I think our local "rider-community" (engine propelled and human powered) HAS "risen up [in] en mass" but our voices go unheard because we are viewed as a fringe population by local news media and law enforcement. The are saying, "Who cares about a few nutty bikers?" Incompetent automobilists are free to kill us as long as they say, "Whoops! I didn't see that bike!"
As another "2-wheeler" I must tell you that I have been "pushed aside" by automobiles making completely illegal turns or lane changes in traffic more times than I can remember.
Riding my 350 pound scooter (it's as long as any Harley motorcycle) I know I'm a lot more visible than a bicyclist, so I'm sure those smaller (more vulnerable) riders are even at greater risk. I guess the message is; "Get the ---- off my road or buy a pickup truck!"
The truck was within a few inches of the bike . . or the biker turned toward the truck. In either case the truck driver refused to recognize the bike's right of way and protected safety "envelope."
As a scooter driver, I understand how auto and truck drivers want us to "get out of their way..." but we are the ones who die when we "bother them" -- not vice versa!
Not only do drivers fail to see us, some of them feel safe in "pushing" us out of their way (without consciously thinking about it, of course) because the feel so much bigger than us.
And then there's idiots talking on cell phones, sending text messages, eating lunch, reading - - instead of driving, although their automobile is still moving fast!
Motorcyclist injured on Gunbarrel
I think our local "rider-community" (engine propelled and human powered) HAS "risen up [in] en mass" but our voices go unheard because we are viewed as a fringe population by local news media and law enforcement. The are saying, "Who cares about a few nutty bikers?" Incompetent automobilists are free to kill us as long as they say, "Whoops! I didn't see that bike!"
Bill Laudeman '94 Helix 250cc scooter
Chattanooga: Meek’s death touches bicycling community
As another "2-wheeler" I must tell you that I have been "pushed aside" by automobiles making completely illegal turns or lane changes in traffic more times than I can remember.
Riding my 350 pound scooter (it's as long as any Harley motorcycle) I know I'm a lot more visible than a bicyclist, so I'm sure those smaller (more vulnerable) riders are even at greater risk. I guess the message is; "Get the ---- off my road or buy a pickup truck!"
Bill Laudeman
Update: Cyclist Meek killed in early morning accident
The truck was within a few inches of the bike . . or the biker turned toward the truck. In either case the truck driver refused to recognize the bike's right of way and protected safety "envelope."
As a scooter driver, I understand how auto and truck drivers want us to "get out of their way..." but we are the ones who die when we "bother them" -- not vice versa!
Bill Laudeman
Chattanooga: Motorcycle fatalities on the rise
Not only do drivers fail to see us, some of them feel safe in "pushing" us out of their way (without consciously thinking about it, of course) because the feel so much bigger than us.
And then there's idiots talking on cell phones, sending text messages, eating lunch, reading - - instead of driving, although their automobile is still moving fast!