Dozens of roads closed to motorcycles in Germany.
Vienna to ban all motorcycles even electrics.
Some of the best motorcycling roads in Europe now ban motorcycles.
The Swiss are planning banning motorcycles from certain roads.
Motorcycles should be banned to reduce road deaths.
Speed limits on popular motorcycle roads reduced in Australia.
Those are just a few links to what IS a growing trend to eliminate motorcycles in the name of safety and reduced pollution. Brought to you by the people and the fellow travelers of Vison Zero.
Don’t know about Vison Zero? The Vison Zero goal is to get to zero traffic deaths. As stated by its creator, Claes Tingvall, “it can never be ethically acceptable that people are killed or seriously injured when moving within the road transport system.” When asked about motorcycles Tingvall, in a candid moment stated “We must prevent the recruiting of new motorcyclists. In long-term thinking, I regret to say that motorcycles must go”.
I underlined the “In long-term thinking” part because this is why we need to fight now! Incrementalism will kill our lifestyle just as if they did it in a mandate. The frog in boiling water analogy fits well here. Toss a frog into hot water it will jump out quickly. Toss it into warm water and slowly bring up the heat and the frog will die.
While Claes Tingvall recanted that statement, under pressure, actions speak as loud as the words. Vison Zero is a worldwide effort with offices and proponents in nearly every country. In the US, Vision Zero is lobbying nearly every state and local government for their vison. Scroll down this wiki page to see some of the countries, states and cities were Vision Zero is operating. Vison Zero is better organized and better funded then our motorcycle communities. Wonder where the money is coming from?
So, what is Vision Zero working towards? They are, in their own words: (taken from “Action Vision Zero”)
“This is about reducing the impact of motor vehicles by demanding”:
| Slower speeds | Maximum 20mph speed limits where people and vehicles mix and compliance with those limits. |
| Safe junctions & crossings | Direct crossings on desire lines with short waiting times and enough time to cross. |
| Safe space for cycling | Protected cycle lanes on main roads and low-traffic neighbourhoods. |
| Less traffic | Fewer vehicles means fewer casualties. Achieving this requires more walking, cycling and public transport, more efficient and sustainable delivery of goods, and road user charging. |
| Safe vehicles | Speed limiters on all new private cars; retrofitting speed limiters on all working vehicles; safe HGVs including Direct Vision Lorries and Bus Safety Standards.ee |
| Safe behaviours and enforcement | An end to careless and dangerous driving. Education plays a role in achieving this, butclear and visible police enforcement is a priority. |
Not anything directly pointed to motorcycles, right?
It all sounds good and benign not a threat to your way of life?
Reread that list and think about the bans that are going to or have happened in cities. Reread and think about how motorcycles and road safety are not compatible. Reread and think that speed kills and that you must have it limited for your own safety. Reread and think… get off your motorbike and get on your bicycle. Your enjoyment has no place in their vision.
Tie in that Vision Zero has co-oped some motorcycle events and organizations… you know in the spirt of cooperation and safety. You can find the Vision Zero in nearly every state, in every major city, in most countries and even in companies. Here are a few:
PLEASE DO NOT LET THEY CO-OP YOU! When they have reduced injury and death by other means they will then turn to MOTORCYCLES AS THE NEXT TARGET!!
So, what can you do? Join a motorcycle lobby group. Look for those that are actually going to fight the Vision Zero effort. Groups like:
American Motorcyclist Association
Federation of European Motorcyclists Association
If you don’t help with the fight…then their may not be motorcycles in your future. What are your thoughts?
I JUST WANT 2 RIDE!! 