Subversive L-plating from experienced bikers

[Swoop]

No need to rip off their mirrors & suchlike.

Correct. Mirrorectomys are for those cagers who do not use (and hence "need") them.

Driving a cage like a twat, deserves "other" attention...

[klingon]

Where are you based - N S E W?

I'm Westish, not far off Mt Albert Rd in a general westerly direction.

I was originally not going to put the L plate on at all, after hearing of others' experiences. But being a real real newbie I would like people to understand why I may be a bit slow off the mark at the lights, or even (eep!) stalled.

I'll make the call when I've had a little more riding experience - I think I'll lose the plate within a couple of weeks if things carry on like this.

[Big Dog]

I'm Westish, not far off Mt Albert Rd in a general westerly direction.

I was originally not going to put the L plate on at all, after hearing of others' experiences. But being a real real newbie I would like people to understand why I may be a bit slow off the mark at the lights, or even (eep!) stalled.

I'll make the call when I've had a little more riding experience - I think I'll lose the plate within a couple of weeks if things carry on like this.

In my experience the whole dominion road to mount albert area is riddled with tailgating truckers.
i complained to a tow company who promptly sent me a voucher for a free tow.
Other Companies have sent me various petrol / movie vouchers. Companies prefer you complain to then than the police or potential customers.

Best advice I can give you is three simple tricks I learned the hard way and still employ today, in spite of being suitably hairy.
* learn the flashpoint of your brakes (where your taillight comes on but your brakes are not engaged yet).
* avoid the temptation to ride in the extreme left or right.
* when you are being tailgated move to centre stage.
* wobble a bit from time to time - Freaks them out, but please practice without a truck following first).
* Slow down gradually if they are still in your 2 second space again until you stop. You can pull away faster than they can and you should end up with a more tolerable driver between you.

Resist the urge to road rage:
*Consciously relax your elbows and shoulders - you will feel better and be less likely to fall of in their way.
* count your breaths.
* if you feel stressed let them pass or turn off and take another route.

Your safety is paramount. Never hesitate to make someone else wait or be late yourself, if you have to be the bigger person so be it.
As an old road campaign went, many a man has died defending his right of way.

[Disco Dan]

* Slow down gradually if they are still in your 2 second space again until you stop. You can pull away faster than they can and you should end up with a more tolerable driver between you.

Ive been tempted sooo many times to stop smack bang in the middle of the lane, kick out the stand.. and ask the driver if he still thinks hes going to be late/get there any faster!

But i guess it would be just my luck for a massive government dole abusing westy to hop out...

Or even pull off your L plate, slap it on his/her windscreen and tell him/her that they need it more than you!!!

[Viddy]

Not that I'd want to be seen promoting Hamilton, but I just don't seem to get that kind of crap here - people let me in, and generally seem to be reasonably curtious 'round here.

Could be because I'm a reasonably big dude on a little bike though

I'm also on my learners with a L plate on the back, and ride with my lights on - something that I noticed when I was push biking - lights off, get buzzed, lights on, get a decent wide berth.

I also tend to own the space that I'm in, and essentially make like I'm a car, so some retard won't try to force me to lane split.

(I'm usually wearing a black riding suit, with a bright yellow bag on my back)

[Big Dog]

I also tend to own the space that I'm in, and essentially make like I'm a car, so some retard won't try to force me to lane split.

Confidence and "ownership" really make a bike difference.

[Disco Dan]

Confidence and "ownership" really make a bike difference.

bring a pillow and make yourself at home

[What?]

... As the L plate is securely bolted onto the number plate, he didn't bother removing it. Obviously people thought he was a learner because they carved him up, cut him off and tailgated him the entire time he was on the bike.

Interestingly, that is exactly why L plates were gotten rid of way back wheneveritwas (early 70's??). Their re-introduction is a symptom of the level of intellect housed within LTNZ.

[ManDownUnder]

Confidence and "ownership" really make a bike difference.

VERY VERY TRUE

Applies to all aspects of riding but most notable in crowded/congested situations. Motorway riding, Dom/Mt Albert Roads and the like

[Indiana_Jones]

It's only for 6 months and I suspect 80% of motorcyclists don't wear their L plate anyway.

I had mine on for a month or so, and then I said fuck it, it makes more problems then it solves (if it solves any at all )

-Indy

[Dodger]

Well I've still got mine on the back of the bike.
I do my restricted test next week , so I think I can stand it being there for 6 more days.

I've not had any problems with cage drivers tailgating me or anything, although maybe the yellow bike helps hide the L-Plate.
Who knows, maybe there's less pricks driving around in Wellington than in Auckland?

[klingon]

Confidence and "ownership" really make a bike difference.

Yep. I was consciously riding in the right hand tyre track and doing the same speed as the rest of the traffic (around 55) but I definitely think the truckie could have sensed my newbieness (even if I didn't have a giant yellow LEMON bolted to my bum). Just like a dog can smell fear.

Looking back on my ride from a bit more distance (and getting over the adrenaline I guess) I'm sure there were other drivers on the road who were more cautious and courteous when they saw my L plate.

There was one car that followed me quite a long way on my return journey and gave me heaps of space behind me. Dunno if that was his usual driving style or if he was doing it because of my L, but either way I appreciated the space.

Of course I had the usual people pull out in front of me at intersections, but that's just what I was expecting. If nobody had done it I would have been secretly disappointed because I was so mentally prepared for it!

Thanks for your encouragement by the way. I guess hopping on a bike and riding a couple of kms is as natural as breathing for you lot.... but for me it's a big deal. I hope I always remember this feeling.

[imdying]

I try to move about my lane a bit (not weave) so that cages behind me are well aware that that's my space and not to intrude. Works ok, keep an eye on your mirrors though, plenty of cars try to squeeze you out if you're tardy.

[Rosie]

But being a real real newbie I would like people to understand why I may be a bit slow off the mark at the lights, or even (eep!) stalled.

Even with the L plate people don't seem to quite understand that you are new and require a bit of patience. I stalled once at a give way sign (with L plate attached), I was frantically trying to kick start the bike and several cars were honking their horns at me. Hell-ooo people, that isn't a strange nervous twitch in my leg, my bike isn't going, and I'm trying to start it. Honking your horn won't help it to start.

[Roj]

Not that I'd want to be seen promoting Hamilton, but I just don't seem to get that kind of crap here - people let me in, and generally seem to be reasonably curtious 'round here.

Could be because I'm a reasonably big dude on a little bike though

I'm also on my learners with a L plate on the back, and ride with my lights on - something that I noticed when I was push biking - lights off, get buzzed, lights on, get a decent wide berth.

I also tend to own the space that I'm in, and essentially make like I'm a car, so some retard won't try to force me to lane split.

(I'm usually wearing a black riding suit, with a bright yellow bag on my back)

Nah I drive a cage round hamilton lots and do my best to be nice to bikes may be it was me

Hamilton drivers to appear to be getting better with driver courtesy, must be the relaxed lifestyle in the 20 minute city