A new THINK!/TfL national motorcycle safety campaign has been launched in London this month. This year’s campaign has an interesting angle- 'If you got to know me, I think that you would like me very much’. The aim is to get drivers to think about the person on the back of a bike as a real person rather than a ‘biker’ in a bid to cut down on the number of injuries on the road every year.

We are interested to hear what you think of the advert (which can be found here: http://www.youtube.com/user/thinkuk?blen...-EDJj-gu2Q) as well as the campaign in general. Are you a biker or a driver? If so what have your experiences with other road users been like? Would you be more likely to notice bikers on the road if you know someone who rides a motorcycle? Do you think this issue is a big problem in your area?

Click on the link provided for more news and information on the new THINK!/TfL motorcycle safety campaign. THINK BIKE. THINK BIKER.
http://www.dft.gov.uk/think/motorcycles

I wish this had been around in 2008 when a drunk car driver hit me on my motorcycle.

On the whole I like it, seen it on a few bike forums and the response overall seems to be good.

Will click on the link and go from there.

We have created two quizzes, one aimed at drivers and one aimed at bikers. Hopefully these questions will get people thinking about various aspects of road safety. Look below to test your knowledge of the road from a drivers point of view to see how you would fare in the safety stakes as part of the new ‘THINK!’/TfL campaign.

Drivers- Questions
1. At night drivers are required to keep head lights on a full-beam.
- True/False
2. Drivers must not use their horn...
- A. Whenever you see fit.
- B. Only when stationary
- C. Between 11.30pm and 7.00am etc Only when moving and you want to alert other road users to your presence.
3. You can drive when you are tired as long as you have had a cup of coffee.
- True/False
4. Drinking and driving do not mix! Do you know what is the legal limit is for drink driving?...
- A. 35 microgrammes/100 millilitres of breath or a blood alcohol level of more than 80 milligrammes/100 millilitres of blood.
- B. 45 microgrammes/100 millilitres of breath or a blood alcohol level of more than 90 milligrammes/100 millilitres of blood.
- C. 50 microgrammes/100 millilitres of breath or a blood alcohol level of more than 95milligrammes/100 millilitres of blood.
5. Drivers should use their mirrors...
- A. Frequently so that they are aware of what is going on around them.
- B. Only when turning or overtaking.
6. Choose the odd one out- Before moving off drivers should...
- A. Use all mirrors to check the road is clear.
- B. Look round to check the blind spots (the areas they are unable to see in the mirrors)
- C. Turn the radio on.
- D. Signal if necessary before moving out .
- E. Look round for a final check
7. According to the Highway Code stopping distances in snowy or icy distances can be...............longer than normal.
- A. Two times
- B. Five times
- C. Ten times
8. If you have a car license you can drive a motorcycle if...
- A. You put L plates on it.
- B. You pass CBT training.
- C. You pass CBT training and put L plates on it.
9. You MUST be able to read a vehicle number plate, in good daylight, from a distance of...
- A. 15 metres (or 15.5 metres where the old style number plate is used).
- B. 20 metres (or 20.5 metres where the old style number plate is used).
- C. 25 metres (or 25.5 metres where the old style number plate is used).

Bikers- Questions
1. Motorcyclists have a higher speed limit than cars on the motorway.
-True/False
2. Motorcycle passengers do not have to wear a helmet.
-True/False
3. Provisional license holders are not allowed to carry pillion passengers.
-True/False
4. Motorcyclists have to wear reflective clothing when driving at night.
- True/False
5. Car drivers can easily spot motorcyclists as they have lots of mirrors.
- True/False
6. If you have a full car license you can drive a motorcycle if...
- A. You put L plates on it.
- B. You pass CBT training
- C. You pass CBT training and put L plates on it.
7. According to the Highway Code what can wet weather do to stopping distances?...
- A. Stay the same.
- B. Double.
- C. Triple.

Drivers- Answers
1. False- you should only use them if they will not dazzle other road users.
2. C- You should not sound your horn when stationary or in built up areas between 11:30pm-7:00am. You should not sound your horn in an aggressive manner as it can startle other road users.
3. False- drivers are advised not to drive when tired as it impairs their ability to stay aware of the dangers on the road.
4. A
5. A
6. C
7. C
8. C
9. B

Bikers- Answers
1. False- same speed limits
2. False
3. True- You cannot carry pillion passengers until you have passed your test
4. False- but you are advised to wear reflective clothing whenever you ride to make yourself as visible as possible.
5. False- Car drivers cannot see everything with their mirrors and often do not see motorcyclists even when looking at their blind spot.
6. C
7. B

100%

Personally, I think that you should be required to ride a bike for a year before being allowed to drive a car. Might make drivers a bit more bike aware.

Three other interesting questions:

1) Are motorcyclists allowed to wait in the green cycle zone, ahead of cars at traffic lights?
a) Yes, these areas are reserved for all two wheeled vehicles
b) Yes, but only if the lights have changed and you were not able to get through. You should allow cyclists a head start
c) No, these are reserved for cyclists
d) Why not? Cars and buses do.

2) Are motorcyclists allowed to ride on the pavement?
a) No, never.
b) Yes, if they are parking their bike on the pavement
c) Yes, but only if they are delivering pizzas
d) Yes. Pedestrians are a danger and should be banned
e) Why not? Bicycles do.

3) When waiting at the green filter light on London Road and the idiot in front has not seen it go green because he/she is on the phone should you:
a) Give a short blast of your horn to encourage them
b) Get out your car and swear in their face until the light goes red again
c) Sit calmly contemplating the idiocy of London drivers
d) Depends on the time of day

4) When turning corners should you use your indicator?
a) Yes, you must indicate before you turn a corner
b) If you want to indicate that is fine
c) Yes, but except when you are in the left lane turning from Devonshire Road into London Road - that would give pedestrians too much information

Please click on the following URLs which take you to the WInkball website where you can see some responses to the advert across London.

What do you all think of these? Do you agree of disagree with teh statements made?

Motorbikers at the Ace Cafe:

http://www.winkball.com/walls/TfL_Campai...motorbike/


Drivers in Southgate, North London:

http://www.winkball.com/walls/TfL_Campai...otorbike1/


Drivers in Croydon, South London:

http://www.winkball.com/walls/TfL_Campai...otorbike2/