Good deeds. When did you last do something good?

[Askura]

Just thought I'd say that once again car drivers have proven to be twats. Just gotten back from a trip to wykeham to collect a bike battery for my Cagiva as the old one is nackered and requires me to bump it everywhere.

Anyway. Brought a pillion back to Scarborough with me in the form of a ped girl who has been waiting by the road for 3 hours with no assistance from anyone. She'd been on her way back to Scarborough from Snainton when it packed up. Her phone was flat, and no one had stopped. It was getting pretty dark too which isn't much fun for you when you're broken down.

Personally it was a bit crap for her to have me stop as I'm not exactly the most experienced or even close to knowing what makes a ped tick, but I still stopped unlike the cage drivers.

After giving my personal opinion of; "I think it's a little fu**ed..." I asked if she wanted a ride back to Scarborough with me. Personally if my bike had let me down in the middle of nowhere I would have had a tiff with it and left it to rot for the night, before regretting that and praying that it was still there. Ped girl was a bit smarter than that though and said she didn't want to leave it unattended. I asked Jo then if she wanted to make any calls off my phone but she didn't know any mobiles off the top of her head and she lives in a flat with a friend without a landline. I asked if she wanted to put her sim in my phone and use it like so, but 3 mobiles and orange sims aren't compatible.

Bugger.

I was then of the idea if we left it somewhere safe, and then I took her back to Scarborough she could arrange things safely back home. As it was about 10.30pm at this point cold and dark. After riding up and down a few farm lanes to grab someone to ask if we can store the ped (Aren't we trusting!) we found a guy who said he'd keep it on his drive until it can be picked up. The guy was even so kind as to pick it up with a quad and a trailer. (Fellow biker almost I guess...) After grabbing details, we head off straight back to Scarborough and dropped her off at hers. I then made the stupid offer of asking if she needs a ride back out there to call me which she may take me up on as she took my number.

I was only being nice... I didn't intend to have to! But anyway, my point is why do car drivers just disregard everything outside of their little steel ball unless they actually hit something. Whenever I see someone on a bike stopped by the roadside in the "Fuc**d off biker" stance I just pull in and ask if they're OK.

I can't do bugger all for them to be honest, maybe grab some petrol from somewhere if they're empty, but even lending your phone for 30 seconds can make all the difference. I'm not a particularly nice guy, but I hope that somewhere I'm tipping scales of karma which will mean when I'm in the sh*t someone will come bail me out.

Next time they'll probably turn out to be psycho, stab me in the chest and ride off with my bike, but thus far they've turned out to be sound people just in a tricky situation.

So than lads and lasses do you lot stop for those in need or just cruise on by glad you don't have any problems going down?

Edit: Uh sorry for the rant there, got back and the PC was left on with the forums up.
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Honda CG 125 - Cagiva Raptor 125 - GS500 - Cagiva Raptor 650 - Honda Bros 400.

[m0l0t0v]

Hmmm.

So it's all car drivers yeah?


No I don't think so.

There have been many a times where I've gone past a biker or even a cager *shock horror* when they look like they're in need.

Only reason I go past is because I'm in a rush/don't have time. Like getting somewhere important. If I have the time I'll stop. Doesn't mean everyone will. Doesn't mean no one won't. And just because you ride a bike doesn't make you're jesus and the saviour of all 2 wheeled engine powered owners.

Bikers tend to help bikers because of the random thing we bikers have. Like nodding to each other/etc.

But I've helped people at the side of the road not because I'm a biker, but because I'm a (king of) nice person

Few months ago I was at home, sitting in the current computer chair of where I am typing from with a friend. and out of the blue we hear a loud bang and tyre screeching. Both like WTF?! And we run out to the road.

Turns out a lady and her daughter hit something big and hard and somehow broke the nearside front wheel off, being attached at one point only now. I was point 90 degrees the wrong way...

We kept her company, my friend took his car out of my drive and positing it behind her car to give more warning to road users (near a blind bend). Offered house phone for her to use, offered tea/coffee/hot chocolate and warm blankets as it was a little bit cold. Mainly kept her company till the AA man arrived with the wrong thing to carry the car up and eventually caused more damage. They then left and got home safely. Turns out she lived just up the road.

Fast forward a week later and she drops by with a thank you card and a box of chocolates. She kept thanking me as well. It was the least I could do.

I did what I did because of the type of person I am. Not because I ride a bike.

Might want to change that thinking of yours.

When I had a wee accident in my 125 due to being blinded by full beams on a blind corner and mainly my (lack of) experience I crashed into the side. Nothing wrong. Bike didn't start up because of mud/crap in the carbs etc. But every single car bar 1 stopped and asked if I was ok. They were all cagers too. Late at night too, considering I was off to visit the then girlfriend.

But, good on your for helping her out. And nout wrong with giving her your number
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'99 Hornet 600 , VFR 400 NC30 '92 , Kasawamasaki GT 550 , '98 Hornet 600
**\Tarmacsurfer/** said: It's that immaculately manly coiffure of yours isn't it. One glimpse of your virile locks and the punters can't wait to buy whatever it is you suggest, as it might let them be just a little bit like the Adonis that is our very own Molly Doovydoo said: Its not my fault I can't get it up properly, I just wasn't blessed

[J D]

Ill stop if im in a position to do so, and always give the thumbs up/thumbs down thing.

Only time i have stopped though it turned out to be someone on here

[Askura]

Sorry for the rant I didn't mean that because I ride a bike I stopped, I'm not that great a person, I just felt sorry for the lass.

You're right thought it doesn't matter what you're in, I guess it is because that bikers tend to have strange natures that they stop for people more often I didn't really consider thinking about personal stances on the basis that my work allows a lot of freedom. (Too much spare time) I'm usually not so narrow-minded, well I'd like to think so anyway.

Glad to see that cagers stopped for you, sounds like you've got a pretty sorted neighbour going on heh. When I had my crash I can't say I had much luck :/ To the cars that came past me my smashed bike was more of an obstacle to them than anything else as they had to come round me. Saying that I was swearing quite a lot so maybe they thought it best not to approach me. I can't say I think I'm intimidating but people tend to avoid the loud raving loonies.

Kinda regretting the offer as I can imagine getting a text along the lines of "Thanks for the other night you were great! Jo x" and my gf reading it~ She doesn't go through my phone but sod's law knows it'd happen to me.

Good to hear that you've earnt your wings, sounds like she must have hit something pretty hard to rip a wheel almost off like that.
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Honda CG 125 - Cagiva Raptor 125 - GS500 - Cagiva Raptor 650 - Honda Bros 400.

[Askura]

[G]

Until you stop for all stopped-car drivers, don't think you can really be surprised at them not stopping for us .

Oddly enough, have had car drivers help me out more times, abeit bikers in cars, of course .
If it looks like they do need help will stop, though most of the time it's just a fag-stop - including once on the A329M/M4 joining-road!

[BanditsHigh]

I always stop, I'll even take an exit on the motorway and do a loop to get back to someone on the motorway if I didn't see them quick enough to stop initially.

I've always found that leads to

[Skudd]

I stop and help anyone if I can, the other day I gave away a can of petrol to a lad who was stuck, I offer the use of a phone if I can. Cars have stopped for me plenty of times, so have the police, lorry drivers and other bikers, all to give a hand. There are many people who haven't a clue what to do and so are scared to help. But I read somewhere lately that if there is a crowd passing you are less likely to get help than if there are only one or two people passing. If you can offer help do so but if you can't don't and don't frown on those who can't.
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Famous last words of Humpty Dumpty. " Stop pushing me "
Petty Anarchists look at "1984".............. The Visionary looks at "Animal Farm".

[wizzzard]

Always stop to help bikes even when im busy and in a rush but only tend to stop for cars when im not otherwise engaged.

Pulled over on the m62 last week for a guy who had just had his back tyre blow out on him in the third lane and wrestled the bike back over to the hard shoulder. Hed already called the AA so i couldnt be much use but i at least had a natter with him while he was waiting which in my experiance makes the wait go a hell of alot faster.

I agree about the leading to thing aswell. About a fortnight ago i was heading home from work on the bike and an old bsa a10 was parked up at the side of the road with the guy wrestling with the back wheel. We quickly realised his wheel wasnt going to be freed up at the roadside so i nipped home to get the van. Half an hour later im in his garage listening to the engines from a few of his classics and being told if ever i want to take one for a spin just say the word .
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And did you exchange a walk on part in the war for a lead role in a cage?
Zeitgeist / Addendum / Moving forward

[The Disapproving Brit]

I'll always stop for bikes if they look like they need a hand. Depending on circumstances, I'll stop for a car that looks like it needs a hand.

I do a quick risk assessment first - dodgy neighbourhood or unfamiliar area and a beaten up capri full of lads? No thanks. Quiet road, getting late and a lone driver? I'll do what I can. Bikes are nearly always alone, hence I'll always try and help if I can.
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Current Bikes: 1983 Honda VF400FD / 2003 Honda VT750 Shadow
Bike Test Passed 18/03/09, Car Test Passed 14/05/13

[njd27]

Car driving used to have an element of camaraderie, once. It's turned into a chore.

Bikers are the only people left out there who aren't driving around permanently cheesed off about speed limits, the cost of fuel, everyone else on the road getting in their way and the time it takes to get everywhere. Which is nice

[Dr. DaveJPS]

[deanoet]

Stopped to offer help to a guy who had been knocked off on a roundabout last year.

Wasnt much i could do really, wasnt a witness or anything. Evened the odds though with the car occupants.

Just checked he was okay, asked if he wanted to use my phone to ring anyone. Helped him get his bike off the roundabout, made sure it started and still worked and continued on my merry way.


Stopped for another bike as well, they did thumbs down so turned round on the roundabout and went back to them, but by the time i got there a car had pulled up with a petrol can stuck into the tank. So i did the thumbs up and continued on my way



Even helped a car driver the other day
Had broken down on a roundabout, so parked up and pushed her off the roundabout so she wasnt going to get hit / cause an obstruction
Outside a police station... no police came out to help... and it did have windows...
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CBT Passed 18th July 2007 : Previous Bikes> CG125 : Current Bike> Hornet 600 : PASSED DAS 30th Oct 2007
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[Tonka]

Before I learned to ride and knew about biker camaraderie I once stopped in my car to help a biker out. I'd passed him at speed on the A338 Bournemouth-Ringwood dual carriageway and had to drive all the way up to the top roundabout and back which was about 10+ miles round, but he was shoved up on the grass at the side of the road with traffic just blasting past him and I thought he looked really vulnerable. I lent him my mobile so he could call his Dad and stopped my car way back with hazards on to try and shield him a bit. Since I've learned to ride I've stopped for a guy run out of fuel on dual carriageway again because he looked so vulnerable albeit I was on the bike that time. Another biker had stopped, but he didn't know the area so wasn't aware there was a petrol station a mile up the hill. We both rode off to get fuel and split the cost of the fuel and can between us and I rode back round with it. I just did it to be nice and kind on both occasions, no other reason. If they'd been hurt and I'd read about it after I would have felt horribly guilty and it was no big deal for me.

The one time I broke down in my car with a flat tyre, even the Police drove by and didn't stop to ask if I was ok - single female, 4x4, busy road, getting dark - thanks fellas! I had AA cover but they told me it could be a two hour wait, so I changed it myself as I'm an impatient mare!

TBH I'm very bad at asking for help in any situation, tend to think others may be the same, so I try to offer whatever help I can as a human rather than a motorcyclist!
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'The core of a man's spirit comes from new experiences'
Suzuki SV650S (Clean); Yamaha XT250 Serow (Dirty)

[scream aim fire]

[Bikeless]

Had plenty of cars help me in the past including one nice gent who drove home and back with some petrol out his lawnmower to get me to the nearest garage and more recently when i dropped my bike,there were a few clowns who drove past sniggering though,arses.

[tutton]

Havnt broke down when anyone could do anything about it so far, but i have thought about stopping for some bikes ives seen pulled over before, but im not yet quite a dab hand enough to help them fix their bike at the roadside, so dont risk being blamed Maybe i should start...
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Past: '05 Peugeot XPS '99 Aprillia RS125 '94 FZR600R
Current: '02 ZX636 A1P '51 CCM R30

[kawakid]

When my speedo cable snapped and I was by the road checking it, (in the middle of nowhere).

I had 6 bikers ride past not one stopped.

The only bloke who stopped was in his 80s driving a MK1 escort.

Not all bikers are nice.

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Saying that the other week I saw what I thought was a bike broken down on the motorway.

I moved from the outside line to the inner lane and slowed down.

What I actually thought was a bike was actually a scooter.

Guess what I did.
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I've a twin and a 4.

[nick606]

[kawakid]

[Stelmer]

I used to help people but never again after numerous nasty encounters. It's not worth the risk.

Things like warning someone of a flat tyre and being accused of letting it down...

Things are really daft now:

https://www.crosbyherald.co.uk/news/crosby-news/2009/04/02/teenager-arrested-by-southport-police-for-handing-in-mobile-phone-68459-23291295/

[Askura]

[johnsmith222]

Thanks lots and lots for the other day. xxx.

EDIT: that's what she meant in the text she sent you.

[Nicky-Jano]

I've stopped a few times, not that I'm of much help except for a phone or company .
I got lost around breacon once and had to pull over, you'd think people would be enjoying the road to much to notice me but a few people pulled over to check I was ok .
I once broke down by a police car (old CG clutch packed in) and they didn't get out to see if I was ok despite the bike smoking like feck, and just as I was about to walk over to them some trucker pulled over and adjusted my clutch enough to get me home and drove behind me to make sure I got there safe .

[BanditsHigh]

Always stop, even if you can't help much ... the act of stopping means a great deal to someone stuck at the side of the road ... means someone actually gives a shit

Last cage I stopped for turned out to be a nurse on her way to work (6.30am) with a flat tyre ... took wheel off for her and was about to fit spare when I realised it was flat as well ... cue a trip back down the road to a garage for some tyreweld ... five minutes later she was on her way to work ... got a tenner (twice what the tyreweld cost) in the post a few days later.

Another example of just being there making a difference. At a rally for GSX1400s a few years back one of the English guys 14s wouldn't start, so called breakdown services out. In the end they couldn't do a thing except recover the bike 600 miles back to his place. I was the one that hung about with him for a few hours until it arrived for which he was grateful.

An act of kindness costs you nothing and can mean a helluva lot to someone

All the best ... Barry