Give motorcyclists neighborly leeway
After reading the July 23 Spokesman-Review article (“Bike Deaths Accelerating”), it’s a good bet many Spokanites are scratching their heads and wondering, “Why do people risk their lives riding motorcycles?”
There’s no denying those who find freedom in the open road take quite a risk, and the answers are as varied as there are motorcycles.
In June 2005 I attended the motorcycle safety training course offered through Washington state in conjunction with West Side Motors. The instructors of the three-day course put its participants through the paces.
We watched videos, took tests, asked questions, did mock-motorcycle rides in the classroom, and heard the skinny on proper attire, nutrition (an important part of motorcycle riding) and how to avoid injury before we straddled the bikes in a large unforgiving parking lot by Spokane International Airport.
A week later, with certificate in hand, the endorsement was placed on my license. Then began the hard part of practice, practice and more practice.
The newspaper article was a stark reminder on the dangers of motorcycle riding. The repetitive “You’re going to die!” from the general population sits in the back of your mind, which is torn between taking heed and proving them wrong.
As well, the article also brought to mind a deep sense of gratitude for the many times Spokane and North Idaho drivers patiently waited, allowed me leeway and slowed down while this newbie motorcyclist practiced negotiating the roads of the Inland Northwest.
Perhaps that deer-in-the-headlight look was a dead giveaway, or the slow turns. Maybe it was the stalled engine on the abundant molehills that suddenly became mountains throughout the area.
Whatever the reason, each ride taught me valuable lessons, and throughout my travels, people were gracious, patient and encouraging, and this newbie motorcyclist is grateful.
Many riders aren’t so lucky. Fellow motorcyclists relate stories of being cut off or pushed off the road by cars.
At the monthly Harley Owners Group (HOG) meetings, caution is stressed to the max. A “rider’s edge” safety course is offered throughout the year.
The road captains check the road conditions the day before the monthly ride to ensure safety. Extra consideration is given for new riders.
In short, those I ride with take this freedom seriously.
To those new riders who hear the call of the open road, take some advice from an old newbie. Practice your skills until riding becomes second nature.
That big bike with its awesome engine and mufflers will be there tomorrow or next year. Much of motorcycling is heeding that inner voice, you know, the one freaking out when a turn looks impossible to make. Come to a safe stop and take a breath. You’re not ready.
Instead, practice riding back and forth, starting and stopping, and turning in a large parking lot. The time to venture out into traffic or ride that scenic back road will arrive, I promise.
Wear appropriate gear, stay hydrated, eat well, and always keep your riding skills sharpened.
To those motorists who shake their heads in wonderment, I can only say there’s no explaining why the love of riding is embedded into a biker’s soul. It’s like asking why people bungee-jump, sky-dive, climb Mount Everest or shoot rapids. The fact is all of us take chances with each new sunrise.
One saying on a T-shirt read, “If you have to ask why I ride, then you won’t understand.”
Simply stated, it’s how we choose to live our time on Earth.
And the next time you hear a revving sound from mufflers, realize that many times it’s to get your attention.
Do you see me now? Are you watching?
Please show the same patience and concern that you’ve shown me over these past 14 months. Keep an eye out for us motorcycle newbies and veteran riders.
Just like you, we’re doing our best to drive defensively and stay out of the way while enjoying life to the fullest.