The CMSP has $250k. How do you want to spend it on moto safety??

[budman]

I'm sure Budman still has my correspondence from 2014 on the topic of videos. But here's a summary:

• 2-5 minute videos to be posted on YouTube. Don't waste money airing on mass media.
  
  
• Target audience is motorcyclists. We're much easier to reach than drivers. There's only about a million of us statewide and we're generally enthusiastic. There's about 30 million drivers and most couldn't care less about driving well.
  
  
• Specific crash-prevention countermeasures, not generalities. "Ride like you're invisible" is an ever-popular generality. But it can't be taken literally, and exceptions are never mentioned.
  
  
• Active, not passive, countermeasures. Solutions will be in the identification of developing situations and positive actions to avoid them. Not in things like "Wear neon pink leathers and a rotating helmet strobe. That way, they'll always see you and yield right of way."
  
  
• For crashes where another vehicle is involved, show what the other driver sees leading up to the incident. Too often, when motorcyclists hear about a crash, they react with disbelief and outrage if the driver didn't see the motorcycle. Demonstrate that a motorcycle really can disappear in a sea of larger vehicles.
  
  
• Crash prevention, not ticket prevention. Motivate riders by appealing to their instinct for self-preservation, not by telling that that illegal speeds are illegal.
  
  
• Realistic expectations. No happy talk about how safe riding a motorcycle is if you just follow a few simple rules. It's dangerous, and these recommendations are aimed to reduce, but cannot eliminate, that danger.

All those and more that I continued to create are potentials Dan. Turned into CBS production folks. Hoping we see some with the 800K media bucks. They are deciding which they want and from I can see they are going out to bid then to produce them.

The other subject for video's being put here I will collect and turn in as well.
Thank you guys.

 

[Pelon]

I'd like to see part of it spent on rider education about safety gear... Sure, it a law to wear a helmet, but so many people stop at that. Gear, good gear, back protectors in jackets, CE certified impact pads, knee protection... A rather inexpensive investment that can reduce the impact, injury and recovery of even the worst accident.

 

[DanvilleDSRider]

2 selfish suggestions....

Have them underwrite the Doc Wong series of Class's in the East Bay, they can be held at the Alameda County Fair Grounds. They could fund it for the year.

Have then underwrite the funding to move BARF to the latest version of Bulletin Board ... this would effect/reach more riders than any PSA they could come up with.

Create a series of Motorcycle Online Interactive Class's related to Riding and Safety....Corning/Breaking/Safety ect

 

[Wadab]

Re-write the driver's DMV handbook & tests to emphasize motorcycles.

Totally agree.....
and maybe more frequent flashing of reminders in those digital signs on the freeways to be more aware of motorcycles like they do with drunk driving now..

 

[chiara]

Since looking at the other thread yesterday, I thought I'd stop in during lunch and saw this. That's really cool! Will minutes from the meeting be available? I'd be interested, if so?

I liked the FlyingHun's idea, and DataDan's to use youtube as a medium. If using youtube, why not produce videos on the cheap and target everyone, using social media to broadcast the videos?

Another idea: would it be possible to direct the money toward establishing an association, as a 501(c) nonprofit, the primary mission of which would be to provide education and public outreach for motorcycle related issues specifically in California? It would require a committed group to get it off the ground (I think you have that here) but I imagine that the money could fund such an association for several years and, once established, the association could potentially support itself into the future through member dues.

Elect a board of directors who, in turn, would establish committees charged by and reporting to the board, and a lot of work could be done. Off the top of my head, committees could be established for legislation, public outreach/media relations, event organization, and member resources. The committees would answer to the board, who, in turn, would be answerable to the membership. If membership is high enough, different regions in the state could even organize into chapters. In the beginning, member benefits could be exclusive web access along with a monthly or quarterly newsletter covering board activity.

 

[Vin246]

Free 1 year insurance for kids below 25 who don't get tickets and who agree to take certain safety schools and courses every couple of months and who will be willing to volunteer a few weekends to help out with any PSA's or any motorcycle related campaigns laid out by CHP.

 

[KazMan]

Since looking at the other thread yesterday, I thought I'd stop in during lunch and saw this. That's really cool! Will minutes from the meeting be available? I'd be interested, if so?

I liked the FlyingHun's idea, and DataDan's to use youtube as a medium. If using youtube, why not produce videos on the cheap and target everyone, using social media to broadcast the videos?

Another idea: would it be possible to direct the money toward establishing an association, as a 501(c) nonprofit, the primary mission of which would be to provide education and public outreach for motorcycle related issues specifically in California? It would require a committed group to get it off the ground (I think you have that here) but I imagine that the money could fund such an association for several years and, once established, the association could potentially support itself into the future through member dues.

Elect a board of directors who, in turn, would establish committees charged by and reporting to the board, and a lot of work could be done. Off the top of my head, committees could be established for legislation, public outreach/media relations, event organization, and member resources. The committees would answer to the board, who, in turn, would be answerable to the membership. If membership is high enough, different regions in the state could even organize into chapters. In the beginning, member benefits could be exclusive web access along with a monthly or quarterly newsletter covering board activity.

The CMSP is already made up of several MC groups, BARF, and industry types. Not putting down your ideas, just pointing out that a 501(c) and a committee, are pretty redundant to what is already in place from what I have observed.

In regards to videos, as mentioned previously, the committee has slated $800k in the use of distribution through media/social media outlets.

 

[Silence]

It should definitely be invested in something that will pay forward. How about a simple online game that showcases the reduced reaction time/options available when you increase the speed difference between yourself and the rest of traffic? It doesn't have to be slick 3D graphics, simple 2D representation would suffice (like a 2D scrolling shooter format where you dodge obstacles with unpredictable behavior I suppose). We know this to be a problem that people don't quite appreciate and we also know that gamification is quite effective. May not necessarily be that expensive to execute on either but something like this is lasting and could be disseminated with the PR/communication budget that is already being spent.

I love the idea of disseminating objective, data driven dialogue, but we have to remember to design around the audience with varying levels of capability and even appetite to think about life in that way. I only say this because, my whole profession revolves around spearheading data driven initiatives in the corporate world and it is shocking how much I have to dumb things down just so the average (allegedly college educated), white collar employee understands the issue/doesn't have an ADHD attack.

 

[NorCalAthlete]

Re-write the driver's DMV handbook & tests to emphasize motorcycles.

Beat me to it. This was my first thought. There are still people who flat out believe it's never been legal to begin with. Incorporating it into driver's training for cars would also help build a rounded foundation to work towards legalizing it nationwide (ie, cover all bases of affects).

Second idea: since you're already covering media and getting the word out with the majority, perhaps a development of a "best practices" handbook to pass out? Doesn't have to be anything super thorough, just general tips that people don't seem to think about too much. Stuff like:

• If you have to weave and dip your bars under mirrors and around bumpers constantly, the road is probably too narrow to safely split.
• Do not split on the far right of vehicles at intersections unless you are turning right. They may be attempting a right turn while you go straight, and will be looking left at traffic - not to the right, at you.
• Beware of what's beyond the car you're splitting past. This can include left turners at intersections (splitting to the front of traffic that's stopped at a green light due to congestion), pedestrians crossing at stop signs / streets where there are crosswalk intersections only, maybe an accident, etc.
• Be sure to give proper spacing behind other motorcycles that are splitting, and try to move over for those splitting faster behind you. I've encountered lots of riders that split lanes at maybe 1-2 mph faster than traffic...nothing is more aggravating than FURTHER clogging traffic. At the same time, once I get stuck behind someone like that, I get sandwiched with others catching up who ride behind me so close I'm afraid if I have to brake quickly I'll have their front wheel hit me in the back.

Stuff like that, I dunno.

Idea #3: Cone course days. Set up some long straight-ish and also turning cone courses to simulate splitting so that riders can practice holding their lines. Similar to moto gymkhana but less intensive and more all-rider-all-bike friendly.

Idea #4: Devote a portion to studying after effects. Ie, accident rates, traffic congestion, survey riders, drivers, etc to see if more people are splitting, if more people are giving extra space, general feelings about it, etc.

 

[NorCalAthlete]

Oh and as far as the big chunk going towards media stuff - how much would it cost to air a simple 5-10 second "LANE SPLITTING IS LEGAL" banner, with a CHP logo or something, during sportsball game commercials? Basketball, football, hockey, whatever. Just enough to poke someone a bit, doesn't have to give full details.

 

[WWWobble]

Oh and as far as the big chunk going towards media stuff - how much would it cost to air a simple 5-10 second "LANE SPLITTING IS LEGAL" banner, with a CHP logo or something, during sportsball game commercials? Basketball, football, hockey, whatever. Just enough to poke someone a bit, doesn't have to give full details.

WHY?

We're already good on lane splitting is legal. That's a done battle

UNLESS.........

Motorcycle assholes who split at Deltas of 50+ fuck this up.

 

[ariacode]

FWIW I think something along the lines of "thank you for sharing" or "the more we share the faster we all get there" would be more effective than "lane splitting is legal". The latter can be read as gloating or passive-aggressive and doesn't really do much to build compassion or acceptance from drivers IMHO.

 

[ariacode]

Happened to come across this set of videos. They're really well made and seem similar to what is being suggested by some here.

 

[mlm]

Best bang for the buck would be emphasizing gear IMO. Nobody want to think about crashing, so maybe some other angles like visibility, not getting road grime on your clothes, etc. As for lane splitting, I'd focus on the traffic and parking benefits for others...maybe something showing a "what if" if every motorcyclist drove.

 

[KazMan]

Happened to come across this set of videos. They're really well made and seem similar to what is being suggested by some here.

Australia has really done a lot of great videos for motorcycle safety as well as safety gear. Their helmet safety programs are very good as well.

 

[motoproponent]

I would use it to fund more prolific and better motorcycle only parking at school campuses.

Mrs. Moto has been commuting to Cal State East Bay for years and there is one parking spot converted to accommodate bikes. Maybe even have covers (roof) or outlets for charging electric bikes.

Here in the Bay Area a moto can be inexpensive and reliable transport for a College kid on a budget. If young people spend some formative years commuting for education they will likely continue commuting for work as an adult.

Or fund a way for bridge toll to be free for motos based on the lesser amount of wear and tear they exert on the bridges. Carpools help the environment but more motorcycles crossing the bridges means less traffic for all and less maintenance on the bridge itself.

 

[philipviana]

FWIW I think something along the lines of "thank you for sharing" or "the more we share the faster we all get there" would be more effective than "lane splitting is legal". The latter can be read as gloating or passive-aggressive and doesn't really do much to build compassion or acceptance from drivers IMHO.

I agree! I think the current sign is good but a little on the aggressive side:

I'm not sure how best to spend the $250k, but I have some stray thoughts:

- Someone said that $250k is nowhere near enough to pay for lane splitting signs statewide. Would it be reasonable to put the money towards signs just in the bay area, on high-traffic, targeted routes that have a lot of motorcycle and car collisions? For instance, the Bay Bridge, the 580 in Oakland, the 101. This could act as an experiment to see if the signage has any measurable impact on reducing collisions on these routes in subsequent years.

- Change the sign from SHARE THE LANE to something with a more mutual tone. Not sure what this would be. "CHECK MIRRORS FOR MOTORCYCLES BETWEEN LANES", "PLEASE YIELD TO MOTORCYCLES BETWEEN LANES". Wondering if we have a poll or crowdsource a sign on BARF.

- Agreed with those who have remarked that, while rider education is important, there are already loads of great video series available for free on youtube.

- I am personally skeptical that free hi-viz vests would be an effective use of the money. Mainly because I don't want to wear one.

- Drivers who run reds and cause gridlock in downtown are a big nuisance I don't see talked about on BARF much. Is there a way $250k could go towards decongestion efforts? Somehow use that money to push for new legislation that makes harsher penalties for running reds and causing gridlock?

- Education for motorists to be more careful and aware on left hand turns would also be a good use of the $250k. The worst accident I witnessed on my bike was when a mercedes blew through a no left on red and T-boned a minivan with a family inside. No one was hurt amazingly. I was thinking about splitting to the front of the line of cars on my side - if I had done that and gone through the intersection when my light turned green, I would have been killed.

 

[MikeGyver]

Put these on the sides of all CHP vehicles:

 

[Surj]

I agree! I think the current sign is good but a little on the aggressive side:

You know that's not an actual road sign, right? And how is it "aggressive?"

 

[philipviana]

You know that's not an actual road sign, right? And how is it "aggressive?"

Well,

- all caps, bold font looks more serious than your typical street sign
- looks more like we're asking the car on the left of the sign to move over for the rider, rather than actually down the middle of the lane. This is why I have a problem with "lane sharing", vs. "lane splitting".
- graphically, the cars are depicted as cutesy and cheery while the rider is your typical sport douche with a devilish looking visor. could choose a standard or a more neutral looking rider. frankly I think it makes us look like assholes.

Road signs, even ones indicating hazards, usually have a neutral or friendly tone. Tell me the current SHARE THE LANE sign doesn't look more aggressive than any of these:

If we wanted to make it a road sign (not just a sticker like it is now), it would probably be good for driver/rider relations to tone the sign down a notch.