ACC calls for “greater awareness of motorcyclists”

[discotex]

Don't blame the reporter. She doesn't choose the headline. Here's my email sent to her.

I was thinking of emailing them to suggest that they change the paper format to tabloid.... The sensationalist headlines that don't stack up aren't limited to motorcycling.

$52 million is small change to ACC. They normally talk in hundreds of millions. What would be far more interesting is the comparative cost between groups. Say rugby vs bikers vs roofing workers vs etc.

Of course expecting balance from the Herald is like expecting Bush to admit Iraq isn't a success.

..Matt

[Cynos]

How about sending a copy to Letter to Editor section - you never know - it could get printed

Lol, give it a shot.

Ah man, do I have to do it snail mail?

[clint640]

Don't blame the reporter. She doesn't choose the headline. Here's my email sent to her.

That was terrific, sarcasm at it's finest! I was going to write in about that headline too but you've done it so much better, please make sure a version goes to the editor also.

Hey craigs288, one of the bike cops on here gleefully related the story a while back of how someone pulled out on him while he was on his (huge, fluoro) cop bike, he avoided being hit but needless to say a bit of book-throwing went on

Cheers
Clint

[scumdog]

I've just been wondering.
Have any of the police officers on here ever had a cager do the big 'I haven't seen you so I am pulling out anyway' on them, either on their own motorcycle, or even on a police bike.
I can't recall any reports of any police bikes t-boning the side of a car.
Maybe it's selective blindness. They have no trouble seeing a police bike due to the massive pile of shit they would be in if they just chose to pull out.
However, average joe biker, look the f%^k out.

Have crashed into the side of a red-light runner.

In a marked 'work' car too.

Have had to hit the brakes hard to stop from running into the rear of a 'people-mover' that pulled out of a side street right on front of me.

Again in a marked 'work' car.


Had some minor scares on the bike but make myself really visible on it and ride like they're all out to get me. and don't ride in cities much except to pass through them.

[Reckless]

Shit you guys are negative.

OK the headline sucks, but did you actually RTFA?

It's talking about how they're launching a new advertising campaign for us, to tell cagers to look more closely for us. They're even pulling stunts like dropping bikes from cranes. This is a good thing you dumb twats.

Here here! you tell them 10/10!

Have crashed into the side of a red-light runner.

In a marked 'work' car too.

Hey Scumdog, when are you and your work buddies gonna do something about the red light runners. If i'm on the bike or out in the car its becoming a blatant and common sight now. One 30 minute trip I saw 3 really bad red light runners. We need camera's and those steel thingy's in the road like in Aussy. I know the crap Auckland traffic problems don't help but its gettin really dangerous.

[James Deuce]

So whats the big deal in wearing a fluoro vest or jacket?
do you think you look like a sissy?
I wear one and don't feel it hinders me in any way, i see a few guy's on my commute to work who wear them and feel we stand out a bit better.
One rider on the greenhithe rd i see every day has a real bright yellow bike and yellow patches on his/her ride gear, stands out like dog's ball and looks pretty cool as well.
I am pleased to see any campaign that makes people aware of looking out for bikes.
Have a nice safe day anyway people.

No dramas at all. Except if it becomes compulsion.

Then I'll just collect tickets, because I'm not wearing one. They have no appreciable impact on motorcycle accident statistics and you see them because you are subconsciously spotting motorcycles, and subconsciously spotting fluoro vests to validate your decision.

[Cynos]

That was terrific, sarcasm at it's finest! I was going to write in about that headline too but you've done it so much better, please make sure a version goes to the editor also.

Hey craigs288, one of the bike cops on here gleefully related the story a while back of how someone pulled out on him while he was on his (huge, fluoro) cop bike, he avoided being hit but needless to say a bit of book-throwing went on

Cheers
Clint

Okay, final copy before I submit it, any suggestions?

Dear Sir,

I write with regards to the recent article "Motorcyclists bleed taxpayer", by Elizabeth Binning.

In my opinion the headline totally distorts the point of Ms Binning's article, which is "stop driving into motorcyclists please". I'm surprised you couldn't fit references to forming vicious gangs and committing pack rapes into your headline as well.

I eagerly look forward to your next headlines "Rape victims bleeding ACC" and "Cancer patients rorting Work and Income". Motorcycling is inherently risky yes, but then, one could argue the same for going into town on a Saturday night scantily clad, or smoking and eating too much red meat – yet I don't see your publication casting aspersions on rape or cancer victims, merely the victims of inconsiderate Kiwi drivers.

In the interests of balance, can we expect a headline saying "Motorcyclists use less fuel, produce less emissions and create less congestion" any time soon? I imagine it wouldn't move copy, although it does touch on Auckland's traffic woes, a perennial favourite.

Better luck next time,

Cynos

I added the bit acknowledging that "riding is riskier, but so what?" in the hopes that it'd increase my chances of getting it published, because it gives the usual cynics something to tear me to pieces over.

So yeah, any thoughts before I submit?

[Grahameeboy]

The Media title was the medias not that given by the Police / Ltsa.

If you divide $52 million by estimated number of registered motorcycles it works out at $100-120 each which is less than the actual ACC levy on Licensing fees so we more than pay for ACC to cover injured motorcyclist and I guess the residue helps pay for injured cagers too.

Yep number of motorcycles has increased out of proportion to increase in accidents. Number of cars I guess has increased too.......so in effect accident rate has reduced by a third, however, saving lives is more important than debating stats....motor cylists still get killed by cagers so anything to increase awareness, even if it is Media hype has to be good.

[Grahameeboy]

No dramas at all. Except if it becomes compulsion.

Then I'll just collect tickets, because I'm not wearing one. They have no appreciable impact on motorcycle accident statistics and you see them because you are subconsciously spotting motorcycles, and subconsciously spotting fluoro vests to validate your decision.

So if it became complusory how would it affect your enjoyment of riding your bike?

[Ewan Oozarmy]

Aahhhhh....it's all making sense now as to why my daily commute has been so hazardous since arriving in NZ: my journey is from the North Shore to the top of Newton Road, via Ponsonby Road and across K road junction. Seems like I get 3 of the most dangerous/notorious roads every day.

Maybe I need to get a contract on the shore.....

[more_fasterer]

Dear Sir,

I write with regards to the recent article "Motorcyclists bleed taxpayer", by Elizabeth Binning.

In my opinion the headline totally distorts the point of Ms Binning's article, which is "stop driving into motorcyclists please". I'm surprised you couldn't fit references to forming vicious gangs and committing pack rapes into your headline as well.

I eagerly look forward to your next headlines "Rape victims bleeding ACC" and "Cancer patients rorting Work and Income". Motorcycling is inherently risky yes, but then, one could argue the same for going into town on a Saturday night scantily clad, or smoking and eating too much red meat – yet I don't see your publication casting aspersions on rape or cancer victims, merely the victims of inconsiderate Kiwi drivers.

In the interests of balance, can we expect a headline saying "Motorcyclists use less fuel, produce less emissions and create less congestion" any time soon? I imagine it wouldn't move copy, although it does touch on Auckland's traffic woes, a perennial favourite.

Better luck next time,

Cynos

That is a top effort mate. Bling sent. Now send that letter off!

[Grahameeboy]

Aahhhhh....it's all making sense now as to why my daily commute has been so hazardous since arriving in NZ: my journey is from the North Shore to the top of Newton Road, via Ponsonby Road and across K road junction. Seems like I get 3 of the most dangerous/notorious roads every day.

Maybe I need to get a contract on the shore.....

And like me you are still alive........

[Grahameeboy]

Okay, final copy before I submit it, any suggestions?



I added the bit acknowledging that "riding is riskier, but so what?" in the hopes that it'd increase my chances of getting it published, because it gives the usual cynics something to tear me to pieces over.

So yeah, any thoughts before I submit?

Don't send it.......

[Cynos]

Don't send it.......

Oops, too late.

Your letter has been successfully sent to The Editor.

But I'm interested as to your reasoning?

Incidentally, can Aucklanders keep an eye out for it, see if it makes it in? They don't publish them online.

[vifferman]

Aahhhhh....it's all making sense now as to why my daily commute has been so hazardous since arriving in NZ: my journey is from the North Shore to the top of Newton Road, via Ponsonby Road and across K road junction. Seems like I get 3 of the most dangerous/notorious roads every day.

Maybe I need to get a contract on the shore.....

Don't expect much improvement...
For nearly seven years I commuted from Birkenhead to Ponsonby, and now for the last 12 months (today!!) I've been commuting from Birkenhead to Albany. Can't say it's much more betterer; there seem to be the same number of eejits. D'Aucks are found everywhere in D'Auckland, not just the CBD.