Killer roads

**Wasp27** · 19th April 2007, 15:47

How many bikers (thats you and me) have to be injured, permanently maimed or indeed killed before someone cries 'Enough'......seems that almost every weekend ride I come across Roadworks with no WARNING signs posted anywhere. These Roadworks/Repairs can range in size from a small Pot-Hole to a full scale Reseal with loose Metal/Chip/Gravel or Sand left all over the road and not a bloody sign to be seen anywhere.
Whose responsible?.....why aren't the Contractors held accountable for adequate signage and for site clean-up.......with a general election looming on the horizon would this not be a good time to raise this issue with our M.Ps.
Can any of our more learned colleagues suggest a plan of attack?
Whats the present legal position with regard Roading Contractors and their obligations? I understand that any changes to present regulations may take some time, dare I suggest in the interim we establish a thread where riders (thats you and me again) can post the location/description of these Danger Zones in their respective areas. Would be nice to check for any problems on your intended route prior to riding. I bet there isn't many roads that a K.Ber doesn't ride on sometime during the week...please give it some thought. I'm sure this will benefit us all sooner or later..
Cheers W

**speeding_ant** · 19th April 2007, 16:12

I've been in sticky situations around un-signposted road works. Even binned a bike. I'd like to know just as much as you do, I payed for my off.. perhaps I shouldnt have!

Who's responsible?

**Ixion** · 19th April 2007, 16:38

I'll say . This is an example of the sort of thing we hapless bikers must put up with. Note the big patch of gravel in the foreground. And no warning sign in sight. The gubbermint orta DO something . Who's responsible., We'll it's not me, I only do the riding.

**peasea** · 19th April 2007, 16:42

Originally Posted by Wasp27

... dare I suggest in the interim we establish a thread where riders (thats you and me again) can post the location/description of these Danger Zones in their respective areas. Would be nice to check for any problems on your intended route prior to riding. I bet there isn't many roads that a K.Ber doesn't ride on sometime during the week...please give it some thought. I'm sure this will benefit us all sooner or later..
Cheers W

Here's one for you; If you're heading north from the North Shore don't use the East Coast Road, there are extensive road works up there at the moment between Glenvar Road and the Stillwater turnoff (or thereabouts) and there's little in the way of street lighting. They're doing the job with tar and pea metal too, sticky muck and the metal will all over the place for months. Just avoid it for the winter.

**justsomeguy** · 19th April 2007, 16:47

Learn to stop within the visible distance ahead and stop whining.

**peasea** · 19th April 2007, 17:11

Originally Posted by justsomeguy

Learn to stop within the visible distance ahead and stop whining.

I got the distinct impression wasp was just trying to be helpful, as was I. It's not just about the dangers, it's also about the mess. I hate coming across roadworks when I've just waxed the bike and if people post their whereabouts in my region I'll be grateful. Grow up.

**mud boy** · 19th April 2007, 17:12

ahahah good one you tell them justsomeguy

**peasea** · 19th April 2007, 17:14

Originally Posted by Ixion

I'll say . This is an example of the sort of thing we hapless bikers must put up with. Note the big patch of gravel in the foreground. And no warning sign in sight. The gubbermint orta DO something . Who's responsible., We'll it's not me, I only do the riding.

Gravel? What about that inconsiderate cager? How many lanes does he need? Probably a gook tourist.

**MikeyG** · 19th April 2007, 17:15

We're all quick to blame the contractors but it may just be the signs were stolen. I'm in the industry and I know that some contracting companies budget $40,000 or more a year per branch to replace stolen signs and cones.

I'm currently supervising a job on Oriental Parade in Wellington. The contractor had cones go missing the first night on the job (a Monday night). People seem to find it funny to throw them into gardens, the sea etc. The contractor shouldn't have to be on call all weekend to replace cones and signage either.

I'm with just some guy. Stay observant and learn to stop or slow down quickly don't just go fast and blame others.

**peasea** · 19th April 2007, 17:19

Originally Posted by MikeyG

We're all quick to blame the contractors but it may just be the signs were stolen. I'm in the industry and I know that some contracting companies budget $40,000 or more a year per branch to replace stolen signs and cones.

I'm currently supervising a job on Oriental Parade in Wellington. The contractor had cones go missing the first night on the job (a Monday night). People seem to find it funny to throw them into gardens, the sea etc. The contractor shouldn't have to be on call all weekend to replace cones and signage either.

I'm with just some guy. Stay observant and learn to stop or slow down quickly don't just go fast and blame others.

Good points but all the cones in creation won't stop shit like lime getting on your bike. If I can I avoid road works, even in the car. I've got a mate who was STMS for years and he was always catching tea leaves running off with signs, cones and even a truck!!!!!

**yungatart** · 19th April 2007, 17:26

hXc mentioned loads of road works on the Napier-Taupo Rd as he rode back yesterday...
I'm with you Wasp27...unmarked roadworks etc are a hazard and someone should be responsible/accountable.
MDU has a thread on this today too.

**peasea** · 19th April 2007, 17:43

Originally Posted by yungatart

hXc mentioned loads of road works on the Napier-Taupo Rd as he rode back yesterday...
I'm with you Wasp27...unmarked roadworks etc are a hazard and someone should be responsible/accountable.
MDU has a thread on this today too.

There you go, more positive input.
As for who's responsible for unmarked road works; I made a comment under the pea metal thread about an incident some years back near Castlepoint. The council ducked and dived knowing we would be unlikely to throw money at a court soap opera. We didn't, they got away with it, five bikes binned in one corner, long story...It wasn't theives running off with the signs either...we know that from what the council said when offering excuses. There simply were no signs.

Also, to the smartarses who say you should be able to stop in the visible distance etc etc, it was a sharp left-hander with no 'suggested' reduced speed, on open highway. How fast we were going was quite safe for the conditions (fine, early morning, going for brekkie, no hurry) it's just that there was pea metal everywhere. Ever hit diesel, in the rain, at night? How are you going to stop in the visible distance then? Pratt.

**Grumpy Gnomb** · 19th April 2007, 19:17

So what is the insurance companies position on this type of thing as it must be costing them a bundle in repair costs

**mstriumph** · 19th April 2007, 19:22

they've gone too far the other way here in west aus .................

every time there's a patch of new seal there's a notice saying "no lines - do not overtake unless safe"

- i mean ....... DUH!!