Morning Sentinel
Watch out for motorcycle riders out on the roads
Kennebec Journal & Morning Sentinel Thursday, April 12, 2007

As I scanned this morning's Kennebec Journal, the article about the prison sentence handed down in the deaths of the couple on their Harley Davidson caught my eye. Although I personally don't believe a five-year prison term is a fair trade for the lives of two good people enjoying a ride on their bike and for the heartache and loss felt by their families, that isn't why I'm writing.

I'm writing this to take the opportunity to ask, no, plead, with four-wheel drivers out there to watch out for bikers. I don't believe bikers deserve special privileges. Bikers have to obey the rules of the road just like everyone else. But a collision between a car and a bike, even a minor crash that would be no more than a fender-bender between two cars, will most likely result in serious injuries to the bike rider and any passenger.

All driver-ed instructors out there, please impress upon your students the importance of seeing bikes and giving them a wide berth. And bikers out there, avoid getting into situations that may result in a crash.

My Electra Glide weighs over 800 lbs. wet, and I'm at 200+. But the total mass of my bike and myself can't compete with even the smallest car out there.

Take care, keep alert, and everyone please stay safe.

Mike Barron

member of the Augusta Chapter, Harley Owners Group (HOG)

Augusta

ma1fcs@hotmail.com


Reader comments

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DG of Winslow, ME
Apr 12, 2007 7:36 AM
After riding on a motorcycle myself, I find that it should be mandatory that all bikers wear helmets. I also will add, some bikers think they own the road and don't worry about the 4 wheel vehicles. Their attitudes aren't always good is all I am saying.
Bring the helmet law to Maine.
This in itself would save alot of lives and serious injury.
Many bikers are out for "show" and too proud to wear helmets. report abuse
Cruizer of Augusta, ME
Apr 12, 2007 10:29 AM
Mike,
Excellent timing and article. I have been riding for many years and always look forward to riding season coming. Not to worry, it will come this year too.
When the riding season does finally arrive, I remind myself of the basics. Always make sure your scoot is safe and ready for the road. Always make sure that you are safe and ready for the road. Always expect the unexpected. Keep an eye out for others on the road, and always keep yourself visable. Expect that cager, coming in the opposite direction, singling his intention to turn left into your lane, to do so. Can't begin to tell you the number of times I've even made eye-contact, yet they turn anyway. Fortunately I have always slowed her down expecting the turn.

Ride Safe, Ride Often & Be Safe.
Cruizerreport abuse
DonC of Winthrop, ME
Apr 12, 2007 5:35 PM
That's all well and good to "Watch Out For Motocycles" BUT motocycle operators have a responsiblity too. All too often these idiots weave in and out of traffic, or in areas where traffic is backed up ride down the line to get ahead of everyone. That the the loud pipes to annoy everyone ,, you want respect?, earn itreport abuse
DG of Winslow, ME
Apr 12, 2007 8:09 PM
Well said Donc....I've been on a bike with someone that thinks it's great to weave in and out of lanes. I no longer ride because of the behavior he chose while riding. It's not vehicles, it's the arrogance of motorcyclist's.
report abuse

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