French government mandating hi-vis gear for all riders

[mmmnaked]

We're your nanny now

http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/Ne...rom-next-year/

Maybe they'll tell each other what color pants and shoes to wear next...

At least the locals have a year to overturn this latest nannyism. Hopefully our idiot legislators won't get any bright ideas.

[suprPHREAK]

Hopefully our idiot legislators won't get any bright ideas.

heh BRIGHT ideas!

[tricky]

heh BRIGHT ideas!

The French government must really love hi-vis..

From 1 July 2008, all drivers must also carry a luminous high-visibility vest in the main body of the vehicle (i.e. not in the boot). The vest is to be worn in case of a break-down at any time and must be put on before you get out of the vehicle. Failure to produce the required safety equipment at an accident/breakdown scene or during a police inspection can result in a fine. There are frequently police checkpoints at the exits of the major ferry ports to check whether drivers have the required safety equipment, so it is best to ensure that you have all the necessary equipment before travelling to France.

from this article: http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=413

[rukus]

...

We contend that a motorist who is incapable of identifying a normally dressed rider and motorcycle in conditions of good visibility is not fit to hold a driving licence.

"Making extreme demands of motorcyclists in respect of their clothing is to effectively persecute the victims of problem to accommodate the failings of those who often cause them.

[crankcall]

Hells Angles Paris chapter apply for a winged skull patch in florescent green.......

[Lyndsay]

Not knowing what the actual law says, based on the article, you won't require "Hi-Viz", just some reflective portion. 150 square cm can be accommodated on a helmet or a couple of stripes. I don't understand how this will help during the day however.

[mmmnaked]

In all likelihood they're gonna mandate that 150cm2 arranged in stripes to be visible from all sides.

[Stewart]

typical....the french get it backwards again. the hi vis gear should be for the bicycles, mopeds, scooters and motorcycles up to 125cc, not the faster larger bikes. the bigger bikes go with the flow, the others are rolling road blocks.

[Scudzo_2]

After I got rear-ended (the accident wrote off my '05 V'Strom), I started wearing Hi-viz, as I believe every little bit helps.

Forcing people to wear hi-viz I don't agree with though! They'd likely be better off just mandating a minimum level of gear!

[S500K]

heh BRIGHT ideas!

Haha, I much prefer pillion orange to highlighter yellow

[RockerGuy]

[DoubleJ]

Don't see a problem.

[Scuba Steve]

What's next mandatory helmets !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Stop the insanity

[DJM]

Surprised the French are mandating it before the UK. Usually they are on the leading edge of nannyism.

[mmmnaked]

What's next mandatory helmets !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Stop the insanity

Maybe hi-vis and helmets for pedestrians!!!!

[RockerGuy]

Maybe hi-vis and helmets for pedestrians!!!!

Yuh know how much pedestrians killed each year? This is serious business

[Rob MacLennan]

It's going to get pretty tough to tell the regular BMW riders from the cops. Even here, riding a bike that looks nothing like a cop bike and wearing hi-viz that looks nothing like Toronto cop gear, I seem to occasionally be mistaken for a cop.

[The Road Warrior]

Don't see a problem.

I guess you don't value individual freedom/liberty.

[mmmnaked]

Hi vis cars for drivers and hi vis pants and shirts for pedestrians!

Then after that maybe automate cars and put pedestrians in self driving wheelchairs.

And then ultimately make everyone stay indoors for their own safety. Think of the children!

[Face]

It's going to get pretty tough to tell the regular BMW riders from the cops. Even here, riding a bike that looks nothing like a cop bike and wearing hi-viz that looks nothing like Toronto cop gear, I seem to occasionally be mistaken for a cop.

There are advantages... A friend rides a white police version ST1300, with a white helmet & hi-vis jacket. He'll pull up behind a cager sitting blocking the inside lane, turn on his 4-ways and the guy pulls over to the outside lane right away thinking he's a cop. We then just roll on by. He did that twice on highway 10 a couple months ago when we were riding together. Had me laughing in my helmet!