In many countries in Europe it is now obligatory to carry a fluorescent vest and a First Aid kit in (or on) your vehicle at all times. And yes, that includes bikes.
I can think of quite a few bikes that lack even the minimal storage space these things require, so I guess there will be a good market for bum bags or small tank bags for a while. Remember, you are required to carry these things even if you’re just going down to the corner for a packet of something healthy (whoo, I nearly wrote ‘cigarettes’).
Let’s hope the idea doesn’t catch on here, because I can see it snowballing quite rapidly. After all, a fluorescent vest may make you more than usually visible (although if car drivers can’t see entire motorcycles I fail to believe that they’ll see an orange vest) and a First Aid kit may allow you to apply a band-aid in case someone get a paper cut, but what about serious problems?
The obvious thing is to make everyone carry a defibrillator (save a lot of lives with that) and a satellite phone (mobile coverage is patchy, and you might have to call the Flying Doctor in a hurry). But why stop there? How about a fire extinguisher – in fact, a selection of fire extinguishers for different kinds of fire – and a packet of different-coloured flares to alert the authorities? Not to mention a cut lunch (you might get hungry) and an umbrella (you never know when it will rain).
I’m sure you can think of more precautionary equipment.
Best of all, motorcycles won’t be able to carry all this stuff so there will not even be any need to ban them. Win-win all round, really. Just not for us. A bit like ‘front identifiers’.
Mar 27, 2008
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12 comments:
G'day,
I wear one all the time, being a postie. Doesn't stop car drivers running over me in driveways, not giving way at roundabouts, cutting in, cutting off, and generally being idiots.
Dear Bruin,
I have a small Ventura pack I carry on the back of my bike. It it I have a puncture repair kit, a spare pair of warmer gloves, a first aid kit,2 Andy Strapz and a vest. So far I've only had to use a saline solution bottle on a mate with a bad case of biggus bugus eyeus.Good thing to carry. The little bottles are only a $1.50 and do a great job of clearing your eyes.
Wasn't it the teddy bear who suggested to carry a first aid kit in his books? Maybe only when touring, not sure about the logic though. I guess you'll rely on others helping you out when you have a spill cocering your burns or stopping a bleed? Or is it a case of grumpy old man after too many days of rain?
The other option is to just have your mother-in-law ride pillion. That way you can always have "I told you so" handy.
Hi Bear, How about makers bring out some colour in their range I know black is a 'bag colour' but we all spend good riding time working to pay for this so broaden the colour rnage. you guessed it iam female but live in tropics and black gets very hot quick here. but people run into trucks so ther is no hope for some keep traveling. gyspy
We should all have those big truck airhorns on our bikes and maybe a pkt of condoms in case we get lucky ,combined with a large comb to put the hair back in place ,sunscreen and lots of powder for the sweaty crutch ,Anti inflamatory pills for the sore back and aspros to thin the blood when you lose all feeling in your hands and feet--- Now I can set off to ride in comfort
We should all have those big truck airhorns on our bikes and maybe a pkt of condoms in case we get lucky ,combined with a large comb to put the hair back in place ,sunscreen and lots of powder for the sweaty crutch ,Anti inflamatory pills for the sore back and aspros to thin the blood when you lose all feeling in your hands and feet--- Now I can set off to ride in comfort
Have you ever been in northern europe at night in a pea soup fog?If you have then you'd be happy for anything that made you more visable.
It is of concern that we complain about things that might keep us alive a little bit longer.
I wear a vest already but don't carry a first aid kit, which sounds like something I should carry in all honesty.
Should you not want to comply its just Darwin's theory in action, personally I would like to ensure my gene pool is around for a little longer.
We carried this gear with us throughout Europe (on our ST1300) in 2007. had to also include a reflective triangle for the French. was not a problem on the ST but over 26,000 km didn't use any of it.
We don't have the same fog, hours of darkness and shitty weather here (in Qld anyway) as they do in the UK etc, so maybe not the same visibility issues.
John Meara
Hi Bear
When is the new mag coming out you mentioned
I think you were going to call it Roadrider Crusier
regards
jimbo
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