Hi Viz

[snoopy]

For those who said it would never happen ... !!!
The French Gov has finally confirmed how it will implement new regulations for bikers regarding reflective clothing and number plates. As of 1st Jan 2013 it will be an offence, punishable through a fine and the loss of points, (in France you lose them, don't gain them) not to ... wear at least 150cm2 of relective c...lothing between the waist and the shoulders and not to be using an enlarged number plate. You may remember that this was first mooted as an accident reduction issue, but most accidents involve 125cc bikes and below, and these are exempt from the new rules. Riders in France must already use their headlights all the time and carry reflective stickers on their helmets. You may also remember that the French Government then said the... regulations were to ensure other motorists could see if riders were lying in the middle of the road at night... FFMC's Frederic Jeorge said "It will be considered almost as bad as driving without a helmet, even if you are wearing full leather armour, on a bike with the headlights on and knowing that our helmets already have 4 mandatory reflective stickers... Also, it will NOT include the mopeds and 125cc, where's the logic?" Logic? I'm not sure that's generally considered when creating legislation for motorcyclists. -- Kind regards Paddy Tyson Campaigns Co-ordinator MAG (UK) - Motorcycle Action Group


Just read this ...

Worth a little thought ......

[Bloke]

Car drivers in france have to carry hi-viz anyway :/ bit odd that learners are not included but still not exactly the worst idea in the world making it compulsary.

Will hopefully reduce those accidents that involve cars plowing over riders laying on the road. Heck if an ambulance can do it (as happened not so long ago over here, resulting in a death) I can imagine it happens more often than you'd expect.

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[garyboy]

I think I heard yesterday that you will not be able to use sat navs with camera locations, soon, in France??

[tramper]

I think I heard yesterday that you will not be able to use sat navs with camera locations, soon, in France??

All ready inforce in France, Germany too.

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[garyboy]

  
its getting more and more difficult, innit.
On hol abroad u gonna need a few grand handy just for spot fines ?

[Tripleman]

What will happen is that if they do not have the viz stuff on and a car pulls out causing an accident a clever lawyer will try to say its the riders fault for not being legal

[garyboy]

TBH .. when I go abroad I try to be as legal as possible, extra insurances, and keep to speed limits, especially in built up areas .. and I prob wouldnt take a sat nav .. just an old fasioned MAP ..... but they still gonna get u anyway if they want ...
well it looks like its gotta be a hi viz vest/jacket and stick on helmet reflectors at least!!
wot about the triangle.. for bikes? ... still need to carry??

[Bloke]

What will happen is that if they do not have the viz stuff on and a car pulls out causing an accident a clever lawyer will try to say its the riders fault for not being legal

What would happen if the bike was riding along with no lights on...

Same thing imo.

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[Foody]

This is not as bad as was first thought it was going to be.  150cm2 is not that big really.

but it raises the question as to how HI Viz is Hi Viz.

If your Hi Viz is dirty or bleached by the sun and faded (as they get after a while) it is going to raise the argument that you are at fault and again the car drive who drives into you gets a loop hole.

When your Hi Viz is new you cant argue that it is extremely Hi Viz, but after a full use through the winter months in rain and salty roads etc it's effectiveness would be called into question.

This is not going to be a clear cut as the law making authorities think it is, and just puts the onus on us to prove that our jackets were Hi Viz 'enough'.

Better keep a log book with a record of when I last washed it, (at what temperature and what fabric conditioner I used.......)

Is a dirty Hi Viz still a legal Hi Viz!!!

Who knows?  In the Words of Harry Hill.........  'There's only one way to find out...........!

[pugsly]

10 years ago, research was conducted across the globe into the effects of using mobile phones whilst driving. This proved conclusively that a) it affected driving ability more that excessive drinking, and b) the cause of this loss of performance was not the act of dialling the phone number, it was the mental process of talking to somebody whilst driving, and the affect continued for several minutes after the end of the call. Therefore HSE and ROSPA advised the Govt. that a total ban on the use of phones whilst driving was necessary.

However, what we got was a ban on using phones unless a hands free kit is used, which only removes the act of dialling!
This is typical of the political fudging that goes on as Bills grind their way through Parliament before becoming Law.

In the case of hi viz clothing, there are very specific standards for the design and specification of such gear worn by emergency services. Take a look at what they wear, loads of hi viz area on jackets including long sleeves and yards of highly light refective tapes attached.

Yet, in the case of motorcycles which have a small frontal area and can accelerate quickly to the legal speed limit (Officer) it looks as though we only have to wear 150cm2. I believe this is an example of the nanny state in operation, introducing a half cocked attempt to regulate what is, after all a social activity.

Maybe in this case it's a good thing, because otherwise we'd be dressed like lollipop men!

PS If any of the TROLLS start posting nasty responses to my post, beware! I've laced it with a tracking virus which will locate your computer and melt it. Honestly. Just F off and get a life, nobody likes you.

[trafford davies]

Aw! I like Trolls. They should be nurtured & protected.

[snoopy]

  did someone upset Pugsly 

Trafford ... your right !  otherwise there will be no 3 Billy goats gruff story   


............................

[Bloke]

Aw! I like Trolls. They should be nurtured & protected.

I'm a bill bailey fan, in particular his song, beautiful ladies in danger :)

"kill kill kill the trolls, look under the bridges cause that's where they hide!"

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[pugsly]

I was just troll fishing.... 

Couldn't resist

[snoopy]

I was just troll fishing.... 

Couldn't resist

Play nice !