Compulsory daylight headlight use in NZ

[Beemer]

I've hunted all through here and can't find any threads concerning this topic, but mods please feel free to combine it if there is one already. The other day we were emailed by Michael Dobson (brilliant mechanic at Motorad) about proposals to make riding with headlights on during the day compulsory.

This isn't so much a discussion on whether it's a good idea and my bike has hard-wired lights anyway, it's more about the potential effect on those who ride older bikes. These bikes often don't have the ability to run at commuting speeds with continuous lights on.

Here is Michael's email below. Please note time is short as submissions have to be in by 16 October, so that's just under a month away.

"Hello Everyone

Some of you know all of the stuff below & are possibly working on this already.

But --- I belong to several m/cycle groups & have heard nothing from them about this, so I'm starting to panic a little bit.

Short story is that there is a Government proposal to make headlight use compulsory at all times for all motorcycles.

(This includes classic & vintage bikes)

The deadline for submissions on this is 16th October.

Submissions can be online or posted.

Motorcyclists that bother to send in submissions will be the minority of a minority.

Submissions can be as short as one line, for example " this proposal is impractical & discriminatory".

We need numbers.

Points to ponder ---

Many smaller or older motorcycles (as late as pre 1993 for some BMW's) are not able to run at commuting speeds with continuous lights on.

If your lighting system fails (even new bikes blow bulbs) & you ride home, you will be stopped by every Police Officer

that sees you. Yet your bike will still be safe.

If you forget to turn your lights on (easy to do in daylight) you will be stopped.

If you are involved in an accident with your lights not working will it be a defence for the motorist "not seeing" you ?

Will your insurance be invalid ?

In 1997 the Australians rescinded their Lights-On legislation after only five years.

Are compulsory flouro vests next on the list ?

Putting the onus on us to be seen is like telling toddlers playing in driveways to be taller instead of making the SUV driver check behind.

My thoughts ---

Motorists see you, they just don't notice you.

It is all to do with perception of danger / harm / annoyance to them.

If I ride a non descript commuter bike they try to kill me (you all know how it goes).

If I ride a "Hoodlum bike" with tatts showing & exhaust roaring, they give me space.

If I ride a Police BMW, they behave very very well.

If I ride a civillian BMW, they try to kill me.

All of these bikes have their light on.

Below is the link to the submission form & a draft copy of the rule (proposal 20)

Thanks for your time & help

Michael Dobson

LET THOSE WHO RIDE DECIDE

Subject: Road User Rule - Motorcycle Safety

Good morning

The Draft Land Transport Rule: Land Transport (Road User) Amendment Rule [2009] has just been released for public consultation. This amendment rule includes the proposal to require drivers of mopeds and motorcycles to use headlamps or, if fitted, daytime running lamps, during daylight hours.

The deadline for submissions is 16 October 2008. Refer to the below link for further information, including a draft copy of the rule.

http://www.nzta.govt.nz/consultation...ent/index.html

Please note that the Draft Land Transport Rule: Land Transport (Driver Licensing) Amendment Rule [2009], which contains the rest of the motorcycle safety proposals announced in March, is still being drafted.

Kind regards,

Michael Woodside

Senior Adviser - Safety Management
Land Transport Environment & Safety
Ministry of Transport Te Manatu Waka
Novell House, 89 The Terrace
PO Box 3175, WELLINGTON 6005
Direct dial: (04) 439 9050"

[Paulo]

Thanks for posting that, My CB750 cant run with the lights on around town, An exemption for older bike would be good.

[Badjelly]

Thanks for the link. This one also caught my eye:

It is proposed that a person must not operate a vehicle
registered as a moped at a speed exceeding 50km/h.

[Hitcher]

Remember that a submissions process isn't about weight of numbers, it's about quality of argument and the exploration of a range of issues. Postcard submissions all saying the same thing are treated as one submission.

[Beemer]

Seeing as time is of the essence, is there any chance of making this thread a sticky for the next three or four weeks?

[NighthawkNZ:Me]

Seeing as time is of the essence, is there any chance of making this thread a sticky for the next three or four weeks?

Have temporarily made the thread a sticky...

[mstriumph]

i will be interested to see where this goes .... it isn't Compulsory in Australia but i bet they'll think of it sooner or later ......... my honda won't like it, if so

[Swoop]

Ixion was asking the same thing recently.

[Hinny]

I don't like tail lights on during the daytime. On cars or bikes. Harder to tell when they are braking, making it more dangerous for other traffic. Another law which could have the opposite effect of that which it is trying to achieve.
Daytime running lights are better.
The law may be better applying only to new vehicles having the daytime running lights as seen on Volvos for instance.
In my youth you put your lights on in a car during the day to let other users know there was an emergency and they would get out of your way.
Seems an abrogation to see people doddering along the road with their lights on, trying to be safe . Giving themselves a false sense of security.

[Ixion]

BRONZ supports bikers using headlamps , or other lamps in daytime. BRPONZ is opposed however to making such use compulsory.

Firstly, because it transfers the responsibility from the cager to keep a good look out , to the biker. The effect of it will be that it will be up to the rider to make himself seen. So "Sorry mate didn't see you, so that means it's your fault"

Secondly because it should be a matter left to the riders discretion.

Thirdly because it is impractical for older (and some small newer) bikes.

Fourthly because the evidence of benefit is at best ambiguous.

Fifthly becaus ein some situations it could make a rider less safe. F'instance in fog, where fog lamps are better than headlamps.

BRONZ has made a detailed submission to that effect.

I will post it up later, it is quite long. Please don't just copy it, because that devalues it in the eyes of the Sheeple. But excerpt is you wish .

[R6_kid:Me]

I think it should be compulsory for all vehicles, except in cases where as mentioned it is not feasible on certain (vintage?) vehicles.

[TimeOut]

Thanks for posting that, My CB750 cant run with the lights on around town, An exemption for older bike would be good.

How do you get on at night? or do you just not drive around town at night.

[R6_kid:Me]

How do you get on at night? or do you just not drive around town at night.

His bike is obviously so old that come night time it needs a nap anyway.

[Dargor]

More lights is bad. You dont need them during the day, if you do you shouldnt be on the road. Are they going to tell pedestrians they need lights to cross the road? What about the super bright lights i see on cages during the day, they are distracting, and should be left off untill needed. More lights is bad. Drive/ride properly.

[Headbanger]

Meh, If your bike can't power the damn headlight it should be taken out back and shot.

Get the piles of crap off the road, Put em in a museum if they are worthy or send em to the scrap dealer.