A New Service Trying to Disrupt Motorcycle Rentals

I read recently about a service that is called Twisted Road.
Their idea is to disrupt the motorcycle rental business by having people like you and I be willing to rent our motorcycles out to others.

I decided I had to check them out and spent some time reading all of their rental FAQ's.

I am unsure of how you would feel about renting out your motorcycle to someone you don't know.
There are lots of people that I know that ride, very few that I will throw my keys to, and I am sure you are probably equally as protective.

There are a lot of things on and not on their website that concern me.

If you read their FAQ's, they constantly say "we intend to".

Begin Quote" If someone rents out my bike and drops it, will I be paid for the damages
Yes. Twisted Road intends to cover the damages up to the value of the motorcycle, or $15,000, whichever is lower. For example, if your bike’s value is $4,500, and the bike is totaled, we intend to pay you for the value of the bike, or $4,500." End Quote

Those words, intend to, mean that I would be out. Promises that are vague like this do not instil any confidence in me.

Let's look at some of the other challenges that this concept has from the owner's side:

#1 - Many people don't treat their own bikes with the care and concern I treat mine with. Do you really want someone with a different riding style from yours riding your motorcycle? That's an emotional decision only you can make, but remember, unlike a rental bike that never gets used to one rider (by that I mean the wearing patterns on the drive train that are caused by how you get on the throttle etc.) your motorcycle probably is conditioned to your riding style and an alternate riding style can affect the way your bike runs long term.

#2 - Yes you are gaining some money, but does the rental money you would gain actually cover the real costs of riding like wear and tear on tires, brakes etc. They have no limit on mileage and don't mention a mileage fee that I can see anywhere.

#3 - Breakdowns, what happens when a stator goes, or some other part while it's being rented? Who pays for the repairs and what guarantee about quality of parts is there?

#4 - Services. So your bike is rented for two weeks and buddy puts on 5K, is he responsible for the oil change, brakes if they need replacing etc?

#5 - You make 70% of the rental fee and don't get paid for a week AFTER the rider is done. I don't like that, do you?

#6 - I know when I rented a bike in Ireland, my insurance did not cover me on the rental bike when I crashed, so I'd have a real concern with this company relying so heavily on rider's individual insurance.

#7 - I doubt that if YOUR insurance company found out you were making money by renting out your bike, that your insurance wouldn't be cancelled. I will almost guarantee that it will be cancelled or you will be forced to get commercial insurance. No where on their website do they suggest that you talk to your insurance company before you join.

#8 - What if I decide to cancel the rental because I don't like the rider?
Will I be sued? That's not addressed on their site.

# 9 - What if they crash and sue me for providing a bike that is not up to par?
That's not addressed on their site.

# 10 - They allow you to take someone's motorcycle out of country (US - Canada) - REALLY? Have they checked with the border?  I doubt that would fly...

Let's look at some of the challenges from the renter's point of view:

#1 - How well maintained is the bike I am going to rent? Am I going to get stuck renting something that needs neck bearings or other repairs? Am I on the hook?

#2 - If the owner can cancel up to 24 hours before hand, who protects me and my vacation?

I am not a fan of this idea. There are just too many issues that can arise.

I like the idea of renting from companies like EagleRider Calgary.
They maintain their fleet. I only have to deal with their company, they can protect my vacation because if something happened to their ride, they have resources that Twisted Road would not have.

EagleRider Rentals are available world wide and I don't have to worry about insurance issues.

Those are my thoughts, what say you?

Have a fantastic day,
Belt Drive Betty,
Editor & Rider

PS - Remember to nominate your favourite community at www.riderfreindlycontest.ca

The Discrimination Begins - Power of the People Pt. 2

The 2014 riding season has not gotten underway in many regions on Canada yet, but our lifestyle and machines are already under attack.

Saskatoon is moving for a motorcycle noise bylaw with a 92 decibel level and they will be using the controversial J2825 SAE Test to measure the noise from your motorcycle.

The 92 decibel J2825 Motorcycle Only Noise Test created by the Society of Automotive Engineers for the MIC and MMIC is slowly spreading across the country.

Watch the video to see how its conducted:

Something YOU NEED to know about the J2825 and your motorcycle's insurance:

If the officer/s conducting the test damages your bike, your insurance WILL NOT cover the damage and your only recourse is to sue the officer/s, not the police service but the officer/s. 

DOCUMENT YOUR STOP with video and get the officers names and badge numbers on paper.

In Atlantic Canada, we have the City of Bathurst that does not want motorcycles or our ilk in their community. They passed the discriminatory motorcycle only noise bylaw in 2011, the same bylaw has been passed in Edmonton and many other communities across the country. Riders in Atlantic Canada have formed the Atlantic Motorcycle Coalition to stop the spread of this discriminatory practise brought down on the community by the manufacturers. In Edmonton there is MODEL to help you fight your noise tickets, but they can also provide information to you or a rights group you belong to that can help you no matter which province or territory you live in. For you riders in Saskatchewan, you can contact RAGE if you need help. Canadian Riders are not alone in being singled out for special attention either. In the state of Illinois motorcycle poker runs are now required to pay a $400.00 fee to hold a poker run and each stop must buy a special license worth $150.00 We all know about the bikie crack down in Australia and how innocent riders are being detained and harassed all in the name of getting rid of the 1 percenters. I will say it again, as the discrimination begins - The Power of the People can affect change, but not unless you join an association or group and provide them with documentation on the situation you face.  (Read my blog post from yesterday to get the links and information on the various riders rights organizations in Canada.) Unless you make your voice heard by people who can actually do something it's just whining & snivelling. And we know that whining and snivelling is NOT going to get us anywhere,

Here are a few ideas on what you can do this riding season to protect our way of life: #1 - Self Policing - not always a popular option, but turning your back on the show offs who ruin it for the rest of us is one thing we as a community can do easily.  Don't give the attention seeker the attention they are looking for. IGNORE THEM, SHAKE YOUR HEAD and TURN YOUR BACK ON THEM.  Laughing, encouraging or cheering for them only feeds their ego and eggs them on and that is ALL bad for the rest of us. #2 - Respect - remember we have to share our cities and communities, we need to be good neighbours and that means being respectful in hospital zones, residential areas and in business sectors where people are eating on patios and conducting business in their offices. Because other drivers often make more noise than we do, we need to lead by example by being respectful.  While we all know that in urban riding situations cracking the throttle can and often will wake the driver up who is drifting into your lane, cracking your throttle to show off only causes us to loose a tool in our self defense tool kit. Use your pipes only when needed in urban riding situations. Being well trained in emergency stopping and manoeuvres, being highly aware of your surroundings and decent riding gear for physical protection are still the best protection you can have out there. #3 - Be a Part of the Solution - Join a riders rights association in your region and for Alberta, Yukon and Northwest Territories where there is no association other than MODEL Edmonton (Motorcyclists Opposed to Discriminatory Exhaust Legislation), document your stop and make sure you have a good lawyer. #4 - Film & Photograph - Using a helmet cam or a bike mounted camera can often times provide the evidence you need regarding stops and crashes, so consider making that investment. Historical information is hugely valuable for lobbying groups. We are collecting information to have at the ready just incase we ever get a national riders rights association off the ground in this country. If you wish to share your information on a stop you think was uncalled for or you experienced any kind of profiling, discrimination or harassment, you can fill out the Police Harassment Report on our site.

We have two choices, either work to protect our lifestyle or be prepared to be harassed and discriminated against and learn to like it.

That's the way I see things - what are your thoughts?

Have a great Tuesday everyone and if you are one of those lucky beggars who is riding today - I don't want to hear about it, I have PMS so bad, I might just snap! Seriously, ride like everyone around you is blind and cannot see you.

Belt Drive Betty
Editor & Rider

Lobbying for Change

In Saskatchewan, Riders Against Government Exploitation, (R.A.G.E.) have a battle ahead of them with a government that appears to be continually putting them off and or "lying" to them.

The minister responsible for SGI, Saskatchewan Government Insurance, Donna Harpauer, seems to be invisible and yet, Saskatchewan has the highest motor vehicle accident and death rate in Canada.

According to Don Fuller, strategist for R.A.G.E. the issues that R.A.G.E. will be addressing at the upcoming Rate Proposal Hearings are:

1) Opposing the 2014 (6.4%) rate increase for Motorcycles

2) Opposing SGIs continued practice of increasing insurance rates for all vehicles not just motorcycles.

- RAGE has proposed SGI stop increasing license plate rates across the entire Saskatchewan motoring public.

- RAGE has proposed SGI begin focusing on a "real long-term solution" to the escalating accident, injury and death rates in this province.

- R.A.G.E. does not agree with implementing increase after increase in order cover the costs associated with high-risk drivers behavior.

- It is RAGE's position that individuals responsible for the escalating costs of licensing in this province need to held accountable for their behavior.

Note: The personal injury insurance component is not in here as SGI has already identified a full-scale review is happening in 2014. The issue of personal insurance will be addressed by R.A.GE. in that venue where are efforts will have greater impact.

R.A.G.E. has some fundamental and core issues they will be raising at the upcoming Rate Proposal Hearings:

License Demerits
- Raise demerits on high-risk drivers "driver's license" not the license plate.

- Raise the dollar value on the demerit points to where they are more in line with today’s costs, and present a real consequence for high-risk driving behavior.

- Extend the time-frame of the demerit fee from "one-time" to multi-year.

License Suspension
- Reduce the number of demerits an individual can accumulate on their driver's license before their license is suspended.

- Demerits and fines associated with driving demerits must remain in effect through-out the term of a suspension.

Criminal Charges
- Review the criteria for criminal charges related accidents, injury and high-risk behavior causing death.

Law Enforcement
- Request law enforcement be more diligent in assessing fault and charging individuals "at" the "scene", as well as filling out accent reports in full.

- Police services informed R.A.G.E. that police officers seldom assess fault or charge individuals at the scene unless alcohol is involved.

- Accident reports are seldom filled in with all the information needed for any type of full-scale causation study (i.e.: Hurt Report).

These issues affect all drivers not just motorcyclists and it is imperative that all Saskatchewan drivers and riders get out to these meetings and show the government that they want REAL CHANGE not rate increases.

There are many issues involved in seeing accident and injury rates go down in Saskatchewan, and R.A.G.E, as part of the Motorcycle Review Committee put many suggestions forward.

There is now a second group that has formed in Saskatchewan to see the way SGI does things changed, but they are calling for privatization of insurance for motorcyclists and others.

It will be a tough battle to get an insurance company to come into a province where there are only 30,000 registered motorcycles but it might be possible if all 1,114,170 people in the province opted for privatization. Would rates actually go down in a province with a small population?

I ask that question because after all, private companies are about profit just as much as any government insurance is!

R.A.G.E. isn't against privatization, but sees the issue of driver behaviour as the single issue that will reduce crashes and injury in the immediate future.  Privatization is something that has been talked about in Saskatchewan since the 80's but it will not happen unless the people are truly persistent and unified.

Remember, Lobbying for Change takes four things:

1 - Determination and the will of the people to see change happen.

2 - Letters, phone calls, emails and attendance at hearings

3 - Patience, because the wheels of government turn slowly, especially when the bureaucracy is affected. Changing the way things are done involves the changing of systems and mind sets!

4 - Persistence - never let up the pressure.

DATES for Rate Review Meetings ARE:

REGINA -- April 7, 7:30 p.m. at the Delta Regina

SASKATOON -- April 9, 7:30 p.m. at the Delta Bessborough

You'll have a chance to ask SGI questions and express your views on the rate proposal. 

Learn more here: http://saskratereview.ca/images/docs/sgi-2014/srrp_SGI%20Media%20Release_Mar3_posting.pdf

What are your thoughts on this subject?

There's lots of other news in the news feeds this morning, check it out at www.beltdrivebetty.com where our work is keeping you informed!

I hope everyone who subscribes to the Busted Knuckle Chronicles is enjoying their newspaper today!

If you are fortunate enough to be riding today, please ride like everyone around you is blind and cannot see you.

Belt Drive Betty

Editor & Rider

Pay how you ride

Insurance is one of the most contentious issues that affects ALL riders.

It unifies us and it divides us all at the same time.

I think everyone can agree that insurance premiums for motorcycles are high, pretty much everywhere across this great country of ours.

In Saskatchewan, R.A.G.E. (Riders Against Government Exploitation) formed and in 6 short weeks they pushed back at the government insurance agency, SGI, causing a reversal of an 72% insurance increase to riders in 2013. Some classes of bikes were going to be hit with an increase as high as 400%!

The result of the unification in Saskatchewan by the riding community was a 15% increase and the creation of the Motorcycle Review Committee.

R.A.G.E has a seat at the table and is working with the Government of Saskatchewan's Insurance arm along with the general public to form the new rules that will govern insurance and hence your money and how it's spent.

The recommendations that are being put forth for public input are:

1. Motorcycle Graduated Driver Licensing (MGDL).

2. Protective clothing for all motorcycle riders and passengers.

3. Motorcycle inspections.

4. Rates, penalties and discounts for all drivers.

5. Motorcycle rates and rate groupings.

6. Injury, scarring and death benefit options for motorcyclists.

The report is quite in-depth and there are many, many topics covered. I urge you to read it.

The following is from the report:

Under Section 5:

Usage-based insurance/telematics pilot

SGI recently completed a pilot to gather information about use of telematics on motorcycles. There is no company using telematics today to set insurance rates for motorcycles. If telematics can be successfully used on motorcycles, it could allow motorcycle rates to be based on how an individual actually operates their motorcycle, meaning lower rates for those who drive safely and higher rates for those who are riskier drivers.
There is more detail about the telematics pilot on SGI’s website.

Information from the pilot shows that use of telematics for motorcycles has merits, particularly for new riders. SGI will undertake more stakeholder and public consultation before deciding whether to use it to set motorcycle insurance rates. However, this year’s consultation was an opportunity to gather some public input on the concept, and participants were asked for their thoughts on it.

Most participants were wary of telematics (46.3% of responses) or felt they didn’t have enough information to give an opinion (30.9%).
Some (22%) supported the concept.

While all members received strong push back from the groups they represent on this item, the Motorcycle Review Committee received a detailed presentation on telematics and how it might be used to set motorcycle rates, and they supported gathering more information and exploring the possibility.

Telematics - what is it?

Usage based insurance - what it is and what does it mean?

Currently there are three kinds of usage based insurance:

Pay as you drive - mileage based

Pay how you drive - behaviour based

Manage how you drive - which is a combination of Pay as you drive and Pay how you drive but with active feedback. (Telematics)

In the first two scenarios - generally you are given a rebate if you drive less than you originally thought you would and you get no tickets etc...

In the third scenario - the Manage How you Drive, you are billed monthly and your bill looks like that of a cell phone bill.

Here is the presentation video given in Saskatchewan by Paul-André Savoie, President and CEO Baseline Telematics - this program is currently being used in Quebec:

http://bcove.me/94ttutgo

For these who don't want to take the 47 minutes to watch the entire video, I will attempt to give you the highlights of what I learned by watching it, but I really encourage you to take the time to watch the video because there is just so much to learn and so many questions raised by this kind of technology.

In the example given by Mr. Savoie, a rider who has a Telematics device installed on their machine will be able to log in to the insurance website and see a Google Earth map that will show you every time you were speeding, by how much over the limit you were going, every hard breaking situation you were in, every cornering situation and any fast acceleration situations. You will see graphs etc and what your detailed bill looks like.

You can also compare how you ride/drive to others in the system.

In this system - over and above a flat monthly fee for fire, theft, etc. you are charged for every kilometre you ride/drive up to 2,000 KMS per month at 1.01 cents per kilometre. (that was one example, another was 2.5 cents per kilometre). According to Mr. Savoie very seldom does anyone go more than 2,000 KMS from home hence why that is the limit and the rest of the month you ride for free as far as the mileage charge goes.

You are charged for speeding based on how many times you speed - up to as high 80% surcharge.

There is a $10 charge for every time you excessively speed (60KPH is the threshold for triggering an extreme speed penalty and that is ON TOP OF THE SURCHARGE.

In all, if you speed lots, have lots of quick accelerations, and too many hard stops you can see your insurance for the month double.

You can also be rewarded with up to 25% discount if you drive well and stay within all limits.

An email goes out every week to the driver/rider so there are no surprises regarding the insurance.

The device can store up to 6 months worth of driving data so even if you are in a region where GPS does not work, the minute you are back in range, the system will dump the information back to the insurance company.

Telematics is said to basically retrain the driver/rider by giving constant feedback and since your bill is adjusted monthly, as you remove the bad habits from your driving, your monthly insurance generally goes down over time.

These machines can send reams of information about you, where you travel and how you travel back to your insurance company.  Yes, there appears to be some benefits to the machines like emergency services deployment in the advent of a crash, or theft alert, and they can even set up parameters to allow you to speed at a race track. Or if you lend a machine to a friend - you can set up geographical limits to where they can take the machine and if they go out of bounds you get an alert.

Hmm...

I have some questions about the information collected and who can access it, can the devices be fitted with cameras so that if hard acceleration or hard deceleration occurs to avoid a collision that can be relayed so you don't face a penalty?

My brain is in overload from watching the video and I am sure I will have more questions as what I watched really sinks in.

I don't know about you but I feel like a lab rat in a bad conditioning experiment...
Ivan Pavlov would be proud - what a great way to train a population to be obedient.

What say you?

Belt Drive Betty
Editor & Rider

Motorcycle Insurance, New Riders and Safety

SGI - Saskatchewan Government Insurance has released some information on the proposed changes to motorcycle insurance and rules in that province.

According to the article in the Times Colonist, SGI intends to see new rules in place regarding getting a license to ride, the clothing you must wear but mandatory rider training is not on the agenda.

Before you can get a license you will have to do a skills and ability test, no more writing an exam and hopping on a bike.

All riders in the graduated licensing program will be required to have their arms and legs covered, wear ankle boots, a three quarter helmet minimum, wear gloves and eye protection.

Another change is that anyone wanting a motorcycle license would have to hold a class 5 drivers license.

Fearful that people will not be in a good frame of mind to learn and that rural areas will not be able for provide it,  means that mandatory rider training has been ruled out.

Don Fuller of R.A.G.E., Riders Against Government Exploitation, says that while R.A.G.E. likes the changes for new motorcyclists that the recommendation to charge rates based on type of motorcycle doesn't do enough to address rider safety.

Now I have a couple of questions about these proposed changes.

Why is it only new riders are being required to wear a minimum amount of safety gear?

Why aren't all riders required to wear a minimum amount of safety gear? If this is about reducing the cost of claims, then every rider should at least wear proper footwear, jeans and a jacket on top of gloves, helmet and eye protection.

Just calling for arms and legs to be covered means little. That means I can wear a long sleeve tee shirt and my arms are covered or that I wear spandex tights and my legs are covered. Neither of which are going to protect me at all in a crash situation. The road will chew that fabric up and grind it into your hide along with the gravel, sand and dirt that is on the road.

Why should you have to have a drivers license to get a motorcycle license?
Being a car driver does not equate to you being a good rider.

Sadly it seems we have to make laws to protect people from themselves in order to reduce crashes and claims, so since that seems to be the case, why are these proposed changes so broad and vague in their descriptions and requirements?

Personally I think SGI should reduce your insurance by the amount the rider training costs you for your second year of insurance thereby taking the financial sting out of mandatory training.

With the advent of Kevlar Jeans, Kevlar shirts, armour and the advancement in the cooling capabilities of modern jackets and all of the other advances in safety gear, there is no reason for a rider to go unprotected.

What are your thoughts on minimum gear requirements - people being people, do we need to be more clear about what constitutes minimum gear? What should that minimum be?

I'd love your comments and feedback - tell me what you think of mandatory gear and mandatory training and lets hear what insurance is like in your province.

Have a fabulous day everyone...

Belt Drive Betty
Editor & Rider

A day of crazy stuff in the news...

Some mornings I shake my head a lot as I read the news feeds. Today is one of those days.

In an article from Great Britain, an insurance company went to great lengths to dispute information that the BBC had in a show called "How Safe are Britain's Roads"

According to the article: 
"Insurer refutes that loss of control is main cause of motorcycle deaths

Groupama Insurances says it has “proved categorically” that other road users are the main cause of motorcycle deaths, refuting the suggestion on the BBC TV programme ‘How Safe are Britain’s Roads?’ that loss of control on bends is the main cause." End Quote

So, how could the BBC get things so wrong? Is this investigative journalism?  Things that make you go hmmm..

Then out of Salt Lake City Utah comes this headline:

LDS motorcycle gang makes temples its destination

Apparently the Later Day Saints do not know the difference between a riding club and a gang...or how wrong it is to label people inappropriately -  interesting.

In the how petty can you be category...

A veteran sued his boss for firing him because he bought tickets on a Harley from a rival of his boss.

According to the article: The lawsuit alleged that Schatzman fired Russell in November 2010 after Russell bought $100 tickets in a motorcycle rifle organized by Dave Griffith, who was running against Schatzman for sheriff. Russell said he just wanted to win the motorcycle and was never told buying the tickets would get him fired. End Quote

In Australia, the Chief Commissioner Ken Lay, has decided it is time to clean house. "Blitz on Rats in the Ranks" is his effort to rout out bad cops on his force. 

According to the article: 'What we have uncovered in the past three to four months is really worrying that some of our police are behaving criminally. They are either very naive or have been very carefully cultivated by members of outlaw motorcycle gangs. It is not just about compromising Victoria Police now; it is about compromising the organization in five, 10 or 15 years' time.''

I really wonder at some of these reports about police services - no matter where they are in the world, police are people and with that comes all of the flaws of humanity.  Just because you are a police officer does not automatically guarantee you are going to be one of the good guys. And that my friends can be said in any profession and any community around the world regardless of skin color, race, creed....

Out of Ireland come two divergent articles. The first is about the goofiest sitcom on bikers being released on line I have ever watched! "The Clandestine" is about a group of office workers who decide to form a bike gang.

The other is from MCN Magazine and is about the TT Races and the man who promotes them, Paul Phillips, who says that if Irish Road Racing died it wouldn't affect the sport.

And the man so many "Love to Hate" Jesse James got hitched to pro drag racer Alexis DeJoria

I guess the fact he cheated on Sandra Bullock and has done so many times in the past to other gals doesn't faze this fast lady...

In Ontario a 23 year old female rider is charged with stunting and dangerous driving.

A train and a motorcycle collided in Surrey BC yesterday - there are no details available as of yet.

There is a ton of other news in the feeds today - these one's just caught my eye and some made me go hmmm.

I need a giggle - how about you?

These were shared with me by friends from Facebook and via emails:

Have a great Tuesday everyone.

Belt Drive Betty

Editor & Rider

Motorcycle Insurance...

We got in a letter from an American friend who was boasting about his insurance being so much cheaper that ours here in Canada.

Comparing his policy to mine where in I have 1 million liability, Collision and comprehensive, replacement value of $22,800, $2,000 vacation coverage - my policy is $580 - I am not so sure his is such a great deal.

I am going to call my broker today and ask some questions but I would have to say by looking at our two policies that costs are similar. If he had 1 million liability and replacement value I wonder where he'd be?

When talking insurance you need to compare apples to apples - get quotes and ask lots of questions to make sure that what you have is what you think you have!
No matter where you live, who you insure through - ASK QUESTIONS until you understand your policy.

In the news today:

Motress is reminding ladies that International Female Rider Day is May 7th this year.

A group of Grandmothers is holding a Poker Run - see why...

Insurance is on the minds of a lot of riders...

How a cocky dude flunked his driver's exam...

And last but not least, a repairman finds a bag of cash stashed in a furnace and a member of the Nomads gets himself in a ton of hot water as a result.

It snowed here last night - what a rotten four letter word that is - and just when I am finally - time wise - able to sneak out for a few hours...oh well - it will give me time to perfect my pitch for the Dragon's Den auditions on Saturday.

If you are riding today you luck sod - PLEASE - ride like everyone around you is blind - they are all out to get you and use some respect with that throttle hand - PLEASE!

Belt Drive Betty

Editor- The Busted Knuckle Chronicles
www.beltdrivebetty.com
A MAX Award winning web site!
National VP - A.I.M.Can (Watch for our new name coming soon!)
www.aim-can.com
www.bustedknucklenews.com
www.canadianriders.ca
www.riderfriendly.ca

So how old do you have to be to have a choice?

The passing of Duncan grandmother Sandra Hunter after a crash involving a left hand turning vehicle and the (proposed) changes coming to BC's helmet laws has me asking some questions - some tough questions - ones I have opinions on but no answers. (And no I do not know if Sandra was wearing a beanie or a DOT - it just got me thinking about rider safety issues is all)

In BC wearing a beanie has long been a cause for boasting amongst many in that motorcycle community.

The law that appears to be changing that could go in to effect soon. Read the letter and article from Adele over at BCCOM.

Insurance costs and health care costs (And rider fatalities) are two of the biggest reasons that the powers that be want to enforce stricter helmet laws now in BC. The more popular motorcycling - the more accidents.

So, the question is at what age are you old enough to choose the risk level that you are comfortable with?

Then the next question HAS to be - looking from the social and political stand point - who should pay if you sustain serious head trauma and you have exercised your "right" to wear a beanie or go helmet less? Hospital stays are expensive and taxpayers who don't ride probably don't want to pay for your hospital stay - at least that's the case in most US states...so I would think it would be the same here in Canada.

Looking at this issue and trying to treat adults as adults - give them their right to choose and look at the non riding portion of the populations' concerns over health care costs - I say the solution that's the best, the most fair and equitable to everyone would be a case where if you want to ride without a helmet or only wearing a beanie then pay an extra premium and have a special sticker affixed to your license plate.

I also think that if you ride without a helmet or wearing only a beanie that part of the "cost" for exercising your "right" to not wear a helmet or to wear only a beanie should be having to sign your donor card.

Now I know that some out there are going to pound their chests and go rah rah rah but guess what folks, the reason I parenthesized the word Right - is remember the Charter? YOUR RIGHTS STOP WHERE THEY INFRINGE ON ANOTHER...so what that means to you is - if someone else, some other tax payer is paying for your hospital stay - you are infringing on their rights if you got there because you were not wearing a helmet (referring to head trauma here folks).

So - in attempting to look at both sides of the issue I think a fee for non helmet wearers and manditory signing of your donor card are the best way to go.

At least you won't infringe on the rights of others and who knows - the organ donor waiting list might become a lot shorter thereby benefiting many others. I am trying to find the silver lining in what I consider to be tragic loss. Perhaps some good could come out of the tragic - Just a little something for everyone to consider...and perhaps have some discussion over.

In other news:

Darlene Jackson underwent surgery yesterday and is reportedly doing well. There is no prognosis as to whether she will regain use of her legs or not yet but she was back in her room and squeezed her auntie's hand so...our prayers go out to you Darlene - stay strong and get well - we want you back on a bike and loving the wind...Darlene's family are hosting a fundraiser for the single mom to help out with the expenses she will face while waiting on insurance etc so if you can help out that's be fabulous. You can join the prayer ring on FB at Prayers and Wishes for Darlene Jackson:http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=351426449143

Michael Bilodeau, 21 learns his fate soon - he was charged with making an unsafe turn in an accident that saw drunk rider - Allan DeVogelaere, 44 loose his life. According to accident investigators the fact that DeVogelaere's blood alcohol level was 1.5 times the legal limit - NO rider could have avoided the crash.

The Motorcycle Ride for Dad's Cross Canada Run should be the biggest of it's kind if not just in Canada, perhaps in the world...

Edmonton's city council is pushing for stronger/clearer laws on Noise Pollution

Have a fabulous day. Tell the people you love that you love them because you never know if today is the day you or they don't come home. Never take them for granted and please, ride like everyone around you is blind and can not see you, that they are out to get you and use come consideration when riding - that right hand doesn't need to be cranked - 99% of the time - save it for when it means something - a driver drifting you way.

Belt Drive Betty
Editor- The Busted Knuckle Chronicles
www.beltdrivebetty.com
A MAX Award winning web site!
National VP - A.I.M.Can
www.aim-can.com
www.bustedknucklenews.com
www.canadianriders.ca
www.riderfriendly.ca

Insurance, companies, brokers and YOUR BIKE...

It's that time of year when insuring your ride is on your mind. We here in the great white north have been suffering from PMS - Parked Motorcycle Syndrome, we have indulged in SOS - Shiny Object Syndrome to try and assuage our needs through the various motorcycle shows but NOTHING replaces our ride...

Having said that there have been a number of emails circulating where in people are "Bit#hing, grousing and grumbling" about insurance. It's cost, it's coverages and the companies and brokers who sell it.

A number of provinces have government insurance and unfortunately if you choose to live there and you want to ride you are going to pay through the nose - literally - I am referring to Quebec predominantly.

Hubby and I had toyed with perhaps moving back to Chomedey QC or back to Mara Lake BC and both got vetoed once we discovered the insurance costs and costs of owning a home there. Just not in our financial futures...

Insurance is an important purchase and I want to have some honest discussion - I do not want company bashing - I want discussion on the kinds of insurance you have, the cost, the coverage.

We need insurance reform in Canada - we ALL know that. How do we do it is the biggest question. Each province has its own set of rules and laws...But perhaps if we start some thoughtful and honest discussion, solutions and ideas will present themselves that will help you, me and every rider out there get a better bang for our buck and ensure that when an accident happens we have the help and funds we need to look after ourselves.

Richard Spinz started some major discussion with Bruno from Ryder's Roost and has agreed to have his thoughts printed here - he is from Ontario -

BIKE INSURANCE

I have been looking around for years for a company that will give me 2nd bike insurance at lower than the full price premium...no success. Every company I have queried has asked for FULL PREMIUM for a 2nd bike even though I argue that I am the only rider and can only ride one bike at a time. Though I am in my 60`s with an excellent driving-riding record and NO CLAIMS, no matter. Full fare is demanded by every company. It makes me believe there is collusion and price fixing in the insurance industry. How to prove that, who knows. What to do about it, who knows. I know the prov. govt. is not going to do a damn thing about it. One never bites that hand that feeds you...and insurance companies, undoubtedly financially support political parties in power during every election campaign. Chris Hedges, an American Pulitzer Prize winning author writes a superb book, The Empire of Illusions, about the conspiracies behind every scene in the United States...TV, media, govt, oil, welfare support, health financing, and he would likely agree, in the insurance industry.

The only ``out`` for me with the insurance would be to take ``strictly liability`` coverage and even then the premium of $1200 a year drops by a mere $100...great deal !!! Ask me if I am discouraged. Ask me if I am upset. Almost makes me want to consider whether riding is worth all the cost. At the moment, I can still afford this luxury...for how long.

It is sad that the little man really has no recourse to the Bull Shit behind the insurance industry. I guess if they really jacked up premiums for those who make claims or push for big time health compensation, the companies wouldn't make enough profit to satisfy their shareholders. So instead, lets just bash everyone with little bumps to premiums. There is nothing those poor slobs can do about it except pay. That`s me baby !!!

Richard Szpin

So let's talk about insurance, your needs, your coverage and the costs...hopefully I will be able to get some brokers from the various provinces to weigh in on this discussion!

If you wiegh in on the discussion I want to know:
Where you live - province..
What you ride...
What you are covered for...
What kind of driving/riding record you have - don't need details just...speeding tickets, clean record etc...
How much you pay... and then your thoughts on this touchy and volatile subject!

In the news today:

The Second Gear Club has changed the venue for this weekend's ice race...

The Canadian Stunt Riding Championship's Calendar is out and up for sale - help these guys out and buy a calendar!

Deeley Harley-Davidson is at the Quebec Motorcycle Show this weekend...

And if you like comedy and live in Grande Prairie AB and area...Mike the Party HOG is performing here from the 15-20th of February...

If like me you can not ride - the Beat the PMS Blues on Line Show 'n' Shine is a good place to go and day dream - vote on some bikes and  help someone win some prizes. We did have a couple of kinks with the voting - you can only vote once per picture in a 24 hour period...

If you feel you got cheated out of some votes on the 3rd because of the little hiccups we experienced when we kicked off the voting, have your friends email our web mistress to tell her which picture and class and she will add the vote from the admin screen - we can't have anyone upset - this is supposed to be fun! (ali4evr@gmail.com)

If you are fortunate enough to be riding today - I don't want to hear about it but I do want you to ride like everyone around you is blind and can not see you.

Have an incredible day...

Belt Drive Betty

www.beltdrivebetty.com

National VP - Alliance of Injured Motorcyclists Canada

www.aim-can.com

A Four Million Dollar Insurnace Settlement

Sounds impressive doesn't it. 4 Million dollars.

That was what the jury awarded a young Vancouver Island man - just 32 years old.
The father of three young children will never walk again - is a complete paraplegic.

He gets $327,100 for his pain and suffering - the maximum allowed under the law.
The rest will go to aides and equipment to help him live.

Imagine - $327K to cover the pain he will live with for the rest of his life.
$327K to compensate for the fact that he will never run with his children, never hold them.  How can that be enough? No amount of money will ever make up for what he can not now do, never mind the pain he will live with for the rest of his life - I know that, but really? What an insult...the young woman who was responsible for the accident, Jessica Kloosterman, was driving on the wrong side of the road - yet she was seen as only bearing 85% of the fault.

I can not imagine that - it took 4 years for Ronald Kirk to get this settlement.
And for the rest of his life he is wheelchair bound with no real pleasures in his life and somehow $327K is supposed to make it better.

There is something fundamentally wrong here - in my humble opinion.

The young 27 year old rider who was hit by an elderly man 83 yrs old who was backing out of his driveway has died of his injuries. Police are investigating to see if speed on the part of the rider was a contributing factor in his death.

I am so tired of hearing about these types of accidents people.
Haven't we lost enough riders across this country this year?

If you are riding today, PLEASE - ride like everyone around you is blind and can not see you.

Belt Drive Betty
National VP AIM-Can
www.aim-can.com
www.beltdrivebetty.com

Dealing with the Police, EMT’s, Medical Personnel and Insurance Companies/Agencies, after a Motorcycle Accident

Depending on the severity of the accident you might find yourself dealing with the RCMP or another police force, ambulance/fire personnel, hospital personnel, insurance company and adjusters, lawyers, towing companies, physio therapists and a whole host of people.

Too often, far too often, I get letters and calls from riders who have had horrible experiences. They get called organ donors or the first thing a police officer looks at is your helmet to make sure its DOT approved – and has an attitude that you are just a dirty biker. I don’t know why there is such prejudice, but it’s there and we have to deal with it.

Dealing with insurance adjusters – they are NOT on your side – remember that, they are representing the insurance company…not you.

Tow truck drivers can also be very pigheaded to deal with and often times have little regard for your motorcycle – lodging complaints with the towing company and the insurance company will help ensure that if there are too many complaints, that towing company will get dropped or they will fire the offending driver to keep the contract.

It’s a lot of work fighting for your life, your health and your rights. You have to protect your interests and unfortunately sometimes that means getting a lawyer involved.

Depending on your situation, one of the first things you or someone who can work for you like a family member or spouse needs to do is get you an injury and or criminal lawyer. Some times the best and only way to look after your rights is having a lawyer guide you.

Keep your mouth shut and write down everything you can. Keep a journal that clearly says on it “MY (Your Name) PRIVATE JOURNAL” then no one but your lawyer is entitled to see what is written there.

Document EVERYTHING - how you are feeling, who visits you, when your medications change, which Dr is looking after you – document everything that you can – then when your memory fails you – or if your lawyer needs information about something, you have something to fall back on. AGAIN - Make sure the Journal says it is Your Private Journal – protect yourself.

If anyone you don’t know comes to your room at the hospital and starts asking questions that make you uncomfortable – don’t answer them, ask them for a card or info and then tell them you are too tired and need to go to sleep – then write down their name and info so that your lawyer has it.

PROTECT YOURSELF!

Have you ever heard of the Alliance for Injured Motorcyclists of Canada? Her is the link to their brand new web site which is still under construction (AIM-Can) Here is the link to the old web site....http://www.aimcan.com/

Have you had an accident with your motorcycle?

What was your experience like?

How were you treated?

Do you have any advice to pass on?

Talk to me….

Stay safe, by riding like everyone around you is blind and can't see you, stay hydrated and PLEASE, use respect with that right hand.

Belt Drive Betty

Statistics - how do you read them

I have been researching the statistics quoted by MPP Helena Jaczek from Ontario as she quotes them to support her private member's Bill 117

I am awaiting a reply from her office to supply them and guidance on how to verify their origins.

What I am seeing on the Ministry of Transportation of Ontario web site leads me to believe that her statistics are extremely skewed.

I also have calls in to the Insurance Council of Canada and Statistics Canada.

The problem with any statistic is the logic behind how they are compiled and what questions are asked. It is vital when talking to the people providing them that one asks the right questions to get the most valid and accurate answers.

I'll fill you in more and what I discover over the course of the next few days.
Even though I live in Alberta, I think having all of the facts and being educated about what is going on around us vital - no matter where we riders live.

Until tomorrow, stay safe and warm

Belt Drive Betty