Motorcyclist Fights Council

**wkid_one** · 3rd February 2004, 16:42

From the Dom Post Today

A Wellington city councillor is taking Tararua District Council to court after a road trip went badly wrong.

Chris Parkin has taken a private prosecution against the council for criminal nuisance after a motorbike accident near Weber, south of Dannevirke, last year.

The case is due to be heard in Dannevirke District Court on February 18.

Mr Parkin said the accident happened on a stretch of road being re-surfaced.

He rode around a corner, hit some gravel and lost control of the bike. "There were no warning signs that there were roadworks. There only needed to be another vehicle coming in the opposite direction and it could have been fatal."

Mr Parkin sprained his back and was badly grazed in the accident. The cost of repairs to his bike, an Italian Aprilia Futura, was estimated at about $7000. He was not taking the prosecution to recover costs but rather to highlight the dangers for other motorcyclists.

"I hope they (Tararua District Council) will take it seriously and put procedures in place so it doesn't happen again."

It was the first accident Mr Parkin had had in 41 years of motorcycle riding.

In one of the most recent cases of criminal nuisance, Christchurch-to-Akaroa cycle race organiser Astrid Anderson was convicted and fined $10,000 in August last year after the death of a competitor in the 2001 race.

This will set an interesting precedent if he wins. How many bikes accidents are caused by shitty roads in disrepair and mis-signposted works on roads.

Given this is where our tax/rates etc is spent on local infrastructure - glad to see someone is taking them to task over it.

**Lou Girardin** · 3rd February 2004, 17:03

Yaaaaay!
Lou

**SPman** · 3rd February 2004, 17:50

Didn't Ullysses take Rodney CC to court over a similar thing a few years ago, after a spill on the Stillwater Rd? I think they won too. Similar thing - road works or reseal, on a corner at the top of the hill with no warning signs and a skim of fine metal over the new seal!

**merv** · 3rd February 2004, 17:51

This has taken a while to get to court because I think Chris's accident must have been over a year ago now. Chris is one of our (Lynda's) crew. He has an MV Senna as well which you can see here in the last photo on the page http://bikemerv.topcities.com/road0410.html

He brought the Senna along that day because the Futura was making nasty engine noises and wasn't up to it (Italian $#%^&*$#@ bikes eh!) and that wasn't long before his crash.

Spot our blonde leader in the pics too.

LB · 4th February 2004, 05:04

A mate on a Triumph and I came across the same nasty piece of road the day after Chris's fall (we were on our way back from the racing at Gisborne). Marco was in front, he slid around a bit and I had time to brake a bit before hitting it. It was a trap for motorcyclists.

Go Chris.

LB · 4th February 2004, 05:07

Originally Posted by merv

Spot our blonde leader in the pics too.

though I wasn't blonde then, and am reminded yet again how unflattering bike gear is! (well, on me anyway!). No, I was not 9 months pregnant!

LB · 4th February 2004, 05:49

Originally Posted by merv

This has taken a while to get to court because I think Chris's accident must have been over a year ago now. o.

It was in February last year, towards the end - around the 23rd or so from memory

**Draco** · 4th February 2004, 09:49

For those of you who went to cold kiwi last year you will remember the blade on the trailer with bent back rim and busted front rim from an un-signposted HUGE hole on the national park road. That was a friend in our group there and he has started court proceedings against the council for it. He went to court just before xmas and his case was deferred till March. It will be interesting to see what happens with that one. Will keep you guys posted as a matter of interest.

I too came to grief 14months ago on a really bad patch of road (again un-signposted). The day of my crash they put warning signs out and 9 months later fixed the patch of road. Kinda wish i'd had the strength to persue it further, but all my energy was focused on rehabilitation. It is good to see bikers pushing the matter.

LB · 4th February 2004, 19:11

Originally Posted by Draco

For those of you who went to cold kiwi last year you will remember the blade on the trailer with bent back rim and busted front rim from an un-signposted HUGE hole on the national park road. That was a friend in our group there and he has started court proceedings against the council for it. He went to court just before xmas and his case was deferred till March. It will be interesting to see what happens with that one. Will keep you guys posted as a matter of interest.

I too came to grief 14months ago on a really bad patch of road (again un-signposted). The day of my crash they put warning signs out and 9 months later fixed the patch of road. Kinda wish i'd had the strength to persue it further, but all my energy was focused on rehabilitation. It is good to see bikers pushing the matter.

I'd heard about the guy at National Park. Wish him luck with the court case from me. I'm sure Chris would be happy to talk with him about taking the matter to court - PM me if you want to have your mate talk with Chris.

Sorry to hear of your crash. Hope things are okay for you now.

**SPman** · 4th February 2004, 21:15

The Blade was a bit of a mess, wheel wise.
Didnt he get several tickets when the cop turned up after the "incident" - just to add insult to injury?

**Motu** · 4th February 2004, 21:38

ALL the roads that I ride are like that,sure,one day I may come to grief - and someone will sure be getting an earfull...but it won't be the council!

**Draco** · 5th February 2004, 06:56

Thanks Lynda, will mention that to him. As for tickets?? Ted didn't mention it, but i may have missed that bit. Will ask him next time i talk to him. The bike sitting on the trailer seemed to have attracted the attention of almost everyone there, the offers of support for his court case was great. It was Ted's first rally (had been overseas for years) it will certainly be a memorable one for him, and best of all he didn't let it spoil his weekend, i was most impressed with his attitude, i dont know that i would have been such a good sport about it.

**Big Dave** · 15th May 2006, 13:51

Sorry to dig up an old thread, but I'm having a bit of a sniff at this story for KR.

This thread came up when i googled - I was looking to contact Mr Parkin - but he no longer appears on the WCC web site.

Any leads, anyone know him?

**crashe** · 15th May 2006, 14:04

Nope dont know him..

But ya all keep a careful eye out along the Green heithe "upper Habour Rd " way... the roadworks are leaving a huge mess with deep potholes.

Friggen HUGE potholes all over the place heading up to Albany on that stretch of road... Just about didnt see them in the rain and dark night... was a close call... the other night....