Quebec Motorcycle protest gets ignored, once again.

[Randimus Maximus]

Naw, sales tax is about 14-15%.

I was in London, ONT, and I'm sure it was well over 20%, so maybe there were other taxes in there? 

[Pancake81]

That blows man. I am in BC and its not much better here. I mean where not going that right now but its on its way trust me. I am still a young man myself (23), but I do agree somewhat with the stats of the "young male" trouble makers. Australia I believe has a system where you have to progress your way through the insurance brackets. So under 250cc first, then 400, 600 and unlimitied. That would be ok too I suppose. At least it would stop 18 year old idiots from buying a ZX-14; not saying all 18 year old men are idiots, just more likel.

On the other hand... What the hell happened to freedom of doing what you want. Natural selection.

[echelon]

How will you protect your rights?
I would be interested in learning how you can protect your rights against these hair brained regulations?

[burt69er]

I was in London, ONT, and I'm sure it was well over 20%, so maybe there were other taxes in there? 

Sorry dude there are only two taxes PST for 8% and GST for 5% in Ontario.  Being an American you can claim back your GST you paid with a form you get at the border. 

Maybe you are referring to overly inflated pricing on everything, since traditionally the US dollar has been higher.

[Adam in TX]

oh, Canada is so great, Canada is so progressive, Canada is so friendly to minorities, Canadians just love everyone, the Canadaian gov't is so fair to their people.

Bah, I'll stay here in 'merica with my guns, cheap registration, and cheap booze.

 

[JohnnyCanuck]

Here in B.C. we have the B.C. Coalition of Motorcyclists that lobby the Provincial Government, I.C.B.C., B.C. Ferriess etc. over rider's rights.  There must be some organization in Quebec that acts in the same way.  Who is organizing the rallies?  

I've been reading in Cycle Canada about what's happening in Quebec for at least a couple of months now, and it's a real shame.  Unfortunately all it takes is a couple of high profile bike fatalities, wich always seem to get more than their fair share of media coverage to get the average car driver all riled up.  The politicians pick up and run with it, 'cause it's a great way to get votes and make it seem that they are doing something to save us stupid middle classers from ourselves.  I think it's a pretty tough issue to get any support from the general population on.  Good luck with it though, John.

[EvilSteve]

I want to go visit friends in Quebec but don't want to risk getting tickets (points transfer to NY) for BS laws & enforcement.

Last I checked, Australia breaks up licensing such that an Learner can only ride a 250, they have to ride for 6 months (or a year?) on the Learner's permit and then can take tests to get the Provisional license which is limited to 500cc. Once they've been on that for 6 months (again, maybe a year, don't remember), then they can get whatever they want. It's a much better system IMO because it encourages people to learn how to ride rather than just buying whatever superbike has the lowest finance rate.

There's a lot wrong with legislation surrounding motorcycling in the US (and the AMA is all for half of the crappy laws) but in some cases it's warranted, many others it's definitely not.

IMO of course.

[AndrewNS]

Now that I'm old (and have enough bike experience to meet any test), I could probably support a graduated licensing scheme. Don't know how fair it would seem to me if I was 16, though.

And I'm shocked to hear someone in Alberta claiming it's too socialist!

[eyeboy]

that really sux.

you guys pay enough taxes as it is up there...was in ONT last year with some pals for a guys weekend..25% sales tax sound about right?

and then they make all the singles into coins, so you get tricked into giving the girls $5 at a time whilst at the jiggle zone 

errr... 14% last time i checked... more for boose though i think (we sin, oh how we sin)

as far as the jiggle zone, they get you one way or the other, don't be blaming our 1 and 2 dollar coinage. 

i do pay about $1500 for full coverage on my bike. it's steep but if i crash, i will be mended free of charge. and for that i am happy to pay a bit of tax.

[NeufUnSix]

I'd support graduated licensing too, I'm only 22 but I've been riding since I was 17.  Quebec has a phony graduated system - you can chose to start below 250 or open class right from the start.

[EvilSteve]

Now that I'm old (and have enough bike experience to meet any test), I could probably support a graduated licensing scheme. Don't know how fair it would seem to me if I was 16, though.

I'd be more than happy to sit every test required to get my open license. Clearly for already licensed people, being able to group them somehow would be a wise move but we should all be held to the same standard.

I really hope it's not the case but I doubt the laws in Quebec will change unless there's a legal challenge. Good luck Jason.

[duc996]

Maybe it's time to move?

[NeufUnSix]

Maybe it's time to move?

Oh I'm considering it. My family has a house in New Brunswick, it's always available for my bike... But I like it here in Montreal, and having a bike 1000kms away makes no sense, so I'll just knuckle under and pay for the privilege of riding for the time being.

[MostroS2R]

Just plate it in NB.

[NeufUnSix]

I'd rather not screw with the insurance companies. If they caught wind of my shenanigans it would be big trouble for me. I still owe money on it and my loan requires full coverage, if it were just liability I'd consider it. Plus I'm kind of high profile, being the prez of the DOC and all.

My dad is an insurance adjustor, I know the system all too well. And I prefer not to mess with it.