Well... thanks, but that's a bit off topic.

 

Why having a Harley-Davidson and a decent command of the English language seem to be two separate things to you, I have no idea. And again, a bit off topic.

I did in fact go for a ride right after I posted. It was great. Didn't have one run-in with a car or truck at all. Thanks.

 

can't we all just go to recess and get along until the bell rings?

 

I driver more than I ride and have 2 vehilces so I must be a cager LOL! I always look out for riders when behind the wheel. I like to ride hard at times and I'm sure there are some people that go what a dumb ***, but oh well I'm careful and like to have fun with my bikes. Anyone can do somwthing dumb on or in anything.

 

I think it is completely individual. My primary means of transportation is my Jeep. My secondary is my Sporty. When I drive and see bikers, I am always careful around them. I do not tailgate them and will give them enough room to lane split if there is slow or stopped traffic. I just think of how I would like traffic to act towards me while I ride.

I don't think people understand enough about motorcycles in order to respect them on the road. People I talk to always say they hate it when they see us lane splitting, but I explain how much more dangerous it is on a bike to be rear ended in traffic (having been rear ended myself). I also explain that most motorcycle engines are air cooled and have the ability to over heat if standing in traffic during hot weather. Hence the need and desire to lane split. Suddenly, the light bulb goes on and they get it. I take every opportunity to educate others about it so that perhaps they will apply that knowledge and drive safely and properly and respect motorcycles and their vulnerabilities.

We have all seen irresponsible bikers and drivers alike. I believe that if you are an irresponsible driver, you will be irresponsible on a motorcycle and are probably just plain irresponsible in most aspects of your life. However, I do agree that driving a vehicle opens up more opportunities for distracted and dangerous driving. Drivers have iPods, cell phones, beverages, cigarettes, children, pets, radios, air conditioning, blackberrys, and probably a dozen other distractions I haven't mentioned. Though I have almost all of these things, I focus on the road while I am driving.

As bikers, we need to ackowledge that drivers are never going to be as alert as we would like them to, because they do not encounter the same inherent dangers that we do while they are at the wheel. If they hit a big pot hole, no big deal. If they hit you, they probably won't be the one with injuries. I personally hate being tailgated by cars. It makes me nervous and very uncomfortable. I have had people follow me very closely here in New Jersey to the point where I have wanted to kick at their cars.

We need to drive defensively, but also take every opportunity to educate drivers (most of whom are our friends, family members and co workers) about these things. We must also lead by example and follow our own advice while at the wheel. It isn't really fair, but it's what we must do.

 

Ummm!!!! I'm tellin' the terminology police!!!

In case you didn't read this whole thread, it was established early on that the term "bikers" and other similar terms are only terms that posers use about themselves and others. You used it not just once, but THREE times. I supect they'll be along soon to take away your HD mouse pad...



<\humor>

 

The thing is while a lot of motorcycle riders ride like idiots, it seems like a lot of other vehicle drivers, drive like idiots. Everybody is in a rush to get nowhere special and got all kinds of deversions.

I would agree with OP that the bravado of riders is silly. We drive cars and trucks too and do the same idiotic things as those cagers. How often do you get cut off while riding by some monster pickup truck with Harley Davidson stickers all over it. Nobody gives a **** about anybody when they are driving, everyones in ther own worlds.

 

 

This one will keep going and going and going ......

 

i'm still waitin for KAHAONE to come back and set all yall straight!!!!