First off, I would like to introduce my myself to the fellow Ducati owners here on the board. I bought my 696 back in June and absolutely love it! I have never been on street bikes in the past, but I have rode dirt bkes in the past. I did my MSF course in Apr, and bought my bike quickly thereafter. I am a retired race car driver and racing instructor, so I needed a new hobby.
I am not sure how everyone feels about the wonderful radar cameras that have appeared on the freeways recently, but I despise them for several reasons. I have never had a problem with them on my bike till last week. I did not receive a ticket, but was almost involved in an accident when the cameras went off. I think it startled the person in front of me and they slammed on their brakes. I was fine with reacting, but the person behind me was a little slow and they about rear ended me. I heard the all to clear A.B.S skidding and thank god they did not collect me with their front bumper. I have just recently joined a group that is focusing on legislation to remove the cameras they are called camerafraud.com. I joined back in December and I will be attending some of their protest. If you hate these things as much as I do check out their website.
Regards,
Ryan Hampton
I agree with you Ryan I see people swerve and freakout everytime those camera's go off too which is hazardous to everyone especially those of us who ride. I have to work this Friday but will try to make it to the next demonstration to sign the ballot initiative, [thumbsup]
Since we are talking about the Radar Camera's does anyone know how it works for those of us who ride?
I know that if you get flashed while in a car in order to get the ticket there needs to be an identifiable picture of the driver but on a bike if you have your gear on like you should there is no way to ID the rider.
I guess I should just ask if anyone has been served a photo radar ticket while on their bike?
Thanks,
AZMonsterMan
From what I've been hearing it seems like most bike riders haven't been getting sent tickets. I've heard that with mirrored shields they don't even bother sending them. But it seems like I have heard of a couple guys getting tickets also... Supposedly you still need to be served though, so some people just throw the tickets out. A very small percentage then get served in person. Also, you can ride around the sensors in the road for the permanent cameras (just hug the lines, you have about 12" between the sensor loop and the edge of the lane), the mobile cameras (vans) use radar, so can't ride around that.
Now what I do, at least when I'm paying attention ( ;) ) is to ride within the allowable MPH range to trigger the cameras. I ride with my speedo at 10-12 MPH over the limit. The speedo error on our bikes indicates at least 3-4 MPH over our actual speed, so I'm under the trigger point for the cameras. I stay at that speed when going by the cameras, weave through all the cars & trucks that are braking down to 5 under the posted limit, and go on my merry way, sometimes speeding up between cameras. I have noticed a marked decrease in live patrol cars on the freeways since the cameras.....works for me. (By the way, I drive the same way in my car, about 10 over, everywhere.)
Also a friend of mine who is PD told me bikes sometimes do not have enough mass to trigger the sensors and also the radar signature of a motorcycle is a bit less than a car. If you are riding and there are cars around you, it is impossible to get a read on the bike. If you are all alone, they can get a read on you. I usually drive around ten over myself, but I did get hit last year at 6 mph over. Never got the ticket though... I received a Scottsdale ticket in 2007 and tossed it in the trash...Never heard from again, but my car was registered in CA. I don't mind the red light cameras, I feel those do make a difference, but on the freeway they are highway robbery. Just a heads up to prove that the cameras are for profit only on the freeways: If you receive a photo radar ticket on the freeway, it is only a fine. You will receive no points against your record and it is not reported to your insurance. If you get a red light ticket it does count as points and is reported. How bout' them apples.