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What your taxes should have paid for... more

04 Aug 2010 | Now, let us know here why you voted as you did. Here's your chance to have your say. We'll print the best answers in an upcoming issue of Motorcycle Trader magazine. Oh, and don't foget to leave your name. Thanks for getting involved! The more we let them know what we think, the better.
COMMENTS (29)
Comment by Unknown
posted 1 year ago
What the hell is going on with Bike Reg in Victoria. I live in Pakenham and ride a GSXR1000 and now pay $510 roughly per year for Bike rego.My car costs me $70 more, yet I can go less than 1 km from my home and find a T intersection so dangerous it would make you wonder if any planning went into the road network around that area. What exactly does my stupidly inflated bike rego go towards?...... Brumbys Xmas party
Comment by Unknown
posted 1 year ago
There should have been a vote for all of the above. The main stream media is a problem but so to are the BIKIES. These so called 1%ers are a real public image problem. Does the one percent relate to the amount of grey matter they engage when straddling their HOGS or are their brains in their nuts and the pressure stops rational thought. What really riles me though are the so called bikers that constantly denegrate drivers of motor cars. Last week I witnessed a rider clip a car a high speed as he was weaving through traffic, he hit the deck at well over 100kph. He slid across two lanes of traffic as did his Honda. The cars directly behind him braked hard and managed to avoid hitting him as he slid across their paths, they then renderd assistance and called the ambulance got his bike off the motrorway and flagged down cars coming at 100kph around the blind curve. These ordinary drivers showed great skill, kindness and concern for a rider who was clearly at fault, there were no harse words spoken and when the ambulance arrived they continued to assist. Three motorcylists went past immediately after the accident and none slowed or offerd assitance. So to all those who constantly whinge about car drivers grow up and share the road, you are more likely to get help from a car driver than a bike rider when in trouble:the numbers work that way. And how many of the so called purists own a car and become motorists everytime they drive!!
Comment by Unknown
posted 1 year ago
I think the problem is one not just of motorcycling, but of a creeping agenda of legislation "for our own good". Let's see: Bryant goes into meltdown at Port Arthur and firearms are compulsorily acquired from people who have committed no crime; then calibres are restricted on whim; then barrel length; then they are banned if they "look" scary; and now a call to force registration of anything that even looks like a firearm. And the latest? Psych assessments for firearms owners who haven't DONE anything! Ditto smokers: ban cigarette advertising in magazines and other print media ... not enough, ban it at sports events, too; then print godawful exaggerated pictures on packs; then no smoking in buildings ... and then no smoking in the open air (beaches, spoprts events etc.), then illegal to smoke in your own car if "children" under 17 are present, even your own, then make it illegal to have the packets on show; now make it illegal for them to be sold in anything other than plain packaging. (I don't smoke, BTW.) Now let's have a tax on fast food, on fat, on sugar; let's make getting a simple cold relief a monumental hassle where your very integrity is impugned; let's bring in "stop and search without reason" for everyone to catch the few who carry weapons; let's make it illegal to carry an ordinary pocketknife, or Leatherman, on your belt; let's ban photography where there are or may be children ... even if they are your own children at the school sports day ... look, it just goes on and on and it always gets worse.

I don't fell I'm an alarmist in any way, but after 60 years on this planet, I have a few pretty solid "hunches" as to the near-future of motorcycling.

• Legislated power restrictions and/or speed restrictions. (I'd suggest 120 kW and 180 km/h)
• Mandatory wearing of government-approved protective clothing that meets statutory standards (which will be purely Australian and cost a fortune to implement and hugely raise the price of equipment here) These standards will see an almost total ban on black clothing or helmets.
• Compulsory hi-vis vests
• Hugely increased licensing/third party insurance costs to force motorcyclists to "pay for the mayhem they cause".

There are others—but my point is this ... unless, at some stage we ALL (motorcyclists, firearms owners, smokers, drinkers, the overweight, fast food eaters ... whoever) stand up on our back legs and say "No more" ... and mean it ... we are reamed, bored and countersunk and can only say "Please, sir, I'd like some more".
Comment by Unknown
posted 1 year ago
in my previous post below i forgot to mention that i ride an older classic bike and it doesnt go over 100kms hour,hardly a speeding hoon....heather, southwest vic
Comment by Unknown
posted 1 year ago
i too think that all points in your poll are relevant. as a rider we must always assume that a car driver is totally unaware of motorcyclists on the road or anywhere in fact. i am a female motorcyclist who is quickly edging towards 50. i would like to continue riding for many more years to come. i dislike the way that most representatives of the media portray us as speeding. irresponsible hoons. there are many different bikes and riders out thre. not everyone, young or old, feels the need to ride dangerously. most of us ride to our own and our bikes capabilities, we should not be marked by a few reckless riders. i have been hit by a car,years ago, but i was lucky, i was able to walk away. others are not so lucky. what was tha car drivers reason for running into me? you guessed it.....HE DIDNT SEE ME.... it seems that over the years nothing much has changed. instead of making it harder to obtain motorcycle licenses and charging riders exorbitant registration and insurance fees how about better motorcycle awareness programs for car drivers. motorcycle riders in general are safe, law abiding citizens who would like to grow old and still be able to ride their motorbikes.
Comment by Unknown
posted 1 year ago
I voted for inappropriate speed limits but I actually mean overpoliced speed limits. We ride motorcycles for the advantage that they give us over the rest of the traffic. The acceleration rate of a decent bike gives us the ability to overtake in a short distance but by doing so we will quite likely exceed the speed limit. We shouldn't be penalised for doing, say 20km/h, over the limit when overtaking. It is safer to do that than be the meat in the sandwich between two larger vehicles. Whatever happened to commonsense
Comment by Unknown
posted 1 year ago
More and more people are buying 50cc scooters and getting out on the road without even a basic understanding of what they are getting themselves into. Hell, I did that to start with. But as we know, it's a dangerous world out there a person on a scooter who has no idea how to ride is a danger to themselves and others.
Given that scooter sales continue to go through the roof and as long as people can, they will ride on their normal driving license, I we need to rethink driver training to include as mandatory at least the basics of bike/road safety. If all drivers were required to have at least one lesson (preferably two) on a scooter, on the road, I believe it would ultimately make them better drivers by making them aware of their vulnerability, plus it would probably encourage others to get a MC license too.
Comment by Unknown
posted 1 year ago
One of the things that really erks me is the serious lack of driver (cars)training, all car drivers should be taught by professionals and not by mum and dad who are just passing on old bad habits. They should be taught how to drive a car(properly)and not just how to pass a driving test which is at best A Doddle! The government should put a lot more of the money it earns from ripping off road users into making the roads a safer place for everyone. Pom/Qld.
Comment by Unknown
posted 1 year ago
It's the same thing over and over again. Not long ago I was bumped on the left leg by a bloke in a car and when I blew the horn to let him know what he'd done, he shrugged like I didn't even exist. I made him be a bit more aware by the kicked in drivers door he received. when ever I get to a "T" intersection I see the same thing. The driver looking the other way. Our high registration costs should not be a least educating these morons driving in their comfort zones to be at least looking out for motorcyclists as I do when I drive a car.
Comment by Unknown
posted 1 year ago
Before we get all self righteous and self praising and knocking all car drivers there are a lot of motorcyclists out there who also should not be on the road. Most car drivers are competent, most motorcylists are also but there is an element of both that attract most attention. Lets face it, a bad driver/rider is a bad driver/rider irrespective of whether they are piloting a car or a bike. Increased skill training for both parties is just as important.
Comment by Unknown
posted 1 year ago
There are many aspects to motorcycling that really need to be seen separately but tend to be blended together that address all motorcyclists. Examples are:
1. Commuters. Including scooters. Often seen by the public as undesirable through lane splitting, riding in bicycle lanes etc....probably because they get through the traffic quicker than the tintops. Represent a high majority of motor cycle accidents.
2. 1% Outlaw gangs. The criminal and undesireable element of motorcyling that unfortunately attracts more than its fair share of publicity often for the wrong reasons. A one day a year even by an outlaw gang such as a toy run as an obvious attempt at public acceptance and legitimisation doesnt make up for the other 364 days of drug dealing, stand overs and other criminal acts. Unfortunately they also have a romanticised image which many "normal" members of society are suckered into. Not true motorcyclists at all now as their bikes are just a prop for their other activities.
3. Legitimate motorcycle clubs (e.g. MRA, Ulysses, Vietnam Veterans, Girls ride out etc) who share their genuine love of motorcycling, ride often and mostly competent riders. Genuinely support charities and those less fortunate. Safety aware and conscious of their public image. As close to genuine motorcyclists as you can get for mine.
4. Weekend warriors. Keep the R1, GSXR, CBR1000RRRR etc in the garage all week(and all wet weekends) but come fine Sunday morning and they then wish to copy the feats of Stoner/Rossi etc without the pre-requisite skills. Often they dont give motorcyclists a good name by their often "lunatic" practices.
5. Trail riders. Mostly noticeable by surburban fringe two stroke ring-dings shattering peaceful society, but generally harmless and a world away from other groups of motorcyclists.
ETC ETC.
Different groups, different agendas, different influences on public (and police)attention. For me, I ride because I love it. Sometimes it may be a bit faster than allowed, sometimes it is a weekend away with other like minded, often it is a commute to work...but always it is with a view of coming home from the ride and therefore with a degree of common sense and safety.

I think the greatest thing that thinking motorcyclists can do is act in such a manner as not to attract undue attention from the public, the police or other authorities for if you act like a hoon or 1%er you might find that is exactly how you are going to be treated.
Pete - ACT
Comment by Unknown
posted 1 year ago
Problem is cars, motorbikes and all have changed in the last 30-40 yrs but the laws have not kept up. I agree we are a nanny country (not just state) and this is the reason why we ALL have problems on the road. All vehicles have progressed down a line of make it faster and so a lot of people use this to its advantage to try and get from point A to B as quick as they can. Bikes too. I'm looking at upgrading to a 600cc and the bike can do 4 sec to 100km/hr, Ferrari for $10,000. It has turned leisurely driving ( I owned a 2 gear 67 Holden HR) eperience into bathurst or isle of mann tt racing for your average driver. Perhaps what we could have is greater hwy speeds to cut down driving times so we don't feel like we have to race to get around in a reasonable time. If cars and bikes handling and speeds have increased then why not the speed limit? Maybe then we'll lose the aggresive edge. Either that or go back to the 60's power and handling to chill us out. Any of you oldies remember what the attitudes were like back then? I'd be interested to know.
Comment by Unknown
posted 1 year ago
I ride because of my love for riding, that i can lane split, ride as fast as i like when i feel the need, does annoy many people. I don't care, when i ride i feel totally connected with my world and am accepting of the risks involved. I think we just all need to remember there is a time and a place for going for it, which each rider has to judge for themselves according to their ability and what they are riding. This won't stop ignorant drivers getting irate, bad drivers pulling out on us, or the seething anger when we lane split., but i don't care because i'm riding.
Comment by Unknown
posted 1 year ago
I'm a motorcycle instructor on contract to a company that supplies rider training to the RTA. The comments on this site are all relevant as everyone has antidotal evidence and experiences from their riding life. We teach trainees that everyone is out to get them and that each rider must protect their own space. Most know the three second rule but seldom is this rule adhered to (especially by car drivers more especially by 'P' plate drivers). Once apon a time motorcycles made up 2% of registered vehicles in NSW but made up 45% of crash Stats, due to appropriate rider training the stats are down to approximately 25% and are expected to fall further in coming years. We achieve this by teaching proper Road Craft - Observation, Slow down and Buffering. Unfortunately many car drivers fail to learn road craft in any form. I've seen parents teaching their offspring the same bad driving habits that they themselves use and by the time these little darlings hit the road as licensed drivers they have over 100 hours of ingrained bad habits (and often bad attitudes to top it off). Blaming the media won't cut it as they are interpreting the bad accident stats that riders are apart of and some are bikers themselves. The valid point being though is 'who' is actually the cause of the accidents. For example, stats are heavily weighted as occurring on 1) bends and 2) side impacts ('T' Bones), 3) Head-ons, 4) Rear-ends and 5) Merging.As the No1) I have witnessed many times cars cutting the centre line but equally I've seen riders using a wide-tight-wide technique (cutting the apex) where it would be far safer to use the wide entry - tight exit strategy. All I know is rider training is mandatory and taught by trained professionals, whereas anyone can teach a car driver bad driving behaviour. We as riders are now doing our bit with appropriate rider training and get slugged for it but cars just go on and on in the same again philosophy. My worry as a rider is cars, cars and lastly cars, trucks don't seem to worry me at all, probably because they are generally professional in their attitude and ability...... That is all for now... I'd write more but this isn't for a Phd...... Bye
Comment by Unknown
posted 1 year ago
What does it take to be known, I am Fred Van Loenen and I hate M.A. more than I hate the cops coz ma recons it represents motorcycle racers and that is complete crap, Pfft!
Comment by Unknown
posted 1 year ago
Pffft
Comment by Unknown
posted 1 year ago
Mainstream media's representation of motorcyclists in general is very poor. Apart from watching "long way round" on t.v. the only media we get is usually negative! It's the peoples ignorance that is the nail in our tyres. there will always be bad drivers and taxes are apart of life. What we need is a positive PR campaign, something that shows the general car loving cattle that motorcycles should not be feared but admired, it's cheaper and more fun it takes skill to ride two wheels and they could do it too if only someone pointed them in the right direction. That someone is the Media! T.V. and Newspapers!
Comment by Unknown
posted 1 year ago
I've been a motorcyclist for near on thirty years, and all i can say is the more things change, the more they stay the same. The issues i faced as a beginner are pretty much the same today. That is, overpolicing, negative stereotyping perpetuated by the media, bad drivers, bad roads, stray wallabies (for our country brethren, you know what i'm talking about) and an ever increasing ignorant, belligerent, apathetic motoring general public. Why then, i hear you ask, do i ride then? Because the enjoyment i get from riding bikes far outweighs the risks, after thirty years i still get a buzz out of throwing a leg over (yes i'm still talking about motorcycling) on a sunny sunday morning and getting out onto my favourite roads. Regards, G.Lewis.
Comment by Unknown
posted 1 year ago
I ride every day as my bike is my only transport and i get cars pull out in front of me when they can clearly see me .cut me off ,speed up when you go to over take park so close to you they allmost knock you over and the i did not seeyou line how do these people get a licence to drive when they can not see where their going and can not park a car that ray charles could park in but my biggest concern is tailgating so my solution is the more they tail gate the more i slow down and the rta road gangs aka trafic wombals not sweeping up loose gravel is another issue I treat all media reporting of all motorcycle happenings as complete shiser i treat all car drivers as the enemy and don't watch their blinkers wathch the front wheels as the blinkers on cars say one thing but meen something else .I ride a 250 grey and my crn slp has jumpt to 300 stay safe bret snow
Comment by Unknown
posted 1 year ago
Any other country in the World promote's Motorcycling as a form of transport that reduces pollution, reduces traffic, reduces parking problems and as any motorcyclist knows, you get there with a grin on your face !!!
Comment by Unknown
posted 1 year ago
What urks me is that the registration authorities take licence and registration fees (read taxes) by the $millions, yet feel they have no duty of care to actually teach people to drive. Why is this? Because they are simply a revenue raising tool by the various State Governments. Name one thing they actually do to benefit the road user. No, it's not the laws they make. The laws are made to have a direct positive impact on revenue raising, not to improve skills or even the attitudes of road users. All licence fees and registrations are is protection money paid to the new form of Organised Crime, Government.
Comment by Unknown
posted 1 year ago
I've only been riding regularly on our roads for a few years and i have had a number of close calls, which i've learnt valuabe lessons from. My experience so far has taught me that a great deal of people have sub-satisfactory driving skills, {to say the least}. I'm quite convinced that a fair amount of drivers have a natural hattred towards us riders because we don't get stuck in traffic.HA. KEEP YA BLOODY EYES OPEN DRIVERS.
Comment by Unknown
posted 1 year ago
Being an older rider and a survivor, it sometimes is embarrasing to confess to being a biker because of the lable that is often attached to us.
Though there are very few bikers who are perfect angels, most realize that riding like a dickhead is is damaging to our cause, as well as unhealthy. Unfortunately that minority are the ones that are remembered, so therefore attract the publicity that is so damaging to us.
sincerely Reg Wilkinson
Comment by Unknown
posted 1 year ago
car drivers are just not looking out for us bike riders,and some cant even drive the car they are driving or trying, just how do they pass their test in the first place, they are just no good,if they cant even park the car how can they drive it.
Comment by Unknown
posted 1 year ago
I think all of the points of your poll are relevant. Drivers taught to look out for cars, bikes not even mentioned. I always ride like I have a target on my back. As for registration, why do we pay as much for our bike as drivers do for small cars. We carry less than half of what you can pack into those steel coffins. We take up half as much space on the road, leaving more room for other vehicles. Our bikes weigh less than a quarter of the smallest car on the road. And to top it all off we all use less fuel, and for all this, we have to pay for the ineptness of the average driver. I feel like authoritys are always looking at the minority groups (week warriors) and putting blame on all riders. If we did the same, there wouldn't be a car on the road.
Keith Cowie - Hervey Bay.
Comment by Unknown
posted 1 year ago
I think all selections in your poll are relevant.

Drivers tailgating or playing chicken, poor road surfaces, unrealistic speed limits for relevant road conditions make it all the more difficult to survive the daily ride.

Add to that the minority 'dickhead' rider bunch and we're an easy target for the next Today Tonight program.
Comment by Unknown
posted 1 year ago
I don't disagree with the other comments written, but in truth it's the media ( Television, radio and newspapers)in general that have earmarked motorcycle riders with the generally unfair tags that we bare. As many others have, I've been riding bikes of various capicities since my early teens and am now in my sixties, and lucky me still all in one piece, but in general no thanks to the many car and truck drivers who really don't give a s*** about anyone else other than themselves. Maybe the media should spend some time on a bike or at least spend some time in the same environment before all jumping on the same platform as the many other rednecks who don't understand and don't want to.It's easy to knock the minority. C'mon media give it a go and then write about true life on a bike. And no, bike riders aren't perfect either but you sure don't last long if you don't learn quickly about self preservation. 'Merlot'
Comment by Unknown
posted 1 year ago
I started riding in country NSW which in hindsight, was a bonus learning to ride a bike before having to cope with heavy traffic. After moving to Sydney a few years later I soon came to realise that in order to survive I had to ride like every car on the road was out to get me. On several occasions motorists have been only too happy to prove me right.I've now passed 50 and in the words of Papillion "I'm still here you bastards" My strategy is to build in buffer zone between me and cars, and never to assume I've been seen in order to claim right of way. Simple really,but in view of the seeming lack of proper driver training and awareness, very necessary.
Ian Clark-Perth
Comment by Unknown
posted 1 year ago
High Insurance cost for us (riders),are due to the number of unskilled, single occupant, 4wheeled vehicle operators, causing accidents. Take them OFF the road & Put them into Public Transport where they belong. Until they have Earned & Learned the PROPER Skills. And I mean EXPERT LEVEL SKILLS!

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Sunday, 5 February 2012