National ride updates

[Genestho]

Later Dr Smith spoke to the noisy protest to try to explain the problems with ACC, but he was shouted down with a chant of ``bulls..t''.

Mr Hutchison told the crowd that the meeting with Dr Smith had not gone well and the minister was not listening to their demands.

He thanked those who came for conducting a peaceful protest, but warned the next time they gathered it might not be the same and the bikers could bring Wellington to a grinding halt.

``The war has just begun,'' Mr Hutchison said.

http://nz.news.yahoo.com/a/-/top-sto...est-acc-hikes/

[Tonka]

Could not make it but completey blown away looking at all the photos. Well done to everyone, its heart stopping seeing that kind of support (and that many bikes).

[Beemer]

Loser Smith couldn't wait - got a press release a short time ago:

Hon Dr Nick Smith
Minister for ACC
17 November 2009
Media Statement
Motorcycle accident record cannot be ignored

ACC minister Nick Smith responded to today’s motorcycle protest over proposed ACC levy increases by highlighting the significant increase in fatalities and claims from motorcycle accidents.

“Forty six motorcyclists died last year in accidents, the highest number in a decade and nearly one a week,” Dr Smith said.

“The number of motorcycle accident claims rose from 871 in 1998 to 5044 in 2008, a greater increase than any area of claims. Over the past decade the road toll has dropped by 27% from 501 to 366 while the motorcycle toll has increased 21%.These accident statistics cannot be ignored by the Government or motorcycle fraternity.

“These increases cannot be explained away by the increase in motorcycle numbers. In 1998 there was an accident claim for every 69 bikes whereas today there is a claim for every 19 bikes.

“I acknowledge today’s protest and the concern of motorcyclists on the scale of the levy increases being proposed by ACC’s Board. My hope is that we might turn this negative debate over levies into a positive dialogue with Government over how we can improve motorcycle safety.

“The scale of ACC’s financial problems means levy increases across the board are inevitable but it is unlikely the Government will agree to the scale of increases being proposed by the ACC Board.

“ACC has received a record 2750 submissions on its levy proposals – up from 54 last year. More than 90% of the submissions are from motorcyclists. The Board will carefully consider the submissions before making recommendations to the Government.

“An option I am exploring with motorcycle clubs is a portion of the levy going into road safety programmes targeted at injury prevention. We need to work together on reversing the awful trend in motorcycle fatalities and injuries.”

ENDS

Media contact: Simon Beattie 021 243 8271

Attached: Motorcycle accident statistics 1998-2008

The table won't copy, but the figures follow the list below in order.

Calendar Year
Number of motorcycles
Claims accepted for injuries
Claims for fatal injuries
Number of motorcycles per claim

1998
60,458
871
38
69

1999
59,390
684
26
87

2000
58,566
1,072
29
55

2001
57,836
1,757
36
33

2002
57,454
1,636
31
35

2003
56,047
2,433
32
23

2004
58,659
2,670
33
22

2005
63,756
3,659
34
17

2006
75,171
4,265
38
18

2007
85,356
5,013
38
17

2008
96,952
5,044
46
19

I took heaps of photos and the front page of our paper is - again - likely to feature the bikoi, so yay to everyone (including my other half!) who turned up today, you did a great job despite what tosser Smith says!

[Mikkel]

Is there no independent authority which can be used to evaluate the validity of claims made by politicians - and to take them to task if it can be substantiated that they are twisting (or outright lying about) statistics in order to further an agenda?

[Kiwi B]

Thanks to everyone that made the ride - AWESOME to see - sorry I couldn't join in. The general public are really beginning to get the "your next message" and that Smith is a lying bastard. Hopefully common sense will prevail - but maybe not without a fight though

[Rick0r]

Hey guys, thought you'd like a few of the photos I took of the bikoi today.

Part 1

[Rick0r]

Part 2... hopefully not too many

[Rick0r]

and last but not least!

[Jizah]

I have video footage of all the bikes coming from Avalon duck pond up SH2. Also have footage of someone popping a wheelie on the motorway! Who was it!?

[Elysium]

I have video footage of all the bikes coming from Avalon duck pond up SH2. Also have footage of someone popping a wheelie on the motorway! Who was it!?

I think it was one of those idiot Tribesman that pulled the wheelie.

[Kiwi Graham:Me]

Loser Smith couldn't wait - got a press release a short time ago:

Hon Dr Nick Smith
Minister for ACC
17 November 2009
Media Statement
Motorcycle accident record cannot be ignored

ACC minister Nick Smith responded to today’s motorcycle protest over proposed ACC levy increases by highlighting the significant increase in fatalities and claims from motorcycle accidents.

“Forty six motorcyclists died last year in accidents, the highest number in a decade and nearly one a week,” Dr Smith said.

“The number of motorcycle accident claims rose from 871 in 1998 to 5044 in 2008, a greater increase than any area of claims. Over the past decade the road toll has dropped by 27% from 501 to 366 while the motorcycle toll has increased 21%.These accident statistics cannot be ignored by the Government or motorcycle fraternity.

“These increases cannot be explained away by the increase in motorcycle numbers. In 1998 there was an accident claim for every 69 bikes whereas today there is a claim for every 19 bikes.

“I acknowledge today’s protest and the concern of motorcyclists on the scale of the levy increases being proposed by ACC’s Board. My hope is that we might turn this negative debate over levies into a positive dialogue with Government over how we can improve motorcycle safety.

“The scale of ACC’s financial problems means levy increases across the board are inevitable but it is unlikely the Government will agree to the scale of increases being proposed by the ACC Board.

“ACC has received a record 2750 submissions on its levy proposals – up from 54 last year. More than 90% of the submissions are from motorcyclists. The Board will carefully consider the submissions before making recommendations to the Government.

“An option I am exploring with motorcycle clubs is a portion of the levy going into road safety programmes targeted at injury prevention. We need to work together on reversing the awful trend in motorcycle fatalities and injuries.”

ENDS

Media contact: Simon Beattie 021 243 8271

What a prick (shit head)
Someone with a nack for producing intelligent rebuttal needs to respond to this and fast. This is first class politicking from Smith (shit head) and there needs to be a response. Each of the ‘sound bite’ points he made need to be challenged and sent to the media. Maybe Mr Hutchison could do this or Les if he isn’t riding back. I know its only half an hour until the national news but we need to get straight back at that statement.

[Beemer]

Here's a few shots from SH1 between Levin and Manakau. I deliberately didn't take any photos of the silly few who thought yellow lines weren't there for them and so they could cross them and pass even when oncoming cars were in their way...

But on the whole 99.99% great behaviour and I got lots of waves and toots - I was the one in the high vis vest trying not to get run over! And I so wished I could have been there but some of us have to work!

[BMWST?]

i was marshalling at the stadium and i tell you what we were just about chock ablock.The had to open the area directly in front of the stadium itself and we had space for a couple of rows there but apart from that the area was totally full

[rustic101]

there were no arrests, no negitive events, and no tickets. This includes the chap on the Harley that did a burn out at the lights on Molesworth/Pipatea..The bike cop ripped him a new hole but did not issue him a ticket. Over all the Police were impressed with the riders and supports behaviour.

Given the size of this venue and the people on site this was a remarkable feat.

One chap on a Harely did a burn out on the Stadium Parking spot and has ripped a 300mm wide x 10mm deep hole in the protective surface. We may have to pay.... grrr

I will post some pictures

[DJSin]

Wow - this has blown me away.

So often groups of people whinge about things being done about them, but do nothing.

I don't know how many bikes turned up today but it was in the thousands - the fact that as a group we have come together it just awesome.

It is not the end of the challenge ahead and I hope that we can all keep up the momentum.

Thanks to the organisers and thanks to those of you who took action!!!