What can be done to make roads safer for motorcyclists?

Commotion Ocean

There's so much media attention towards making roads "safer" for pedal cyclists and local authorities pander to their whining. However, you see very little things done for motorcyclists.

I'm not a motorcyclists myself btw.

For a start, I bought little blindspot mirrors from Halfords, they only cost 10 quid, but give me infinitely more vision, drivers of cars should do a "lifesaver" glance too, just check your damned blindspot. The amount of times I saw cars veering out on motorbikes that were overtaking is staggering, and it's horrific to watch, can't imagine how bad it is for the motorbiker. These little mirrors only cost 10 quid, but if they help me see a biker in my blindspot, then it's well worth it. Everyone driving a car should have them.

Let motorcyclists use bus lanes! I can never understand why motorcyclists can't use them and pedal cyclists can. Motorcyclists make up such a small minority on the road and they pollute less and take up much less space. Arguments that they will "jam up" the bus lane is bollocks, if that is the case, then pedal cyclists are blocking it too.

Letting motorcyclists use the bus lanes too will give them a safer space from car drivers.

Man hole covers desperately need looking at, some of them are slippery when walking crossing the road, I can't imagine how lethal they can be when driving two wheels at 50+km/h.

Remove vat from PPE for bikers, high cost might discourage replenishing them.

Run ad campaigns to let people know how vulnerable our biking comrades are, maybe people are just ignorant.

serious3

Educate car drivers.

Educate all drivers including the motorcyclists. Not just car drivers.

stewygriffin

Have dedicated places for motorbikes to be allowed to park.

Seen as DCC has now taken to clamping motorbikes in the city centre.

ted1

Give them a designated lane on the m50. Officially Allow them to use bus lanes, ban taxis without passengers from bus lanes. Remove all VAT on safety equipment, kids, jackets, etc

Alkers

This won't really make the roads safer for motorcyclists?

In terms of actual measures can that be implemented:
Consideration of motorcyclists when designing safety barriers for high speed roads,

Textured chamber lids for utilities - even a perception of.reduced grip can cause an accident,

Better indication around bends - clearing sightlines, signing bends with tightening radii,

Allowing bikes use advanced stop lines,

Removing transverse road markings on the approach to roundabouts etc, ditto speed limit markings on the carriageway,

Maybe installing inflatable or crash friendly cushions at high incident locations?

This is the kind of thing that we need to look for. There is minimal political will though as bikes are not considered a viable, sustainable method of transport despite being more efficient than single-occupancy private cars

Simona1986

Simona1986 wrote:

Allowing bikes use advanced stop lines,

If you mean leave motorcycles use a stop line further ahead than where car stops, how do u propose they get there, if there is a row of cars in front of them? Or two.
They would have to overtake the row or two of cars that are already stopped at the lineby overtaking into oncoming traffic, undertaking or going between the cars (if 2 lines of traffic)
But then a lot of them do this anyway. (But I will concede not all.) Those that do need to be taught to wait in line and wait their turn.

Muahahaha

stewygriffin wrote: »

Have dedicated places for motorbikes to be allowed to park.

Seen as DCC has now taken to clamping motorbikes in the city centre.

Where has the clamping being going on ?

Del2005

theValheru853 wrote: »

If you mean leave motorcycles use a stop line further ahead than where car stops, how do u propose they get there, if there is a row of cars in front of them? Or two.
They would have to overtake the row or two of cars that are already stopped at the lineby overtaking into oncoming traffic, undertaking or going between the cars (if 2 lines of traffic)
But then a lot of them do this anyway. (But I will concede not all.) Those that do need to be taught to wait in line and wait their turn.

Filtering isn't illegal so they aren't doing anything wrong. If you have a problem report it to the Gardaí and don't be sounding like a vigilante.

ED E

Del2005 wrote: »

Filtering isn't illegal so they aren't doing anything wrong. If you have a problem report it to the Gardaí and don't be sounding like a vigilante.

Its not illegal as long as they dont cross a solid median or use the cycle lane. Which to be honest, is pretty common.

Del2005

The first thing that they should do is ban surface dressing. I still can't figure out how that gets past health and safety legislation, let's throw several tonnes of loose chippings onto the road and leave it there as a death trap for 2 wheelers and impossible for wheelchair or buggies to get through.

ED E

dfeo wrote: »

Run ad campaigns to let people know how vulnerable our biking comrades are, maybe people are just ignorant too busy texting.

FYP.

Seriously, if smartphones didnt exist tomorrow all road users would be hugely safer, especially bikers, cyclists and peds.

Johnboner

ED E wrote: »

Its not illegal as long as they dont cross a solid median or use the cycle lane. Which to be honest, is pretty common.

Can use cycle lanes if it's not a solid line, even if it is solid I use it anyway as they are empty almost all the time and it is much safer for me than going into the opposite direction of traffic to filter. And it's not like you are blocking anyone or preventing them from advancing.

Johnboner

theValheru853 wrote: »

If you mean leave motorcycles use a stop line further ahead than where car stops, how do u propose they get there, if there is a row of cars in front of them? Or two.
They would have to overtake the row or two of cars that are already stopped at the lineby overtaking into oncoming traffic, undertaking or going between the cars (if 2 lines of traffic)
But then a lot of them do this anyway. (But I will concede not all.) Those that do need to be taught to wait in line and wait their turn.

No point to own a motorbike if you cannot filter through traffic, be it middle or wherever. If it was illegal then almost nobody would use bikes as it would be pointless.

Johnboner

stewygriffin wrote: »

Have dedicated places for motorbikes to be allowed to park.

Seen as DCC has now taken to clamping motorbikes in the city centre.

Never heard of that but if it's true then bicycles should be clamped as well as it takes a very similar amount of space.

Johnboner

ED E wrote: »

FYP.

Seriously, if smartphones didnt exist tomorrow all road users would be hugely safer, especially bikers, cyclists and peds.

You can very easily tell anyone who is on the phone as they swerve into your lane, happens weekly, just shows how common it is.

Plopli

Johnboner wrote: »

Can use cycle lanes if it's not a solid line, even if it is solid I use it anyway as they are empty almost all the time and it is much safer for me than going into the opposite direction of traffic to filter. And it's not like you are blocking anyone or preventing them from advancing.

I fully agree with you but Garda do not.
And some of them enforce it.
Talking from personal experience.

slavetothegrind

Make illegal any truck fuel tank filler system which can allow spillage onto the road .

ED E

Johnboner wrote: »

Can use cycle lanes if it's not a solid line, even if it is solid I use it anyway as they are empty almost all the time and it is much safer for me than going into the opposite direction of traffic to filter. And it's not like you are blocking anyone or preventing them from advancing.

Instant two points if spotted in a solid.

And using a broken id have to double check but I.think you'd also be in the wrong. Dashed line allows you to cross it to enter a property or undertake, not sure if filtering up a line of traffic constitutes undertaking.

Max Headroom

What can be done to make roads safer for motorcyclists?

More run-off on bends, airbags on walls,poles, remove other road users....pointless thread imo...

bladespin

theValheru853 wrote: »

But then a lot of them do this anyway. (But I will concede not all.) Those that do need to be taught to wait in line and wait their turn.

Jesus wept at the ignorance.

A lot of good points OP.

IMO training and education for both riders and other drivers is the best, so easy to lull yourself into a false sense of security in a metal cocoon, at the same time some proper (higher speed on the road training would benefit us greatly, I'm particularly thinking panic braking on a bike here.
Also a little common sense with the NRA would be good too, overbanding and polished drain covers mid corner are ridiculous for all road users but potentially lethal on a bike, road furniture too is often placed in downright dumb places.

frozenfrozen

no hidden gates into farms, no junctions which don't have a good view well up the road.

Johnboner

Johnboner wrote:

No point to own a motorbike if you cannot filter through traffic, be it middle or wherever. If it was illegal then almost nobody would use bikes as it would be pointless.

Its illegal if u scratch my car, which has happened, and u drive on

bladespin

theValheru853 wrote: »

Its illegal if u scratch my car, which has happened, and u drive on

No, filtering is perfectly legal, what you're describing is a collision and leaving the scene.

rat_race

theValheru853 wrote: »

If you mean leave motorcycles use a stop line further ahead than where car stops, how do u propose they get there, if there is a row of cars in front of them? Or two.
They would have to overtake the row or two of cars that are already stopped at the lineby overtaking into oncoming traffic, undertaking or going between the cars (if 2 lines of traffic)
But then a lot of them do this anyway. (But I will concede not all.) Those that do need to be taught to wait in line and wait their turn.

Your ignorance is astounding.

Johnboner

Max Headroom wrote: »

What can be done to make roads safer for motorcyclists?

More run-off on bends, airbags on walls,poles, remove other road users....pointless thread imo...

So making roads safer is pointless, ok dude.

bladespin

bladespin wrote:

No, filtering is perfectly legal, what you're describing is a collision and leaving the scene.

Which wouldnt have happened if filtering wasnt allowed.

And if it wasnt allowed, how many would do it anyway?

GBX

theValheru853 wrote: »

Which wouldnt have happened if filtering wasnt allowed.

And if it wasnt allowed, how many would do it anyway?

But it is allowed so your logic is flawed.

Do you have 100% proof that it was a motorcyclist who scratched your car? Leave the filtering out of it for now because they did no wrong in doing this.

Considering the fact i was sitting in it when it happened....yeah im a 100% sure it was the motorcyclist that caused it

And how is my logic flawed? Are u saying that regardless of whether its legal or not, he would have done it anyway?

Johnboner

theValheru853 wrote: »

Which wouldnt have happened if filtering wasnt allowed.

And if it wasnt allowed, how many would do it anyway?

I know I would as it is the main reason for using a bike in town or city so don't have to sit in traffic for hours. There is one thing I love about this country and it is the fact that filtering is legal, I couldn't imagine sitting behind a car like an idiot like in most states in the USA, literally defeats the purpose of owning a motorbike in a city. Anyway I am pretty sure you are trolling or have never ridden a bike. You can live your life(waste) sitting for hours in traffic but for me my time is valuable.

GBX

theValheru853 wrote: »

Considering the fact i was sitting in it when it happened....yeah im a 100% sure it was the motorcyclist that caused it

And how is my logic flawed? Are u saying that regardless of whether its legal or not, he would have done it anyway?

That's great. Did you report the reg to the Garda? I would have.

You are asking a hypothetical question about something which is allowed and would they do it if it wasn't - maybe they would have done it - maybe not. Who knows? Are you one of these dogooders who never does anything they shouldn't? Have ya been to confession lately to cleanse your mind?

Johnboner

Johnboner wrote:

I know I would as it is the main reason for using a bike in town or city so don't have to sit in traffic for hours. There is one thing I love about this country and it is the fact that filtering is legal, I couldn't imagine sitting behind a car like an idiot like in most states in the USA, literally defeats the purpose of owning a motorbike in a city. Anyway I am pretty sure you are trolling or have never ridden a bike.

Not trolling and have ridden bikes but I chose to drive a car.
Just annoyed at how motorcyclists seem to think that they can do what they want on the roads.

GBX

GBX wrote:

That's great. Did you report the reg to the Garda? I would have.

I would have if he hadnt been past the car in front of me so fast i couldnt get his number.
When i called to the station i got a reply from the garda on duty of no number no offence

Max Headroom

Johnboner wrote: »

So making roads safer is pointless, ok dude.

No..i said the thread is pointless....dude...;)

GBX

theValheru853 wrote: »

Not trolling and have ridden bikes but I chose to drive a car.
Just annoyed at how motorcyclists seem to think that they can do what they want on the roads.

Which part is doing what they want? Filtering? Or is it just because you have had an encounter with one biker who damaged your car that you think its wrong and bikes should be banned because you see all bikers as bad?
Car drivers are no angels either .. :rolleyes:

theValheru853 wrote: »

I would have if he hadnt been past the car in front of me so fast i couldnt get his number.
When i called to the station i got a reply from the garda on duty of no number no offence

That's unfortunate.

CaptainR

theValheru853 wrote: »

Which wouldnt have happened if filtering wasnt allowed.

And if it wasnt allowed, how many would do it anyway?

That is the most ridiculous thing I've read on here. How many thousands of bikes filter past you per year without incident?

Never said car drivers were angels. In fact im trying to figure out how a lot of them are still on the road.

GBX

theValheru853 wrote: »

Never said car drivers were angels. In fact im trying to figure out how a lot of them are still on the road.

Oh I agree ... some of them car drivers should be locked up. Have a look at the antics in this thread, I'm sure you'll see the majority on the videos posted are on more than 2 wheels ..

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=102688249

CaptainR

CaptainR wrote:

That is the most ridiculous thing I've read on here. How many thousands of bikes filter past you per year without incident?

Thousands....really? How many motorcycles u think are in the country.

Id put the figure in the tens in a year that would filter past me.

GBX

theValheru853 wrote: »

Thousands....really? How many motorcycles u think are in the country.

Id put the figure in the tens in a year that would filter past me.

That's not a lot... sh1t luck so. No wonder you don't like bikers anymore

two wheels good

Del2005 wrote: »

Filtering isn't illegal so they aren't doing anything wrong. If you have a problem report it to the Gardaí and don't be sounding like a vigilante.

If the rider is crossing a solid white line, into the oncoming lane, to filter that's illegal.

Johnboner

theValheru853 wrote: »

Never said car drivers were angels. In fact im trying to figure out how a lot of them are still on the road.

I am quite sure that most motorbike riders are competent relative to car drivers.
1 They can't use the phone
2 You have to be aware of everything(look where you are going) or you will mess up and cause an accident very quickly, but if you have ridden motorbikes I am sure you know all this...
A motorbike will not be holding you up at the traffic lights but this cannot be said about car drivers as it takes a long time for everyone to move off after the light turns green, and this alone should be a good indication of who pays more attention to the road and who doesn't. Obviously there are absolutely excellent car drivers, just like there are motorcyclists but I believe there is more in cars due to the fact that you can get away with not paying attention a lot of the time.
My point is that you can't be angry at every motorcyclist because of actions of one.

CaptainR

theValheru853 wrote: »

Thousands....really? How many motorcycles u think are in the country.

Id put the figure in the tens in a year that would filter past me.

If you live or work in Dublin it could very easily be that high. The same bike can pass you by more than once for god's sake.

the_pen_turner

Filtering is great most of the time. It reduces the volume on the roads.


I don't mind it on wide roads. Pleanty of room.


I think it should be banned on roads where is is too narrow to safely do.

If I drove my car beside someone and was only a few I inchs from them , they would be pissed and rightly so. What's the difference.

Johnboner

the_pen_turner wrote: »

Filtering is great most of the time. It reduces the volume on the roads.


I don't mind it on wide roads. Pleanty of room.


I think it should be banned on roads where is is too narrow to safely do.

If I drove my car beside someone and was only a few I inchs from them , they would be pissed and rightly so. What's the difference.

What about bicycles? Should they be banned from filtering too?

the_pen_turner

As for the thread topic.
Make lights be on all the time and make them as wide as the bike . That way they are less likely to be missed.

Make co co put barriers up to stop makers hitting corners of buildings or piers that stick out. Better the slide along it than stop dead.

the_pen_turner

Johnboner wrote: »

What about bicycles? Should they be banned from filtering too?

Only when it's unsafe to do so

CaptainR

the_pen_turner wrote: »

As for the thread topic.
Make lights be on all the time and make them as wide as the bike . That way they are less likely to be missed.

Make co co put barriers up to stop makers hitting corners of buildings or piers that stick out. Better the slide along it than stop dead.

A lot of bikes now only have a high and lo beam switch with no off button, my lights are always on because of it and it definitely makes a difference being seen.

Older bikes used to have two headlights on at the same time but people were mistaking them for a car much further away and were pulling out in front of them.

BrokenArrows

ted1 wrote: »

Give them a designated lane on the m50. Officially Allow them to use bus lanes, ban taxis without passengers from bus lanes. Remove all VAT on safety equipment, kids, jackets, etc

I dont think banning empty taxis from bus lanes will help anyone. Taxis need to get to their customers quickly to pick them up.

However i do agree that in certain situations motorcycle lanes would be a good addition if it is deemed inappropriate to allow them to use the bus lane.

Motorcyclists will always filter, its legal if done correctly but its risky and most of the time we all filter too fast which makes it illegal but we do it anyway.

There is no logical reason i can think of to prevent bikers from using bus lanes.

If dedicated biker lanes were to be added they would need to be at a reduced speed limit compared to the main road or wide enough to allow for full speed travel (which would need to be a full car lane in width).
Personally if a whole new lane was going to be added i would rather this was a full car lane which would be better served.

bladespin

the_pen_turner wrote: »

Filtering is great most of the time. It reduces the volume on the roads.


I don't mind it on wide roads. Pleanty of room.


I think it should be banned on roads where is is too narrow to safely do.

If I drove my car beside someone and was only a few I inchs from them , they would be pissed and rightly so. What's the difference.

The law already states you can only filter if it's safe to pass.

Cienciano

Del2005 wrote: »

The first thing that they should do is ban surface dressing. I still can't figure out how that gets past health and safety legislation, let's throw several tonnes of loose chippings onto the road and leave it there as a death trap for 2 wheelers and impossible for wheelchair or buggies to get through.

slavetothegrind wrote: »

Make illegal any truck fuel tank filler system which can allow spillage onto the road .

These are my two biggest problems. The amount of diesel spilt on the road is amazing. Nothing will be done about it because it's hard to police.
But loose chippings are a fúcking disgrace.