Iam nz

[GrayWolf]

The police are really supportive and I think you'll see direct involvement grow even more. We regularly have serving police joining in with month-end runs. As an amusing aside, I sat my Advanced Test in 2011 and the Examiner was a serving police officer who was ex class-1 bikes and cars from the UK. He was really enjoying his "social" day and my test lasted for 4 hours and covered 220 km of city, urban, motorway and country riding - that's still an IAM record . I was buggered!

4hrs?? sounds like he was enjoying himself, but poor you, a running commentary for 4hrs? But I am guessing you learnt heaps on that ride, if he took the lead at times.

[Gremlin]

Understood, they are involved with the IAM, and that is good to read. I was going off the various discussions where 'rastus' used to gnash his teeth over this. I guess coming from the UK, I was used to seeing Police riders involved at 'grass roots' level. I did my initial riding training under the RCA/ACU scheme in the late 70's, and even then there was a Police rider involved with the 'full licence' holder 'higher' training.
The Popo were involved in the 'star rider' courses, I think the new ACC scheme is similar to what that was, {bronze, silver, gold}. Sadly it seems the Police here see little benefit to having a 'decently sized' M/cycle division..

The NZ Police don't see themselves as trainers. It is not their role, not in their job description, budget etc. Further, they have motorcycles in only 3 centres, and Christchurch has 4 officers and 1-2 motorcycles, so they're not even assigned, and hot swap instead. They simply don't have the capacity to run something like Bike Safe in the UK. I would suggest we're even somewhat lucky to have motorcycles. Accounting sees motorcycles as expensive. The officers have more training than for cars ($$$), need special expensive equipment (clothes, helmets, boots and so forth = $$$), special communication considerations (waterproof, off bike and on = $$$) not to mention the motorcycles themselves ($$$). All for a unit that carries a single person (a car carries 4, up to 5). A car is easily more cost effective.

The officers that carried out testing of motorcycles for supply favoured the BMW for their requirements, handling etc. I think the ST1300 came third... it won because it's cheaper (or, the BMW is just too expensive to swallow) both upfront and running costs. Money doesn't grow on trees... One of the main reasons they would have the bikes is motorcading (overseas dignitaries visiting). As aside, the ambo bikes are getting back on the roads in increasing numbers which is cool to see.

I'm not sure if it's just the officers I chat with, but there does seem to be a decent quotient of ex-UK motorcycle cops, and obviously they have a different outlook and used to UK. We've got increasing numbers of police joining IAM. Do they join for like minded riders or keep their skills up? Bit of both? Everyone has their reasons.

[Gremlin]

You are yet to find yourself in the situation where things can happen just too fast to do anything. For example there was an accident reported when a guy was coming around a bent on his bike and was hit by a turning truck or you come around a bend and there is a car on your side of the road. When the situation is the fault of likely someone else shit can still happen irrespective of how many hazards you think you have noticed and been able to take corrective action eg swerve around.

On the contrary, I have found myself in many situations. I've been riding 10 years (which is nothing compared to some) and covered 300k+ km of road, track, adventure etc. Haven't ridden dirt bikes or trikes, but pretty much everything else. I'm no angel nor perfect and prior to IAM I did all sorts of things like explore the outer limits of 1 litre sportbikes. Now I use those experiences to pass on knowledge.

In year 1-2 I failed to see a car pulling out across my lanes until too late. I braked hard, but failed to stop short. The car however did stop... I was right across it's bumper and couldn't put my left foot down. I don't think you can get closer?

Mid last year I headed to New Plymouth in my ute, with the GSA on the back for suspension work on SH3 (south of Mt Messenger). A ute is turning around on a hard section in front of a driveway on the left hand side. Being in the ute, I make the mistake of thinking I'm more visible. I'm doing 90kph when he then pulls out onto the road, turning right, across my lane. There is no way, with the weight of the bike on the back I can stop in the available distance (probably 30-40m available). I choose to brake hard initially, to increase my time, then aim for the left hand side hard shoulder and drove around the back of him then back onto the road...

Earlier this year I was going around East Cape on the GSA. I was in a rural area, 100kph zone and rounded a right hand corner with limited visibility (no suggested speed and taken at 90-100kph). There was a driveway on the left hand side of the road after the corner and a ute pulled out of it (across the road, to his right). He started pulling out right before I came into view (so unless he'd listened for a vehicle, he couldn't have seen me at his decision point). His front wheels were on the road and then he paused (obviously seeing me). At this point I was obviously heavily braking. He then continued pulling out, I aimed for the left side of the road and once he'd cleared the edge of the road I eased off the brakes, went around his rear and continued. Moral of the story? Stop in the distance you can see to be clear. If I'd been travelling quicker I may not have been able to stop in time (or control the motorcycle in the attempt). I wish I had a video of it, as it's a perfect learning opportunity.

Couple of weeks ago I'm close to home and approaching a downhill intersection (side road has a stop sign) at night and it's raining (CB919). There is a car crawling up the hill on the side road and initially I discount any danger due to the speed of the car. However, through training I recognise I'm going to be passing at the intersection at the same approx time as the car will, and don't like it. I ease off the gas to alter the timing and the car (without slowing) goes straight through the intersection. I flash my headlight at it (now it looks surprised) and brake (gently but progressively because it's wet) and then go around the back of them.

Ultimately, it's about recognising all hazards and without training, I doubt you'd recognise ALL (but you might think you have). These incidents stand out in my memory because they are close calls, and since IAM, they have become few and far between - namely situations where there was severe risk not the run-of-the-mill daily stuff which is easily handled (cars pulling through gaps in traffic, cars pulling out in urban situations etc). Yes, there are crazy random events but they are not as common as people think.

I was catching up with an Observer this evening. He was recently heading out on a casual ride with an Observer friend. On the motorway he witnesses a motorist absorbed in his mobile in the centre lane. He completes his pass, moves in front of the vehicle (still observes the driver using the mobile through mirrors) and a short time later sees a sea of brake lights in front. Well aware of his recent observation he moves into the fast lane instead and sees the motorist rear end the vehicle that had been in front of him... The point? All information has a use...

When we give a running commentary to someone for the first time (they always follow when we are talking as it's safer) they often struggle to keep up the previously attainable pace. This is because their mind is being flooded with information they weren't previously processing. With practise, you can improve your ability (just like physically riding a motorcycle for example). Riding has an enormous mental component which is often overlooked.

[Katman]

There have been posters on here who have said to me I should look up driveways as I ride along to avoid being hit by a dog again but if I did that I would face a far greater risk of hitting something in front of me. So for me its all about focussing on the greatest dangers rather than the less frequent eg dog running out.

Are your eyes glued into your head?

Have you not heard of 'scanning'?

[swbarnett]

Are your eyes glued into your head?

Have you not heard of 'scanning'?

I think the "almighty relaxed one" is a lost cause in this medium. My only hope is that they stumble on to someone in the flesh and blood world that can show them.

Cassina, how about you go through the IAM training? Then come back and tell us if your perspective has changed.

[Gremlin]

Reading your post implies you are paranoid about being hit thinking up so many potentail accident senarios as you ride along which for many would take away their enjoyment of motorcyling. There have been posters on here who have said to me I should look up driveways as I ride along to avoid being hit by a dog again but if I did that I would face a far greater risk of hitting something in front of me. So for me its all about focussing on the greatest dangers rather than the less frequent eg dog running out. If you have ever been in a plane I bet the experience has really freaked you out because if anything goes wrong in the air you are much more likely to die than on the road.

Yeah well, that would be the anticipation/planning component of roadcraft... Actually, I enjoy completing a ride in a safe, smooth, well executed style with no close calls. Until 2013, I didn't hold more than a Class 1 learners (6F obviously), and rode everywhere. Once again, your guess is wrong. I don't fly frequently (cattle is too cramped) but occasionally for business I need to hop to the South Island etc. Last overseas flight was 2011. Means to an end.

No I would end up crashing because I would be too busy concerntrating on the IAM check list I had learnt and not enough on the road. Good luck if it works for you though.

Chapter 1 of roadcraft is mental attitude/approach. You're clearly not going to get past that chapter. I typically find those that have a closed mind to increasing their skills (regardless of which level their skills are at) or have an big ego about their riding need the most improvement. Obviously if you want to continue along as you are, there is no legal requirement to do otherwise, I'm certainly not going to force you to. I do have an issue with your closed mind postings, as any learner could see that and deem it acceptable, hence I respond.

There is a waiting list of riders that do want to improve, so I would simply be a fool to waste my time trying to convince the unwilling. Instead, I spend my time on those that do want to improve...

[Blackbird]

4hrs?? sounds like he was enjoying himself, but poor you, a running commentary for 4hrs? But I am guessing you learnt heaps on that ride, if he took the lead at times.

He was enjoying himself! He didn't take the lead as it was my Advanced Test, not a mentored ride. Didn't have to run a continuous commentary, we only require about 10 minutes or so in each of the riding environments encountered during the test to demonstrate situational awareness and consequential actions. I joined IAM in 2010 in the hope of safely extending my riding career as I aged. It was an incredible experience, best thing I've ever done on 2 wheels so decided to pay it forward by training to be an Observer. That was another huge learning experience and it took about 10 months to complete the training and pass the practical and theory tests. Have since gone on to pass my Senior Observer Test and still learning heaps. Don't think that at 68, I'll try for Examiner though

The beauty for anyone who joins is that learning never stops and it's regularly reinforced so that personal standards don't slip. Not everyone's cup of tea though, just one option.

[Jin]

Plenty of accidents occur because people spend time scanning the side of the road eg looking at scenery and if you think you are less likely to crash by doing this good luck to you. I wonder how many head on collisions occur because people were scsanning the side of the road? It would be your fault if you hit something in front as a result of scanning.

this has to be a troll right? i know you're from south island but c'mon you cant be serious

[GrayWolf]

He was enjoying himself! He didn't take the lead as it was my Advanced Test, not a mentored ride. Didn't have to run a continuous commentary, we only require about 10 minutes or so in each of the riding environments encountered during the test to demonstrate situational awareness and consequential actions. I joined IAM in 2010 in the hope of safely extending my riding career as I aged. It was an incredible experience, best thing I've ever done on 2 wheels so decided to pay it forward by training to be an Observer. That was another huge learning experience and it took about 10 months to complete the training and pass the practical and theory tests. Have since gone on to pass my Senior Observer Test and still learning heaps. Don't think that at 68, I'll try for Examiner though

The beauty for anyone who joins is that learning never stops and it's regularly reinforced so that personal standards don't slip. Not everyone's cup of tea though, just one option.

Yeh, I've been in NZ 25 yrs, so, errrr, I keep thinking about getting back under scrutiny, but work bloody shifts, which doesnt help, and Tim's {Instructor/Popo rider} somewhat blunt manner sticks in my mind, I can only guess how many bad habits i have let slip, and just what his kind delivery would be saying..... "wot the fookin 'ell do you think that was?" would be the start of it

[Blackbird]

Yeh, I've been in NZ 25 yrs, so, errrr, I keep thinking about getting back under scrutiny, but work bloody shifts, which doesnt help, and Tim's {Instructor/Popo rider} somewhat blunt manner sticks in my mind, I can only guess how many bad habits i have let slip, and just what his kind delivery would be saying..... "wot the fookin 'ell do you think that was?" would be the start of it

Hahaha! There's a strong ethos of no egos or grandstanding over here, so no blunt manner allowed! Shift work isn't a show stopper. One of my Associates works shift and about to take another on who is in the same boat. I'm a retired layabout so it's not a big deal.

[buggerit]

No I would end up crashing because I would be too busy concerntrating on the IAM check list I had learnt and not enough on the road. Good luck if it works for you though.

you already crash , so whats the harm?

[Berries]

Reading your post implies you are paranoid about being hit thinking up so many potentail accident senarios as you ride along which for many would take away their enjoyment of motorcyling.

Cleary part of your enjoyment is crashing if that is really your view.

There have been posters on here who have said to me I should look up driveways as I ride along to avoid being hit by a dog again but if I did that I would face a far greater risk of hitting something in front of me.

Yes, you probably would.

Plenty of accidents occur because people spend time scanning the side of the road eg looking at scenery and if you think you are less likely to crash by doing this good luck to you. I wonder how many head on collisions occur because people were scsanning the side of the road? It would be your fault if you hit something in front as a result of scanning.

Truly unbelievable.

[Moise]

Good luck out there Cassina, you might need it.

[Katman]

Plenty of accidents occur because people spend time scanning the side of the road eg looking at scenery and if you think you are less likely to crash by doing this good luck to you. I wonder how many head on collisions occur because people were scsanning the side of the road? It would be your fault if you hit something in front as a result of scanning.

You seem to have a strange understanding of the word 'scanning'.

[Madness]

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