MoT targeting motorcyclists for new restrictions

**James Deuce** · 27th July 2006, 12:13

No panic - time to get organised. BRONZ aren't doing shit.

MAG have a much better idea of how to approach the consultation process, so why reinvent the wheel?

**The Stranger:Me** · 27th July 2006, 12:19

Originally Posted by Jim2

BRONZ aren't doing shit.

Jim2 - Go fuck yourself.
I (and others here from/with BRONZ) put in a bloody lot of my time to try and help AH's like yourself who really don't bloody appreciate it.

**James Deuce** · 27th July 2006, 12:20

Originally Posted by CaN

Jim2 - Go fuck yourself.
I (and others here from/with BRONZ) put in a bloody lot of my time to try and help AH's like yourself who really don't bloody appreciate it.

Thanks for your constructive input.

**kickingzebra** · 27th July 2006, 12:36

Originally Posted by cowpoos

how the hell is a little NZ government gunna tell the all the factoryies to make bikes heavier....they will be told to get fucked...it won't happen!!

Of course it won't... Yet, but the insidious creep of state ownership of the private citizen will continue.

So we got's to get up, stand up.
Stand up for your rights...

**The Stranger:Me** · 27th July 2006, 12:45

Originally Posted by Jim2

Thanks for your constructive input.

It was a pleasure.

**Zukin** · 28th July 2006, 11:39

Greetings

Observations from the Road!

As a Motorcycle rider, Car Driver, 4wd Driver, Race Car Driver, Crash Rescue Volunteer and Ex Volunteer Firefighter, I have experienced many near misses and seen a fair share of fatal and/or serious injury accidents on the roads of New Zealand.
Now whilst my views below aren't always involved in all near misses or accidents, they are becoming quite a scary trend.

Most of my near misses I have on the road are whilst on my Motorcycle!!
Now people often ask me "Why do you ride a motorbike after the wrecks you have seen, they are dangerous"
My answer is simple " I love riding, and why should I give up something I love, because of the actions of other road users", Motorcycles are not dangerous, nor are the riders normally, its the drivers of other road users that are dangerous to motorcycles.

Now whilst I understand and appreciate that the LTSA and Police have everyone's best interests and safety at heart, I think sometimes they cant see past their own gold medals.
It appears that from the outside looking in at these organisations that they make rules and/or regulations on the basis of pressure rather than factual information. (e.g. the new idea to increase the ACC levy for motorcyclists - Why? Because there are more of them on the road now!!??)

Whilst on the road I notice too often that most motorists (whether car, truck or even Bus drivers) dont look or even make an attempt to look for motorcyclists, cyclists and pedestrians to a degree as well.

Now some of these high powered officials appear to be introducing new rules/regulations to punish motorcyclists for things they have very little control over, or are in fact often the victims of these drivers. (Changing the licence requirements, looking at introducing more lighting requirements for motorcycles etc)
Now here is another idea with merit - Why dont you instead look at reducing these accidents involving motorcyclists by actually punishing the offending drivers harshly.
E.g. Anyone motorist that is involved in an accident with a motorcyclist/cyclists or pedestrian, where it it obvious they were at fault be given more severe punishment that having an accident with other cars?
Too often I hear 'I didn't see you"!!
ENOUGH IS ENOUGH, we need to toughen up on this excuse, as I see it a legal way to kill someone without thinking about it.

Here is my idea to not only change, but to force motorists to change their driving habits.
After all Failing to look is a very bad habit, nothing less.

Now in this scenario I have mocked up a new charge.
I will refer to the new Charge as FTL (Failing to look)- This is for any accident involving a Motorcyclist/Cyclist or Pedestrian by other road users (cars, trucks etc)
FTL would only apply to 'Other Motorists involved in an accident with any Motorcyclist/Cyclist or Pedestrian" It would not apply to Car vs. Car etc

My ideas of a much harsher penalty for the offenders are;
Instant loss of licence for 28 days, with no provision for a work/temporary licence if they FTL
Double the Demerit Points - This will effectively mean that if they are charged with a FTL, they wont be able to do it again without loss of licence.
Cost Recovery - They will be responsible for paying all associated medical bills as a direct result of the accident - Very expensive if they dont have insurance

It might seem very drastic, but I the result would be two fold
1. I could guarantee you the accident rate would drop!!
2. Motorists may actually start to notice motorcyclists/cyclists and pedestrians, and always be aware of their presence.
3. Overall it would have a wider impact on the accident/injury rate, because if people are looking for the smaller things on the roads, then by default they should see cars, trucks etc.
4. The $$ saving alone would dramatically reduce ACC claims involving motorcyclists.
5. Having safer motorists on the roads of New Zealand, may take away some of the fear associated with riding of Motorcycles, therefore more people may actually take up riding, and this could be especially important in places with very high traffic flow.

Its time to give on all this PC rubbish and actually do things that WILL make a difference to peoples lives.

In saying all that, there are a number of accidents involving motorcyclists that are caused by their actions too (Speeding, Overtaking etc)
May need to consider increasing the penalties for their actions.

Now I am by no means a legal advisor, Police spokesman, or involved in Politics, just very passionate about my family, the families of other motorcyclists, and my passion for riding around New Zealand.

My thoughts anyway, sorry to Rant!!

Cheers Scott

**The Stranger:Me** · 28th July 2006, 12:00

Bloody well put.
That is the type of thing I feel you should post here.

**Squeak the Rat** · 28th July 2006, 12:06

I agree, and also send it to the Annette King and Harry Duynhoven, and cc Maurice Williamson...

hduynhoven@ministers.govt.nz
aking@ministers.govt.nz
maurice.williamson@national.org.nz

**Rashika** · 28th July 2006, 12:16

100% agree, and as a cyclist as well, I triple echo those sentiments...
The number of times i have wanted to smack some idot driver in the mouth.

**Zukin** · 28th July 2006, 12:35

I have edited my post above a little before I send it off
I will advise when I have sent it off?

The wait for the Flaming from the anti motorcycle gurus out there