CapableCate
18th July 2013, 05:29 AM
(Continued from Mr Whippy's original thread “Irate police hunt 'missile moron' motorbike rider” started in General Discussion 18th of June, 2013) Previous posts relevant to the response appear first.
Posted by CapableCate in reply to Disco Muppet . . . 25th of June, 2013
. . .VicPol Media Release . . . MOTORCYCLIST CHARGED IN BENALLA . . . SUNDAY, 23 JUNE 2013 08:40*
A man has been charged after being detected speeding on a motorcycle near Benalla last Sunday.
A member from the Benalla Highway Patrol was performing traffic duties on the Hume Freeway on 16 June when he detected a motorcyclist travelling over the 110km/h speed limit.
When the leading senior constable attempted to intercept the rider, the rider allegedly reached speeds of around 273km/h.
Due to safety concerns police ceased following the motorcyclist.
Around 2pm yesterday police from the Benalla Highway Patrol, Benalla Crime Investigation Unit and local uniform members executed a search warrant at an address in Swanpool.
A 37-year-old Swanpool man was arrested and later charged with conduct endangering life, conduct endangering person, evade police, drive/ride in a manner dangerous, drive/ride at speed dangerous, exceed speed, possess cannabis and use cannabis.
He has been bailed to appear at Benalla Magistrate’s Court on 27 August, 2013. Natalie Webster Media Officer VP28027/2013
. . .
So far, I agree with majority of views expressed, and would like to add that it is highly unlikely the 'alleged' offender was avoiding the time in motion camera's on the Hume, as they finish/start at Broadford North/South bound. Given he was arrested at Swanpool, one would have to assume, if they've got the right rider, that he's a local to Benalla, in which case, he should have had more sense, as Traffic Op's there have always been dedicated; anyone remember 1080, and 540, his off-sider who was 1/2 as bad? Oh, and 1079, who was nearly as bad!
I was born in NE Victoria, and moved back 6 years ago after 12 years in Southern Tasmania, and previous couple of decades from South Coast NSW to FNQ. Have just returned from a few weeks in Tas, and drove a lot of it in my Disco tdi. Something I always notice about driving there, as opposed to my usual track the 'Doom' (Hume), is all drivers, from trucks (mainly semi's, not B doubles), to small cars & motorbikes, seem to have more respect for each other on the roads, are largely more considerate, polite, less hurried, and not distracted by numerous in-cab' toys, (like mobiles with Facebook, coz you can't possibly be away from it for a minute!), GPS, watching your speed to 2-3km etc. Interestingly, the majority of highways in Tasmania enjoy 110km limits where Victoria is 100km limits, and asides from Qld, tragically, has an incredible number of road kill of their native animals. TasPol, incidentally, despite TasGov being the most economically challenged in Australia, seem to exercise common sense in traffic management. Despite this, statistics show, that Tasmania still enjoys the lowest road toll per capita in Australia. Also, I would never bag VicPol; it's VicGov who's made the revenue raising ridiculous, in recent years.
I may be a bit 'last Century', but having been raised on a farm, and learnt to drive tractors, old Series 1 & 2 Land Rovers, Ford Prefect, (inclu double clutching non synchro gearboxes), Motorbike, Classic Range Rover, Defender & now Disco tdi, I would class myself as a better than average competent driver of 40+ years, and firstly believe Learner Drivers' should still have to learn in a manual vehicle; secondly, attend mandatory Defensive Driving/Riding Course, and thirdly, until over the Insurance deemed dangerous age group ie 25, not be permitted to use any items of distraction whilst driving, enforced as strictly as the '00' blood alcohol level for 'L' & 'P' plate drivers/riders. I'm sure most of us would agree we got away with some stupid stuff when we were younger, less experienced, and not subject to as strict penalties. We thought we were invincible, and stuff always happened to someone else; of course, we weren't, we were just plain lucky.
As a current lobbyist for rider safety in Victoria; I have no time for riders who ride with blatant disregard for their own lives, let alone those of others on a public road, especially when they can do so safely, in the controlled environments of the likes of tracks at Winton, Broadford, Phillip Island, or any of the drag strips in Victoria. However, like others, I understand the position he found himself in, when in actual fact he may not have originally been exceeding the 110km speed limit in a dangerous manner, when first clocked. Regardless, due to his subsequent behaviour, this rider has further jeopardised our cause, as if it's not already an uphill battle to achieve equitable, sensible, responsible legislation that recognises the vulnerability of motorbike riders, including better education for other vehicle drivers' on sharing roads with riders. Trucks also suffer the frustration of other drivers' lack of understanding of sharing the roads with heavy vehicles.
So in summary, Disco Muppet has hit the nail on the head; we need better education, a massive change in attitude to sharing our roads with different users', (some more vulnerable than others), an injection of some good old fashioned courtesy, and common sense - rarely found in this Century of Nanny & butt covering mentality!
Sorry this is so long, and I hope the fonts are the right size, as I've had problems with them in previous posts. They look huge on my computer, but apparently are microscopic at times. Apologies in advance if too small, or too big!
Cate
Independent Riders Group (IRG)
1996 Land Rover Discovery tdi - The Duck
1981 Classic 2 door manual Range Rover - Strangey
Posted by PeterM in reply to CapableCate . . . 25th of June, 2013
Cate, could you please invite Damien to do something really useful for riders and never show his face in public again?
Posted by CapableCate in reply to PeterM . . . 26th of June, 2013
Peter, I find your comment not only totally inappropriate, but puerile, insulting and disrespectful. You are of course, entitled to your opinion, however, have you, as a rider, for however many years that may be, ever showed any support for, or given of your time to constructively contributing to real change for rider safety in this State?
The reason the scooter riders get more done, as do the cyclists, with changes to legislation affecting their safety, is because they are united, and irrespective of personality differences, they rise above them to achieve a common goal for all.
The main reason why motorbike riders continue to be disrespected by many other road users, and authorities, is because they lack unity. How can we ever gain respect, or validity as a major group of vulnerable road users, when we seem unable to rise above petty differences of opinions, and inflated ego's? Unfortunately, you are not alone in your self righteousness, made obvious in your posts with Treads.
Regardless of whether Damien is liked or not, he has literally devoted his life to fighting for riders rights, in his own time, and with his own money. He has made a significant difference on a political/legislative level, and continues to do so. He 'walks the walk', and remains focused on the end goal, which is to make sure that ridiculous restrictions aren't placed on our liberties as riders. It seems his tireless commitment to this cause hasn't gone unnoticed, otherwise why would he have OAM after his name?
You're not the first rider to dislike him, and won't be the last, but in most cases I'm aware of, not one of those riders has ever done a thing to contribute constructively to rider safety, they just like making a lot of negative, destructive noise. Ironically, the same noisy empty vessels will be the first to bitch and moan if tighter, more costly laws are passed. Is it any wonder we fight an up hill battle?
I also respect the work of ALL our emergency service agencies, which does include VicPol, and find your comments distasteful, disrespectful, and out of line. In fact, I am surprised you haven't been pulled up by a Moderator yet.
Cate
NB If there are any other members who ride motorbikes, trail bikes, or scooters, who are seriously interested in making a difference to our lives as riders, please feel free to contact me independentridersgroup@iinet.net.au
Posted by PeterM in reply to CapableCate . . . 27th of June, 2013
This is off topic now so I'll keep it brief.
Yes, I have been involved in making positive changes with respect to riding in Vic.
Damien has done good work in the past but that has been marred by controversy, actual brawling in MRA meetings etc. He is a divisive influence and does not work within the bigger game plan. The IRG approach and tactics are for another era, look at how NSW has achieved recent victories with respect to CTP legislation. Making something of non-issues such as the idiotic anti-fluro protest ride, attended by a very small number of people, some of who were actually wearing fluro, is not a constructive contribution.
He ought to either get behind those leading the push or retire from the game. . . .
Posted by CapableCate in reply to Disco Muppet . . . 25th of June, 2013
. . .VicPol Media Release . . . MOTORCYCLIST CHARGED IN BENALLA . . . SUNDAY, 23 JUNE 2013 08:40*
A man has been charged after being detected speeding on a motorcycle near Benalla last Sunday.
A member from the Benalla Highway Patrol was performing traffic duties on the Hume Freeway on 16 June when he detected a motorcyclist travelling over the 110km/h speed limit.
When the leading senior constable attempted to intercept the rider, the rider allegedly reached speeds of around 273km/h.
Due to safety concerns police ceased following the motorcyclist.
Around 2pm yesterday police from the Benalla Highway Patrol, Benalla Crime Investigation Unit and local uniform members executed a search warrant at an address in Swanpool.
A 37-year-old Swanpool man was arrested and later charged with conduct endangering life, conduct endangering person, evade police, drive/ride in a manner dangerous, drive/ride at speed dangerous, exceed speed, possess cannabis and use cannabis.
He has been bailed to appear at Benalla Magistrate’s Court on 27 August, 2013. Natalie Webster Media Officer VP28027/2013
. . .
So far, I agree with majority of views expressed, and would like to add that it is highly unlikely the 'alleged' offender was avoiding the time in motion camera's on the Hume, as they finish/start at Broadford North/South bound. Given he was arrested at Swanpool, one would have to assume, if they've got the right rider, that he's a local to Benalla, in which case, he should have had more sense, as Traffic Op's there have always been dedicated; anyone remember 1080, and 540, his off-sider who was 1/2 as bad? Oh, and 1079, who was nearly as bad!
I was born in NE Victoria, and moved back 6 years ago after 12 years in Southern Tasmania, and previous couple of decades from South Coast NSW to FNQ. Have just returned from a few weeks in Tas, and drove a lot of it in my Disco tdi. Something I always notice about driving there, as opposed to my usual track the 'Doom' (Hume), is all drivers, from trucks (mainly semi's, not B doubles), to small cars & motorbikes, seem to have more respect for each other on the roads, are largely more considerate, polite, less hurried, and not distracted by numerous in-cab' toys, (like mobiles with Facebook, coz you can't possibly be away from it for a minute!), GPS, watching your speed to 2-3km etc. Interestingly, the majority of highways in Tasmania enjoy 110km limits where Victoria is 100km limits, and asides from Qld, tragically, has an incredible number of road kill of their native animals. TasPol, incidentally, despite TasGov being the most economically challenged in Australia, seem to exercise common sense in traffic management. Despite this, statistics show, that Tasmania still enjoys the lowest road toll per capita in Australia. Also, I would never bag VicPol; it's VicGov who's made the revenue raising ridiculous, in recent years.
I may be a bit 'last Century', but having been raised on a farm, and learnt to drive tractors, old Series 1 & 2 Land Rovers, Ford Prefect, (inclu double clutching non synchro gearboxes), Motorbike, Classic Range Rover, Defender & now Disco tdi, I would class myself as a better than average competent driver of 40+ years, and firstly believe Learner Drivers' should still have to learn in a manual vehicle; secondly, attend mandatory Defensive Driving/Riding Course, and thirdly, until over the Insurance deemed dangerous age group ie 25, not be permitted to use any items of distraction whilst driving, enforced as strictly as the '00' blood alcohol level for 'L' & 'P' plate drivers/riders. I'm sure most of us would agree we got away with some stupid stuff when we were younger, less experienced, and not subject to as strict penalties. We thought we were invincible, and stuff always happened to someone else; of course, we weren't, we were just plain lucky.
As a current lobbyist for rider safety in Victoria; I have no time for riders who ride with blatant disregard for their own lives, let alone those of others on a public road, especially when they can do so safely, in the controlled environments of the likes of tracks at Winton, Broadford, Phillip Island, or any of the drag strips in Victoria. However, like others, I understand the position he found himself in, when in actual fact he may not have originally been exceeding the 110km speed limit in a dangerous manner, when first clocked. Regardless, due to his subsequent behaviour, this rider has further jeopardised our cause, as if it's not already an uphill battle to achieve equitable, sensible, responsible legislation that recognises the vulnerability of motorbike riders, including better education for other vehicle drivers' on sharing roads with riders. Trucks also suffer the frustration of other drivers' lack of understanding of sharing the roads with heavy vehicles.
So in summary, Disco Muppet has hit the nail on the head; we need better education, a massive change in attitude to sharing our roads with different users', (some more vulnerable than others), an injection of some good old fashioned courtesy, and common sense - rarely found in this Century of Nanny & butt covering mentality!
Sorry this is so long, and I hope the fonts are the right size, as I've had problems with them in previous posts. They look huge on my computer, but apparently are microscopic at times. Apologies in advance if too small, or too big!
Cate
Independent Riders Group (IRG)
1996 Land Rover Discovery tdi - The Duck
1981 Classic 2 door manual Range Rover - Strangey
Posted by PeterM in reply to CapableCate . . . 25th of June, 2013
Cate, could you please invite Damien to do something really useful for riders and never show his face in public again?
Posted by CapableCate in reply to PeterM . . . 26th of June, 2013
Peter, I find your comment not only totally inappropriate, but puerile, insulting and disrespectful. You are of course, entitled to your opinion, however, have you, as a rider, for however many years that may be, ever showed any support for, or given of your time to constructively contributing to real change for rider safety in this State?
The reason the scooter riders get more done, as do the cyclists, with changes to legislation affecting their safety, is because they are united, and irrespective of personality differences, they rise above them to achieve a common goal for all.
The main reason why motorbike riders continue to be disrespected by many other road users, and authorities, is because they lack unity. How can we ever gain respect, or validity as a major group of vulnerable road users, when we seem unable to rise above petty differences of opinions, and inflated ego's? Unfortunately, you are not alone in your self righteousness, made obvious in your posts with Treads.
Regardless of whether Damien is liked or not, he has literally devoted his life to fighting for riders rights, in his own time, and with his own money. He has made a significant difference on a political/legislative level, and continues to do so. He 'walks the walk', and remains focused on the end goal, which is to make sure that ridiculous restrictions aren't placed on our liberties as riders. It seems his tireless commitment to this cause hasn't gone unnoticed, otherwise why would he have OAM after his name?
You're not the first rider to dislike him, and won't be the last, but in most cases I'm aware of, not one of those riders has ever done a thing to contribute constructively to rider safety, they just like making a lot of negative, destructive noise. Ironically, the same noisy empty vessels will be the first to bitch and moan if tighter, more costly laws are passed. Is it any wonder we fight an up hill battle?
I also respect the work of ALL our emergency service agencies, which does include VicPol, and find your comments distasteful, disrespectful, and out of line. In fact, I am surprised you haven't been pulled up by a Moderator yet.
Cate
NB If there are any other members who ride motorbikes, trail bikes, or scooters, who are seriously interested in making a difference to our lives as riders, please feel free to contact me independentridersgroup@iinet.net.au
Posted by PeterM in reply to CapableCate . . . 27th of June, 2013
This is off topic now so I'll keep it brief.
Yes, I have been involved in making positive changes with respect to riding in Vic.
Damien has done good work in the past but that has been marred by controversy, actual brawling in MRA meetings etc. He is a divisive influence and does not work within the bigger game plan. The IRG approach and tactics are for another era, look at how NSW has achieved recent victories with respect to CTP legislation. Making something of non-issues such as the idiotic anti-fluro protest ride, attended by a very small number of people, some of who were actually wearing fluro, is not a constructive contribution.
He ought to either get behind those leading the push or retire from the game. . . .