Is it Illegal to keep my Bike Carrier Attached to the car



"Bristan" <daed> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
>

I agree today that , particularly in Australia, the first reaction is to
> bring in a law to ban something because someone or other has a problem.
> Life is dangerous. We all have to take risks every day.


<snip>

> Seeing the number of people killed or injured on the roads by idiot

driving,
> using the argument that fools should be protected from themselves by a
> blanket ban on the activity, then we should ban cars......It is not going

to

You are not judging apples with apples here. Cars in use have a value...
towbars and bikeracks that are NOT in use do not.

We are talking about devices that are not being used not ones that are. Of
course cars/trucks/busses are dangerous. It is a risk we take because
basically the way our economy has gone makes it a necessity. It is a
managed risk that we constantly are trying to improve due to safety
enhancements. Cycling is a risk... Cars or not you can still have accidents
on a bike.

The gist of the thread is whether it is right to just leave implements
attached to a vehicle that are NOT in use. Most likely for a very large
portion of the time to be removed. If I only use my bike rack 5% of the
time my car is being used is it right to leave it on there just so I can
save 10 minutes of my valuable time to remove it and put it in the boot or
garage?

Please find once in this entire thread where anyone has said that Towbars or
Bike racks should be banned. Just because they have a bike or trailer or
whatever attached does not make them any less risky. It is more risky than
just having the car there but if they are in use then society accepts that
risk. What is being said is for the 95% they are not in use for them to be
removed to reduce the risk. Maybe by improving the designs it reduces the
risk enough to have the laws repealed.

This doesnt just go for cars and bikes but for all walks of life. In our
workplaces... when we see a slip or trip hazard and it does not need to be
there we get it cleaned up - i mean you could say only an idiot would slip
so that should not be a law but if their is no need for the slip or trip
hazard to be their then we do our best to protect people (including me).

Its all about risk reduction not risk removal. I would be one of those
vocal groups if we did not have any laws to remove unecessary risks.
 
"John Doe" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:rMa%[email protected]...
> "Bristan" <daed> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
>
> You are not judging apples with apples here. Cars in use have a value...
> towbars and bikeracks that are NOT in use do not.


That is your opinion. Others might think that there is a value in leaving
them attached.


> We are talking about devices that are not being used not ones that are.

Of
> course cars/trucks/busses are dangerous. It is a risk we take because
> basically the way our economy has gone makes it a necessity. It is a
> managed risk that we constantly are trying to improve due to safety
> enhancements. Cycling is a risk... Cars or not you can still have

accidents
> on a bike.


Again , your opinion. You are making a value judgement on cars etc based on
your own needs/wants.

I would ban all large trucks from the roads, especially semi's and those
large b-doubles.. That is my opinion and that is the whole point. Some
people see a value in leaving the bike racks on and it is only the weight of
numbers for /against and not any intrinsic danger that will decide wether
the thing is banned or not.
I think that as a nation we are too ready to ban things/activities to
protect a few for the inconvenience or annoyance for many.
PS: why don't car drivers wear helmets? It would save many more head
injuries than cyclists.
 
"Bristan" <daed> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
>
> "John Doe" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:rMa%[email protected]...
> > "Bristan" <daed> wrote in message
> > news:[email protected]...
> >
> > You are not judging apples with apples here. Cars in use have a value...
> > towbars and bikeracks that are NOT in use do not.

>
> That is your opinion. Others might think that there is a value in leaving
> them attached.
>
>
> > We are talking about devices that are not being used not ones that are.

> Of
> > course cars/trucks/busses are dangerous. It is a risk we take because
> > basically the way our economy has gone makes it a necessity. It is a
> > managed risk that we constantly are trying to improve due to safety
> > enhancements. Cycling is a risk... Cars or not you can still have

> accidents
> > on a bike.

>
> Again , your opinion. You are making a value judgement on cars etc based

on
> your own needs/wants.
>
> I would ban all large trucks from the roads, especially semi's and those
> large b-doubles.. That is my opinion and that is the whole point. Some
> people see a value in leaving the bike racks on and it is only the weight

of
> numbers for /against and not any intrinsic danger that will decide wether
> the thing is banned or not.
> I think that as a nation we are too ready to ban things/activities to
> protect a few for the inconvenience or annoyance for many.
> PS: why don't car drivers wear helmets? It would save many more head
> injuries than cyclists.
>
>


Oh Bristan I have missed you. Give me one reason other than laziness or as
a weapon that
you would want a bike rack on your car when not in use.
 
In article <[email protected]>, "Bristan"
<daed> says...
....Snippety snip...
>
> I would ban all large trucks from the roads, especially semi's and those
> large b-doubles.. That is my opinion and that is the whole point.


Where would you put them? What will we eat? wear? How will we
transport building materials, exports, new bicycles? I hate them but
they're vital to our society.

....snip...
> I think that as a nation we are too ready to ban things/activities to
> protect a few for the inconvenience or annoyance for many.


Yes and no.

> PS: why don't car drivers wear helmets? It would save many more head
> injuries than cyclists.


I agree here!! But my first priority is "helmets for pedestrians - in or
out of doors" followed by "compulsory helmet-wearing by all shower-
takers". Maybe we can get onto banning stairs, ladders, (wet) tile
floors, etc when that's all in place.

--
Mark Lee
 
<[email protected]> wrote in message news:MPG.1aa917d4a06c216d989696@news-server...
> > I would ban all large trucks from the roads, especially semi's and those
> > large b-doubles.. That is my opinion and that is the whole point.

>
> Where would you put them? What will we eat? wear? How will we
> transport building materials, exports, new bicycles? I hate them but
> they're vital to our society.


All the (mostly) women who now drive SUVs for no purpose (other than feeling powerful
and important or affluent ??) could be encouraged to also haul produce and goods since
there is nothing else occupying the space in thei petrol hungry beasts ;-)

Speak of new and dangerous trends - SUVs for the sake of SUVs. Can't see through
them nor over them from a mere car. They peer over bikies heads. Never had a problem
with the mud-caked 4WD for those frequenting the bush, but these trendy new things are
getting out of hand. Ever see a BMW or Lexus or MB SUV seriously off road?
Dangerous for bikes and cars as well. Obviously my opinion.

>
> ...snip...
> > I think that as a nation we are too ready to ban things/activities to
> > protect a few for the inconvenience or annoyance for many.

>
> Yes and no.
>
> > PS: why don't car drivers wear helmets? It would save many more head
> > injuries than cyclists.

>
> I agree here!! But my first priority is "helmets for pedestrians - in or
> out of doors" followed by "compulsory helmet-wearing by all shower-
> takers". Maybe we can get onto banning stairs, ladders, (wet) tile
> floors, etc when that's all in place.


in the USA all motor mowers have either a deadman handle or blade brake
clutch. some years ago two of "our" best brilliant humans (yanks!) decided to trim
their hedge with a running motor mower. one dropped his side and the other got
tore up. He sued the manufacturer because there was no warning a running
motor mower could be dangerous when used in such hand-held duty off the ground,
and won big time. Since that time all USA mowers have an extra $50-100
part. the outcomes of human stupidity transcend mere inconvenience to ridicuolous
economic detriment to the masses.
 
"John Smith" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> <[email protected]> wrote in message

news:MPG.1aa917d4a06c216d989696@news-server...
> > > I would ban all large trucks from the roads, especially semi's and

those
> > > large b-doubles.. That is my opinion and that is the whole point.

> >
> > Where would you put them? What will we eat? wear? How will we
> > transport building materials, exports, new bicycles? I hate them but
> > they're vital to our society.

>
> All the (mostly) women who now drive SUVs for no purpose (other than

feeling powerful
> and important or affluent ??) could be encouraged to also haul produce and

goods since
> there is nothing else occupying the space in thei petrol hungry beasts ;-)


Crikey, I understand if you are a yank but SUV? They are 4WD here. Next
thing you will be saying Zee instead of Zed. :). I hate them too but oh
know we are going to start a war within a war here.

>
> Speak of new and dangerous trends - SUVs for the sake of SUVs. Can't see

through
> them nor over them from a mere car. They peer over bikies heads. Never

had a problem
> with the mud-caked 4WD for those frequenting the bush, but these trendy

new things are
> getting out of hand. Ever see a BMW or Lexus or MB SUV seriously off

road?
> Dangerous for bikes and cars as well. Obviously my opinion.


Of course same as the argument with empty bike racks. I dont hate them if
they are used for their purpose. I had to laugh recently. I was riding in
my friends uncomfortable 4WD and she was *****ing about a transit van in
front of us. She was saying they should be banned off the road as you
cannot see around them. What a laugh. This van was obviously only being
used for its purpose of transporting goods.

<lots of snipping here... sorry>

> in the USA all motor mowers have either a deadman handle or blade brake
> clutch. some years ago two of "our" best brilliant humans (yanks!)

decided to trim
> their hedge with a running motor mower. one dropped his side and the

other got
> tore up. He sued the manufacturer because there was no warning a running
> motor mower could be dangerous when used in such hand-held duty off the

ground,
> and won big time. Since that time all USA mowers have an extra $50-100
> part. the outcomes of human stupidity transcend mere inconvenience to

ridicuolous
> economic detriment to the masses.


I can understand the economic detriment but I must say once I start mowing I
only let go when I need to change area in which case I stop the mower and
empty the catcher anyway. I dont have a littered lawn though so I dont have
to move anything out of the way. I suppose if you were mowing a large rock
infested area this might be a bother. My hedgetrimmers have a dual switch
(both hands required). Much to my annoyance because sometimes I would like
to swing one arm across although I probably should always hold it with both
hands so I suppose its protecting me from my potential stupidity. These
things would do some REAL damage if you accidentally touched your body with
them.
 
<[email protected]> wrote in message
news:MPG.1aa917d4a06c216d989696@news-server...
> In article <[email protected]>, "Bristan"
> <daed> says...
> ...Snippety snip...
> >
> > I would ban all large trucks from the roads, especially semi's and those
> > large b-doubles.. That is my opinion and that is the whole point.

>
> Where would you put them? What will we eat? wear? How will we
> transport building materials, exports, new bicycles? I hate them but
> they're vital to our society.
>


You could never accuse Bristan of any deep thought especially when it comes
to thinking of others. He is good at thinking about himself (No1) though.
I am surprised he has even graced us underlings with his superior mind.

> ...snip...
> > I think that as a nation we are too ready to ban things/activities to
> > protect a few for the inconvenience or annoyance for many.

>
> Yes and no.


Agree yes and no. There are times where we are totally banned from doing
things due to the stupid actions of a few. Noone here has suggested that
something should be totally banned. Only to think of others when you are
not actually using the device. Bike racks are more dangerous than not
whether you have a bike on them or not. We are allowed to use them which is
good but we have only argued that when not in use they should be stowed
safely. Bristan seems to think there is an appropriate reason for an empty
bike rack to be driven around on the back of a car. I am just waiting for a
list of them - or even one. However he has probably gone off elsewhere to
sprout his wisdom.

>
> > PS: why don't car drivers wear helmets? It would save many more head
> > injuries than cyclists.

>
> I agree here!! But my first priority is "helmets for pedestrians - in or
> out of doors" followed by "compulsory helmet-wearing by all shower-
> takers". Maybe we can get onto banning stairs, ladders, (wet) tile
> floors, etc when that's all in place.


lol. Nice one. Although wet tile floors anywhere but your own home would
already be banned via liability and workcover obligations. Hope you havnt
started a helmet war here Mark.

>
> --
> Mark Lee
 
"Bristan" <daed> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
>
> "John Doe" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:rMa%[email protected]...
> > "Bristan" <daed> wrote in message
> > news:[email protected]...
> >
> > You are not judging apples with apples here. Cars in use have a value...
> > towbars and bikeracks that are NOT in use do not.

>
> That is your opinion. Others might think that there is a value in leaving
> them attached.
>
>
> > We are talking about devices that are not being used not ones that are.

> Of
> > course cars/trucks/busses are dangerous. It is a risk we take because
> > basically the way our economy has gone makes it a necessity. It is a
> > managed risk that we constantly are trying to improve due to safety
> > enhancements. Cycling is a risk... Cars or not you can still have

> accidents
> > on a bike.

>
> Again , your opinion. You are making a value judgement on cars etc based

on
> your own needs/wants.
>
> I would ban all large trucks from the roads, especially semi's and those
> large b-doubles..


Trucks are not driven around empty unless necessary (ie returning from a
delivery)

> That is my opinion and that is the whole point.


That well be so but you are comparing something that is in use to something
that is not.

> Some
> people see a value in leaving the bike racks on and it is only the weight

of
> numbers for /against and not any intrinsic danger that will decide wether
> the thing is banned or not.


What value? One reason that can not be attributed to laziness.

> I think that as a nation we are too ready to ban things/activities to
> protect a few for the inconvenience or annoyance for many.


never said I wanted to ban them - didnt see anyone here say they wanted to
ban them.

> PS: why don't car drivers wear helmets? It would save many more head
> injuries than cyclists.


Nothing to do with something not in use.
 
"John Doe" <[email protected]> wrote in message news:TJv%[email protected]...
>
> "John Smith" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> >
> > All the (mostly) women who now drive SUVs for no purpose (other than

> feeling powerful
> > and important or affluent ??) could be encouraged to also haul produce and

> goods since
> > there is nothing else occupying the space in thei petrol hungry beasts ;-)

>
> Crikey, I understand if you are a yank but SUV? They are 4WD here. Next
> thing you will be saying Zee instead of Zed. :). I hate them too but oh
> know we are going to start a war within a war here.
>


4WD = (preferably) mud caked Land Rover, Nissan Patrol, Toyota Land Cruiser, (preferably)
with roo bars and snorkels, inferring off road use (especially with mud caking <g>)

SUV = Lexus, BMW, MB, and the increasing multitudes of 4WD not designed for
off road.

One 4WD manufacturer refused a warranty claim because the sand in the oil pan was
caused by driving it off-road. That was an SUV for sure.
 
"John Smith" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
>
> "John Doe" <[email protected]> wrote in message

news:TJv%[email protected]...
> >
> > "John Smith" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> > >
> > > All the (mostly) women who now drive SUVs for no purpose (other than

> > feeling powerful
> > > and important or affluent ??) could be encouraged to also haul produce

and
> > goods since
> > > there is nothing else occupying the space in thei petrol hungry beasts

;-)
> >
> > Crikey, I understand if you are a yank but SUV? They are 4WD here.

Next
> > thing you will be saying Zee instead of Zed. :). I hate them too but

oh
> > know we are going to start a war within a war here.
> >

>
> 4WD = (preferably) mud caked Land Rover, Nissan Patrol, Toyota Land

Cruiser, (preferably)
> with roo bars and snorkels, inferring off road use

(especially with mud caking <g>)
>
> SUV = Lexus, BMW, MB, and the increasing multitudes of 4WD not designed

for
> off road.
>
> One 4WD manufacturer refused a warranty claim because the sand in the oil

pan was
> caused by driving it off-road. That was an SUV for sure.
>


oh. thanks for clearing that up. I travel to the US a bit for work and
they never advertise 4WD as such. Everything is SUV even things like LR
Discovery etc.
 
"John Doe" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:j7u%[email protected]...
>
> "Bristan" <daed> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
> >
> > "John Doe" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> > news:rMa%[email protected]...
> > > "Bristan" <daed> wrote in message
> > > news:[email protected]...
> > >
> > > You are not judging apples with apples here. Cars in use have a

value...
> > > towbars and bikeracks that are NOT in use do not.

> >
> > That is your opinion. Others might think that there is a value in

leaving
> > them attached.
> >
> >
> > > We are talking about devices that are not being used not ones that

are.
> > Of
> > > course cars/trucks/busses are dangerous. It is a risk we take because
> > > basically the way our economy has gone makes it a necessity. It is a
> > > managed risk that we constantly are trying to improve due to safety
> > > enhancements. Cycling is a risk... Cars or not you can still have

> > accidents
> > > on a bike.

> >
> > Again , your opinion. You are making a value judgement on cars etc based

> on
> > your own needs/wants.
> >
> > I would ban all large trucks from the roads, especially semi's and those
> > large b-doubles.. That is my opinion and that is the whole point. Some
> > people see a value in leaving the bike racks on and it is only the

weight
> of
> > numbers for /against and not any intrinsic danger that will decide

wether
> > the thing is banned or not.
> > I think that as a nation we are too ready to ban things/activities to
> > protect a few for the inconvenience or annoyance for many.
> > PS: why don't car drivers wear helmets? It would save many more head
> > injuries than cyclists.
> >
> >

>
> Oh Bristan I have missed you.


Geez you take this too seriously, (like a few others), if that is the case.

Give me one reason other than laziness or as
> a weapon that
> you would want a bike rack on your car when not in use.
>

I take my rack off, however I can understand why people would want it on, or
take dogs on the beach, or use fireworks, or even have a gun etc. etc. etc.
Just because you defend a view does not neccessarily mean you hold it.
That is the basis of preudice and bias.
 
"Bristan" <daed> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
>
> "John Doe" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:j7u%[email protected]...
> >
> > "Bristan" <daed> wrote in message
> > news:[email protected]...
> > >
> > > "John Doe" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> > > news:rMa%[email protected]...
> > > > "Bristan" <daed> wrote in message
> > > > news:[email protected]...
> > > >
> > > > You are not judging apples with apples here. Cars in use have a

> value...
> > > > towbars and bikeracks that are NOT in use do not.
> > >
> > > That is your opinion. Others might think that there is a value in

> leaving
> > > them attached.
> > >
> > >
> > > > We are talking about devices that are not being used not ones that

> are.
> > > Of
> > > > course cars/trucks/busses are dangerous. It is a risk we take

because
> > > > basically the way our economy has gone makes it a necessity. It is

a
> > > > managed risk that we constantly are trying to improve due to safety
> > > > enhancements. Cycling is a risk... Cars or not you can still have
> > > accidents
> > > > on a bike.
> > >
> > > Again , your opinion. You are making a value judgement on cars etc

based
> > on
> > > your own needs/wants.
> > >
> > > I would ban all large trucks from the roads, especially semi's and

those
> > > large b-doubles.. That is my opinion and that is the whole point. Some
> > > people see a value in leaving the bike racks on and it is only the

> weight
> > of
> > > numbers for /against and not any intrinsic danger that will decide

> wether
> > > the thing is banned or not.
> > > I think that as a nation we are too ready to ban things/activities to
> > > protect a few for the inconvenience or annoyance for many.
> > > PS: why don't car drivers wear helmets? It would save many more head
> > > injuries than cyclists.
> > >
> > >

> >
> > Oh Bristan I have missed you.

>
> Geez you take this too seriously, (like a few others), if that is the

case.

Nope. Just missed you tis all.

>
> Give me one reason other than laziness or as
> > a weapon that
> > you would want a bike rack on your car when not in use.
> >

> I take my rack off, however I can understand why people would want it on,

or
> take dogs on the beach, or use fireworks, or even have a gun etc. etc.

etc.
> Just because you defend a view does not neccessarily mean you hold it.
> That is the basis of preudice and bias.
>
>


Still havnt given me one reason why.