Wire (cheese cutter) barriers

[MSTRS:Me]

No. They'd do the normal, "It's not my problem", and "What's the big deal?" that they usually do.

Then there truly is no hope...

[Sully60]

Further development.


This "concrete barrier is just as bad " keeps coming up. I know it's false, but I've not put it to the test. Has anyone actually had experience of hitting a concrete barrier ? or any other sort? So they can give a first hand statement.

Also , she asked (and this also keeps coming up) , have there been other injuries (or deaths?) as a result of hitting the barriers. Has anyone hit them (on a bike, obviously) and lived to tell the tale ? (In NZ - I know there are cases overseas)

I've hit a concrete barrier at speed (estimate 80-90kmh) after falling off, just a glancing blow, less than 15 degrees angle of attack, scraped helmet shoulder etc. walked away with a sore leg and a little whiplash. I don't think for a second if I'd hit a wire barrier I'd be responding to this thread.

Add me to the list of protestors, these things just have to go and no argument form so called safety experts are going to change my mind!

[Pixie]

Dear Paul
It's certainly a matter which needs urgent attention. The ghastly crash over the weekend really highlighted the issue.

I am going to try to get Transit before the Transport Select Committee to explain what action they intend to take.

I may not be successful - I will need the Labour members to vote for such an action as they have a majority on the committee.

Thanks for taking the time and letting me know your views.

Hon. Maurice Williamson

National Party MP for Pakuranga

( (04) 471 9725
* maurice.williamson@parliament.govt.nz
: www.national.org.nz


Spokesman for
Transport

Communications

Information Technology

[Dodger]

Jim2 - would Welly bikers unite if these bloody things began to be installed up the guts of the Takas???

I've heard rumours of a "realignment" and "speed limit review" for that bit of road sometime in the near future.

[sunhuntin]

I've heard rumours of a "realignment" and "speed limit review" for that bit of road sometime in the near future.

maybe the welly and surrounding crews need to jump on this before it starts. realignment will likely mean cheese cutters as well. time it with the auckland one. id come down and ride with you guys.

[bert_is_evil]

Can I suggest that someone wat is good wif words put together a letter of concern that others may use as a template to email to their member of parliament? Pixie perhaps you could post a copy of the message you sent to Maurice Williamson? If everyone here can forward it to their families and friends to send off to their local MP things should start gaining momentum on that side of things - nothing like an email campaign to get bored office workers interested.

[sunhuntin]

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Community/M...eadid=21155593

im girlgeorgina over there

[raster]

How about getting 2 halves of a plastic cylinder around the post, fill it with expandable foam then remove the plastic cylinder, done in about 2 minutes.
Don't need to remove any wires.

[JMemonic]

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Community/M...eadid=21155593

Thanks I never look at that forum, but after reading the comments decided it might be worth adding in 2 cents.

[JMemonic]

How about getting 2 halves of a plastic cylinder around the post, fill it with expandable foam then remove the plastic cylinder, done in about 2 minutes.
Don't need to remove any wires.

Now that sir is thinking, it would need to be a foam that is not absorbent but a far simpler suggestion than my own. Bling for that

[FROSTY:Me]

NOT--wanting to sound like the bad guy here but near as I can tell the CONCEPT of the wire rope barrier is a good one. Definitely better than concrete barriers or "shudder" armco --they stretch and give--absorbing impact as they do so --for cages anyoo
Its the EXECUTION of their desighn thats at fault.
So what can be done to improve the desighn so its danger to motorcycleists is reduced to an acceptable level? (to us)
My thoughts being to use plastic c shaped Wharatas as supports.with the curved back edge facing towards the direction of travel.
Having the wire run AROUND the supports somehow rather than through them--thus providing a smooth surface for a person hitting them at an oblique angle -or as someone else has suggested curved covers of some sort with a smooth outer surface.
Increasing the surface area of the wires by a HUGE amount so that they do not act as people slicers as well as having some sort of weave between the wires to greatly increas the surface area

[car]

Thanks I never look at that forum, but after reading the comments decided it might be worth adding in 2 cents.

I read the comments and decided that there was absolutely no point in adding two cents. In fact I found the content so depressing that I'm no longer sure that there's any point in any sort of organised protest.

However, there's always the chance that there's a silent and open-minded majority behind that vocal and closed-minded minority, so I'll make every effort to attend or participate in a lawful and non-disruptive protest -- I think we've got enough stacked against us with the "stop whining/ you deserve to die" brigade without pissing them off any more than they seem to be already. I'll also make every effort to provide floor and garage space for people traveling here, if said event is to be directed at the beehive.

[Mr Merde]

NOT--wanting to sound like the bad guy here but near as I can tell the CONCEPT of the wire rope barrier is a good one. Definitely better than concrete barriers or "shudder" armco --they stretch and give--absorbing impact as they do so --for cages anyoo
Its the EXECUTION of their desighn thats at fault.
So what can be done to improve the desighn so its danger to motorcycleists is reduced to an acceptable level? (to us)
My thoughts being to use plastic c shaped Wharatas as supports.with the curved back edge facing towards the direction of travel.
Having the wire run AROUND the supports somehow rather than through them--thus providing a smooth surface for a person hitting them at an oblique angle -or as someone else has suggested curved covers of some sort with a smooth outer surface.
Increasing the surface area of the wires by a HUGE amount so that they do not act as people slicers as well as having some sort of weave between the wires to greatly increas the surface area

Lots of good ideas but one stumbling block.

The price.

I hate these things with a vengance but if the alterations are going to raise the cost per meter of the wire then I can see TNZ just turning another blind eye.

[Hitcher]

When dealing with those in officialdom, people should be reminded that intelligent and reasoned argument is more persuasive than weight of numbers. Weight of numbers is only any use at election time.

Writing to political parties asking them what their policy is on cheese-cutter barriers and motorcyclists may be useful too, particularly if they think that there may be votes on offer.

[FROSTY:Me]

Yea and as cynical as this sounds a DEAD biker costs THEM a lot less money wise than an injured one