Albany ACC check point (27 February)

[scumdog]

DB seems to be implying that anyone pulled over (if they do pull over) and chatted to by these clipboard jockeys should abuse them for being part of ACC. But then KB always has produced big-talking keyboard warriors.

To my mind, 50,000 (or thereabouts) motorcyclists making the 1st person explanation that high-viz is not the solution has more chance of being listened to that some plonker mouthing off.

That last paragraph makes sense.

Better all the clip-board people report that "ALL bikers think hi-vis vest are a waste of time, they all have similar thoughts on what will work regarding safety on the road"

Instead of "What a bunch of bolshy, arrogant disorganised shambolic knobs that biker lot are"

"Not a single common thought in their little heads, not cohesion at all..each one doesn't have a clue what the next one wants...the only common factor we recorded was how rude they all were."

[swbarnett]

Hi vis vests don't make me see you sooner, but when you enter my vision, I notice you far better than if you're wearing black.

Only because, as a former rider, you're looking for bikes. Most people don't.

A collegue of mine wears a hi-vis vest all the time. He was taken out last week by a U-turning driver that just didn't see him (he's OK. Just bruising and minor concussion). The vest did nothing because the driver just wasn't looking. And if she had been the vest would've been redundant.

I never expect anyone to see me. I see them, that's all that matters.

The fact is that motorbikes are dangerous

Bollox! Motorcycling is not inherently dangerous. It is, however, EXTREMELY unforgiving of inattention, ignorance, incompetence and stupidity!

Personally, I wont commute on Dominion Road on a motorbike

I've been up there in rush hour a number of times. I honestly can't see what the problem is if you just keep your wits about you and ride in an defensive but assertive manner.

[swbarnett]

If we don't jump up and down we'll be wearing hi-viz vests before we know it.

I won't and neither will my wife.

[boostin]

I would like to see the response if when you are stopped at a checkpoint you call the friendly copper over to the ACC person and ask the cop how many times a day people don't see or notice them when they have full disco lights and sirens going.

If people can't see a police cars lights going at full noise then how is a hi viz going to help?

[BoristheBiter]

Only because, as a former rider, you're looking for bikes. Most people don't.

A collegue of mine wears a hi-vis vest all the time. He was taken out last week by a U-turning driver that just didn't see him (he's OK. Just bruising and minor concussion). The vest did nothing because the driver just wasn't looking. And if she had been the vest would've been redundant.

I have a theory and it is the gap theory.

Drivers see a gap and think i can put my car/truck/bike into that and give no thought of the speeds that are being done.

The best example is the one when someone pulls out, normally in a 100k area, and doesn't speed up so you have to brake. they see the gap and not the other vehicles around them and the busier the intersection the worse it gets.

But then there are the ones that just don't look.

[trailblazer]

I would like to see the response if when you are stopped at a checkpoint you call the friendly copper over to the ACC person and ask the cop how many times a day people don't see or notice them when they have full disco lights and sirens going.

If people can't see a police cars lights going at full noise then how is a hi viz going to help?

that is a very valid point and a very valid argument while we are fighting this hi vis bollocks. I personally don't want to wear one but if they make it law then im not going to be wanting to get a ticket for not wearing one and im not going to let it stop me riding my bike. All we can do as bikers is answer there questions and have our say. If you don't stop and don't take part when or if they pass this law regaurding hi vis we can't moan and complain.

[pritch]

To a certain extent all of the forgoing misses one point. Some drivers look at the bike and think, "That can't hurt me." Then do whatever they like.

It would make no difference what you're wearing, they can see you but just don't give a shit.

I'd love a holster that clipped to the parcel tray on my moped. Then I could change their perspective. Sadly the phrase "collateral damage" comes to mind...

[trailblazer]

To a certain extent all of the forgoing misses one point. Some drivers look at the bike and think, "That can't hurt me." Then do whatever they like.

It would make no difference what you're wearing, they can see you but just don't give a shit.

I'd love a holster that clipped to the parcel tray on my moped. Then I could change their perspective. Sadly the phrase "collateral damage" comes to mind...

some people think that they own the road and don't give a rats arse about anyone else. Bit like they wankers that like to cut cyclists off or throw bottles and rubbish at them.

[trailblazer]

I wonder on the acc's statistics how many fellow bikers that happen to be driving a car has pulled out in front of a motorcyclist and caused an accidant. I bet that it wouldn't be many.

[Little Miss Trouble]

To a certain extent all of the forgoing misses one point. Some drivers look at the bike and think, "That can't hurt me." Then do whatever they like.

It would make no difference what you're wearing, they can see you but just don't give a shit.

I'd love a holster that clipped to the parcel tray on my moped. Then I could change their perspective. Sadly the phrase "collateral damage" comes to mind...

Absolutely correct on that point. It's the old 'might has right' theory which is proven to me over and over, not just when I'm on my bike but in my little shopping trolley of a car too. Arrogant 4x4 and people mover drivers try and muscle into my space on a far too frequent basis simply because they're larger... Too bad for them I'm not easily intimidated and have a fairly good memory so that I can *555 them later.

[Little Miss Trouble]

I firmly believe 'seeing' bikes is a matter of training the driver's mind to the consequences of their actions and nothing to do with what we are wearing.

Heh although in saying that I bet I'd be 'seen' a lot more if I were to forgo my leathers in favour of a bikini.

[oneofsix]

I firmly believe 'seeing' bikes is a matter of training the driver's mind to the consequences of their actions and nothing to do with what we are wearing.

Heh although in saying that I bet I'd be 'seen' a lot more if I were to forgo my leathers in favour of a bikini.

Not sure it would improve your safety, some clown would likely hit the accelerator rather than the break. They would see more of you though

[Whynot]

Heh although in saying that I bet I'd be 'seen' a lot more if I were to forgo my leathers in favour of a bikini.

I think in the interests of safety you should post some pics up so we can make an educated judgement ....

[Little Miss Trouble]

I think in the interests of safety you should post some pics up so we can make an educated judgement ....

Meh, I can't be bothered trawling back through the Kai Iwi Lakes threads but there are probably some in there

[Little Miss Trouble]

In the same amount of time it takes a 'regular' car driver to not see us, I can generally* take note of a bikes make, model, colour and colour of a riders gear, why? Because I've been marshaling at HD for the past year and have trained my brain to notice these things.

*Late-ish model sportsbikes, nakeds in particular, happy to admit my knowledge of cruisers is more limited.