Some CRAZY Stuff...

<span style="color: #e69138;"><i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The news out of Vancouver today is <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/component/content/article/293-motorcycle-television/7334-speeding-motorcyclists-dangerous-getaway-plan-foiled-by-police-helicopter-video-">FILLED with video of two motorcycles speeding through </a>the Lower Mainland on their motorcycles reaching speeds of up to 200 KM per hour.</span></i></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I watched the video thinking to myself - these people are nuts, crazy, someone is going to get hurt and sure enough the last bike crashes...</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">All I am going to say about this incident: I am saddened that people have not yet learned that you can not out run a Motorola and if you needed the adrenaline rush that bad - there are some great tracks you could have taken yourselves and your motorcycles to.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">In Moncton, a 19 year old rider was <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/latest-nb-news/298-motorcycle-television/7346-no-charges-in-motorcycle-fatal">killed when a vehicle turned left </a>in front of him, however NO charges are being laid  - it makes you wonder what isn't being said in the article. Was the rider speeding excessively? Who was driving the vehicle?</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Why was not even a charge of failing to yield the right of way laid?  I find it puzzling and I can not imagine how the parents must be feeling...no charges in an accident that resulted in death...why? </span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">In Regina - Tattoo Artist Terry Oh needs your support, love and assistance.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">He has lost part of one leg as a result of the crash on September 30th. The driver of the van involved in the crash has been charged with making a left-hand turn before safe to do so.  There is a Facebook page to support him and some fundraisers taling place - on is a steak dinner and another is a silent auction. If you can help out or just want to offer some moral support PLEASE do!  FB Terry Oh Page: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/terry.oh">http://www.facebook.com/terry.oh</a></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">FB Silent Auction Page: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=165562220124015">http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=165562220124015</a></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">And the Facebook support page: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=163542413657662">http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=163542413657662</a></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">As always I welcome your feed back and input on the stories presented here.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">And remember, anonymous comments are not welcome unless you email me to tell me who you are they will NOT be posted anymore. If you feel strongly enough on an issue to wade in on the topic, then please be man or woman enough to truly have an honest dialogue.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>In Other News: </b></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">In Truro Nova Scotia the<a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/latest-ns-news/300-motorcycle-television/7340-rcmp-search-truro-area-property-in-hells-angel-disappearance"> RCMP are looking for the remains </a>of a Hells Angel who went missing in 1999.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Video cameras are being installed in buses in <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/component/content/article/293-motorcycle-television/7337-video-cameras-coming-to-more-metro-vancouver-buses">Metro Vancouver to assist in accident </a>investigation for the police and ICBC.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Prince George BC has been named the <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/component/content/article/293-motorcycle-television/7336-three-big-name-gangs-are-operating-in-prince-george">Crime Capital of Canada</a>....</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">In Vernon BC, <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/component/content/article/293-motorcycle-television/7339-witness-sought-in-pedestrian-crash">the RCMP are asking for witnesses </a>to a crash where a motorcycle hit a pedestrian.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">There's some great sports highlights and other articles of interest over at <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/">www.beltdrivebetty.com</a></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">We scour the news feeds to bring you the news of the day!</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">If you are a fortunate soul that is riding today, PLEASE, ride safe - you are important to some one - remember that.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <i><b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="sqq">Belt Drive Betty</span></span></b></i><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="sqq"><i>Ride & Editor</i><br /></span></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="sqq">The Busted Knuckle Chronicles</span></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.bustedknucklenews.com/"><span class="sqq">www.bustedknucklenews.com</span></a></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/"><span class="sqq">www.beltdrivebetty.com</span></a></span>

Some CRAZY Stuff...

The news out of Vancouver today is FILLED with video of two motorcycles speeding through the Lower Mainland on their motorcycles reaching sp...

Read more »

I am not alone!

<span style="color: #e69138;"><i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Today's news feeds are filled with all kinds of stories from riders who need your prayers to US insurance companies having to return MILLIONS of dollars back to riders in the state of Massachusetts.</span></i></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">But of all of the stories that caught my eye this morning - the one letter to the editor asking for <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/latest-on-news/296-motorcycle-television/7324-license-cyclists-">bicycles to become licensed again</a> and one from a gent <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/latest-candian-national-news/287-news-canadian-national/7323-freedom-to-choose">about freedom made me excited.</a></span></i><br /> <i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Why? Because now I don't feel alone - there are others out there who think like me!</span></i><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I like divergent ideas - I like finding out what other people think and even when I do not agree with them, I respect their right to their opinion. But sometimes it is nice to find out that your way of thinking mirrors that of others and today would be one of those days.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">You see - like the gent who writes in to the St Catherine Standard, I am sick and tired of sharing WALKWAYS with bicycles. Unless they measure 24" or smaller, and are operated by those who are too young to be on bike paths, the laws of this country pretty clearly state that they do not belong on SIDEWALKS.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Of late, here in Grande Prairie, I have witnessed so many who ride bicycles that do not know the rules of the road. They ride the wrong way down the road, they ride through crosswalks instead of dismounting and walking across the crosswalk, they ride on sidewalks and generally have no concept of the carnage they leave behind. It has been frustrating to watch and calls to bylaw do one no good because there is no way to identify the offenders.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">One of our neighbor ladies uses a walker since her hip surgery, she is supposed to walk every day to help strengthen her hip and leg. The other day I heard this god awful scream and went to investigate and here is this poor 70 year old (+_) gal who had had three riders have to go around her. They scared the crap out of her and almost ran her over because they were riding really hard, obviously misjudged their speed and hers. You could see the tire tracks of two of the bikes on my lawn. Poor gal, she was shaking like a leaf.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I find it maddening that this kind of thing happens on my street as our lovely city just finished knocking down all of our mature trees, narrowing our road way up and adding bicycle paths...for what purpose? Sadly I see  very few people using the bike path - the side walk - well they use it all the time. I stopped one bicyclist and asked him to use the bike path and he told me that he didn't see any need to. When I expressed to him that he was breaking the law - he said tough, call a cop, he'd ride his bike anywhere he felt.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Now I know this mentality is not shared by all who ride bicycles, but here in Grande Prairie it is shared by far more than you might think. IT IS TIME TO GET BICYCLES INSURED< REGISTERED AND LICENSED along with their riders... that's my humble opinion.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Then there is the article from a man named Mike Jensen about the <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/latest-candian-national-news/287-news-canadian-national/7323-freedom-to-choose">Freedom to Choose.</a>..</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">If you read his article it makes so much sense - at least to me, that it is scary in it's implications.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i> He explains: Government exists for just two purposes: (1) to provide its citizens with the freedom to live their lives as they so choose, and (2) to protect us from those, both foreign and domestic, who would try to take away that freedom.  Once government steps outside of those two purposes, it is itself taking away that freedom.</i></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I would love for you to read his article and then give me your honest feed back on his statements.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">As always, your feed back is appreciated. Please make sure we know who you are though because unless I know who you are I will not post anonymous comments - too often they are rude and adversarial instead of enlightening and about creating dialogue. Sharing is one thing, abuse - totally another. </span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>In other news:</b></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">In Ontario a bicycle cop was hit by a <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/latest-rider-down/1653-on-rider-down/7315-cop-on-bike-hit-by-motorcycle">riderless motorcycle</a></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Motorcyclists in Caledon Ontario are <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/latest-on-news/296-motorcycle-television/7318-motorcycle-club-making-noise-over-caledonbylaw">gearing up to fight their community's </a>discriminatory MOTORCYCLE noise bylaw.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">A rider in Ontario is without his <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/latest-on-news/296-motorcycle-television/7319-motorcyclist-clocked-96-kmh-over-limit-police">bike for a week after getting caught doing 96 over</a> the speed limit! </span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Also in Ontario a mom is <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/latest-rider-down/1653-on-rider-down/7325-mom-asks-community-to-pray-">asking for prayers for her son</a>...</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">In BC a motorcyclist survives a crash with a deer and an SUV - <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/latest-rider-down/1650-bc-rider-down/7316-video-close-encounter-with-deer">watch the video report</a></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Also in BC, the parents of a <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/bc-news/293-motorcycle-television/7317-murdered-teens-grieving-parents-plead-for-anyone-with-information-to-call-cops">murdered teenage girl </a>are asking for help</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">In the US there are a lot of<a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/lastest-international/286-news-international-/7326-mass-motorcyclists-getting-more-refunds"> happy motorcyclists getting refunds</a> from their insurance companies.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">If you are riding today - PLEASE be extra careful - your loved ones depend on you to make good decisions out there...</span></i><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <i><b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="sqq">Belt Drive Betty</span></span></b></i><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="sqq"><i>Ride & Editor</i><br /></span></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="sqq">The Busted Knuckle Chronicles</span></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.bustedknucklenews.com/"><span class="sqq">www.bustedknucklenews.com</span></a></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/"><span class="sqq">www.beltdrivebetty.com</span></a></span>

I am not alone!

Today's news feeds are filled with all kinds of stories from riders who need your prayers to US insurance companies having to return MIL...

Read more »

Deaths and injuries mar Thanksgiving Weekend

<i><span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Well folks - the stats on the long weekend are coming in and they are not looking too good.</span></span></i><br /> <i><span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></i> <i><span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">We have at least two dead and three seriously injured.</span></span></i><br /> <i><span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">One man was injured because <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/latest-rider-down/1653-on-rider-down/7304-skateboarder-collides-with-motorcycle">of a skateboarder. </a>That's right - a skateboarder. (shakes head) </span></span></i><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Now folks - I am not going to get all maudlin on you but I would like you to consider something:</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">This was the first of many firsts for my family - it was our first Thanksgiving without my brother. Soon we will go through our first Remembrance Day and then our first Christmas...</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The way one's heart feels is bitter sweet - we know he is out of pain and we are grateful but we are in pain and sad ourselves.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Think on this...the families of these people who have been killed this past weekend...they - unlike us, had no chance to say good bye, no chance to mend fences and heal hearts - how must these poor people feel?</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">My heart goes out to these families and I ask you - if you are driving your cage - PLEASE, put down the cell phone, quit reading the map, book or paper, leave your make up until you are stopped, put the razor away until you are at the office, ignore the kids or pull over and tan their little hiney's - whatever you are doing behind the wheel that does not involve driving and paying attention - PLEASE stop.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">If you are riding your motorcycle - PLEASE, slow down and be more hyper aware than ever.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">If you die - well that's one thing, but what about your family and your friends ? The people who love you - what are they supposed to do?  If you kill someone - how are are the people who love you going to support you and deal with the aftermath? All I ask is that you consider the consequences that are forced on others because of your choices...</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">As always - I welcome your comments and feedback - I do ask you to please <b>not</b> leave anonymous comments - if you do I probably will not post them....(Unless of course you email me with your real name for my own knowledge).</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>There is lot's in the news today:</b></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">In Keremeos BC<a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/bc-news/293-motorcycle-television/7301-keremeos-man-continues-to-make-progress-in-rehab-after-motorcycle-accident"> a man who is in rehab after a crash</a> talks about his progress</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">In Terrace BC <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/latest-bc-travel/308-bc-motorcycle-events/7300-28th-toy-run-raises-big-bucks">a record $23K was raised</a> for their Toy Run</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">In Ontario - late night talk show host George Strombo talks about <a class="contentpagetitle" href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/latest-lifestyle/1615-moviestv/7298-strombo-and-the-art-of-the-motorcycle-odyssey-"> the art of the motorcycle odyssey </a></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Also in Ontario, North Bay Police <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/latest-on-news/296-motorcycle-television/7303-north-bay-police-service-news-release-">are on the look out for a yellow sport bike</a></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">In Newfoundland, motorcycle <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/component/content/article/7306-motorcycle-registrations-almost-doubled-in-four-years">registrations have doubled </a>in the last 5 years! In 2005 there were 7,800 and in 2009 that number is now 14,300! </span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Harley-Davidson in Canada has a lot of<a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/latest-lifestyle/439-clothinggear/7309-think-pink-many-items-for-sale-this-month-benefit-breast-cancer-research-"> PINK wear available for the October Breast Cancer </a>Awareness Campaign</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Ducati is set to unveil their<a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/latest-lifestyle/446-motorcycle-reviews-/7302-ducati-diavel-confirmed-for-eicma-2010-muscle-cruiser-to-be-unveiled-in-milan"> new muscle cruiser in Milan Italy</a></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I have a question - I have never seen or heard any information on Yamaha Canada giving out education bursaries have you? <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/lastest-international/286-news-international-/7310-yamaha-motor-corp-usa-awards-72000-in-continuing-education-scholarships">But in the US they just gave out over $70K ...</a></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I wonder how come we don't do that sort f thing here in Canada? Is it our small population base that prevents that from happening?</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Oh and to the rotten SOB who broke in at my sister in law's and stole my dead brother's dirt bike and tools - we know you are a local to the Sorrento/Salmon Arm area - probably a roofer and we are watching and looking for you.  Just and FYI A$$wipe - either return what you stole (these were keep sakes for my nephew) or watch over your shoulder - cause I will not rest until you are found and brought to justice.</span></i><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <i><b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="sqq">Belt Drive Betty</span></span></b></i><br /> <i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="sqq">Ride & Editor</span></span><b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="sqq"><br /></span></span></b></i><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="sqq">The Busted Knuckle Chronicles</span></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="sqq">www.bustedknucklenews.com</span></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="sqq">www.beltdrivebetty.com</span></span>

Deaths and injuries mar Thanksgiving Weekend

Well folks - the stats on the long weekend are coming in and they are not looking too good. We have at least two dead and three seriously ...

Read more »

Some BASIC Rules of the road & common sense tips - remembering these might save a life

<i><span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>Driving a vehicle is a HUGE responsibility - the vehicle you are in command of be it a motorcycle, car, pick up or commercial vehicle IS A WEAPON when not driven with respect and care. </b></span></span></i><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b><br /> </b></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>Here are some reminders of some of the MOST BASIC rules of the road....</b></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>THE VERY FIRST RULE:</b></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>1. Driving is a privilege and not a right</b></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Section 31(a) of the Act states: "The privilege of driving on a highway is granted to, and retained by, only those persons who demonstrate that they are likely to drive safely." </span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>2. Failing to properly signal turns and lane changes</b></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Section 142 of the Highway Traffic Act consists of two directives: each driver shall see if the movement can be made safely before performing the act, and then shall give a "signal plainly visible" to other drivers.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>3. Running amber and red traffic lights</b></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Section 144 (16): Every driver must stop for an amber traffic signal if it can be done safely, <i>not</i> speed up to make it through in time. The duration of each amber light is timed so that vehicles travelling at the correct speed will have plenty of time to stop before the light turns to red.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>4. Committing improper turns at signalized intersections</b></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Every driver must turn right from the rightmost lane into the right lane of the cross road, or left from the left-turn lane into the left lane of the intersecting road. </span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>5. Failing to drive in the rightmost lane</b></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> "Any vehicle travelling upon a roadway at less than normal speed shall, where practicable, be driven in the right-hand lane unless passing."</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>6. Following too closely - AKA Tailgating</b></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">At a speed of 100 km/h, a vehicle will travel about 28 metres each second. According to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration studies, the average "perception and reaction time" to an emergency driving situation is 1.47 seconds, or about 42 metres of travel at that speed.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>Some Common Sense Tips & Reminders... </b></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>1. Driving while distracted</b></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">This must be the most ignored common sense rule of driving, be it talking on a cellphone, text messaging, conversing with passengers, changing CDs or radio stations or just daydreaming.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">If your brain is processing a conversation or which song you want next, it is not processing driving information that can save your life. </span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>2. Being a traffic parent</b></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Many motorists will speed up to prevent another vehicle from merging into their lane in an attempt to make a traffic statement. That space in front of their vehicle is theirs and the invading vehicle should not even attempt to enter that zone. </span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The other driver will never learn how to be a courteous, safer driver, nor will they learn how to merge properly from traffic parents in another vehicle.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Please do it though if you don't mind dealing with  road rage.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>3. Knowing when not to drive</b></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">There are times when drivers should not be driving. If anyone is impaired by drugs, alcohol or fatigue they obviously should not be behind the wheel. This includes a lot of over-the-counter drugs for colds, etc., that can make you drowsy.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">When weather or road conditions are dangerous, stay put and off the roads. </span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">There's no reason to risk your life or that of others on unsafe roads.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>4. Impatience</b></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">In a typical rush-hour commute of 30 kilometres, if a driver averages 60 km/h it would take 30 minutes to reach a destination. In heavy traffic, even if the driver averaged an extra 5 km/h by changing lanes and rushing, only two minutes of commuting time would be saved.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Do the math. Is saving two minutes of travel time worth the years the stress of  this type of behaviour will likely take off of your life?</span><br /> <i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></i> <i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">As always your feed back and input are always welcome - today I invite you to wade in the topic: rules of the road and common sense tips - what are your tips and which rules of the road do you think are most forgotten?</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;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">In Ontario a rider is dead following a <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/component/content/article/7292-two-killed-in-thanksgiving-monday-crashes">Thanksgiving Day Crash</a></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Also in Ontario <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/component/content/article/7291-collision-sends-motorcyclist-to-hospital-">a rider is in hospital following</a> a crash with a vehicle</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">In  Calgary, a lady rider thanks her fellow motorists for <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/">being such BAD drivers</a></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <i><b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="sqq">Belt Drive Betty</span></span></b></i><br /> <i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="sqq">Ride & Editor</span></span><b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="sqq"><br /></span></span></b></i><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="sqq">The Busted Knuckle Chronicles</span></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="sqq">www.bustedknucklenews.com</span></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="sqq">www.beltdrivebetty.com</span></span>

Some BASIC Rules of the road & common sense tips - remembering these might save a life

Driving a vehicle is a HUGE responsibility - the vehicle you are in command of be it a motorcycle, car, pick up or commercial vehicle IS A W...

Read more »

A day to give thanks

<i><span style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Here in Canada today is Thanksgiving. Most people equate it with turkey, ham and all of the fixings.</span></span></i><br /> <i><span style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">And while Thanksgiving it is about celebrating the bounty of the harvest and having a full larder it is also about giving thanks for all of the good things and most importantly the good people in your life...</span></span></i><br /> <i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></i> <i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I am thankful for so many things...</span></i><br /> <i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The challenges I have been facing of late - they make me stronger, better at what I do.</span></i><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I am grateful for those who do not like me -  they teach me different perspectives.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I am grateful for the friends that help me to stay grounded and stay the course.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I am grateful for the strength of the dream and vision I have as it too helps me to stand tall for what I believe in.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I am grateful for my incredible husband and his love - he amazes me daily.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I am grateful for my daughter - she makes me cry, make me proud and fills my heart with love and joy.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I am grateful for a kitten named "Lost" who found his way into my heart - he makes me laugh and giggle, his love is so pure and nonjudgmental - he is a fabulous stress reliever as his antics are zany!</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I am thankful for the people I work with and who have stood beside me no matter how many mistakes I make along this path I am learning to walk.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I am grateful for the mistakes I make for without them I would never know I was on the right path.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I am thankful for having a sweet little house and a decent car to drive. I am grateful for my motorcycle - it keeps me out of the psychiatrists office....</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I am grateful for this life I have been given, one that allows me to grow and reach.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I love my life and the people and creatures who make up my life...</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I thank the Lord my God for all of the treasures in my life...</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="sqq">“Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow.”</span></span><br /> <i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></i> <i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="sqq">So what are you grateful for?</span></span></i><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="sqq">I would love to know...</span></span><br /> <br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="sqq"> </span></span><br /> <i><b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="sqq">Belt Drive Betty</span></span></b></i><br /> <i><b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="sqq">Ride & Editor</span></span></b></i><br /> <br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="sqq">The Busted Knuckle Chronicles</span></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="sqq">www.bustedknucklenews.com</span></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="sqq">www.beltdrivebetty.com</span></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="sqq"> </span></span>

A day to give thanks

Here in Canada today is Thanksgiving. Most people equate it with turkey, ham and all of the fixings. And while Thanksgiving it is about cel...

Read more »

The Sens have something to give thanks for...

<span style="color: #e69138;"><i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The Ottawa Senators have gotten some potentially good news as their orthopaedic surgeon, <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/component/content/article/7271-injured-sens-md-on-the-mend">Don Chow made a surprise appearance at Scotiabank Place for Friday's</a> regular-season opener, visiting with coaches, management and players before the game against the Buffalo Sabres. On Aug. 28  Dr Chow was in a collision in which his motorcycle struck a car that had turned in front of him and he suffered among other injuries brain damage.</span></i></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">In the USA, Lance McCoy, the half brother of <a href="http://www.blogger.com/">Washington Redskins defencive tackle Albert Haynesworth </a>was killed in a motorcycle crash in Nashville on Friday. According to the information available, he was speeding Thursday night when he collided with a car pulling out of a parking lot and the police said that their preliminary investigation found McCoy's excessive speed was the main cause of the crash. Our hearts go out to the family.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I got an email from Steve Hammer the Treasurer of the Salmon Arm Summer Stomp and Event Manager for Sturgis of the North. He expressed to me his dismay of how I portrayed his relationship with the two events when I wrote about conflicts of interest. He says that the Sturgis of the North event is a paid position and the Stomp is something he does to give back to his community and that the Stomp committee knew of his accepting the paid position with Sturgis North before hand.  </span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">He felt I should have called and asked questions of both groups. I had had contact with the one and only person with the Stomp that I knew how to get a hold of.  I am now being told that this person from the Stomp committee that I talked with is disgruntled. I am told I should have done more research before I questioned what was happening. I have been given a list of people that I can contact that are also members of the Stomp Committee to get a broader sense of what is truly going on, but honestly - I have no heart for any of it. I am tired and burnt out from all of the personality conflicts and politics that have been present in my own world.</span><br /> <i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></i> <i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I wish both the Stomp and Sturgis of the North well and I apologize for using this situation to compare how mine measured up.  </span></i><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Happy Thanksgiving </span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Belt Drive Betty</span>

The Sens have something to give thanks for...

The Ottawa Senators have gotten some potentially good news as their orthopaedic surgeon, Don Chow made a surprise appearance at Scotiabank...

Read more »