Suggestion: map of motorcycle danger spots (using google maps)

[ralph4alice]

Hi all -

Further to FROSTY's post Coro Loop DANGER warning. Please read (17 April)

An idea: how about a map on Google Maps for posting of known motorcycle danger spots? This way we could get immediate visual feedback on where things are. I've tried creating one here: Motorbike danger spots - NZ

Some things would need to be sorted out first...

=== Who maintains it?

* Map could be set to be edited by anyone. This would be OK as long as randoms don't do dumb things.

* Or, only by specific people (based on their email address). People allowed in can themselves invite further people. It would be a way to share the work of updating the map among multiple people, keeping out the randoms.

=== Types of hazards

* Permanent - eg: a really nasty camber somewhere; a sudden high-wind area; a roundabout lane that always seems to catch effluent spill from turning stock trucks... etc

* Temporary - eg: oil spill that Frosty notified about (needs a really well-thought, efficient workflow, so that things can be kept bang-up-to-date without some huge effort)

The AA Roadwatch website is quite nice, maybe there is something else similar in place. (Perhaps AA would be able to put something up for motorbike hazards?! Motorbikes are "automobile"s aren't they?).

This is just a started of an idea. Perhaps it goes nowhere... or perhaps there's a lot of interest.

Next steps:
- anyone interest?
- anyone know of similar maps for NZ roads?

Cheers
Ralph

[Radar]

It is a good idea although I am not sure many KB'ers would actually take the time to use Google Maps.

What I believe we need is a separate section similar to Meetings and Events where anyone could post a warning within a geographic area. Alternatively, there could be specific roads that are highlighted such as the Rimutaka road and main commuting highways/motorways. This would enable anyone to quickly check this section of KB to see if there are any problems on the road they intend to use. This section should have only road condition reports and no chat.

An immediate on-site reporting system would be best. All of us have a cellphone and currently there is a system that enables a person to send a report from a cellphone to the internet and have it posted at that time - rather than waiting to return home and log on to KB. Twitter is one system that can be used to send messages from a cellphone to a website. I don't think KB members or the administrators would (at the prestent time) take the time to set up a Twitter account that is linked to KB, but it seems like cellphone-internet linkage is the way of the future.

No, I do not have a Twitter account but from what I have read and heard about Twitter I can see the advantage of having a direct link between a cellphone and the internet. Twitter appears to be largely a social / gossip 'timewaster' but there have been some international news based on Twitter users' reports.

[CookMySock]

One problem with that is, it puts the responsibility of your safety on the road in someone elses hands. It's then just too easy to check the database and think you are all good, and roll down the road with brain switched off thinking you are fully catered for, and to your surprise hit something on a blind corner thats not in the database.

At that point its easy to move the blame to someone else, where in fact, the man behind the bars is solely responsible for the disposition of the bike.

Steve

[marty]

Danger areas in red. I've covered the adventure riders as well.

[smitty]

One problem with that is, it puts the responsibility of your safety on the road in someone elses hands. It's then just too easy to check the database and think you are all good, and roll down the road with brain switched off thinking you are fully catered for, and to your surprise hit something on a blind corner thats not in the database.

At that point its easy to move the blame to someone else, where in fact, the man behind the bars is solely responsible for the disposition of the bike.

Steve

I think for myself and most others do also. Road info would not make my brain to switch off.

This topic makes a good suggestion and you talk about blaming someone else?

An oil or diesel spill on a road would be good to know about and if we can help each other here with road info on KB then lets do it.

[sinfull]

Danger areas in red. I've covered the adventure riders as well.

Beat me to that one bwahahaha but aint that the truth !!!

[CookMySock]

This topic makes a good suggestion and you talk about blaming someone else?

I'm not trying to dis someones suggestion. I'm just talking about human nature, and what can happen. It's called discussion, and theres no call to be rude.

I think for myself and most others do also. Road info would not make my brain to switch off.

Good.

What I am referring to is, when someone else is looking out for you, you will tend to eventually trust them and rely on them. This is just plain human nature. It would be easy for many people to check their route and get a result "no hazards" and peel off down the road.

An oil or diesel spill on a road would be good to know about and if we can help each other here with road info on KB then lets do it.

I'm not disagreeing with you. I almost always check my route on wises and/or google maps, and such a warning would be great. Today I would have made an entry in it myself, as my favorite set of S-bends (woohoo!) and a decent spill of grain on a blind portion of it.


Steve

[Marmoot]

Danger areas in red. I've covered the adventure riders as well.

Seriously, you think the waters are safe for motorbicyclists????

[marty]

and apparantley the east cape is OK

hey I did it (the map) quickly......

[P38]

Danger areas in red. I've covered the adventure riders as well.

Good map Marty.

Got most of it covered too.

However I think you missed the 38kms of road on Stewart Island.

[jellywrestler]

me thinks that if you if you think you need a map of the danger spots you shouldn't even be near a motorcycle!!!!!

[caseye]

This is a damn fine idea, we almost to a man/woman have cell phones with internet capability.I for one would not count the cost of a simple cell call/post if it mean't others got up to date accurate info on whats happening and where.
Count me in as someone willing to help and to be called on if needed.