Change in method perhaps?

**Usarka** · 4th July 2008, 09:58

I'd suspect bikers blocking motorways would get less support from the public than what the truckies are getting......

**MSTRS:Me** · 4th July 2008, 10:34

Originally Posted by Usarka

I'd suspect bikers blocking motorways would get less support from the public than what the truckies are getting......

When a protest is well publicised, and the reason is 'cost', then the common man can relate. Can they not relate to the cost in terms of life/limb where a barrier strike is concerned?

**firefighter** · 4th July 2008, 10:40

Originally Posted by Griffin

The problem is that a frustrated and angry cager being made to be late for work probly wouldnt think twice about taking on a motorbike in a bumper nudge contest... Thats where Truckies have size on their side. On the roads size = respect. We just aint big enough to be respected.

erm, if that happened i'm sure that said cager would have every biker in sight making them regret it for quite some time, i'd say the cagers would be VERY intimidated by all the bikes.....

**madandy** · 4th July 2008, 11:09

Blocking roads with motorcycles risks creating a larger point of difference with the masses than already exists.
If a large group of motorcyclists were to say, block the entrances to the Beehive we might get some strong public support.

the pollies would then be forced to stand outside in the open and be viewed and judged by all

**MSTRS:Me** · 4th July 2008, 12:01

Originally Posted by firefighter

erm, if that happened i'm sure that said cager would have every biker in sight making them regret it for quite some time, i'd say the cagers would be VERY intimidated by all the bikes.....

I think his point is that whilst the point may be safely made in numbers, it is in the days/weeks after that dickheads will have opportunity to target bikers who will not always be surrounded by others?

**unrealone** · 4th July 2008, 13:10

Originally Posted by MSTRS

I think his point is that whilst the point may be safely made in numbers, it is in the days/weeks after that dickheads will have opportunity to target bikers who will not always be surrounded by others?

I understand that many cagers don't have the respect for bikes that they should but isn't it a bit far to say that some would go out of their way to purposely take out a motorcyclist possibly causing death??

I fully agree that some would feel angry at the protests and may have a thought when said motorcyclist passes them a week later, but I don't believe this country and its people have quite come to the point of the above mentioned actions.

It's a sad thought.

**Usarka** · 4th July 2008, 13:16

Originally Posted by MSTRS

When a protest is well publicised, and the reason is 'cost', then the common man can relate. Can they not relate to the cost in terms of life/limb where a barrier strike is concerned?

97% of the population can relate to issues of cost. Most people can't even comprehend motorcycles or the people that ride them let alone relate to them.....

while i understand i appear that way today (

) i'm not trying to be negative and i'd be very happy to be proven wrong. I just think it would be careless to assume it would be as easy for us....

Originally Posted by unrealone

I fully agree that some would feel angry at the protests and may have a thought when said motorcyclist passes them a week later, but I don't believe this country and its people have quite come to the point of the above mentioned actions.

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/sh...ad.php?t=76986

**unrealone** · 4th July 2008, 13:18

Originally Posted by Usarka

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/sh...ad.php?t=76986

Bummer >.<, I haven't been on me toes in reading KB lately.

!

**sunhuntin** · 4th July 2008, 13:21

a grand idea in theory. but, i dont think it would work. we would basically need every single bike in the country to attend, and we would all have to be centered in one place. theres simply not enough bikes to be able to block main centers at the same time like the trucks did.

public support for the trucks is huge... theres hundreds of threads on trademe about it. i think that public support for a bike based protest wouldnt be as big. it would be the opposite in fact.

however, if it did happen, id be happy to help out. ive finally got another job, so will be able to afford gas.

**mowgli** · 4th July 2008, 13:50

Two points.
1) WRB are unsafe to some degree for all road users. Whether they are the one going over/under/through the barrier or meeting the poor sod on the othe side head on. I don't know many bikers who don't also own cages. Why not make it cars and bikes? He rides, she drives or the other way round.
2) Can you imagine 200+ bikers converging on the Auckland motorways without some idiot making us all look bad?

**MSTRS:Me** · 4th July 2008, 13:56

Originally Posted by mowgli

Two points.
1) WRB are unsafe to some degree for all road users. Whether they are the one going over/under/through the barrier or meeting the poor sod on the othe side head on. I don't know many bikers who don't also own cages. Why not make it cars and bikes? He rides, she drives or the other way round.
2) Can you imagine 200+ bikers converging on the Auckland motorways without some idiot making us all look bad?

I can imagine 1000's. Every chance there'll be an idiot. Either showing us his clit (many of which are likely to be bigger anyway) for his ego-driven jollies, or paid by a cameraman as seems likely happened in Dunedin. Said idiot(s) need to be shut down on the spot.
I can also see how getting car drivers involved would be a good thing. After all, how many sign the petition when they see the Falcooon

**Murray** · 4th July 2008, 14:12

While I see it being a good way to protest, I do not believe it will gain the support the truckies got (95% of polled in favour). Problem being that the increase in Truckie charges will affect everyone, everywhere through increased costs and inflation. Bikers protesting against cc's will not impress the public as the majority do not believe it affects them in anyway!!!

**Skyryder** · 4th July 2008, 23:24

The public has given the 'truckers' support as this is in direct opposition to the Govt increase in road charges, I doubt very much that bikers could get the same kind of support from the public in respect of wire barriers. Still think the best bet is a national rally outside Parliment for this. Needs to be a big one.

Skyryder