I dont see bicycles as a problem. I dont even use one at the track, but a bicycle isnt being driven by a motor. Its not like a person is going to grab a hand full of awesome go power and smash into something at a high rate of speed. And putting age limits on bicycles means you need more policing to check ID's. Its like we would need a personal bouncer at the gate in the morning. I like the number plates for the pit bikes idea. Its a start in the right direction. Start small so we dont punish the ones that are actually following the rules. I would impose a 1 strike rule though. Announce it at the riders meeting, once at the beginning and once at the end.... If you are caught screwing around on it, its gone and that person will not be allowed to bring a pit bike anymore to the track. Its a bit harsh, but it will only weed out the problem people. If they are reckless in the pits, I personally dont want it to carry out onto the track.
Sue them anyhow. People are responsible for their own behaviors. That's why they have homeowners insurance. I recall Monte saying at least once, if you can't afford to lose it, don't put it on the track. Same with the pit bike. Do damage to my possession(s), and your pit bike is mine. You can have it back AFTER you pay for all the damages. oh, you have to come pick up your pit bike up yourself. You'll find it outside unless you were paying storage fees.
I thought about this thread over the weekend when I heard somebody shift into second gear while flying down the pit row. Other than maybe while on a pocket bike, I wondered why anyone would need to ever shift out of first gear anywhere off of the actual track. :?:
I know at some other venues (dragstrips), they require both drivers and pit crews to wear a wrist band. Any operator of any motorized vehicle must have a drivers license and be part of the crew or the driver. If not, they are asked to park the pit bike, golf cart, etc... Next offense, they and the parents, team, racer, or whoever is with them is asked to leave. If someone is the cause of an accident on a pit vehicle, they are asked to leave, no exceptions. Also, each racer is given a tech number, and the number must be displayed on any pit vehicle. This helps identify who the vehicle belongs to. They have become very rigid about these rules at dragstrips for the same reasons that Monte has mentioned. Just some food for thought. Jon
i could see 2nd gear just to keep the torque & rev's in check at that lower speed just in case of an accidental hamfist.
i would roll through the pits in 4th gear on my r1. had an overheating problem, and didn't want the annoying high revs bothering people.
Wife uses Yamaha Vino to go to viewing areas to watch and photograph. Without that, I doubt she would come to the track day and if she don't go, I probably wouldn't either. Also when attending and camping, Vino is used to travel to/from restrooms, showers, driver meetings and even quick trips to the store. (It is a licensed vehicle). I've seen 'scooter/mini bikes' which were obviously taken only to 'rod around on'. Mini-mini in size and unlicensed. I would definitely questions their purpose. Require a pit bike pass/sticker. $5.00 or NO charge, approved pit vehicles only (licensed, non-minibike adult scooter size only, no 4-wheelers) with stated purpose and signed waiver for the vehicle - listed/registered at time of Track Day rider registration. Use same sticker as THAT riders track day bike just write a BIG PB over the sticker. At least that creates a direct awareness of WHAT is allowed and WHAT is expected. Doesn't prevent those without conscience from putting the sticker on ANYTHING but you can better identify who they are for enforcement. Only additional cost would be the added sticker. Only additional administration would be to ASK at registration that ALL riders who have a PIT BIKE read and mark it on the bottom of their registration form. Of coarse form says what is allowed (no unsafe vehicles) and that all riders should be what ever age you want???? Pit bike infractions???? No more track day and possible suspension from one or more future activities. I've got no problem with any of this if it let's us respectively use a licensed/safe vehicle for convenience within the pit and viewing areas. And I hate rules and regulations more than anybody but do realize you have to maintain certain 'expectations' and 'controls' or the bad ones spoil for the rest of us PERFECT people.
Only allow people to push their pit bikes! Anyone starting or riding a pit bike has to push me on my pit bike.