Les just rolled over

[rob 0]

we definatly need another protest, and a big one at that, with every body there

there is no way that general bike rider population thinks that this is OK

its just more tactics from nick,

hees "uping" the fight , and a few heer thing that they will give in, well let them fold,

well there is more strength at the moment than ever and the next protest will prove that we as individuals wont take the B/S that nick likes handing out

to all the weak individuals that have given in , you have said your bit, now turn off your computer and go riding, your fight is over

but if and when the rest of us carry this to a good result remember that you bloused out of the battle at an early time, and we all know that !!

[Paul in NZ]

Attack them they way they attack us....

Next target is the stratification according to CC rating, its just plain stupid. I mean on this thinking shouldn't vehicles with 7 seats pay more because when they crash the cost is higher, SUV's are dangerous too etc etc Attack that next will piss off large chunks of the community if they think extra raises are coming their way.

Simple power to weight ratio or RAC ratings across every vehicle if they must have 'classes'??

[James Deuce]

So who has bailed? I'd suggest only those who DID think it was only about the number of dollars ?

Public perception is easily swayed.

[Katman]

Perhaps inevitable, but now its been culled down we cant argue that its not deserved and not fair and expect joe bloggs to get in behind... Thinking cap time

Perhaps now it's time to make that concerted effort to clean up our own back-yard.

[Ixion]

Yes. And there is $3 million up for grabs to help fund that . OK, so a logical person doesn't need to be persuaded not to fall off, but not everyone is logical.

I've have said before, and will say again. The greatest weapon that the ACC have against us is that far too many riders fall off their bikes.

[James Deuce]

The next focus needs to be to prevent ACC wasting that money on billboards and television adverts. Rider training needs to be accessible and fun.

[Ixion]

The next focus needs to be to prevent ACC wasting that money on billboards and television adverts. Rider training needs to be accessible and fun.

The point has already been made to the Minister that most of the money currently spent is wasted because it is spend on ideas and schemes that NON motorcyclists think would be "a good idea" - based on the perception that a motorcycle is a two wheeled car.

However, billboards and TV ads may be useful for the non-motorcycling public - as in "Try opening your eyes and looking".

[Katman]

I've have said before, and will say again. The greatest weapon that the ACC have against us is that far too many riders fall off their bikes.

That's a keeper.

[knuckles24]

it seems to me that a lot of you have given up, it was always going to be $174 from the beginning, we have the facts that back us up as far as saying there should be no increase at all, but yet all i hear is that nick smith has listened to us (WHAT A CROCK OF SHIT). We have B.R.O.N.Z and Ullyses who are there for the general biker, don't get me wrong les you have done a good job but you are not the only one who has organised protests rides. I organised a protest for the fact it should be a 0% increase not $175 for this year and it will keep going up every year until they have wiped us off the road altogether, i agree that rider safety is a good thing but that shouldn't be the bonus prize with this increase. I am not the only one who feels this way. Most sectors of the community have suffered but i don't see them giving up and we shouldn't either.

[James Deuce]

However, billboards and TV ads may be useful for the non-motorcycling public - as in "Try opening your eyes and looking".

Doesn't work. They need training too.

[duckonin]

Yep the tidal wave is on a roll, we now know how much we have to pay for our bikes plus almost another $200 roundabout out of your wages for the ACC per year, yep it is a bankers Govt, Keys has the midas smile, the slimy little cunt ...Remember the pain today all and next time you go to the polls, down with Keys and his hench men, they did this all back in 1999 yet the majority voted them back in..

To all those that spoke for motorcyclists thank you !!:niceone

In 1999 there was a lot of familys that headed to Aus I can see it coming again, for I can also see not much money left as disposable income from my wages as most is going to help keep this Govt's pockets bulgeing...Inflation shall move again..

[paddy]

. . .and we have got a much better outcome than we could have anticipated. . .

. . .Les Mason and the dude from Ulysses got in the media asserting it was a good outcome and just goes to show how our voices were heard.

I'm confused. I didn't realise that we had "an outcome". I thought I just read on Yahoo that BRONZ was planning further protests and that the focus was shifting.

I was only passing through so maybe I just didn't really read it carefully enough. (Which is entirely possible my mind was elsewhere.)

[peasea]

Les and all of the organisers, activists, submitters and correspondents are to be commended. The significance of this backdown by the Government should not be underestimated. I am certain that ACC saw bikers as a disorganised, incoherent, factional, tribal rabble. We normally are. But thanks to extraordinary dedication by a committed few, we were heard and what was said made a difference.

The wee jury in my head is still out on that one. I actually think what we got was what they intended from the start etc etc. Yes, the organisers, protesters et al need a pat on the back for their efforts but NO increase would have been the biggie.

We didn't get the desired result and Nick Smith still walks the land to further decimate our earnings at a later date. The way I see it ACC and the Govt took a potshot at us, missed the head got the leg and have gone home to reload.

They're up to something way bigger than mere motorcycle levies.

Give it time, give it time.

[dpex]

I think you're overstating the support base more than a little. Most non-motorcyclists really didn't give it much thought and will go back to that blissfully unaware state while ACC support is removed piecemeal.

It was never about levies for me in the first place and the momentum of the 'Who's Next" thrust is blunted by the fact "bikers" bailed the moment the Government graciously decreased the levies.

Thanks, JD. That is EXACTLY the point. It's like Gengis Khan promising to rape only a third of our women, as opposed to the lot....Just so long as we're nice little boys and girls and roll over for the lesser hit.

Les had zip to lose by asserting, 'NOT GOOD ENOUGH!' and asserting, 'WE'LL BE BACK!'

[twotyred]

I'm surprised to see people use the term "backdown"... this is an "advance to prepared positions" by National,nothing less.