Safer Roads Through Wheelies

Here's what I think could make roads safer...put more people on motorcycles.

Wha...? But motorcycles are so unsafe, right?

I know it sounds weird. I know it's not practical and I do say it half in jest. At the same time, I genuinely believe some time on spent on two wheels can help us all to be more careful when we're on four.

Here's the thing, there are so many people on the road that really aren't driving. They're talking on the phone. They're messing with their satellite radio. They're shaving or putting on makeup (not necessarily the same driver...but that would be interesting). With all the multitasking taking place in these steel and plastic cocoons, the actual driving has become secondary.

Motorcycles are different. Sure, you can have a nice stereo on your motorcycle but, ultimately, your focus must be on the road, you hands on the handlebars. A bike doesn't allow distractions. It doesn't take much time on a bike before you learn to be proactive, to drive defensively, and really pay attention. When you're hanging out there in the open, the right-of-way quickly becomes less important than safety. That's the first lesson you learn in a riding course...don't assume you can take action just because you're right to do so, you have to take the extra step to verify that you can survive the action. All these are valuable lessons even for those on four wheels. I know my automobile driving skills improved dramatically after only a little time on a motorcycle.

Maybe motorcycles aren't for everyone. Then again, maybe it is for a lot of people that haven't tried it. It really is a beautiful thing. The closeness with a machine. The rush. The pull of the engine. The sheer openness. It takes effort, sure. You may arrive to your destination a little tired but it's incredibly refreshing. It clears the mind.

As for the safety of the actual bikes, the biggest threat are the multi-taskers in their cocoons. While bikers can't force them to pay attention, steps can be taken to increase motorcycle safety. Take the ABATE riding course. Get your motorcycle endorsement. Wear a DOT approved helmet (preferably SNELL approved, as well) and proper riding gear. Be as visible as possible. And, like so many other activities, practice.

And, you can do wheelies...carefully, of course.