daveTDF wrote:
Yes. We are on the same page. What I mean is these events happen (a lot recently), everyone has an emotional reaction, but nothing truly has been done to fix the problem. We need solutions.
I don't know if less motos is the answer, perhaps it is, but my personal belief is that there needs to be stricter protocols in place for passing the riders.There needs to be a mandatory distance kept from the riders. They need to pick experienced moto pilots, and travel them to all WT races that are this high profile.
Can you imagine a dozen photographers on a soccer pitch or a football field during play, trying to avoid getting in the way? Unfortunately, coverage of this sport requires cameras, photogs, medic and support vehicles on the field of play. It's a unique problem.
i completely agree with you. but lets not sit around and try and figure out the PERFECT solution, because there likely isn't one, and it's going to take too long to realize that, all the while nothing gets done. Start making small changes immediately, even if they have to evolve over the coming races. There is some pretty low hanging fruit:
#1. Figure out the minimum number of motos you need to adjudicate a race safely. This becomes your baseline. Every moto incremental to the baseline should be justified and should be ADDING to the quality of the race, not detracting. It'll piss of press journalists but it is not about them.
#2. Reduce the speed limits and impose distances required when passing the peloton or break. Whether its peloton speed +10-15km/h, and 3m minimum gap on the side. This at least forces the motos (and cars) to pick and choose properly where they are passing and reduces the speed at which they are doing so, giving them more time to react.
#3. Motos should not be allowed to follow directly behind riders, should be offset left or right, and should be back at LEAST 10m. Too often they are sitting right on their back wheel.
