Do you see yourself in this video? There are some important motorcycle safety tips in it that are fun to watch and important to remember.
While watching vintage training films can be fun, there are some important approaches discussed that have value for the thoughtful rider. Motorcycle safety is not about getting out of trouble, it’s learning how to not get into trouble in the first place. That’s an entire different state of mind.
This film was made for the United States Air Force in response to a growing number of servicemen and civilian contractors getting hurt or killed on motorcycles. While it’s over-acted at times and the dialogue a little too perfect in places, it’s enjoyable to watch and provides some excellent instruction on how to be a defensive rider.
At one point in the film a doctor who is struggling with how so many highly trained professionals are getting killed learns a key fact — no matter how successful you are in one career with extensive training, it doesn’t mean squat in terms of your skill as a motorcycle rider.
It’s not just like riding a bike.
And if nothing else, you’ll learn the important art of kick starting a motorcycle.
I wonder how many riders today know how to do that? I kick started a scooter just a few weeks ago but it’s nothing like kick starting a Harley!
Still just as relevant today.
I enjoyed seeing the vintage scenes. Like the early McDonalds restaurant.
I think I’ll watch that a few more times.
I agree that the content is still relevant but it amazes me the creative approach to educational video. Reminds me of those Coronet Films I used to watch in grade school.
It’s July 1, our National Holiday of independence, we call it Canada Day, formerly known as Dominon Day. The film was interesting from a number of aspects. The automobiles in particular, current models when I was maturing, not quite ready for a driver’s permit but getting there. No 24/7 headlamp on the motorcycle, no visible turn signals and the motorcyclist did not do the required shoulder checks as is the norm for these days. The Honda 305 (I think) was interesting. Ditto the rigid formality of the hospital setting. Did you notice the background music in the operating room? It still happens today, surgery is usually done with some form of background audio. I hasten to call it music sometimes; often the surgeon’s choice but have seen a local radio station which provides “office” background music heard as well. The patient often is out of it so they don’t care; still something different.
One thing to keep in mind; wasthe title of the audio-visual services orvariant atthe end. Tese days such a service would generally be farmed out or similar. In some ways audio-visual is an old term it is now a “instructional materials technician or technologist” if the person performing the service has a degree in the subject.
Still interesting and still very true in the summary at the end. Makes one want to rethink what they are doing when they are do so. BTW saw a number of motorcyclistso in the fine weather here today, 24 degrees Celsius with sun, and two of the people i saw were riding a n ew BMW as you were riding. Doesn’t resemble anything like the opposed pistons R100 series I once rode before the Goldwing..
Happy Dominion Day Bryce!
I recall a lot of the things appearing in the film as well although it predated my riding and driving. As far as music in the operating room goes I haven’t recalled any. Certainly was none in the Cardiac Catheter Lab since I was awake. A lot of non-medical chatter among the staff. They seemed like a close knit group with each attending to their task.
Audio visual. When I started my career the job titles were often audio-visual specialist or technician. Now everyone is a multimedia producer. HR groups latch on to new names I suppose.
Hi Steve
The film was unfortunately very poor quality both visually as well as in conveying the message a wide audience. These days the message tends to be more blunt, as well as entertaining and succinct. None the less it was an interesting contrast to see how things were done back then.
Your blogs, taken collectively instruct much about safety. Also on YouTube seeing what NOT to do often conveys more of a message than what to do. Some dash cam & helmet cam shots show the realities of driving on our roads. Very sobering.
I couldn’t tell if someone videotaped a screen or if it was just a bad telecine transfer. I’ve certainly seen a lot of similar image quality on old films. It’s kind of amazing the current quality of even cellphone video compared to some of the old 16mm stuff because of the poor transfers.
Regardless, I think the messages are still mostly sound although the approach to educational video in the 60s and 70s is markedly different from the get to it nature of things today. I suppose I was as enthralled as much by the nostalgic look at the world as I was with the message.
You’re right about the current dash cam videos available on YouTube — sobering, frightening, and for the uninformed enough to have you never embark on two wheels!
Thanks for sharing. Right on….still valuable training. Bonus is all the old cars and clothes! Interesting how they tried to make it trendy…opening music especially.
Bring on the popcorn!
Every time I look at some of these old 60s and 70s vintage motorcycle films I end up reaching for my Then Came Bronson DVD. I have a big helping of nostalgia at work in that area…
Here are a couple of nice vintage motorcycle safety films (although the silly captions in the “1970 ‘s Motorcycle Rider Safety Film” are added by the YouTube poster).
For English speaking servicemen in Germany? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Clw64ntcIVo
“Look, Signal, Manoeuvre” 1960’s British: https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=atDFqxHLctE
Those are great videos in the spirit of vintage training films. The music on the first — what was that from? The Rockford Files? Sounds so familiar.