More bad press for bikers ...

**Whynot** · 24th May 2006, 16:24

well its actually about scooters ..... but still doesn't encourage people to take up riding

http://stuff.co.nz/stuff/0,2106,3678612a10,00.html

**jord** · 24th May 2006, 16:40

yeah it is bad for the bikers image. i supose the only thing that matters now is that we as bikers, not moped users, stay alive and save the what credit we have left. thanks for bringing that up

**outlawtorn** · 24th May 2006, 16:46

damn moped scooter drivers.......grumble......give us a friggin bad name........

**WRT** · 24th May 2006, 16:46

Just reading through that, there was the point raised that most new riders dont have sufficient skills and training before they start to ride. It mentions Megariders, looking on www.megariders.com doesnt really give too much info. Is there a list anywhere of courses that learners can go on that are specifically targeted at two wheeled transport? Do the AA or anyone like that offer bike/scooter/moped specific training?

**WRT** · 24th May 2006, 16:51

Actually, just searching now, come up with:

http://www.deca.co.nz/content/course..._id=0000000003
http://crash.ihug.co.nz/~jpreou/motolife/courses.htm
http://www.yellowpages.co.nz/Pages/S..._l0_m0,00.html

So far. Will update as I find more, I think it might be good to have a "directory" sort of thing for new riders. Unless someone can point me to one that already exists? Dont really want to reinvent the wheel so to speak.

**Big Dave** · 24th May 2006, 16:55

We have taken AA to task about the ostrich mentality on KB before.
My Editor is openly hostile too.
They have proved to be inept bumblers pushing a 4 wheeled only agenda - ignore them - they are dicks.

**WRT** · 24th May 2006, 17:01

Bummer . . . they seem like the idea company for a nationwide training scheme.

**Lou Girardin** · 24th May 2006, 17:02

Originally Posted by Big Dave

We have taken AA to task about the ostrich mentality on KB before.
My Editor is openly hostile too.
They have proved to be inept bumblers pushing a 4 wheeled only agenda - ignore them - they are dicks.

I thought they were more interested in selling cruises to their aged members and being a mouth-piece for Govt policies.
You know how it goes, "85% of our members who have never had a ticket are in favour of more speed cameras and summary execution of speeders".

**HenryDorsetCase** · 24th May 2006, 17:06

Originally Posted by Lou Girardin

I thought they were more interested in selling cruises to their aged members and being a mouth-piece for Govt policies.
You know how it goes, "85% of our members who have never had a ticket are in favour of more speed cameras and summary execution of speeders".

fuckin' A

I refused to rejoin when they supported the introduction of speed cameras.

fuck them.

**Big Dave** · 24th May 2006, 17:12

Originally Posted by WRT

Bummer . . . they seem like the idea company for a nationwide training scheme.

Yes you would have thought so - a prime example of 'corporatisation' and how it seems every organisation that utters that word and takes that step is no longer worth belonging too.
It even happened at the Y.

**madboy** · 24th May 2006, 17:13

A few points:
1. www.roadsafe.co.nz should work. If I got it right. Good guys, I've been through them and I'm still alive. If you know me, you'll know they must be pretty damn good to have achieved that.
2. AA is interested in selling insurance too... and life insurance... but bikers? huh? who are they?
3. Who cares that the story doesn't encourage people to become bikers. Do you really want every uncoordinated loser wanting to ride a bike? I'd prefer the biker pool was limited to just that - bikers. Not cage drivers wanting to save some gas money then having more crashes cos they have the cage driver mentality/skill set and then pushing up the m/cycle crash stats and our ACC levies. Real bikers usually do have a sense of self-preservation. People who get into bikes solely because they're trying to save money are not real bikers.

MD · 24th May 2006, 17:14

Full credit to Sgt West, P Nth Police for not adding a negative view like that prick from AA. In fact the Sgt pointed out that scoots are slower so the crashes aren't as serious AND it was more the cars hitting scoots than scoots hitting cars!. Good on ya. Now about those tickets of mine...
AA arseholes yet again bleating, stay in your car so we can keep our cushy job.

**Karma** · 24th May 2006, 17:27

How is that bad press?

Surely it's just saying what we all realise... cagers jump on a moped because it's cheap, but they don't know how to ride properly.

IMO you shouldn't be able to ride ANYTHING without passing a basic handling test, which 50cc mopeds don't do at present.

Bringing me onto my next point... somebody needs to shake up the bike licensing system, basic handling and all other tests are a complete joke... who was the last person you heard of that failed one of these tests?

**Motu** · 24th May 2006, 17:28

''There was a 37-per cent increase in the number of mopeds registered in New Zealand between 1999 and 2005''

And like,ah - when did petrol start skyrocketing in price?...certainly not 1999,or 2000,or 2001,or 2002,or 2003,or 2004,or 2005,well maybe.People have started buying scooters the last few months surely....or did they all have crystals ball back in 1999?