Motorcycle riders may swap leathers for fluoro vests

[Frank]

http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/n ... 6451721963

Australia's 1.3 million motorcycle riders would be forced by law to wear fluoro jackets under proposals splitting the biker and scooter community.
A country policeman has started a national battle over the possibility of compulsory hi-visibility clothing as part of a bid to make riding safer and reduce the toll of about 200 deaths a year from motorcycle accidents.
One meeting of riders tonight is likely to start a national rebellion against forcing motorcycle licence holders, including the 750,000 who use their machines every week, into day-glo safety wardrobes.
Anger over the proposal for mandatory protective clothing is nearing the level of fury reached when daytime headlight use was pushed as a safety measure 25 years ago.
A Victorian Government road safety inquiry will consider the hi-viz option and, if adopted, other states could be expected to follow.

The public debate began when the fluoro idea was pushed by Senior Sergeant Bill Gore of the Wangaratta Highway Patrol, a 35-year police motorbike veteran.

Opponents now refer to it as "Gore's law", although it's a long way from being legally enforceable.

Sgt Gore recommended the measure at a June meeting of locals on motorcycle safety. He denies a report he told the meeting it would become law, but has not retreated from endorsing the idea.

"If a motorcyclist can make himself more visible he's less likely to be hit," Sgt Gore told ABC radio.

"I would encourage motorcyclist to wear as much high-visibility gear as they could. I wear it myself, and if it can be done, that should be the choice."

Damien Codognotto, Melbourne-based spokesman for the Independent Riders' Group, is fighting compulsory fluoro because it could affect the liability of a bike or scooter rider after an accident.

And there was no evident the jackets would add to safety.

"Gore's law is likely to change the legal standing of motorcycle and scooter riders and their liability after a crash regardless of who was at fault," Mr Codognotto told news.com.au.

"We went through all this about 25 years ago with the lights-on ADR (Australian Design Rules).

"Compulsory third party insurers are looking to reduce payouts for victims of road trauma who were on two wheels (who are) seen as easy targets for reduced compensation. That is not only unjust considering the premiums and taxes we pay, it is disastrous for riders' families."

He said there had not been much research into the issue and the collection of crash-site data had been patchy.

One bike rider named Pee Wee, from a Gold Coast Christian motorcycle club, says it's others on the road who need high visibility as they cause most accidents.

"Maybe we should fluoro all the pedestrians and P-plate drivers and riders," Pee Wee said.

Wattie you better drag out your high vis vest again.

[laidback]

What a lot of crap...atm everyone has a choice...

Well if they are going to make it compulsory then every person that crosses a road on foot MUST wear high vis or they could be contributing to pedestrian injuries...I can see a barrister putting a vest over his garb...not...

[Johnnyflash]

Tis the law in many European countries too........... Snippet from MCN about the Frogs!

"Motorcyclists in France face compulsory high visibility clothing from next year.

The French government is pushing ahead with plans for compulsory hi-vis riding gear despite protests.

From January 1 2013, riders of bikes over 125cc will have to wear a reflective item of clothing under the French version of the Highway Code.

The reflective area must be on the upper body and cover at least 150 square centimetres. The requirement will apply to riders and pillions and is likely to affect foreigners travelling in France.

Failure to comply could lead to a fine of €68.

MAG’s Ian Mutch said: "We contend that a motorist who is incapable of identifying a normally dressed rider and motorcycle in conditions of good visibility is not fit to hold a driving licence.

"Making extreme demands of motorcyclists in respect of their clothing is to effectively persecute the victims of problem to accommodate the failings of those who often cause them."

[dickfaber]

http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_trksid= ... s&_sacat=0

[webcase]

"Motorcyclists in France face compulsory high visibility clothing from next year.

The French government is pushing ahead with plans for compulsory hi-vis riding gear despite protests.

From January 1 2013, riders of bikes over 125cc will have to wear a reflective item of clothing under the French version of the Highway Code.

Holy crap.I thought we lived in THE nanny state.The French also restrict all bikes to 100 HP as well apparently.Buggered if i know how the 1000cc sellers fare.

[MadKaw]

http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_trksid= ... s&_sacat=0

Yes, thats it.. RF900 coils are the answer.

Thats the problem with you ppl, you all see the negative...
Lets look at the positive of this.... We can do more KSRC stuff....

[robracer]

Only one way to Fly

[laidback]

Are they high vis stickers on his arse..

[dickfaber]

http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_trksid= ... s&_sacat=0

sorry, wrong forum!

[Gosling1]

Donut Man says TAKE YOUR HIGH-VIS BULLSHIT AND BASH IT FAIR UP YOUR OWN ARSE !!!







There is a time and a place to wear hi-vis - for members of the police who have to confront highly intoxicated Swedish nationals who have overstayed their visa !!!!!






but in all seriousness - it is a fucking load of crap.

Expecting bikers to be visible, takes all the responsibility away from car drivers to look properly in the first place. The reality is that you could wear a fucking massive mirror-ball on your helmet and there will still be spankers out there that will run you over. You could have a flashing neon sign lit up attached to your hi-vis - it won't help.

Drivers have to be taught to look first.

I still get the shits everytime I see some retard wearing hi-vis on a bike. If you have to wear that shit to feel safe, you need to re-consider riding a motorcycle in the first place sport.

It is not a cloak of invincibility !!!!!

[dickfaber]

hey gos, i didnt know you could speak french?

[Gosling1]

....hey gos, i didnt know you could speak french?.....

bonjeour ma leedle french froggie legs

maybe these blokes are channelling my Facebook nom-de-plume .....Bubba Zanetti ??

Gotta love the French !!!!

[mick_dundee]

I wear hi vis when I ride, don't see it as a cloak of inbvincibilty but on country roads with no street lights if someone hits me I don't want the SMIDSY excuse used. During daylight hours it will make 2/5'ths of fuck all difference, know a chick who always rode with a white helmet and hi vis best and she has been bowled over twice that I know of.

[photomike666]

I've seen cars pull out in front of trucks and buses. If the bastages don't look well enough to see those, there is no amount of Hi Vis that will save motorcyclists.

The onus needs to be on the ability of people to drive, not on the victims of others lack of observations.

[Blurr]

Aren't we all taught in our Stay Upright licence course that the person responsible for our own safety 'is ourselves', don't leave it up to others to ensure crash avoidance?