Dusting Of Melting Road Surfaces

Just had this in an email, thought it was worth sharing:

MAG PRESS RELEASE

Issued 15th July 2005

Dusting Of Melting Road Surfaces

The Motorcycle Action Group have been made aware that some of the country's roads were beginning to melt in the recent heat wave, and that in parts of
County Durham, Cumbria and Northumberland councils have been sending out gritting lorries to spread crushed rock dust in an attempt to combat the
problem.

A Cumbria County Council Spokesman said: "A fine layer is being put down that will cling to the surface of the binder/bitumen."

"The crushed rock dust is an improvement on the melting/greasy bitumen, and is the best solution we have at this point to a difficult situation."

"We would ask you to urge your members to ride according to the conditions of the road."

A spokesman from Durham County Council said: "We only spread the dust where necessary to address the problem of roads which have been found to be
'bleeding'. Obviously there are a limited number of options to address this situation and applying the dust, which adheres to the bitumen and effectively deadens it is both effective and relatively economical."

"We consider all highway users when undertaking any maintenance and take the most appropriate action. Where roads are 'bleeding' they are a significant
danger to all drivers but I would suggest specifically motorcyclists. Whilst I can agree that excess dust on a dry carriageway could be a hazard
to motorcyclists, by managing where we apply the dust (only where it is needed) and in the correct quantity (only sufficient to deaden the bitumen
and not too much to create a surplus hazard) it is considered that our actions are correct."

MAG would urge all riders to take care on the roads in this hot weather and be aware of this additional hazard.

Notes:

1. If you come across roads treated in this manner let us know your opinion and any riding problems you encounter.

Thanks for the warning.

It can also be worthwhile getting one of those 'Mud Buddy's in weather like this.

Last thing you need is your bike toppling over, damaging itself and possibly other vehicles, because the sidestand has sunk into the tarmac!

Big piles of dust on the apex of a bend aren't what I'll be wanting to see.

[Richie]

I got cought behind one of the Dust wagons the other day Monday 11 July @ 14.40, on the Leyburn to Masham road.... thought nothing of it till just past the Theaston Brewery ......TURN ON THE DUST...... My Bike and car infront got covered, as well as all the punters in the beer garden we were just passing....
No warning , he didn't stop or anything, the Amber winkeypot light came on and DUST...

When I passed him there was a slight hand gesture of a clenched fist with a hole in a too and fro motion to the driver of said dust / salt spreader wagon..

sorry rant over

Went for a short hop today out through Montford Bridge (pretty little place, just west of S'bury) and the Council had put new stones down last week - so loads of loose chippings, back wheel going all over, and then I found the bit that had melted - what a mess - no dry bits down at all - back wheel fighting for grip - not nice. I didn't really know what to do so I backed off the thottle and rode in 2ns gear until I got off of the new bit.

Nothing a safety camera wouldn't cure