Saskatchewan Riders - teaching us all a lesson in unity

<i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Saskatchewan gets a bad rap as a place to live and ride.</span></i><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The infrastructure in the province is deplorable, everyone in the world seems to think the place is flat and boring when that is far from the case.</span></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>People poke fun of Saskatchewan for a variety of reasons but I am here to tell you this...</b></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">In just a few days this provinces riders have united in a way that the rest of the country could stand up and take notice of.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">While they have an enormous amount to do in a short period of time, the riders are getting the job done.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The have been <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/saskatchewan/295-motorcycle-television/26182-backlash-over-proposed-sgi-rate-increases-"><span style="color: red;">FLOODING SGI with petitions, letters, phone calls and emails</span></a>.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">They have been getting <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/saskatchewan/295-motorcycle-television/26184-mandryk-public-crowns-balancing-sask-budget"><span style="color: red;">media attention</span></a> and they are gathering strength in numbers.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">These people are united in a way that I have not seen happen in a long while and I hope that they can sustain it because we here in Canada need a role model on what being a lobby force can look like and accomplish.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I, like many riders will be waiting to hear the outcome of the town hall meetings, and getting the response to my questions on behalf of <a href="http://r.a.g.e./"><span style="color: red;">R.A.G.E.</span></a></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">We need to support this group if in any way possible - <a href="http://www.saskrage.org/"><span style="color: red;">buy a patch, donate</span></a>, join their <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/248400351962414/"><span style="color: red;">Facebook Group</span></a> - offer advice, support or funds...</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">These guys and dolls should be looked on as a huge inspiration - it can be done, we can unite, we can work for better solutions than the ones that are too often forced upon us.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">We have a new fight brewing in <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/alberta/292-motorcycle-television/26187-sign-petition-to-prevent-the-loss-of-recreational-land-usage-in-southern-alberta"><span style="color: red;">Southern Alberta</span> </a>where recreational riding lands are being threatened and low and behold - SASKATCHEWAN has almost gotten their law passed with NO PUBLIC INPUT.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">If Southern Alberta riders can muster the same kind of unity of numbers and willingness to put forth a little effort, we might just be on a roll.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I find it difficult to understand why Edmonton area riders are not united in challenging discrimination of riders, but perhaps, just perhaps, we can re ignite the passion to right wrongs...by seeing others in united action.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">There are many other great stories in the news feeds today - please visit <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/"><span style="color: red;">www.beltdrivebetty.com</span></a> where our work is keeping You informed to read about what may affect your day or life...</span><br /> <i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></i> <i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I leave you with a few funnies shared with me by friends on Facebook and via emails - laughter - levity - it's needed today!</span></i><br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI44tU_JlsgfB0UBdueT9XYWQJDaSN6SD2Tqg-auCsmRXj2_7o-V7wdD_W_7ZbwySfkDCavbS32goXi725BqkTleDldiH2otso8Yl_brBN5HOMgZE63EDqa6dCgnNS4RxvQaz7/s1600/17483_501310389933412_1453777884_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI44tU_JlsgfB0UBdueT9XYWQJDaSN6SD2Tqg-auCsmRXj2_7o-V7wdD_W_7ZbwySfkDCavbS32goXi725BqkTleDldiH2otso8Yl_brBN5HOMgZE63EDqa6dCgnNS4RxvQaz7/s320/17483_501310389933412_1453777884_n.jpg" width="284" /></a></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkZzMI11V7oKQ9yGWJqLRA0cT59spItNABD7YH5wQyFP4OKLAj53ygFbFqWuLSv2LiRTzrnDyY9BPBDWsG2rxCB2aEPwoRx3ZW9ib8QVxIaHz3RqdscY-yvb4hv8gPPUmemauY/s1600/64571_10151244209332624_683493339_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkZzMI11V7oKQ9yGWJqLRA0cT59spItNABD7YH5wQyFP4OKLAj53ygFbFqWuLSv2LiRTzrnDyY9BPBDWsG2rxCB2aEPwoRx3ZW9ib8QVxIaHz3RqdscY-yvb4hv8gPPUmemauY/s320/64571_10151244209332624_683493339_n.jpg" width="266" /></a></span></div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkJM7S2sn39Zh6-Ixf51wcmvc8iseZx9GqiK4WqVzlZi7Ac9MMWP_B59KB0uZdg2MSa0t4OfSJjySrpgqmiNJ-6uXCyOqItzfPPFDoPrSFYExGJZXKlZft-iEW6fPckeiepBZx/s1600/32163_458843750854016_954996621_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="309" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkJM7S2sn39Zh6-Ixf51wcmvc8iseZx9GqiK4WqVzlZi7Ac9MMWP_B59KB0uZdg2MSa0t4OfSJjySrpgqmiNJ-6uXCyOqItzfPPFDoPrSFYExGJZXKlZft-iEW6fPckeiepBZx/s320/32163_458843750854016_954996621_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">For all you in the Grande Prairie AB region - David Wilcox is on stage tonight at Dukes - $45 per ticket - doors open at 8pm! Hope to see you there!</span></i><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Have a great weekend everyone.</span><br /> <br /> <i><b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Belt Drive Betty</span></b></i><br /> <i><b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Editor & Rider</span></b></i>

Saskatchewan Riders - teaching us all a lesson in unity

Belt Drive 4 8:16 AM

Saskatchewan gets a bad rap as a place to live and ride. The infrastructure in the province is deplorable, everyone in the world seems to think the place is flat and boring when that is far from the case. People poke fun of Saskatchewan for a variety… Read more »

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First Interview with SGI's Don Thompson

<i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I had my first interview with Don Thompson the VP of products for SGI. (Saskatchewan Government Insurance)</span></i><br /> <i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></i> <span style="color: #e69138;"><i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">As many of you have probably heard, our brothers and sisters in Saskatchewan are up against the hard wall of massive rate hikes if SGI's request is met with favour. (Up to 400%)</span></i></span><br /> <span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></span> <span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Statistics as we all know can be generated in any way you want them to appear.</span></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">You can compare year over year "accident" payouts for a category and say they have gone up 15% and not say that the group affected grew by 100%.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">So instead of doing the usual type of interview with the man, I decided to simply ask for the facts, the hard numbers and guess what. I had to email him with a list of questions to get answers on and the facts sent back to me.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I had asked members of R.A.G.E. (<a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/248400351962414/?ref=ts&fref=ts&__dyn=598aD5z48F-0Z8">Riders Against Government Exploitation</a>) for a list of questions they wanted answers to and then did my best to ask as many of their questions as possible.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Here is the letter of request that I sent out following my brief discussion with Mr. Thompson.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <br /> <div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 13px;"> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Dear Don,</span></div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 13px;"> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 13px;"> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Thank you for speaking with me today,</span></div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 13px;"> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 13px;"> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Here are the questions and the answer or information I seek.</span></div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 13px;"> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 13px;"> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>Q:</b> How many motorcycle claims were there is 2010? 2011?</span></div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 13px;"> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 13px;"> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>Q:</b> How much is the average motorcycle claim? </span></div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 13px;"> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 13px;"> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>Q</b>: How much is the cost of the claims?</span></div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 13px;"> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">IE - What is the amount for the claim as opposed to the costs to administer the claim.</span></div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 13px;"> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 13px;"> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>Q:</b> What was the total amount paid out on motorcycle claims? We hear that $9 million was the short fall - what is the total?</span></div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 13px;"> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 13px;"> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>Q:</b> What the increase is for motorcycle accidents/injuries/costs over the last 10 years</span></div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 13px;"> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 13px;"> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>Q: </b>Cars, pickups and SUV's/Mini Vans account for how many road users?  </span></div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 13px;"> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 13px;"> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>Q</b>: And what percentage of claims?</span></div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 13px;"> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 13px;"> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>Q:</b> What is the average claim for an auto collision.</span></div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 13px;"> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 13px;"> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>Q</b>: How much is the cost of the claims?</span></div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 13px;"> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">IE - What is the amount for the claim as opposed to the costs to administer the claim.</span></div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 13px;"> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><br /></span></span></div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 13px;"> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Comment:</span> In Alberta we have PL/PD coverage that you can purchase which offers section B benefits for wage loss and out of pocket expenses.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>Q:</b>Why are Saskatchewan riders not offered a similar option?</span></div> </div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 13px;"> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 13px;"> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Comment:</span> There are 165 claims involving bicycles according to TIAS Report</span></div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 13px;"> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>Q:</b> What portion of these claims go back to motorcyclists assuming it is divided by all 31 classes to bear the cost. </span></div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 13px;"> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 13px;"> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>Q:</b> Is the actual number of bicycle claims higher or lower?</span></div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 13px;"> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 13px;"> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Comment:</span> You claim the 53% of motorcyclists are at fault in collisions.</span></div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 13px;"> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>Request:</b> What data can I see to verify that fact?</span></div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 13px;"> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 13px;"> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>Request:</b> How many motorcycles were involved with Animal collisions?</span></div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 13px;"> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 13px;"> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>Request: </b>How many motorcyclists were hit in left hand turning situations?</span></div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 13px;"> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 13px;"> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Q: Has SGI considered the damage to the motorcycle industry, the dealership, the staff if no motorcycles were sold?</span></div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 13px;"> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 13px;"> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Q: Has SGI considered the impact to the environment if there are fewer motorcycles and more large resource using vehicles on the road?</span></div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 13px;"> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 13px;"> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The documents I included in my request so that we were dealing with the same information are:</span></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4bvPObNARj6jNiRSAbjaTFGrq8yQ4ZhyqJwEw7KQZJ-GXieOlVaaQKHzMmMuUk_S57zhMAGAdfscI-efdXYD0jjYGUVXphyphenhyphenw31_R77SeG31-J61teYU_SiRSHbKTPSOFihrjB/s1600/482550_10152571500705367_211258624_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4bvPObNARj6jNiRSAbjaTFGrq8yQ4ZhyqJwEw7KQZJ-GXieOlVaaQKHzMmMuUk_S57zhMAGAdfscI-efdXYD0jjYGUVXphyphenhyphenw31_R77SeG31-J61teYU_SiRSHbKTPSOFihrjB/s320/482550_10152571500705367_211258624_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguTg7ToO5n4H0QJQiNVBXSq71SwutbQRfFx4asz4wWQQokLgTQGtZSnlhG6ABxg4AwB1_l1iqkd16Voiydj6LrYVoBR3rkBzS-iCvJRtuKjfZEsasfm4KY3R-gqdlQfAgOWM-a/s1600/558006_10152571726470367_295639441_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguTg7ToO5n4H0QJQiNVBXSq71SwutbQRfFx4asz4wWQQokLgTQGtZSnlhG6ABxg4AwB1_l1iqkd16Voiydj6LrYVoBR3rkBzS-iCvJRtuKjfZEsasfm4KY3R-gqdlQfAgOWM-a/s320/558006_10152571726470367_295639441_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguTg7ToO5n4H0QJQiNVBXSq71SwutbQRfFx4asz4wWQQokLgTQGtZSnlhG6ABxg4AwB1_l1iqkd16Voiydj6LrYVoBR3rkBzS-iCvJRtuKjfZEsasfm4KY3R-gqdlQfAgOWM-a/s1600/558006_10152571726470367_295639441_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></span></div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn3Eqw7Ozt-jWEtFCh9c5ZS3abNFEyWQYbf0Qm3Hq1M8wheshtxCAGFmk8I2zEuJEGURF3OVXUrgerRY6UsxeIjAXsw7CZ5uFUmK8AEMlnP8U-mkURLkbDonUoXIdELlSuZ3Vi/s1600/SGI+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn3Eqw7Ozt-jWEtFCh9c5ZS3abNFEyWQYbf0Qm3Hq1M8wheshtxCAGFmk8I2zEuJEGURF3OVXUrgerRY6UsxeIjAXsw7CZ5uFUmK8AEMlnP8U-mkURLkbDonUoXIdELlSuZ3Vi/s320/SGI+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6oWYjR2Ng-Pl_stKHCxDb8zqHJQECc9ohRlhUaXRBwLB-BL_k35Oe965D2ggs0cSqYRJBBoZxRfWwaSYrNKP3em0XERgt-_R2ps6rYFkTFsHNvppY3CuqVclLlZu-64zBhlTH/s1600/SGI+2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6oWYjR2Ng-Pl_stKHCxDb8zqHJQECc9ohRlhUaXRBwLB-BL_k35Oe965D2ggs0cSqYRJBBoZxRfWwaSYrNKP3em0XERgt-_R2ps6rYFkTFsHNvppY3CuqVclLlZu-64zBhlTH/s320/SGI+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6oWYjR2Ng-Pl_stKHCxDb8zqHJQECc9ohRlhUaXRBwLB-BL_k35Oe965D2ggs0cSqYRJBBoZxRfWwaSYrNKP3em0XERgt-_R2ps6rYFkTFsHNvppY3CuqVclLlZu-64zBhlTH/s1600/SGI+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></span></div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I am looking forward to the man's email back to me and will give you what he has to say when I have it.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>The questions I did get answers to where:</b></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>Q:</b> Does the Ticket Surcharge go into the Auto Fund?</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>A:</b> Yes.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>Q:</b> According to the TIAS Report there are 11,747 motorcycles registered and yet you state 25,000 motorcycles in your radio comments. </span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>A: </b>The number of 11,747 is called Earned Exposures</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>Definition: </b></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">EARNED EXPOSURES</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Exposures are a measure of what is being insured. For example, an insured vehicle is an exposure. The term earned means that the exposures were in fact at risk of a loss in the period in question. For example, if a vehicle is insured as of July 1, 2008, then during the 2008 Accident Year, this would represent an exposure of 1/2 to the insurance company.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>Q:</b> What about exploring mandatory rider training and giving discounts to this who take training?</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>A:</b> It is something that has been discussed and has some possibilities.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">According to Mr. Thompson the TAIS Report is not the data they use for determining claims so I have to wait until he can provided the data that SGI uses.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">That's what is fit to report right now - when I have more I will be passing it along.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Have a great day everyone</span><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 /> <i><b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Editor & Rider</span></b></i>

First Interview with SGI's Don Thompson

Belt Drive 1 12:26 PM

I had my first interview with Don Thompson the VP of products for SGI. (Saskatchewan Government Insurance) As many of you have probably heard, our brothers and sisters in Saskatchewan are up against the hard wall of massive rate hikes if SGI's reques… Read more »

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R.A.G.E. - Riders Against Government Exploitation

<i><span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Saskatchewan Riders are ANGRY and rightfully so.</span></span></i><br /> <span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></span> <span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Their government run insurance company, SGI, wants to increase insurance on motorcycles and trust me, this is NOT your ordinary increase: Click on the image for a larger size.</span></span><br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgweKAzcPNkixRuRLmSkxKTbU8UHJGFNXksf5Iu4-9xYoy_EfOp4-zPc0Ul1RdI7Qos_H2YWWtBgOYpxuq6GYqZhgGN_jVB3AMNYjdyiAu83HCRHgIr_Z4rHW1VEx6QKxkVUd21/s1600/motorcycles_LV-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgweKAzcPNkixRuRLmSkxKTbU8UHJGFNXksf5Iu4-9xYoy_EfOp4-zPc0Ul1RdI7Qos_H2YWWtBgOYpxuq6GYqZhgGN_jVB3AMNYjdyiAu83HCRHgIr_Z4rHW1VEx6QKxkVUd21/s640/motorcycles_LV-1.jpg" width="340" /></a></span></div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"></span><br /> <div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="color: #cccccc;"><i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Click on the image for a larger size.</span></i></span></div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">In many cases - the cost of insurance for motorcycles in Saskatchewan is proposed to over double!</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">If you had a 1982 and older SPORT motorcycle and you has an 1101 CC Engine in it - your rate would go from 1,001 - 4,309</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">DUAL SPORT bikes will see an almost consistent $1,200 increase in the same category.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">In the touring category the increases are all over the place and do not appear to make much sense.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Upon reading the 2010 Annual Report from SGI the stats do not support a rate increase to riders - period!</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib7HZBhNtwYk3bPyabjJ72YX7Qst10ZULmUXLQLrpNhIFSDf6nV6lg5AK7xsHyvDcHWGBBQmsewU4B22gbI1lYrZaeeQWYj0o4S53GEBH5fWYqqPSiw527qC1yIWi0ViKq7aa4/s1600/SGI+1.tiff" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib7HZBhNtwYk3bPyabjJ72YX7Qst10ZULmUXLQLrpNhIFSDf6nV6lg5AK7xsHyvDcHWGBBQmsewU4B22gbI1lYrZaeeQWYj0o4S53GEBH5fWYqqPSiw527qC1yIWi0ViKq7aa4/s640/SGI+1.tiff" width="640" /></a></span></div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis8uzZmDf_P37skk1v9_CQlFdoshwkrN-4ZkNc9fZAUoxGcfp8MLJNp7vtrMJKn3L98vX6JcmzMDUuz5hnDWw7lcwrsAks1GmH0qe7kCH5r2AUBK2ua9VcBYi_fhuLurEdLP4z/s1600/SGI+2.tiff" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="460" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis8uzZmDf_P37skk1v9_CQlFdoshwkrN-4ZkNc9fZAUoxGcfp8MLJNp7vtrMJKn3L98vX6JcmzMDUuz5hnDWw7lcwrsAks1GmH0qe7kCH5r2AUBK2ua9VcBYi_fhuLurEdLP4z/s640/SGI+2.tiff" width="640" /></a></span></div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"></span><br /> <i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Even though the riding community has grown by a minimum of 4,000 riders since 2006, (11,767 in 2010 compared to 7,811 in 2006) You will note that save one year (2007) where there were 8 fatalities - the death rate of SK motorcyclists has fluctuated from 2-5 since 1994 - the increase in injuries and property damage only claims has not kept pace to the growth.</span></i><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The anger was swift from riders who have already organized a group on Facebook called R.A.G.E. and are forming a non-profit.</span><br /> <i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></i> <i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Riders Against Government Exploitation They can be found by visiting this link: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/248400351962414/"><span style="color: red;">https://www.facebook.com/groups/248400351962414/</span></a></span></i><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">If any of you out there are interested in helping Saskatchewan's riding community - they will be accepting donations and they will be needing a lawyer/lobbyist.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">For other Canadian Provinces like BC, Manitoba and Quebec who also have government run insurance - this is one fight you need to keep your eyes peeled to - you may have need of the knowledge that is gained.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">There is a TON of other valuable reading in the news feeds today at <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/"><span style="color: red;">www.beltdrivebetty.com</span></a> where our work is keeping You informed!  Visit our site to stay on top of what's happening in motorcycling.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>Breaking news:</b></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b></b> This just in from our RFBA Business partner Dalton Timmis Insurance - Home for Chrome:</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Jevco sold to Intact, they will only take factory-built trikes. This pretty much means that the only trike they will accept is the Harley Tri-Glide. They will not take Goldwing or regular Harley conversions, even if they are a professionally installed Lehmann or Roadmaster kit.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I'll have more for you a little later this morning and will post it in our news feeds.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I leave you with some funnies because after that depressing news - we need to laugh just to stay sane.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"></span><br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyvlTerQpDwS7TLyW47ZwE4GMzYSG_ZwMkvttFcKMrKISvBYFudMMFJ1iobdubYw4I_OGpu68-2TAHXmYm4Fulc-dtH0kGbYLa5iJ1VLhHFY9T2fBsTXLSoYzr7YqFubCF7Bp2/s1600/16308_543246969028763_1734142932_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyvlTerQpDwS7TLyW47ZwE4GMzYSG_ZwMkvttFcKMrKISvBYFudMMFJ1iobdubYw4I_OGpu68-2TAHXmYm4Fulc-dtH0kGbYLa5iJ1VLhHFY9T2fBsTXLSoYzr7YqFubCF7Bp2/s320/16308_543246969028763_1734142932_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikAxB38GliXo-si_sC7GMP_JzlIgtGezacEXoigVeykHwLcpSd9o1bsaFtsN2TWwAteRRcXA88-Nk6bS0Afj8hBgKNefMV1zL_-L8aSbAHwujBc1b651d1fp1NtqurF9OKaIb3/s1600/285786_550869601614365_2033063842_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikAxB38GliXo-si_sC7GMP_JzlIgtGezacEXoigVeykHwLcpSd9o1bsaFtsN2TWwAteRRcXA88-Nk6bS0Afj8hBgKNefMV1zL_-L8aSbAHwujBc1b651d1fp1NtqurF9OKaIb3/s1600/285786_550869601614365_2033063842_n.jpg" /></a></span></div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiuVFNfJUznaISC_v7Ko7SECWsga1wIvBg8BRqWjcfE2oLcYYFfbb6u3ELB8eTDke5Rxq4JUvDZxIMoN_I2B_omcWJ6E5GOQmyJF66RgoaEldUY8smr58HhpWNOtKakXpZPuov/s1600/223430_580054565355715_1586645005_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiuVFNfJUznaISC_v7Ko7SECWsga1wIvBg8BRqWjcfE2oLcYYFfbb6u3ELB8eTDke5Rxq4JUvDZxIMoN_I2B_omcWJ6E5GOQmyJF66RgoaEldUY8smr58HhpWNOtKakXpZPuov/s1600/223430_580054565355715_1586645005_n.jpg" /></a></span></div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Have a good day...</span></i><br /> <br /> <i><b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Belt Drive Betty</span></b></i><br /> <i><b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Editor & Rider</span></b></i>

R.A.G.E. - Riders Against Government Exploitation

Belt Drive 0 9:16 AM

Saskatchewan Riders are ANGRY and rightfully so. Their government run insurance company, SGI, wants to increase insurance on motorcycles and trust me, this is NOT your ordinary increase: Click on the image for a larger size. Click on the image for a … Read more »

Read more »