倫敦 congestion area

日前相關文章

首先是來自英國的消息。從本月十七日開始,倫敦將正式成為全國第一個採取全面擁擠區過路繳稅的做法。每週星期一到星期五,早上七點到傍晚六點半,過路者一律繳五英鎊(一次繳,當日多次進出)。未繳費即進入擁擠區的車輛,除當天需繳清之原款額外,仍必須多付五英鎊罰金。未繳者則罰金攀升為八十英鎊。換算台幣,約為 4300 元。隔日內繳清,罰金半價"優惠" – 四十英鎊。 這項計劃背後的法源為 Transport Act 2000. 法源允許各地議會針對市區內擁擠區,進行課稅行為. Durham 地區在市內的一條道路,也採取了收費兩英鎊的做法(自2002/10 開始)。

其他正考慮的城市有 Bristol(布里斯托), Leeds(里茲), Manchester(曼徹斯特), Cambridge(劍橋) 和 Edinburgh(愛丁堡).

本計劃的網站為 www.cclondon.com.

IAM(Institute of Advanced Motorists, 進階摩托安駕訓練機構) 表示,此舉可能造成貼牌行為 ,以規避各擁擠區警用照相機的取締。主訓官 Bryan Lunn 神情凝重的表示:

“But there is very real prospect of drivers deliberately failing to
register their vehicle with the DVLA to avoid the congestion charge – one
in five already do so. That’s in addition to the 40,000 vehicles a year
who carry false plates to avoid being traced.."

其他可能發生的問題為:

* 鼠散效應: TfL 承認有將近 20 條位於住宅區的道路,每小時的車流量會多出 200 台次。這對原本就非主幹道的住宅區域,顯承構成了交通衝擊。

* 危險的停車行為: “聰明的" 騎士或駕駛人,可能會將車輛停在繳費區邊緣,造成來往車輛行進的不便與安全上的顧慮。

* 使用手機繳費: TfL 撥出一條專線 (0845 900 1234), 建議騎士和駕駛者直接以電話購買點數(繳稅), 這可能會讓我們看到擁擠區界限前一堆駕駛人拼命打手機的現象,這不啻是道安的一大威脅(並且也違規). TfL 大力廣告專線等於是打自己嘴巴。應該要有更『安全』的付費機制。

關於 Motomosa 的架站方式(blog)

有人問起, Motomosa.com 是怎麼樣架起來的?什麼又是 “blog(部落格)" ? 格友 acer 在他的文章中有精闢的解說。此外,為什麼 Motomosa.com 要使用 blog 的型態,而捨棄 phpbb, nukes, 或是其他的 cms, 車友可以參考我的另文

此外, Motomosa.com 也將嘗試以 wiki 的方式,將所有的摩托文獻與評論資料上線(probably the biker-world’s first attempt),預計六個月後公開亮相。中英文版並行, and harness the power of collaborative journalism.

blogsword6.jpg

騎車時的提神問題

Safety Riding 的原則:

— 如果你需要任何飲品或藥物來提神,那就表示你已經太累了 —

我的看法是,應嘗試『主動』的防止騎乘時過於勞累,而非靠外物救濟。不可抗力狀況下可另當別論,如送快遞或參加朋友婚禮。=) 主動的方式可分為兩大項:一為檢討自己的騎姿,二為反省自己的心態,三為騎乘技巧,四為完善的行前準備。這都又可以分為好幾個細目來討論。

騎姿檢討,自己來作很麻煩,要有人在後面跟車看。短途行程的疲勞累積未達一定水準,所以原本的騎姿(不一定是正確的)還可以維持。連續長距離騎乘後,一大堆問題會暴露出來。

避免疲勞騎姿的另外秘訣為 relaxing but alertive(放鬆但保持警覺)。

長途騎車時的心態會有如江擁浪來,起落不一。在害怕出事、肚子餓、趕時間、看風景、發呆的心態下騎乘,身體都會有不同的相對反應。什麼時候該採取什麼樣的心態,這也是秘訣。

若要條列出注意事項,請參考另外一篇譯文

蠻牛之流,最好能避免。

騎士的身體素質?

問:那hang off到底是穩定還是不穩定呢?
答:穩不穩定,變數很多吧。=)

我想到另一個切入點。一般我們在討論 riding skill 上時似乎都忽略到,既然 riding 是一種 sport, 那參與者 (無論是逛大街、休閒、業餘或職業…)的『體能素質』,其實或多或少在騎乘安全之中,都扮演了某種提供『穩定』的角色之一。 題外話,這方面的文獻我找不到,即使像美國 Human Kinetics 這麼大的運動專業出版商,也沒類似書籍。目前我知道的只有一本:

Die obere Halfte des Motorrads. U"ber die Einheit von Fahrer und Maschine.
von Bernt Spiegel

Gebundene Ausgabe – 330 Seiten – Pietsch Verlag Stuttgart
Erscheinungsdatum: August 2002

PRACTICE MOTORCYCLE THEORY TEST ON CD-ROM

The Driving Standards Agency (DSA) launches The Official Theory Test for Motorcyclists CD-ROM today (10 February 2003). This is the newest addition to DSA’s range of official products aimed at learner driver and riders.

The CD-ROM enables candidates to practise for the real motorcycle multiple choice part of the theory test by carrying out a mock test that looks and works just like the actual test. When practising learner riders are one mouse click away from a commentary that fully explains the question and answers. Comprehensive feedback is provided that allows them to keep track of their progress. It also shows a video clip giving a full explanation of the new hazard perception part of the test. The CD-ROM will enable learner riders to locate their nearest theory and practical test centre with web-links to DSA’s on-line theory test booking facility and offers a listing of Approved Training Bodies. It also includes a list of insurers, manufacturers, magazines and service providers to the motorcycle industry whose contact details are available.

Gordon Court, the DSA director with responsibility for the theory test, said:

“This is an excellent learning tool for learner riders. It gives candidates the chance to see what it will be like to sit the real test, with the added advantage of having feedback which will help track their progress."

Notes to Editors 1. The Official Theory Test for Motorcyclists will be available in many High Street outlets or alternatively you can obtain a copy by calling 0870 600 5522

2. The Driving Standards Agency (DSA) is an executive agency of the Department for Transport, and is part of the Driver, Vehicle and Operator (DVO) group of organisations within the Department.

3. The Agency’s aim is to promote road safety through improving driving standards, testing drivers and riders fairly and efficiently, maintaining the registers of Approved Driving Instructors and Large Goods Vehicle Instructors and supervising basic training for learner motorcyclists.

4. The DSA is a trading fund with turnover of around #88 million for the year 2001/2. Income for the year 2002/3 is expected to be in the region of #94m, fully funded by fee income and revenue from non-statutory activities.

5. The DSA HQ is at Stanley House, 56 Talbot Street, Nottingham, NG1 5GU, and there are five area offices, which manage 431 practical test centres across Britain.

6. The DSA employs 2,000 staff, of which some 1,295 are driving examiners. In 2001/02 the Agency conducted 1.3 million tests for car drivers, 72,000 vocational tests and 91,000 motorcycle rider tests. 1.3 million theory tests were carried out at 158 centres. At the end of the year there were 29,962 people on the Register of Approved Driving Instructors.

7. In July 2001, DSA successfully retained the Charter Mark, awarded for excellence in public service. DSA was one of the first recipients of this award for 1992-5 and regained it in 1997.

8. The DSA achieved formal accreditation as an Investor in People in July 2000.

9. DSA is one of the first Government Agencies to introduce an ‘on-line’ booking service. Candidates can book their theory test directly on DSA’s website : http://www.driving-tests co.uk

越南政府(河内市)打擊道路飆車

最近在 Deutsche Presse Agentur 看到消息指出,河內市(Hanoi, Vietnam)為了打擊年輕的道路飆車族,將採取沒收車輛並且一律拍賣的作法(自今年二月十五日開始)。拍賣所得之經費,將捐給市內各身心障礙團體。之前河內市警察採取道路圍堵或將強巡邏的方式,來防堵飆車,但成效不彰(sounds familiar?)。通常在假日還有重要的運動賽事結束後,街頭飆車族便開始蠢蠢欲動。

警方若要沒收車輛,必須先得到檢察官的授權。

con l’auto e la moto nel mondo

新書介紹:摩托語彙本(義、英、法、德、西、葡…等六種語文)。

義文書名:Con l’auto e la moto nel mondo || 頁數:208 p.
出版日期:2000 || ISBN: 884157994
出版者:Instituto Geografico De Agostini

P2100319.jpg P2100320.jpg P2100321.jpg 內容:

我們在歐洲各國旅行(開車或騎車)時,常會遇到一些車子的小問題。在不熟悉歐系語言的情況下,即使比手畫腳個半天,還是無法正確地告訴老外車子到底有什麼毛病。這本 “Con l’auto e la moto nel mondo" 正是為了應付這種情況而生。無論是爆胎、火星塞掛點,還是離合線斷裂、大燈不亮…本書前半段將相關的詞彙以六種語言並陳,讓使用者能快速的查詢。

除機構各名詞外,旅遊者身體不適、量詞、各國號誌語文…等語詞,也一併附上。後半段則是各種語言的簡易會話,包含遭遇修車、租車、處理(申請)相關證照文件、事故、送醫、保險、違規…等等所可能必須使用到的會話。小本,好攜帶,沒有多餘贅飾. It simply works.

譯者或專業的汽機車雜誌編輯們可以考慮購買這一本小冊書。

CONGESTION CHARGING MAY CAUSE ROAD SAFETY PROBLEMS, WARNS THE IAM

Issued 7th February 2003

The congestion charge create could create its own road safety risks for the capital, warned the Institute of Advanced Motorists today (7 February 2003).

The prospect of drivers tempted to “text" from the wheel to pay their £5 fee while at the same time trying to overtake one of the new novice scooter riders is worrying enough said IAM Chief Examiner Bryan Lunn.

“But there is very real prospect of drivers deliberately failing to register their vehicle with the DVLA to avoid the congestion charge – one in five already do so. That’s in addition to the 40,000 vehicles a year who carry false plates to avoid being traced," said Mr Lunn.

“A lot of these drivers don’t bother with insurance and many do not even hold a driving licence. They are the same people who compromise road safety by racing through camera sites, and avoid the penalties for exceeding the speed limit or jumping the traffic lights. We are worried there will be far more of them after 17 February," he said.

Mr Lunn said the IAM, which has over 110,000 members, is concerned about some of the other road safety risks:

* Rat Running: TfL has admitted that 20 streets, many of them in residential areas, will carry an extra 200 vehicles an hour at peak time, leading to the prospect of more crashes and pedestrian injuries. Local authority moves to reduce displaced traffic are in hand, but will probably not be ready in time.

* Dangerous parking: vehicles left “creatively" on the edges of the scheme will make side roads potentially more difficult to negotiate

* “Phoney" drivers: Texting while at the wheel should be discouraged yet TfL are advertising it heavily. Other payment methods are less likely to tempt drivers to break the law.

“The Mayor has been quoted as saying it will be a very bloody few first days. I just hope he was talking metaphorically," said Mr Lunn.

ENDS

For further information, contact:

Vince Yearley, IAM Press Officer, 020 8996 9600

NR 03/04 Issued 7 February 2003

譯名困境

中文機車相關語彙正在發展,1999年寫了篇關於中譯譯名問題的短文。利用 groups.google.com 找回本文,轉貼於下。另外,國內市面上已有七八本摩托雜誌,多數內容轉自日文。有些譯筆相當不錯,具參考價值。需再花時間研究一番…. 1999.06.26

這幾天翻了一翻原文的摩托車雜誌,突然發現很多的車種,或著說是級距比較恰當吧!不知是小弟才輸學淺還是怎麼樣,都沒有確切的中譯相對名詞。舉個例子,類似哈雷的那一種 cruiser, 我就是想不出來要怎麼叫比較好。至於 sportbike 呢?運動車種?不確定。比較沒有問題的是 race-replica or replica, 叫仿賽車還貼切吧?

接下來就很頭大了,想到重車開放後,這些名詞的問題不知要如何解決?四輪的車子近年來已經陸陸續續發展出不同級距的中譯名詞。但是摩托車和速克達,卻被遠遠地拋在後面,相關級距之名稱,付之闕如。連"摩托車"和"速克達"一大堆人都搞不清楚了!看來,正名之路還有很長要走。

先舉出一些比較常看到的英文名詞,大家集思廣益一下。對了,英系和美系的用詞不一,這也是要注意的。

或許不同級距之中譯名稱,其存在或統一並不是那麼的重要,然而每次要介紹某一種車款時,那種挖盡心思仍不得一詞的感覺,實在是不好受。

Tourer/Touring Bike; Cruiser; Sport-Tourer; Dual-Purpose; Dirt; Trail; Sportbike; Motocross; (Super)Motard; Scrambler; pee-wee/mini; Streetbike; Enduro; Adveuture-Tourer; Streetfighter; Off-Road; All-Rounder; Standard; Rally(e)…

英文的名詞稍有分歧,但大致上還看得出來是哪一種車。

Motorcycle Ohio

美國 Ohio 州的機車事故年增率遠低於全國平均水準,而這一切似乎可以歸功於當地州政府大力推廣的安駕認證課程。 “Motorcycle Ohio" 這個計劃遠在 1987 年州立法修改安全帽關法令的十年前(1987)就已經開始。從 1978 年開始,只有小於十八歲和第一年拿照的機車騎士需強制佩帶安全帽。

美國全境的機車事故死亡率從 1997 到 2001 間跳生了百分之五十,而 Ohio 州只有百分之十四的五年年增率(掛牌總數增加 26%)

在 Ohio 州, 機車事故死亡者在 1972 年達到 252 人的高峰,此去八年,平均死亡人數為 200 人。但從 Motorcycle Ohio 計劃開跑後,統計數字再也不曾接近 200 人. 2001 的死亡人數為 123 人。負責訓練的 Ohio 州公共安全部門表示,將近有 7000 人完成了認證課程。

Motorcycle Ohio 擁有 357 輛大小摩托車和 150 位的安駕指導員。

報名者須繳付二十五元美金以參加四個小時的室內和十二小時的室外課程。訓練課程期間為每年四月到十月。

反觀台灣,各級考照(駕照)階段多有『應試』而非『訓練』之哲學,這是否又為『聯考指向』之教育陰影?

閱讀其他相關文章:Road Shark 與英國機車考照簡介

Cycle World International Motorcycle Shows

The adventure never ends as the Cycle World International Motorcycle Shows(R) Presented by Toyota Trucks get into the groove of the 2003 season at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center on February 7-9, 2003. Regarded as the nation’s oldest and largest consumer-oriented powersports show series, this once-yearly gathering of new model vehicles and accessories is a must-see event for the whole family.

A crowd of 62,000+ motorcycle enthusiasts is expected to be among the first to preview the complete 2003 model line-up of ATVs, cruisers, dirt bikes, dualsport machines, scooters, and sport bikes in factory showcase displays from the industry’s heaviest-hitters, including Aprilia, BMW, Buell, Harley-Davidson, Honda, Indian, Kawasaki, Moto Guzzi, Suzuki, Triumph, Victory and Yamaha. And, for the very first time, TEAM Powersports has the full support of Benelli and Polaris. Representatives from local dealerships will be available to answer questions and help enthusiasts determine the perfect ride for their size and experience level. “We are pleased to present the show to Chicago," stated Show Manager Jeff D’Entremont. “We work hard all year to build a show with something for the entire family — exciting features, vehicles and exhibitors that we hope will keep them coming back for years to come. The Windy City is home to a very passionate contingent of powersports enthusiasts — their excitement about the show is contagious."

The line-up of new vehicles wouldn’t be complete without a full spectrum of aftermarket manufacturers and products to complement them — everything from performance parts to the latest communications hardware and apparel will be available for perusal. Style-savvy riders and those who love instant gratification should take note: a large portion of the apparel and products on display will be available for onsite purchase.

Enthusiasts are invited to preview this season’s hottest product offerings at “The Factory," a special showcase display highlighting a wide array of the latest top-of-the-line aftermarket products designed to increase performance and style from companies such as All American Rider; Arai Helmets; Autocom Communications Specialists; Avon Tyres; Chatterbox; Cobra Engineering; Dowco, Inc.; Dunlop Motorcycle Tires; HJC Helmets; K&N Engineering; Kendon Industries; Metzeler Motorcycle Tires; Muzzys Performance Products; Prexport; Progressive Suspension; Shoei Helmets; Suomy Helmets; and Yuasa Battery.

Starving for two-wheeled action? Hungry crowds will tame their cravings with a feast of gravity-defying acrobatics performed by Finnish Trials rider Tommi Ahvala of Team Extreme. Imagine a motorcycle launching up a 16-foot vertical wall onto a flowing 22-foot waterfall, and then landing on a suspended platform barely the length of the bike! This radical display is not for the weak of heart. Outside the shows, Ahvala competes at professional Trials competitions internationally throughout the year, maintaining an average world ranking in the top 3. Show-goers won’t want to miss one of these stellar performances during show hours.

Have an eye for the classics? For the fourth year in a row, Cycle World magazine is bringing an exclusive collection of the best classic, custom and vintage motorcycles to the show, including a rare 1924 BMW R32, valued at $125,000 and an equally spectacular 1995 Kawasaki XZ-7R, valued at $95,000. This year’s Chicago show is also a hotbed of opportunity to win incredible prizes, ranging from sport and custom motorcycles to a special European vacation designed especially for enthusiasts. American Suzuki Motor Corporation is sponsoring the Official Motorcycle/ATV Giveaway, which offers consumers a chance to win a 2003 SV650S motorcycle or an Eiger LT-A400F ATV. Show goers who visit the special Adventure Travel Sweepstakes area of the show are invited to enter The Race to Italy sweepstakes, where the “Main Event" prize, awarded at the end of the show, is an exclusive trip for two to Milan, Italy for the September 2003 EICMA, Europe’s premier motorcycle show. Additional prizes will be awarded throughout the weekend. To add to the excitement, another lucky enthusiast could win Cobra Engineering’s Red Rider VTX II, designed by legendary custom builder Denny Berg.

Tickets are available in advance on the show web site, http://www.motorcycleshows.com, and onsite at the box office: adults $11; children (ages 6-11) $5; children 5 and under are free. Groups of 20 or more are encouraged to purchase tickets online for a $2 discount or contact TEAM Powersports for information on receiving the discount at the show. Members of the American Motorcyclist Association who show their membership cards when purchasing tickets at the box office onsite are also eligible for a $1 rebate coupon redeemable at the AMA booth inside the show. Discount coupons are also available at local participating dealers. Visit http://www.motorcycleshows.com for a current list of participating dealerships. Please direct all reader inquiries to the InfoLine at 800/331-5706 CST and 218/723-9130 CST or to http://www.motorcycleshows.com.

For media information, contact Nancy Larsen, telephone 907/696-8001, fax 907/696-8002, email NLAlaska@aol.com or visit the online Media Center located at http://chi.motorcycleshows.com/imschi. For additional information on the 2003 show series, please contact TEAM Powersports at Advanstar Communications, Inc., 201 Sandpointe Avenue, Suite 600, Santa Ana, CA, 92707, telephone 800/854-3112, 714/513-8400, fax 714/513-8481 or email agray@advanstar.com. TEAM Powersports and the International Motorcycle Shows(R) extend their sincere appreciation to long-time sponsors Cycle World Magazine and Toyota Trucks for their continued support and contributions to the series. TEAM Powersports is one of the largest producers of trade shows and conventions for the powersports industry worldwide. It includes the Cycle World International Motorcycle Shows(R) Presented by Toyota Trucks, the Dealernews International Powersports Dealer Expo, Big Twin 2003 Presented by American Big Twin Dealer, Dealernews magazine, Powersports Magazine, and Sturgis Guide. Advanstar Communications Inc., is a worldwide business information company serving specialized markets with high quality information resources and integrated marketing solutions. Advanstar has 92 business magazines and directories, 77 tradeshows and conferences, numerous Web sites, and a wide range of direct marketing, database and reference products and services. Advanstar serves targeted market sectors in such industries as art, automotive, beauty, collaboration/e-learning, CRM/call center, digital media, entertainment/marketing, fashion & apparel, healthcare, manufacturing and processing, pharmaceutical, powersports, science, telecommunications and travel/hospitality. The Company has over 1,300 employees and currently operates from multiple offices in North America, Latin America, Europe and Asia. For more information, visit http://www.advanstar.com. CONTACT: Advanstar Communications, Inc.
Nance Larsen, 907/696-8001 URL: http://www.businesswire.com

2002 中國機車相關統計資訊

2002年前三季的機車產量為 9,139,439 台,比去年同期高出 5.69%.

機車的消費族群有漸漸往郊區轉移的趨勢,這或許跟多數城市開始嚴格執行空污排放標準有關。125cc 為最暢銷的級距。目前車廠所面臨的最大問題為品管控制、利潤降低與過於分散的生產線。整個產業正處於轉形期(有如當年台灣的新三東、功學社時期)。 部分車廠在中國加入 WTO 後,開始對智財權有所動作。

中國機車零組件外銷的規模在第三季達到八億一千萬美元的水準,較去年攀升 2.87 個百分點。

中國機車外銷國已達到一百五十二個,但主要市場為亞洲、歐洲和非洲。輸往日本、西班牙、馬來西亞、巴西和泰國的機車數量也較去年同期整整成長一倍。

在超過十萬台機車的輸入國當中,緬甸、印尼、菲律賓、英國和馬來西亞為最大宗。

估計機車人口在 1999 年已達到五千一百萬人次,這大約是每千人擁有 42.5~43 輛機車。

資料來源:State Bureau of Machine-Building Industry, National Bureau of Statistics, General Administration of Customs, Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation, China Association of Automakers, etc.

長途騎乘的經驗

操控摩托的過程中既然已經包含了許多類似傳統運動中所要求的體能素質,飲食的控制其實也應該得到其應有的重視。歐洲跑 enduro 或是 desert race 的選手尤其注重這一方面。非單日的長途旅遊攜帶幾顆綜合維他命,每天依劑量補充。旅途中進餐勿過飽,並且食用易消化的食品。

吃碳水化合物。如果旅途包含數天行程,如不注意攝取多量的碳水化合物(醣類),體內的肝醣量會一天一天減少,構成疲勞的嚴重威脅。至於水分補充,應飲用低張的(同量的水較少固體分子),糖分不過高(每100cc水中物超過2.5克),涼的(8~13度西),分少量多次飲用。長途旅行的晚間應食用含適當鹽分之食物或飲料,這樣一來可充分地補充流汗所失去的電解質。 非單日的長途旅遊攜帶幾顆綜合維他命,每天依劑量補充。

旅途中進餐勿過飽,並且食用易消化的食品。

吃碳水化合物。如果旅途包含數天行程,如不注意攝取多量的碳水化合物(醣類),體內的肝醣量會一天一天減少,構成疲勞的嚴重威脅。

至於水分補充,應飲用低張的(同量的水較少固體分子),糖分不過高(每100cc水中物超過2.5克),涼的(8~13度西),分少量多次飲用。長途旅行的晚間應食用含適當鹽分之食物或飲料,這樣一來可充分地補充流汗所失去的電解質。

另外,在熱身方面,可作靜態伸展(static stretching),動態的為輔。

傳統運動中競技選手在賽前所做的靜態伸展(俗稱拉筋)可以參考。至於要針對騎乘摩托車所運用到的肌腱和肌群開發出一套適用的靜態伸展的話,那要去查一查……

我的意見是,騎乘摩托車前的伸展可以師法下列幾種運動:

頭頸 – 角力

指腕關節 – 攀岩

前臂上臂肩肘 – 游泳

背部 – 游泳

腰 – 基本上各種運動都必須從腰開始『發起』,所以哪一種都行
個人體能素質如允許則可學學體操

下肢踝指 – 田徑,跳部

Road Shark 與英國機車考照簡介

年初三,我坐在埔里某路邊吃攤子,閒來無事便觀察路口動態(一般流量)。五分鐘內,各種車輛違規與危險駕駛/騎乘型態,密度之高,真是令人開了眼界。三貼的、雙腳著地滑行的、路口停車、違規迴轉、闖紅燈、未打方向燈、超越停止線、逆向、沒牌的、小孩坐機車油箱的、沒戴安全帽的、曬衣竹竿橫放速克達置腳處… road sharks 到處出沒。

開始懷疑,我們一坐在方向盤/跨上坐墊後,是不是就變成了野獸。無論是販夫走卒還是王親貴族,思考都明顯地退化。這到底是『文化為成』,還是制度的問題?吼~ book_title.jpg

英國的機車(我寧願稱摩托車)考照頗為嚴謹,絕對有師法之價值。快寫一篇,提供本地讀者參考。

台灣已經可以報考公營或民營的大型重型機車之駕訓班,但這些課程與英國系統(紐澳) 相較之下,仍嫌粗淺,且課程品質低落。本地駕訓之理念仍多為(ㄨㄟˋ)『考試』,而非『訓練』;考照者也多抱此心態(which is probably not their fault):題目背一背,先拿到照後,上路再說。在英國,若要直接考摩托車的 full license(without the L plates), 其中的一個步驟可分為如下…

1. 首先必須拿到 provisional licence (強制)
2. 報名參加 CBT ( Compulsory Basic Training ) (強制)
3. 租借或自備學習駕照持有者合法的摩托車,安全帽… (當然了)
4. 保險 (強制)
5. 在道路上自行練習(with L plates)或是參加考照前的訓練課程 (建議)
6. 閱讀 The Highway Code 或其他參考書籍 (建議)
7. 報名、參加,並且通過理論測驗 (強制)
8. 報名、參加,並且通過上路測驗 (強制)
9. 拿到 full liscence, 撕掉 L plates
10. Ride safely, live long and prosper

入境 UK 之台灣遊客,是不能直接在英國考照的。其他詳細資訊,容後補上。

轉頭確認

2002.09.22

看後方來車可概分為三種方式:mirror check, shoulder check and lifesaver.

這個轉頭去確認的動作叫做 “shoulder check," 主要的功能已如 Deimos 所述,是去 check blind spots. 另一種為 “lifesaver," 望文可生義,為更大幅度的轉頭向後方確認。英國政府規定交警轉向時必須採取的 standard procedure. Mirror check 是最基本的。

未戴安全帽身故者與器官捐獻

AMA 日前針對一條由 Allen Hurt 在 New Mexico 提出的器官捐贈法案表達嚴重抗議。此法案授權州政府可逕行將未戴安全帽而身故者之器官捐贈。

The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) has expressed its outrage at a proposed law in New Mexico that could make some motorcyclists into forced organ donors. The proposal, introduced in the New Mexico Legislature by state Sen. Allen Hurt (R-Waterflow), would allow the harvesting of organs from any motorcyclist who doesn’t wear a helmet and is declared brain dead as a result of an accident. Hurt’s bill, designated Senate Bill 239, specifically states that: “a person operating a motorcycle without a helmet and who, as the result of an accident, is pronounced brain dead pursuant to Section 12-2-4 NMSA 1978 by a licensed physician shall become an organ donor regardless of whether the person made an anatomical gift by completing the organ donor statements."