Belt Drive Betty's Blog

So what is a human life worth?

Like many riders I am sure, I was dismayed at the <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/latest-ab-news/292-motorcycle-television/12168-driver-fined-115-for-violation-that-killed-motorcyclist">$115 fine given to a Rocky Mountain House </a>man who pulled a left hand turn in front of a rider that resulted in the rider's death.  Our justice system is broken. It has been for a long time, because the rule of law and justice are often at odds with each other. 
 
 
Case in point - the Edmonton Motorcycle Only Noise Bylaw.  When Stuart Young won his case in court and the judge berated the lawyer representing the city for the evidentiary issues and then praised Stuart for his preparedness and told him he should become a lawyer, the city's council decided to file an appeal. Then they withdrew the appeal because of evidentiary issues. That appeal cost Stuart and a ton of riders who supported his fight close to $4,000 dollars and the city does NOT have to reimburse him. If it had gone all the way to trial and Stuart had won again his legal fees would have had to be paid by the city. What a morally wrong way to do things, but then the city's Motorcycle Only Noise Bylaw is also legally and morally wrong.   
 
 
I wished that all municipalities were like Calgary and willing to use the <a href="http://www.snrsystems.com/">Noise Snare</a> - a technology that nails ALL noise offenders equally! 
 
 
Yes, our justice system is broken and I for one have no idea how to fix that but I do believe we have the ability as riders and tax payers to affect change that may one day start to impact the justice system. 
 
 
How? Well, first off I think we need to take responsibility for our own actions.  
I feel we should all have to take a training course before we get on a bike. I feel that education should be the very first thing on our priority list and that we should just do it without being mandated to but then again we are dealing with human nature so maybe it should be mandatory.....  
 
 
I also believe that all of us should have to, at renewal time for our license, take a rules of the road exam - a written test to see if we remember what the rules of the road are.  
Too many people who hold a drivers license should not be on the roadways - again that is my humble opinion, I saw so many examples of that while on my 20,000 Km trek across this magnificent land. 
 
 
I was told yesterday that a man in Grande Prairie AB got a $2,400 fine for using his cell phone while driving, he was charged with driving with undo care and attention so he will loose points too. Alberta's hands free/distracted driving law does not come in to effect until September 1st.  Obviously there was at least one police officer who decided to take a stand and use the laws that are on the books to make his point loud and clear and you can bet that this man will not use his cell while driving again.  
 
 
I do not see why we need more new laws - if the ones on the books were actually enforced I think more people would be paying attention to their driving. 
 
 
Are stiffer fines the answer? I am not sure.  
I believe that education is the key to most of the challenges that are out there.   
Too many drivers seem to think they are more important than the next driver.  
They will cut you off, pass you on the right, tailgate - all in the name of getting 8' further ahead. 
 
 
In writing this editorial, like every one that I write, I did some research and found a few good places for you to test your knowledge of the rules of the road. 
 
 
Here are some of them: 
Pass the Wheel: <a href="http://www.passthewheel.com/sample_test.asp">http://www.passthewheel.com/sample_test.asp</a> 
 
 
Find a Driving School: <a href="http://find-a-driving-school.ca/free-g1-practice-tests/g1-practice-test-road-signs/">http://find-a-driving-school.ca/free-g1-practice-tests/g1-practice-test-road-signs/</a> 
 
 
Canada Drivers Ed: <a href="http://www.canadadriversed.com/">http://www.canadadriversed.com/</a> 
 
 
APNA Vancouver: <a href="http://www.apnavancouver.com/bc-driving-test/">http://www.apnavancouver.com/bc-driving-test/</a> 
 
 
There are many more places on the internet where you can challenge your knowledge of the rules of the road and sign knowledge.  
 
 
Maybe we should just start challenging ourselves to be better drivers and riders. 
But remember even when YOU know the rules of the road, unless you exhibit extreme caution at intersections and in other situations that arise - be prepared to be dead right as too many others out there have forgotten the rules of the road.  
 
 
Too many others out there feel they are more important than you are. 
Apathy, self importance and ignorance are our WORST enemies...and I am not sure if there is a cure for any of those things other than education! I know people who flout the law and even when disqualified from driving get behind the wheel like it is their right. Fines and penalties do not always work. 
 
 
Please - today as you ride, remember to ride like everyone around you is BLIND and can not see you. YOU and your knowledge and skill are your best offence when it come to being safe out there! 
 
 
As always, I love it when you talk to me  - please share your thoughts and opinions on driver/rider safety and awareness... 
 
 
In Other News: 
 
 
In Dawson Creek BC <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/latest-rider-down/1650-bc-rider-down/12187-collision-on-alaska-avenue-result-of-driver-error">driver error caused a crash on Alaska Avenue</a> 
 
 
In Kamloops BC things are<a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/latest-canadian-national-news/287-news-canadian-national/12179-16th-canadian-national-hogr-rally-thunder-in-the-valley"> gearing up for the Canadian HOG Rally</a> 
 
 
In Shediac NB the <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/latest-qc-travel/378-contacts/12186-shediac-motorcycle-rally-set">Motorcycle Rally is all set to go!</a> 
 
 
In Quebec there was a <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/latest-rider-down/1654-qc-rider-down/12184-fatal-motorcycle-crash-in-terrebonne">third fatal motorcycle crash in Montreal in one week</a> 
 
 
In Newfoundland an <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/latest-rider-down/301-motorcycle-television/12183-overjoyed-motorcycle-tourist-on-the-road-again">American Female Rider is thrilled to be able to continue her journey </a>as good people help out. 
 
 
And our very own Sea Dawg has a little Name the Water falls contest happening - can you tell him where this picture was taken? <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/latest-travel-tourism/340-contacts/12182-guess-where-this-picture-was-taken">http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/latest-travel-tourism/340-contacts/12182-guess-where-this-picture-was-taken</a> 
 
 
To catch up on all of the news of the day that affects you as a motorcyclist visit our web site: <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/">www.beltdrivebetty.com</a> 
 
 
Have a safe and enjoyable weekend everyone, talk to you all again on Monday! 
Belt Drive Betty

So what is a human life worth?

Like many riders I am sure, I was dismayed at the $115 fine given to a Rocky Mountain House man who pulled a left hand turn in front of a ri...

Motorcycle Awareness for the cager and the rider - how do we improve it?

Belt Drive 1 Community, Motorcycle Awareness, Safe Driving, Sharing 6:26 AM

Never has my Conga for Motorcycle Awareness meant more to me than it does this morning. 
 
 
As I look over the news of the past week and see how many riders have been killed or injured I wonder what can I do, what can we, as a community, do to affect change? 
 
 
While on the Share the Road, Share the Ride Motorcycle Awareness Conga this year I began filming motorcycle awareness PSA's (Public Service Announcements) 
 
 
I have begun the process of editing those videos to have them air on web sites everywhere.  
That is step one, but what else can we do to ensure our the safety of our community and the individual riders within it? 
 
 
It begins with US is what I believe. 
 
 
WE RIDERS need to be more aware of what is going on around us.  
 
 
We need to remember that people in cars and trucks seldom truly see us because they are too busy living their lives in their vehicles - they are eating, talking - be it to a passenger or on their phones, scolding children, shaving, reading novels and newspapers or putting on make up. 
 
 
As riders we need to constantly be scanning the roads and the ditches and be prepared for danger in a split second - but what do we do as drivers in our cages because let's face it folks - we also drive pick ups and cars - how attentive are we as drivers? Are we guilty of living our lives in our cars and trucks? 
 
 
I know that in the past I have been - but I have stopped that type of behaviour in my car. I shut my phone off when I am driving - I don't even bother with hands free - I simply DO NOT USE it in my car any more.  
What about you? Does being a motorcyclist make you a better driver? Are you more aware of the fact that you are commanding a weapon of 2,3,4 or 5000 pounds down the road? Do you text while driving? Do you allow yourself to slip into bad habits or are you constantly aware of what is going on around you? 
 
 
I was saddened and dismayed when I was in Winnipeg Harley-Davidson last week. 
 
 
What did I see that made me sad?  
 
 
A Bluetooth for your helmet - what in heaven's name is that all about? WHY did some genius think that it was OK to invent a Bluetooth to be used on a bike?  
What is so dire and important that we riders need to use a phone WHILE WE ARE RIDING? 
 
 
As technology advances I fear that critical thinking has been over taken by the love of gadgets and that having the newest shiny toy has become more important to us than safety or rational thinking. 
 
 
We bought motorcycles to ride, to see this fabulous land of ours and to visit other countries on - we bought motorcycles to escape the everyday grind of life and the incessant demands that are placed on us - right? 
We bought motorcycles to put our lives into perspective...and here we are selling Bluetooth's for our helmets...what does that say about motorcycle safety and awareness?  
 
 
To me the Bluetooth for your helmet is one of the most dangerous inventions for a motorcycle that has ever been conceived but that is just one woman's opinion - what is yours? I would be very interested in knowing.... 
 
 
So back to my earlier question - WHAT CAN WE - the motorcycling community do to make our roadways safer? To make ourselves better riders and drivers?  Any thoughts people? 
 
 
I have a few ideas brewing in this brain of mine but I really want your ideas - If we as a community, work together, share the ideas I know we all have, we would be able to come up with some answers and programs that would accomplish the goal of making our roads safer for all not just the motorcyclist...as always I love it when you talk to me and share your ideas so come on folks...let's share - TALK TO ME! 
 
 
In Other News: 
 
In Ontario - Winona woman<a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/latest-rider-down/1653-on-rider-down/12158-winona-woman-killed-in-motorcycle-crash"> killed in motorcycle crash</a> was a nurse 
 
And the Breast Ride Ever has teamed up with <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/latest-canadian-national-news/287-news-canadian-national/12160-stick-it-to-cancer-news-release">Ladies Hockey to Kick of Stick it to Cancer</a> 
 
In Quebec - Two <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/latest-rider-down/1654-qc-rider-down/12156-two-dead-after-two-motorcycle-collisions-within-three-hours">motorcyclists are dead after two crashes</a> within three hours 
 
In New Brunswick, <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/latest-nb-news/298-motorcycle-television/12163-tribute-to-veterans-planned-at-moto-moncton">Moto Moncton is gearing up for it's first year</a> 
 
In the US there is a warning about<a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/latest-canadian-national-news/287-news-canadian-national/12160-stick-it-to-cancer-news-release"> </a><a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/lastest-international/286-news-international-/12157-911-motorcycle-ride-expected-to-cause-major-traffic-delays">traffic congestion on highway 95 in Western Maryland and Northern Virginia for the 9/11 Run</a> 
 
And there is news <a href="http://www.zdnet.com/blog/green/its-electric-3-electric-vehicle-breakthroughs/18475">about the break through advancements in electric vehicles</a> 
(Personally I feel that while great for our environment, certain electric motorcycles, those for the street- will be another deadly development for our community) 
 
 
For all of the news that we can find in the news feeds and that is shared by other riders, visit <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/">www.beltdrivebetty.com</a> 
 
 
I hope you all like the new newsletters that now accompany your newspaper - we are working harder than ever to make your news more accessible and easier to read than ever by having provincial newsletters. Share your group or event information with us and we will help to spread that news to others in your province - we feel it is vital that we share so that our events, riding clubs and businesses all flourish and we hope you too will agree and get on the sharing band wagon. We have also set up provincial Facebook Pages so that we can ensure the largest circle of sharing possible. The more informed we are, the better and stronger our community becomes....what say you? 
 
 
Until tomorrow, I am your editor, 
Belt Drive Betty

Motorcycle Awareness for the cager and the rider - how do we improve it?

Never has my Conga for Motorcycle Awareness meant more to me than it does this morning. As I look over the news of the past week and see ...

I'm back and raring to go....

Belt Drive 0 Bikers United In Remembrance Conga, Community 7:39 AM

There is nothing to clear the brain and rejuvenate the soul like 20,000 kilometres of wind therapy - I have seen so many things and ridden with so many great people. Over the coming days and weeks as I finish my articles and post pictures and videos you will see some of what I have experienced. 
 
 
We have the most amazing country and it is well and truly best seen by motorcycle.  
No A pillars or roof to prevent you from witnessing the eagle soaring overhead or the magnificent waterfalls that appear out of nowhere as you round a corner.   
Canada is majestic and diverse in the panoramas that it affords one who chooses to set out to discover and explore it.  Yes the US is beautiful too but if you have never explored Canada and you are a Canadian rider - may I recommend that you make a firm decision to get out and explore this impressive land? 
 
 
I was blessed to talk to many riders and find out their favourite roads and to take those roads less travelled and let me tell you that there are many, many unexpected and wondrous surprises that await you, the rider, when you do that. 
 
 
Being home is a mixed blessing. I am so glad to have slept in my own bed last night, to have snuggled with my husband and to have been scolded by my cat but I was also sad to see the journey and exploration end. I am already planning for next year and believe me - there will be a twist or two in next year's Share the Road, Share the Ride Motorcycle Awareness Conga. 
 
 
As I said, there were many blessings on this trip and I will share many of them with you in the days ahead... but there were many discouraging and scary things too. 
 
 
Do you have any idea how many men, men that call themselves professional truck drivers - men who are in command of 110,000 pound weapons called semis are texting while they drive? I have filmed many of them and will be sending video clips to their trucking companies and if those companies do not take a stand, then I will be finding out who their insurance companies are and sending them on to them. 
 
 
Distracted driving is alive and well in this country in spite of the laws prohibiting the use of cell phones that are not hands free. 
 
 
Something else that is alive and well in this country - inconsideration and or the lack of knowledge of the rules of the road.  
 
 
I am shocked at how few people seem to know the rules of the road. I am even more shocked at how many rude people there are who will pass in construction zones or on the right or who will cut you off all in the name of getting 8' ahead of you. It appears that these people think that they are some how more important than you are. It is a sad and scary thing for sure! 
 
 
Despite the rudeness, the distracted driving and the lack of knowledge that many drivers exhibit this is one magnificent country and getting off the beaten path of the Trans Canada to really explore it removes much of the risk we riders face out there and improves the quality of our visual and soul satisfying experiences. It is my hopes that as I share the many stories of the people I have ridden with, the places I have stayed and the experiences I have had, that you too will decide to traverse Canada by taking the road less travelled... 
 
 
In Other news: 
 
 
In New Brunswick - Moto Moncton is gearing up for it's first time - for those not familiar with Moncton or the New Brunswick region - <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/latest-nb-travel/381-contacts/12152-visiting-riders-will-be-treated-to-guided-tours-of-nbs-scenic-roads">let me tell you, you are in for a treat</a>! 
 
 
In Alberta yet another <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/latest-rider-down/1649-ab-rider-down/12150-motorcycle-crash-in-nw-sends-man-to-hospital">rider has been injured in a tangle with a pick up</a> 
 
 
In Montreal a rider is <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/latest-rider-down/1654-qc-rider-down/12148-one-man-dead-another-treated-for-shock-after-rosemont-accident-">dead after another left hand turning crash</a> 
 
 
In Ontario police are asking people to be <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/latest-on-news/296-motorcycle-television/12147-motorcycle-crashes-prompt-warning">extra vigilant in light of two serious motorcycle crashes</a> 
 
 
In Newfoundland a female riding tourist from the US is<a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/latest-on-news/301-motorcycle-television/12146-nl-roadtrip-nixed-after-us-motorcycle-swiped"> crushed to have her trip cut short by the thief that stole her motorcycle</a> 
 
 
There is much in the news today - hope you will check out the news feeds on <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/">www.beltdrivebetty.com</a> to stay informed on the important issues and the event news that is affecting our community! 
 
 
<a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/whats-hot/contests/2012-calendar-contest">I would also like to ask you to get your calendars ordered</a> - the more calendars we sell - the better our charities do! 
 
 
I have much to catch up on, books, reports and writing so I will leave you for now with this thought... 
<div style="margin-bottom: 1.5em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
 
 
If we are really to live at all we must put our convictions into action - Margaret Sanger </div>
PLEASE - ride like everyone around you is blind and can not see you and remember, we need to share this world so be considerate with that right hand. Until tomorrow, I am your Editor, Belt Drive Betty...

I'm back and raring to go....

There is nothing to clear the brain and rejuvenate the soul like 20,000 kilometres of wind therapy - I have seen so many things and ridden w...