I'm pushing behind the scenes for "car bodied three wheelers" to be declared to be cars, but it is late in the day, and the consultation ended in Feb 2010. I think either the matter was not mentioned, or it escaped notice. I find it very hard to believe that if presented with the facts, no-one at the FHBVC said anything, or even alerted the various member clubs who cater for three wheelers (at least 8 make specific ones do at a rough count).
Tiered access has been a fact of life for new motorcyclists for some years although I think this does modify a few aspects
Mind, some of the antics modern motorcyclists perform also leave me cold .
+1
this will leave you sweating buckets Monte......and not one car insite to knock you off
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Dean, I don't have a problem with some of this, the trials guys demonstrate an incredible level of skill in a well established craft. They are riding in controlled and regulated space, to their competition rules, and they are only putting themselves at risk. So admiration yes, cold sweat most definitely not.
However, the guy in the children's play ground... wrong place, wrong example to children who are at an age where they are influence by this, abuse of the equipment provided for these children, and above all in a non controlled environment putting others at risk... IMHO unsafe and unacceptable.
Same applies to bikers that seem to think it is acceptable, nay "cool" to harass and abuse motorists on the public roads, overtaking on blind bends and crests, overtaking on double white lines in the face of oncoming traffic, knee down antics undertaking on roundabouts, etc. etc. all of which I have witnessed in the last few months. I occasionally wish this type of biker would meet white van man pushing his way through in the opposite direction some sense of justice .... and sadly this type of "extreme biker" also spoil it, reputation wise, for the rest. Don't take me wrong, I'm not suggesting you can't enjoy spirited riding or driving on the roads, just keep it within the bounds or reasonable acceptability for public space.
Sorry for the rant, must be getting grump in my old age
Have a nice day, MZ
Last edited by MonteZooma; 04/11/1212:13 PM. Reason: Correct typos
I took my bike test in my 30s (CBT and two tier test route) so not really a born again biker, more a need to find out what I was missing. I believe it made me a much better driver, far more aware of other road users, road conditions, etc. I gave it up after nearly being wiped out twice in a fortnight at a local roundabout by others, who when entering the roundabout, either genuinely didn't see me (charitable and I think not) or more probably saw me and didn't care!
I took my bike test when I was 20 - 3 years after passing my driving licence. My dad had made it clear that he had nothing against me riding motorcycles (he has a bike licence himself), but that he would prefer me to wait until I'd acquired a reasonable level of experience in a safe tin box.
I totally agree with you MZ that the excellent training I received in preparation for my bike test, and the experience I subsequently gained in the 5 years or so that motorcycles were my only transport made me far more aware as a road user than I ever should have been on a strict diet of cars; I too despair of some of the moronic antics I witness by scooter riders in particular on a daily basis.
I finally renounced motorbikes about 14 years ago when a great friend of mine was knocked off his Triumph Trophy by a drunken idiot and killed aged 50; he'd been riding since the age of 17 with no serious accidents. He left a widow and 4 kids still at school. I decided that as long as I too had those sort of responsibilities, much 'tho I love bikes, I'd pack it in as you're just so vulnerable. Maybe I'll let myself have one for a little light bimbling once my kids are off the payroll.....
I took my bike test when I was 20 - 3 years after passing my driving licence. My dad had made it clear that he had nothing against me riding motorcycles (he has a bike licence himself), but that he would prefer me to wait until I'd acquired a reasonable level of experience in a safe tin box.
Your dad was a wise man. All the training in the world is no substitute for experience on the road. I intend to take a similar approach with Tmg Jnr.
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wrong place, wrong example to children who are at an age where they are influence by this, abuse of the equipment provided for these children, and above all in a non controlled environment putting others at risk... IMHO unsafe and unacceptable.
some sense of justice 
.... and sadly this type of "extreme biker" also spoil it, reputation wise, for the rest. Don't take me wrong, I'm not suggesting you can't enjoy spirited riding or driving on the roads, just keep it within the bounds or reasonable acceptability for public space.
sort of speak 
