly and really concerned about our welfare on the roads.

There is no sacasm smiley for those that missed it.

[MrKiwi]

No, the AA are now going to speak in part via a ministerial appointed council on Motorcycle Safety. This group charged with administering the spend of a levy imposed on bikers as a result of skewed figures. Of course the AA are biker friendly and really concerned about our welfare on the roads.

There is no sacasm smiley for those that missed it.

We'll have to agree to disagree for the moment...

[Elysium]

"Politics" That's the only word that comes to mind after reading this thread.

[Smifffy]

We'll have to agree to disagree for the moment...

Lovely piece of transparency there.

I saw your earlier post. I really want to trust you now.

[Smifffy]

Mr AA I presume?

If I had to guess, I'd say Mr Ulysses.

Whatever, this is starting to look like the plot line from an episode of 'Yes Minister'.

Or maybe

'House of cards'

[riffer]

We'll have to agree to disagree for the moment...

Why am I reminded of the quote "diplomacy is the art of saying 'nice doggy' while you search for a bigger stick"?

I think I may just pull up a pew and watch how this one plays out.

Things just got interesting.

[Ocean1]

starting to look like the plot line from an episode of 'Yes Minister'.

Scariest thing about that documentary is that some people thought it was funny.

[MrKiwi]

If I had to guess, I'd say Mr Ulysses.

Whatever, this is starting to look like the plot line from an episode of 'Yes Minister'.

Or maybe

'House of cards'

No he was right, I am a member of the AA. While I am not an employee and I am not on the national council I am a Councilor of the Wellington District Council of the AA, we like to make up our own mind on issues...

[NONONO]

Someone has to tell me how the Automobile Association gets a seat at the table?
The organisation that said this;

The NZAA has previously voiced our opposition to the ongoing cross-subsidisation of motorcycle levies, which artificially covers the true cost of motorcycle accidents and sends the wrong signals to motorists by not warning new and existing motorcycle riders of their increased risk of injury (18 times more than drivers) through a price signal.
Consequently, we are pleased to see that the 2010/11 levy consultation document addresses this by proposing to increase motorcyclists’ contribution.

in it's submission in 2009.
What the fck are you doing here?

[bogan]

Someone has to tell me how the Automobile Association gets a seat at the table?
The organisation that said this;

The NZAA has previously voiced our opposition to the ongoing cross-subsidisation of motorcycle levies, which artificially covers the true cost of motorcycle accidents and sends the wrong signals to motorists by not warning new and existing motorcycle riders of their increased risk of injury (18 times more than drivers) through a price signal.
Consequently, we are pleased to see that the 2010/11 levy consultation document addresses this by proposing to increase motorcyclists’ contribution.

in it's submission in 2009.
What the fck are you doing here?

and while you are answering that one MrKiwi, can you also tell us whether you (and your district council) still believe the increased risk is actually 18x? I've already explained to Mike Noon it is far less, and can do the same for you if needed

[MrKiwi]

and while you are answering that one MrKiwi, can you also tell us whether you (and your district council) still believe the increased risk is actually 18x? I've already explained to Mike Noon it is far less, and can do the same for you if needed

I noticed that Kiwibiker forum is for all bikers so that is why I am here.

I'm on record when I was an official at the Ministry of Transport and subsequent to leaving and still as of recently and will for ever and a day reject the notion that motor biking is 18 times more dangerous. Yes we are more vulnerable if something goes wrong. The notion that it is dangerous irritates the hell out of me. It implies I and you and any one else shouldn't be riding a motorbike. That just aint gonna happen. We'll ride and we should do so without being unfairly penalised. But while we have the levy in place I’d to think we can heavily influence what it is used for.

As to the AA's position on the levy - yeah that was the tin top fraternity talking. It surprised the AA head office that there are at least 14000 of its members (and I think this is very conservative) that own motorbikes. It is my aim to ram that point home and get the AA more in tune with a wider set of road users. It might make me unpopular at times but I'm used to that.

You guys might not agree with me and what I am doing - sure that's your right to do so. I'll give as good as I get, I'm no shrinking violet.

I am where I am because of my experience and skills and I intend to continue to work to improve the lot of those of us who chose to ride motorbikes. I don't expect you all to agree with my methods. It is easy to sit on the corner and criticise, I'm getting off my butt to do something about it.

And at least I'm fronting up to read your views. Interesting and quite a varied bunch of views at that!

I hope to see some of you on your bikes on the road...

[MSTRS:Me]

I noticed that Kiwibiker forum is for all bikers so that is why I am here....

And we appreciate you joining us.

However - don't be surprised if a fair number here don't believe you are genuine. See, we've had 'your sort' here before...

A little advice, if I may. Get out and meet other Welly KBers in meatspace. That way, you will be accepted for who you say you are.

[Big Dave]

And at least I'm fronting up to read your views. Interesting and quite a varied bunch of views at that!

I hope to see some of you on your bikes on the road...

Not many people appear to understand how change in large organisations comes from within.

Suggest attending an AA* meeting or joining a Political Party to try and get the numbers to affect or instigate that change and you are likely to get flamed as a collaborator.

Much easier to figuratively ride around and toot your horn.

Good luck to you.


* My name's David and I'm a bikeaholic