What's with all the crashes over the weekend?

[slimjim]

Why? Because of the cost to the country from motorcycle accidents.

If enough of the general public start making noises that banning motorcycles over a certain cc would greatly reduce those costs the government will very likely sit up and listen. We are already generally being seen as a bunch of clowns that have scant regard for our own safety.

don't belive that to be a general thought...our ulysses club works very hard with Acc and Ltsa,an with other government branch's in making the public aware of motorcyclists....

[DarkLord]

Yeah it's wierd.....

I nearly dropped the bike pulling up onto a curb on a short ride on Sunday (my bad)

Nearly got collected by some twat in a cage who should have given way to me but didn't watch what was coming from his right (someone else's bad)

and coming back out from Riverhead I passed a cage on the other side of the road and got into the most vicious tank-slapper in the process, just glad I managed to keep it upright....not too sure what the cause of that was!!

Maybe last weekend was just a magnet for accidents or potential accidents?

[vgcspares]

I wouldn't be against banning motorcycles on public roads.

are you serious or just taking the piss ?
if the latter, out of who ?
if the former why bother posting your views ?

[kiwifruit]

are you're serious or just taking the piss,?
if the latter, out of who ?
if the former why bother posting your views ?

I'm quite serious.

[henry]

We are already generally being seen as a bunch of clowns that have scant regard for our own safety.

Got any evidence to back that up?

[Pussy]

It's within all of our powers to level the odds.....

[Nasty]

Why? Because of the cost to the country from motorcycle accidents.

If enough of the general public start making noises that banning motorcycles over a certain cc would greatly reduce those costs the government will very likely sit up and listen. We are already generally being seen as a bunch of clowns that have scant regard for our own safety.

I am sorry but most of this statement is absolute crap. My partner ... 3 weeks dead ... careful rider ... 600 cc bike .. even careful on the day he died going 70 odd kms an hour - wearing all the gear - his rule all the gear all the time. He had full regard for his safety ... and saying that him and the others didn't is a total and utter generalisation that is bullshit. Back you crap up with fact.

The cost from motorcycle accidents is big .. but not as big as the cost from some of the other stuff that goes on and is not being stopped.

[Beemer]

We were discussing this on the way home from our bike club meeting last night and wondering what was behind the spate of accidents. I don't want to discuss details of any of the accidents, but if any are caused by speed, inattention or just general rider error, that's still sad, but possibly avoidable with a little more care. If, however, the bulk of the crashes were caused by drivers rather than riders, then that is a concern for all of us as it could mean drivers are becoming even less aware of motorcycles than they were before.

One accident in particular was discussed and the view was that the rider was a very safe and experienced rider who just happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time - and there is very little any of us can do about that.

As for banning bikes, that is ridiculous. How many people get killed by their partners every year? By a parent or caregiver? By drowning? By committing suicide? And how many end up paralysed after playing rugby?

I don't profess to know what the answer is but of course it does worry me that there are so many motorcyclists dying. The odds are that one day soon it will personally affect me, that I will know the rider who dies. I think most of us are good, safe riders, and speaking for myself, all I can do is be that little bit more careful when riding and try and ensure I won't be the unlucky one.

[Katman]

As for banning bikes, that is ridiculous. How many people get killed by their partners every year? By a parent or caregiver? By drowning? By committing suicide? And how many end up paralysed after playing rugby?

How many NZers smoke? They brought in the anti smoking law.

How many NZers are parents? They brought in the anti smacking law.

Do you really think that motorcyclists have the power, or even the credibility, to force the government to change it's mind once it's chosen to head down a certain path?

Need I remind anyone of Wire Rope Barriers?

[Nasty]

How many NZers smoke? They brought in the anti smoking law.

How many NZers are parents? They brought in the anti smacking law.

Do you really think that motorcyclists have the power, or even the credibility, to force the government to change it's mind once it's chosen to head down a certain path?

Need I remind anyone of Wire Rope Barriers?

That was the previous government the one that wanted to rule your lives in everything .. I do not think that the current one is so bloody pathetic.

The petition for the barriers is still getting signatures and has not be delivered to parliament yet ... are you standing up to lead the way ... or just sitting on your arse ...

[Lissa]

Why? Because of the cost to the country from motorcycle accidents.

If enough of the general public start making noises that banning motorcycles over a certain cc would greatly reduce those costs the government will very likely sit up and listen. We are already generally being seen as a bunch of clowns that have scant regard for our own safety.

You are such full of crap.

IF you are so intent on doing a 'campaign' of some sort, why are you doing it on KIWIBIKER? Start up your own web site or get into parliament or something... doing something practical instead of sprouting off bull crap on here.

I want some evidence regarding NOT what YOU think the general public think about motorcycle riders but really WHAT the general public think. I bet you most don't even give us a second thought, except when they see us behind them or passing them, the thoughts that run through their head could be "Gee wish I could do that"... "Pillocks". Some how you have JEDI mind powers and can read everyone's mind, even some of the nutters on KB... when you tell us that we don't take responsibility for our own riding etc.

[slimjim]

How many NZers smoke? They brought in the anti smoking law.

How many NZers are parents? They brought in the anti smacking law.

Do you really think that motorcyclists have the power, or even the credibility, to force the government to change it's mind once it's chosen to head down a certain path?

Need I remind anyone of Wire Rope Barriers?

wire rope barriers are safe....safer than going to the beach and go swimming..drowning i think kills more people than wire rope barriers...whats the count so far..compared to drowning..far less than drowning..about holidays coming up....lets hope that stays safe a

smoking law...fuck we still smoke -government still take its tax's...

anti-smacking.....parents still smack...O but that's right they amended that law....cause parents said it WAS WRONG

motorcyclists are parents..are smokers..are government..they travel pass rope barriers every hour of every day..either in any vehicle.... we are voters...so we can be heard..!!!

yes and i fully agree with what Nasty has written too..and rope barriers can be changed, cause the people wanted them changed..

[Katman]

While motorcyclists continue to use public roads as their private racetracks we will continue to hear of needless deaths through irresponsible behaviour. Only an attitude shift amongst motorcyclists will change that.

Far too great a percentage of motorcyclists fall into the category of being either guilty of repeated irresponsible behaviour on the roads or being so deep in denial that they just refuse to recognise the problem.

[MarkH]

Yep tis the silly season ! I vote compulsory track day for all riders at the beginning of every summer, instead of wham lets deal with every senario on the first ride !

I vote they get made to sell their cars and use the money to by good gear so they can ride all year round. That will quickly take care of inexperience!

[The Stranger:Me]

It's only a matter of time before the government steps in and says enough.

Yep, swimming is to be banned next due to the increase in drownings which is about to begin shortly.