Out of New Zealand today is an article about the lack of motorcyclists in that country. According to the article, there was a study done in the EU regarding travel times where in it was discovered that if 10% of the driving population rode motorcycles, the wait times in traffic would be reduced by 40%.
Traffic congestion is a problem in many large cities and regions and New Zealand is concerned that only 3% of drivers between 15 and 24 hold a motorcycle license. This age group accounts for 15% of all drivers in New Zealand.
Begin Quote: Ian Stronach, MTA Marketing and Communications General Manager says "Though there are some differences in the transport situations between Europe and New Zealand, it is entirely possible that an increase in the use of motorcycles of the level mentioned in this study could see significant reductions in traffic congestion locally. It's only logical that more people using physically smaller and more nimble forms of transport would lead to less congestion, fewer emissions and faster travel times." End Quote
Mr Stronach goes on to say:
Begin Quote: Stronach says: "The bulk of those licensed to ride motorcycles on our roads is a carry-over from the heyday of motorcycling, 20 and 30 years ago. If the trend continues, it will not be feasible for New Zealand to even contemplate motorcycles as an aid to reducing congestion; as older riders 'retire' from riding, there simply aren't enough new license holders coming through to replace them.
"With active encouragement, effective training regimes and friendlier road design, motorcycling could take its place as an effective part of our overall transport system." End Quote
I truly find it amazing that a study needed to be done to figure out that smaller vehicles reduce congestion, and I also find it hard to believe that young people are not riding motorcycles in New Zealand...what are your thoughts? There have been many reports done about the fact that younger people are not embracing motorcycles like we old timers.
What could we as a community do to encourage more young people to ride? What do you think is the biggest barrier to young people riding?
I would love your opinions and take on this subject.
In other news:
1% era are are making news on two fronts today, one report out of Sweden says that a local leader for the Outlaws was found murdered just hours after his trial was to get under way.
The other is out of Germany, where a World War II bunker was being used by the Hells Angels for a marijuana grow op.
Out of Daytona comes a story about women, cabbage and a competition.
Speed signs that can catch you speeding? They a reality in Scotland!
And those poor beggars in Nigeria are protesting their motorcycles being confiscated...
There are many other articles in the news today that may have bearing on your life as a rider, check them out at www.beltdrivebetty.com
Today is Busted Knuckle Chronicles day...51 pages of event information and articles from across Canada!
I leave you with a few funnies, shared with me by friends either through emails or on Facebook...giggling is a great way to start your day!
Have a fabulous day everyone!
Belt Drive Betty,
Editor & Rider
Imagine living in a country like Nigeria where they have banned motorcycles.That's right, motorcycles are banned in the Nigerian county of Yobe right now because of the acts of a few. The violence that has taken place in that county, largely by people who ride motorcycles has caused the government there to ban their use. In a county where the farmers and poor rely on motorcycles as their only transportation, the Nigerian government has had to get creative in getting farmers out their fields in order to ensure a good agricultural season.
Can you imagine living in a place where motorcycles are BANNED?
Then in the UK...imagine you are riding along, hot dogging' it a bit because you have spring fever and a Hyabusa pulls up along side you....the police officer pulls you over and then shows you a video, with your average speed and either decides to teach you or charge you...
That's what is happening in Britain right now...Yes the police in Humberside have an unmarked Suzuki Hyabusa equipped with video and speed equipment and they can and will catch you and teach or charge you - all at the officer's discretion.
Now... imagine... living in a place like Lake Weir where if you don't love motorcycles and other outdoor recreations involving quads, boats and other "BIG" toys, perhaps this isn't the place for you to buy!
Begin Quote: Lake Weir Living® is for a generation raised on rock and roll. The parents of boomers enjoy a slower lifestyle, engulfed in an HOA restricted golf community. The Generation Dylan boomers (GDs) are opposite. GDs like the fast lane for their hot rods and Harley-Davidsons (AARP). They made motorcycles mainstream. GD 'toys' range from motorcycles, jet-skis, boats and hot-rods to RVs. They typically have two or more toys, they don't care for 'anti-toy' restrictions found in many communities, and the rules that prohibit custom home designs are a big turn-off. They certainly don't like paying "HOA fees to the man," says Jack McCann (Lake Weir Living resident since 2010). End Quote
Lake Weir sounds like my kind of retirement place....what do you think?
In other news:
The old Rossmeyer dealership in Daytona is all set to become a museum
With the capture of L'animal in Panama, there is now a renewed push on to find another wanted Canadian Fugative - Hell's Angels Member - David MacDonald Carroll
What do you get when you bring Arlen Ness, Rick Fairless and Dave Perewitz together at Daytona Bike Week for All State Insurance? Three custom bike unveilings....and one giveaway bike...
There are other articles that may prove of interest to you over at www.beltdrivebetty.com, where we do our best to bring to you the news of the motorcycle community.
We've had a rough few days moving our web site - we are almost done and I can not wait to flip the switch! Ali and I are both eager to get the rest of the content streamlining done and continue the work of implementing all of the tools and resources we have for you to use and enjoy!
I leave you today with a few funnies, shared with me by my wonderfully crazy friends on Facebook and through emails...
Have a fabulous day everyone and remember to IMAGINE!
Belt Drive Betty
Editor & Rider
There is an article out of the UK today about their motorcycle lobby day called Riders are Voters. 50 riders comprising members of riding clubs and business went to their parliament with some messages...
As many of you know - there are some rather harsh laws being proposed in the UK and other EU countries that have the potential to adversely affect the riding community - not only in Europe but eventually, here in Canada and the US as well.
Among some of the issues are rider training and the revamp of the system, the new anti tampering laws etc..
Begin Quote: "Riders and industry are concerned about European proposals for a new ‘Type Approval' framework which covers the design and construction of motorcycles. The proposals are complex and could result in significant costs and bureaucracy to business and riders. This could threaten jobs and economic development, particularly in the area of so-called ‘anti tampering' proposals." End Quote
According to the article on the Ultimate Motorcycling web site, motorcycling is a worth a half billion dollars to the economy in the UK.
Here in Canada, we have one lobby group - BCCOM that has an MLA day where riders take politicians for a ride and discuss the politics and laws that affect riders.
One group - that's all we have in a country this size...
The political will of the motorcycle community here in Canada is so fragmented as to be all but non existent.
Little bands of Biker's Rights groups spring up and shut down over and over again. There does not appear to be any kind of sustainable anger or will in the Canadian Rider...neither does there appear to be any kind of cohesive movement or strategy of dealing with the issues that face riders here. Right now all we have is a few people who get pissed off for a short period of time, start Facebook Groups to vent and then .... well, nothing.
Someday perhaps, riders in Canada will understand that at some point we need a political lobby group and a meaningful joint effort to tackle the challenges like the motorcycle ONLY noise bylaws, the left hand turn crashes, the disgusting penalties that car drivers are given when a rider is killed.
What say you?
There is a ton of other news in the feeds from the weekend and yesterday.
Visit www.beltdrivebetty.com to see if anything affects your day, your life as a rider.
Our web site is being moved to a dedicated server but we have hit a few road bumps that Ali is attempting to sort out. It appears that everything has been moved OK but our template keeps disappearing - so hang tight everyone, Ali will get it sorted and then we will be on the march towards bigger and better things for you our members, users of our site and readers of our weekly newspaper.
I leave you with a few giggles, shared with me by friends on Facebook and thorough emails.
Have a fantastic Tuesday everyone!
Belt Drive Betty
Editor & Rider
