tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4341114511830074977.post3059880751892711749..comments2024-03-28T20:30:35.448+13:00Comments on Confessions of an Ageing Motorcyclist: Road to Zero - oh really?Geoff Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05041523109817248619noreply@blogger.comBlogger6125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4341114511830074977.post-71719251838074747762019-08-12T19:35:28.683+12:002019-08-12T19:35:28.683+12:00Hi Sonja,
In past posts, I've used Germany as ...Hi Sonja,<br />In past posts, I've used Germany as a shining example of a nation that takes its road safety seriously and has effective systems in place to make sure it happens. All it needs is the will to make it happen. We changed our gun laws because of the tragedy at Christchurch mosque, but what about the 300+ road deaths each year?Geoff Jameshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05041523109817248619noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4341114511830074977.post-54841275898267479852019-08-12T19:14:14.295+12:002019-08-12T19:14:14.295+12:00Hi Geoff, I also believer that river/rider educati...Hi Geoff, I also believer that river/rider education is the only way to go. Obtaining a license in Germany cost a little fortune (depending on your skill level and learning abilities up to two average monthly paychecks), however it seems to keep the death toll in check, and we still got highways without speed limits. There must be some truth in this.SonjaMhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12389245948579828531noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4341114511830074977.post-21727410883214034212019-08-12T15:22:46.819+12:002019-08-12T15:22:46.819+12:00Thanks Steve! Both NZ and Aust authorities have cl...Thanks Steve! Both NZ and Aust authorities have close working relationships on all sorts of things - food safety and road-related matters being just two examples that I know something about. In many cases, it makes sense to have close ties with neighbouring countries. However, as I've said, the public servants in NZ who actually do the work are pretty sensible and approachable people from what I've personally seen. It's when politicians with personal agendas start calling the shots when things get murky. One Green Party MP in particular with minimal practical understanding has a lot of influence. That's the downside of coalition governments!Geoff Jameshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05041523109817248619noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4341114511830074977.post-53222403825117367122019-08-12T14:12:18.477+12:002019-08-12T14:12:18.477+12:00Well written Geoff. It seems the NZ government is ...Well written Geoff. It seems the NZ government is following the Australian government down the speed kills, Towards Zero bullshit utopian propaganda line. Its easier to put more police on the road and rake in the revenue rather than actually improve roads and upskill road users which will not be a vote grabber. It will never ever be zero road toll, that implausible.Stevehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10160712689280276620noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4341114511830074977.post-79850830148049317862019-08-12T12:55:35.689+12:002019-08-12T12:55:35.689+12:00Hiya Lee,
"Elephant in the room" - a per...Hiya Lee,<br />"Elephant in the room" - a perfect description. Expecting any politician to show some guts is probably a bridge too far. Good on you regarding R4EGold. I'm booked for Sept 13th. Any learning is great learning!Geoff Jameshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05041523109817248619noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4341114511830074977.post-87905789432462181852019-08-12T12:31:33.740+12:002019-08-12T12:31:33.740+12:00Well said Geoff and I'm with you on the frustr...Well said Geoff and I'm with you on the frustration around the ignoring of the elephant in the room, that of driver/rider training. To cheer myself up I'm attending a Ride Forever Gold course this next weekend in an effort to keep my riding up to scratch.Lee Blackburnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05082631561885571713noreply@blogger.com