An article in last Sunday’s Oregonian reported that motorcycle fatalities are on the rise in Oregon.
The report detailed that more inexperienced bikers are taking to the road and the result is a 29% jump in fatal crashes from 2004-2005, and a 19% jump in the number of total crashes (Washington state had a whopping 89% fatal crash increase this year).
The story highlights the not only should new riders get proper safety training, but that cars are not doing their part by safely sharing the road.
Here’s an interesting quote from ODOT’s David Thompson,
“You have to be a better driver because car drivers often don’t even see motorcyclists. They’re thinking pretty much that they’re sharing the road with other cars.”
I think it’s interesting to see how ODOT, law enforcement and the public react to stories like this. I think most people tend to think the fault lies with inexperienced motorcyclists, rather than with unsafe car drivers. It’s probably a bit of both.
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I’ve been riding bicycles and motorcycles for years. WHat I’ve seen in relation to riding in/by vehicle traffic as an increase in aggessivenes by drivers towards bicycles and especially motorcycles during “rush” hours.
I’ve completes both the basic and experienced motorcycle safety classes, and find that it’s very difficult to keep a “safe zone” around me when in heavy traffic, which I try to avoid whenever possible.
Many cars will tailgat a motorcycle, even when there driving at the posted speed in the rightmost lane - I believe in an attempt to harrass the motorcyclist, and it’s very difficult to keep a safe distance between car in front of a motorcycle, becasue other cars will pull into the space about as quickly as one can create it.
It’s very dangerous for all travelers, ESPECIALLY those on a motorcycle.
Comment by John Wortendyke — August 17, 2006 @ 9:48 am