Road side Justice - A heated debate that makes one stop and think

<span style="color: #e69138;"><i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Right now, on my Face Book page there is a heated debate over yesterdays blog post about the proposed new powers for police officers There is a movement by insurance and the powers that be to allow the police to pull you over without probable cause and to administer road side tests for impairment - without probable cause.</span></i></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The two major points of view are so divergent!</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Like many, the violation to our rights and freedoms due to road side justice is something I have a really hard time with. I don't think that a police officer should have the power to have your vehicle crushed for racing, or take your license away - too often there are officers who abuse their authority and far too many of them IMHO - now before you go jumping down my throat because I am knocking the police, hear me out.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I also have a hard time with drunk and stoned drivers - years ago as a kid I did dumb crap and got lucky because my stupid actions never hurt anyone - and so I have over the years tried to adopt the attitude, there but for the grace of God go I. BUT - today, there are a hundred times more drivers on the road than back when I was a kid, and the likelihood of getting into a bad situation is 100 times greater. Many drivers today should not be on the roads (I truly feel some of the driver examiners who give these people licenses should be jailed or fined but that's a topic for another time) I mean really - why else is there a successful TV show called Canada's worst driver and how did the people on that show get a license in the first place?</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I think of the 9 riders involved in the destruction on the Carefree Highway - 4 are dead and 5 lives and 9 families for ever altered and all because of one man who was on meth.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I read the news every day - this chair I sit in can become a very sad and depressing chair to sit in folks. I read of the hundreds of collisions and accidents every day.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I am all for impaired and distracted drivers being taken off of the road ways but I also understand one other thing - absolute power corrupts absolutely and if the RCMP or any other police force is going to have the kind of power that some of the laws and proposed laws give them then I have one thing to say. IT BEST APPLY TO THEM AS WELL.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I read about RCMP and other police service members who have been caught impaired driving -  Monty Robinson might get away with murder because he has abused his authority IMHO - out of that Surrey BC country during the same time frame he killed Orion Hutchinson 5 other lower mainland RCMP officers were charged with impaired driving - some while ON DUTY.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">If they are going to meet out road side justice then they need to be held to far higher standards that the rest of the population. FAR HIGHER - they need to be treated as virtually infallible - else wise the ability to use that authority against those they dislike or have grudges with goes up HUGELY and we do know they are human and that power can and does go to the heads of some.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Am I for road side justice - no - I see both sides of the argument - I see both points of view clearly - BUT - I also think our rights and freedoms would be far better served if we demanded that our prosecutors and judges did their jobs better. As long as there is a human factor in all of this - the answers will always be murky and illusive. </span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Absolute power corrupts absolutely and giving absolute power to the people who are in the trenches and who oft times suffer from PTSD and never get treatment - who deal with huge adrenaline rushes and danger we can only imagine every day - No I don't think those are the right people to give that kind of power to. They are no more clear headed  than some of the people they deal with - adrenaline can be as big of an impairment as drinking or toking.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">And that folks is my two bits worth - as always I WELCOME your comments and feedback - I will never get better at what I do without it - debate is healthy...</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>In the news today:</b></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">In Windsor ON a motorcyclist was <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/component/content/article/4493-motorcycle-rider-struck-by-car">struck by a vehicle</a></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">In <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/component/content/article/4494-shocking-traffic-stats-scream-big-brother">Montreal the number of tickets </a>being given out by the police services has some asking some HARD questions about big brother.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">On Vancouver Island an emergency plan is being <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/bc-news/293-motorcycle-television/4495-toy-run-emergency-plan">explored for the Toy Run</a></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">In Manitoba the Ride for Dad is<a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/component/content/article/4496-motorcycle-ride-for-dad-manitoba"> getting ready to kick off</a></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">In Vancouver - the parking initiative by <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/bc-news/293-motorcycle-television/4490-join-the-scooter-a-motorcycle-parking-rally-downtown-vancouver">BCCOM is holding a rally</a></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">If you are a fortunate soul who is riding today - PLEASE, ride like everyone around you is out to get you and is BLIND! Ride proud - not loud - save the cranking on the wick for the idiot who drifts into your lane - don't be pissing the neighbors off and taking our rights to the safety our pipes bring us away because of selfishness.</span></i><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <i><b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Belt Drive Betty</span></b></i><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <div dir="ltr"> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/">www.beltdrivebetty.com</a></span></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">A MAX Award winning web site!</span></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">National VP of Marketing</span></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">F</span>oundation for <span style="font-weight: bold;">I</span>njured <span style="font-weight: bold;">R</span>iders, <span style="font-weight: bold;">R</span>ights & <span style="font-weight: bold;">E</span>ducation</span></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.firre.ca/">www.firre.ca</a></span></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.bustedknucklenews.com/">www.bustedknucklenews.com</a></span></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.canadianriders.ca/">www.canadianriders.ca</a></span></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.riderfriendly.ca/">www.riderfriendly.ca</a></span></span></div> <div style="font-size: 13.3px; padding: 5px 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: grey;">Contact Me</span> <a _service="" href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/beltdrivebetty" style="color: blue; font-size: 10pt; padding: 0pt 2px;"><img alt="Linkedin" border="0" height="16" src="http://www.images.wisestamp.com/linkedin.png" style="padding-bottom: 5px; vertical-align: middle;" width="16" /></a><a _service="" href="http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/beltdrivebetty?ref=profile" style="color: blue; font-size: 10pt; padding: 0pt 2px;"><img alt="Facebook" border="0" height="16" src="http://www.images.wisestamp.com/facebook.png" style="padding-bottom: 5px; vertical-align: middle;" width="16" /></a><a _service="" href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.blogspot.com/" style="color: blue; font-size: 10pt; padding: 0pt 2px;"><img alt="Blogger" border="0" height="16" src="http://www.images.wisestamp.com/blogger.png" style="padding-bottom: 5px; vertical-align: middle;" width="16" /></a><a _service="" href="http://twitter.com/bdbetty" style="color: blue; font-size: 10pt; padding: 0pt 2px;"><img alt="Twitter" border="0" height="16" src="http://www.images.wisestamp.com/twitter.png" style="padding-bottom: 5px; vertical-align: middle;" width="16" /></a></span></span></div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><br /> </span></span></div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"></span>

Road side Justice - A heated debate that makes one stop and think

Belt Drive 0 5:34 AM

Right now, on my Face Book page there is a heated debate over yesterdays blog post about the proposed new powers for police officers There is a movement by insurance and the powers that be to allow the police to pull you over without probable cause a… Read more »

Read more »

Police support controversial drunk-driving legislation

<span style="color: #b45f06;"><i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">There is a push to change the law so <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/component/content/article/4477-police-support-controversial-drunk-driving-legislation">police could pull anybody </a>over and do random roadside screening without reasonable grounds of suspicion.</span></i></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Not sure how you feel about that. I know that as a general rule I have nothing to hide from the police or anyone else yet I feel this law is yet another violation - I understand the need to protect but...your comments and thoughts as always - are appreciated.</span></i><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>In the news today:</b></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>The rider</b> who was killed in <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/component/content/article/4480-victim-of-motorcycle-crash-identified-">Saskatoon yesterday </a>was identified.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>Manitoba</b> wants to make the <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/component/content/article/4481-legislation-targets-criminal-groups">prosecutors job easier by creating a list </a>of criminal organizations that don't have to be proven time again that they are criminal - the law is in the legislature.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>In PEI</b>, new fines have been <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/component/content/article/4478-accidents-prompt-higher-speeding-fines">introduced in an effort</a> to curb accidents.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>In BC</b>, two guys <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/bc-news/293-motorcycle-television/4476-pair-on-motorcycles-clocked-at-180-kmh">clocked doing 180 last year get </a>community service, license suspensions and a fine.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">As always, there is a ton of other news today so check out the latest news at <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/">www.beltdrivebetty.com</a> - Membership is free and will net you a savings card good at over 170 business locations!</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">If you are fortunate enough to be riding today, PLEASE - ride like everyone around you is blind, can't see you and IS out to get you. Ride proud - not loud - save the use of those pipes for when someone drifts in to you!</span></i><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Belt Drive Betty</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/">www.beltdrivebetty.com</a></span>

Police support controversial drunk-driving legislation

Belt Drive 0 6:21 AM

There is a push to change the law so police could pull anybody over and do random roadside screening without reasonable grounds of suspicion. Not sure how you feel about that. I know that as a general rule I have nothing to hide from the police or… Read more »

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A HUGE Apology

<span style="color: #e69138;"><i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">To those who got their newspaper today I apologize for the quality.</span></i></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Sadly, Marion - the gal who lays the paper out had a family emergency last night and there was a problem getting files to me so that I could take over. She is on a MAC and I am on a PC and something stupid happened where in she couldn't "package" the files to send to me.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">She did the best she could but she needed to get to the hospital.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I am looking in to what we can do to prevent this type of situation from happening ever again and apologized deeply to all who are affected.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">As soon as I know what happened in her family I will let the rest of you know. My heart and prayers go out to her, I know her son has cancer I am however unclear if it was something that happened with him or something else that took place - she was crying too hard for me to understand her - words escape me other than to pray to the lord my God that she and her family are OK.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>In the news today</b> there is more death in our community. <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/component/content/article/4447-man-dies-in-motorcycle-accident">A rider was killed in </a>Saskatoon yesterday when he reportedly lost control of his bike in Saskatoon North.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">In Cochrane AB on April 16th a rider was<a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/component/content/article/4450-motorcyclist-hit-by-semi-truck-at-stop-light"> hit from behind by a semi</a>.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Port Dover is getting ready for a huge <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/component/content/article/4452--senators-invited-to-50th-friday-the-13th-">Friday the 13th </a>Celebration this year - it's 5oth!</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">And in the <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/component/content/article/4446-motorcyclist-deaths-drop-sour-economy-cited">US a study about motorcycle accidents</a> reports a HUGE drop in fatalities.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">That's what's in the news today so far folks - if you are lucky enough to be riding today - please ride like everyone around you is blind and can not see you, IS out to get you and please ride proud NOT loud.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Belt Drive Betty</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/">www.beltdrivebetty.com </a></span>

A HUGE Apology

Belt Drive 0 5:00 AM

To those who got their newspaper today I apologize for the quality. Sadly, Marion - the gal who lays the paper out had a family emergency last night and there was a problem getting files to me so that I could take over. She is on a MAC and I am on a … Read more »

Read more »

Motorcycle Collisions - Accidents - what is the difference?

<i><span style="color: #e69138;"><b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Today in the main stream news feeds there are two motorcycle collisions to report.</span></b></span></i><br /> <i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></i> <i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Yes, surprisingly only two - however, the reason I am choosing to write about "Collisions/Accidents" is that truly an accident is something like a deer or other animal jumping out in front of you - the rest are collisions and more often than not they are preventable.</span></i><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Distracted drivers, inattentive drivers and some that are just plain BAD drivers - they are the cause of most collisions between motorcycles and vehicles - reportedly 70% of the time on average depending upon the stats you read. Rider error and inattentiveness and inexperience on the part of the motorcyclists make up the rest.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">So how can we as motorcyclists keep ourselves safer out there?</span></i><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Well, hyper vigilance is one way - using what they teach in school - SIPDE - Scan, Interpret, Predict, Decide and Execute - constantly scanning from side to side.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Watching your speed - a motorcycle's smaller profile makes it harder for drivers to gauge your speed causing them to misinterpret the time they have before your imminent arrival in front of them. Lights on your motorcycle - lots of them and reflective and bright gear reportedly also help the motorist to see you.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">We need to do a far better job in this country when it comes to getting across the message that automobiles are really large weapons. </span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I<i> wished there was a better way of amassing the statistics to prove what we riders know and witness every day, sadly, I haven't and neither have the experts figured out how to get that job done - I wish there was a way to prove the need for "loud pipes" in urban riding situations (like when someone is about to drift in to you) but then again I also wished that there was a way to get the "cowboys" to lay off of their really loud pipes when it isn't necessary to use them...dreams...perhaps we will figure out the way - soon I hope.</i></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>In the news:</b></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Harley-Davidson's<a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/component/content/article/4433-harley-davidson-reports-first-quarter-2010-results"> earnings skid</a></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">A motorcycle takes the long way<a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/component/content/article/4434-motorcycle-takes-long-road-back-to-owner"> around to coming back to it's roots</a></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Ducati has some<a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/component/content/article/4436-crawl-into-a-second-skin-with-a-new-monster-1100"> "treats" in store</a></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">A young Ontario motorcyclists is in <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/component/content/article/4435--22-year-old-male-motorcyclist-suffers-serious-injuries-in-collision">serious condition after a collision</a></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">An <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/component/content/article/4437-motorcyclist-airlifted-to-hospital-after-crash-">80 year old woman is charged</a> with failing to stop after a collision with a motorcycle in Thunderbay, the rider was airlifted to hospital.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">And <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/component/content/article/4438-motorcycle-thieves-dont-get-far-crash-getaway-truck-as-they-escape">Karma gets some thieves </a>of motorcycles!  </span><br /> <i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></i> <i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">If you are fortunate enough to be riding today - please, ride like everyone around you is blind and can not see you, IS out to get you and ride proud - not loud - keep those loud pipes in reserve for when they are truly needed!</span></i><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <i><b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></b></i> <div> <i><b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">Belt Drive Betty</span></span></b></i><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/">www.beltdrivebetty.com</a></span></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">A MAX Award winning web site!</span></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">National VP of Marketing</span></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">F</span>oundation for <span style="font-weight: bold;">I</span>njured <span style="font-weight: bold;">R</span>iders, <span style="font-weight: bold;">R</span>ights & <span style="font-weight: bold;">E</span>ducation</span></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.firre.ca/">www.firre.ca</a></span></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.bustedknucklenews.com/">www.bustedknucklenews.com</a></span></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.canadianriders.ca/">www.canadianriders.ca</a></span></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.riderfriendly.ca/">www.riderfriendly.ca</a></span></span></div>

Motorcycle Collisions - Accidents - what is the difference?

Belt Drive 0 7:06 AM

Today in the main stream news feeds there are two motorcycle collisions to report. Yes, surprisingly only two - however, the reason I am choosing to write about "Collisions/Accidents" is that truly an accident is something like a deer or other animal… Read more »

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And a F.I.R.R.E. was lit....

<i><span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">On Sunday April 18th in Thorsby Alberta, riders from across the province of Alberta met to discuss a number of issues.</span></span></i><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The Alliance for Injured Motorcyclists of Canada has recently been experiencing some tough, uphill challenges – most of them internal and pretty much insurmountable.</span></i><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The situation was threatening to leave riders who need assistance in the advent of an accident somewhat in a lurch.  The central Alberta chapter and the Southern Alberta chapter along with a number of riders who wanted to start and organization to help riders with rights issues like parking, handicap stickers, noise bylaws and equitable & fair enforcement there of , all got together and did so in such a powerful and thoughtful way that a new organization was formed.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">F.I.R.R.E. stands for the Foundation for Injured Riders, Rights and Education and it has three distinct purposes. To assist injured riders and their families in their time of need, to lobby and work towards equitable and fair treatment of riders and to provide education to riders, other road users and the general public.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">This is a very PRO ACTIVE group comprised of people in the insurance industry, IT, fire and ambulance and every walk of life and job imaginable!</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Over the coming weeks it is my hope to profile the National Board of Governors and the chairs and co-chairs of the three sub committees.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">It was a rewarding and action packed three hour meeting that saw a ton of organizational work get accomplished!</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>We have a National Board of Governors</b> –Mark Boylan is our Chairman</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> Scott Paulin is our Co Chair, Kim Newberry and I are sharing VP of Marketing duties, Baker Bruce Ollson is the Treasurer and Cindy Nobiss is the National Secretary.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>Our three committees look like this:</b></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>Rider & Family Assistance:</b></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Chair: Steve Penrod</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Co Chair: Paul Newberry</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>Rider Rights:</b></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Chair: Mark Boylan</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Co Chair: Michael Honour</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>Education:</b></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Chair: Scott Paulin</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Co Chair: Twyla Aalbers</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>And a F.I.R.R.E. was lit!</b></span></div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The President of the <b>Central Alberta Chapter </b>of F.I.R.R.E. is:</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Betty Rondeau and she can be contacted at: (780) 789-2045 or at the Kountry Kitchen Bakery in Thorsby: (780) 789-3992</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The Central AB chapter meets again on May 16th at 2 pm at the community centre in Thorsby.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The President of the <b>Southern AB Chapter of F.I.R.R.E.</b> is Cindy Nobiss and she can be contacted by phone at: (403) 867-3019 or by email: <a href="mailto:cnobiss59@gmail.com" target="_blank">cnobiss59@gmail.com</a></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">We have two confirmed chapters and will be – once the new board has had some time to get some details taken care of - addressing all of the AIM and AIM Can chapters that are left - after the answer on the appeal by AIM Can is done - and inviting them to join our new and soon to be federally incorporated organization.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>Our web site address is:</b> <a href="http://www.firre.ca/" target="_blank">www.firre.ca</a></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>Our Toll Free Rider Assistance Hotline is</b>: 1-866-315-1013</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">We have as a free service to all members of F.I.R.R.E. a <b>“Never Ride Alone Program”</b></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">You call our toll free number, you tell them your chapter and membership number, where you are leaving from and when and where you are going to and when you anticipate arriving. If you don’t call and check in when you are supposed to, they will call your cell, if they get no answer then with in an hour of your tentative arrival time, if you don’t contact them they will then send someone to look for you. This service and the Toll Free 911 Call Centre are supplied and sponsored by Intercon Messaging in Drayton Valley AB</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.interconmessaging.com/" target="_blank">www.interconmessaging.com</a></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>Our Provincial Run is August 7th & 8th</b></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Free Camping, Rodeo Games, a $10 steak BBQ (You MUST PRE-ORDER YOUR MEALS - all proceeds from the BBQ go to the Thorsby Elementary School), DJ and Comedian on Saturday the 7th and on Sunday is a pancake breakfast followed by our Fallen Riders Memorial service and parade and then the ride to the V-Twin Family Diner Show ‘n’ Shine in Drayton Valley where all riders only pay $10 to take in all of the bands and entertainment! All proceeds for the V-Twin Diner Family Show ‘n’ Shine go to the Stollery Childrens Centre</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Working in a positive and thoughtful manner we have begun to flesh our our Mission, Vision and Ethics statements and will be formalizing them soon.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>Our Tentative Ethics Statement:</b></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">We will not discriminate regardless of discipline, brand, gender, race, color or handicap</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">We will be thoughtful and measured in our responses and actions in any issues that are presented to us.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>Our Tentative Mission Statement:</b></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">To provide aide to injured riders and their families, whether it be emotional, practical or financial.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">To be a collective voice for all riders pertaining to education, rights and assistance</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>Our Tentative Vision Statement:</b></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">To have every rider in Canada be a member of F.I.R.R.E.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">We would welcome your feedback and input so that we may grow this organization in the most forward thinking of manners, please contact:</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Mark Boylan - Chairman: <a href="mailto:firre@elnath.ca" target="_blank">firre@elnath.ca</a></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Scott Paulin - Co Chairman: <a href="mailto:bike_ridin_jd_drinkin_pig@rocketmail.com" target="_blank">bike_ridin_jd_drinkin_pig@<wbr></wbr>rocketmail.com</a></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">And that folks is how we started a F.I.R.R.E. in Central Alberta this weekend.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">If you are riding today, please ride like everyone around you is blind and cannot see you, and IS out to get you - ride proud not loud...</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Belt Drive Betty</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">National VP of Marketing</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>F</b>oundation for <b>I</b>njured <b>R</b>iders, <b>R</b>ights and <b>E</b>ducation </span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.firre.ca/" target="_blank">www.firre.ca </a>(coming soon)</span>

And a F.I.R.R.E. was lit....

Belt Drive 0 5:57 AM

On Sunday April 18th in Thorsby Alberta, riders from across the province of Alberta met to discuss a number of issues. The Alliance for Injured Motorcyclists of Canada has recently been experiencing some tough, uphill challenges – most of them … Read more »

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