Motorcycle Awareness, Politics, and outrageous lies

[Momz]

Pam and I were asked to escort our Secretary of State, Ruth Johnson today on a "awareness ride and press conference". We were honoured and delighted as we both believe in safety and awareness (public exposure helps too).

But what we encountered was stupid politics, lies, and lectures on resposiblities. First of all the ride started at a HD dealer warehouse in an industrial park and on to a HD dealership. We were bearly visable by the motoring public as it might have been less than two miles from point A to point B.

Normally there is a police motorcycle escort, but today it was a police car escort. Why? Because the city of Farmington choose to lease BMWs rather than HDs (BMW has a national 24 repair program for first responders, unlike HD dealers). The press confrence was held at HD dealer. Pam and I were the only non-V-twin riders, and we did get a few looks of nonapproval.  

A Farmington Hills police officer that was not allowed to participate and an MSF instructor


Pam and a reporter from the Oakland Press, covering the press confrence (also a rider)


Ruth Johnson flanked by Momz and Damselfly


Ruth Johnson acknowleding the hard work of the MSF instructors and coaches and the awareness instructors.


MIs director of Highway Planning and Safety. His claim was that 40% of M/C deaths were the fault of the rider and that we should all wear "approved" helmets and high visability gear. (Hey, what about distracted driving and drunks dude? And just where did he get his statisics as they greatly differ from that of the MI state police?)


A representative of the MSP (whose stats were very different) gave a short speech on the fact that distracted drivers will be prosecuted and they (MSP) will work toward greater M/C awareness proceedures

[JetDriver]

MIs director of Highway Planning and Safety. His claim was that 40% of M/C deaths were the fault of the rider and that we should all wear "approved" helmets and high visability gear. (Hey, what about nondistracted driving and drunks dude? And just where did he get his statisics as they greatly differ from that of the MI state police?)

I've seen use of those kind of stats to blame bikers before.  Even if the 40% number is true, that means 60% are caused by OTHERS!

[old2soon]

Politics and the truth will NEVER mix at all ever. You did the best you could under the circumstances that were handed to you. At the very least i know you tried. RIDE SAFE.

[cookiedough]

Reason being 2 miles from HD to HD is because HD's can only go a few miles without breaking something.  Seems this wasn't about the 'ride' and more about politics and speeches whether true statements or not.  That is why I avoid politics all together since they are all crooks, some more than others.  I tried very hard with our local legislature to get sensible and reasonable ATV youth laws passed and changed but thru numerouse emails back and forth nothing ever got done even though he always said he was getting in contact with other parties to discuss never heard the results.  Typical politician like they all are.  Let the general public believe you will do something sensible well within reason  and yet nothing ever gets done.

I would think 40% is reasonable for the riders at fault, but that means more often than not, say 60%, it is the other idiots on the road causing accidents for cyclists which really scares me and is not going to get any better with more and more cell phones and distractions built into cars.

[Valkahuna]

Momz,

Thanks for posting this. I am also very interested in M/C safety and awareness issues, and try to stay as informed as possible. That's why I've been an AMA member for a long time. And, you are right - Politics and does not mix well with anything, especially common sense!

[solo1]

Thanks Momz and Damselfly for doing your best. That sure did sound like a dog and pony show.  Politicians eat that up but not all politicians have that attitude. I was a councilman in a small city and I tried to do things right.

 I've been concerned about mc safety for a long time and a Charter Life member of the AMA. That one sided crap wouldn't set well with me what with all the phone users, texters, and just plain part time driver idiots in cages out there.

[Momz]

The director of the Michigan Office of Highway Planning and Safety, Micheal Prince, was quoted as saying "motorctcle awareness falls directly on the shoulders of the motorcyclist, not on motorists".

Federal funds are provided to states for awarness campains. ABATE of MI may try to block next years federal monies because of this misdirection of the issue.

I can't think of a single biker that hasn't recently been effected by a distracted or impaired driver. And does wearing "high visibility" gear keep texters from texting or drunks from having that last "one for the road"?

It is unfortunate thar Micheal Prince was oppointed, rather than elected. It is much more difficult to remove that type of official from office. But ABATE is working on a strategy.

[~ Timbrwolf]

...Always been impressed by the endless hard work that you and Pam do...to educate the public ....both riders and non-riders.. ...about motorcycles..


. ...which is why Chili and I are proud to call you friends....keep up the good work ! .. 

[Bob E.]

The director of the Michigan Office of Highway Planning and Safety, Micheal Prince, was quoted as saying "motorctcle awareness falls directly on the shoulders of the motorcyclist, not on motorists".

I wasn't there, so I'm asking about the context of this statement.  Was basically saying, "It isn't the car's fault for hitting a motorcycle."  Or was it more of a, "Hey, you are on the bike and are going to lose a battle with a car.  And these car drivers don't always pay attention.  So you, as a motorcyclist, should do everything you can to protect yourself."??  As a matter of self-preservation, I try and in accordance with the 2nd statement.  But I could see a non-rider making and meaning the first statement, unfortunately.

[Momz]

Bob E,

Federal funding is given to the states to make the motoring public aware that motorcycles are out in numbers now (not very many in the cold midwestern months).

It is similar to the current "Click it or Ticket" campain. But as bikers we need car/truck/suv drivers to look for us. And yes, we need to be diligent and look for those that would unintentionally or intentionaly harm us.

If you feel the need to wear flouresent riding gear, well that should be your choice. But to suggest that bikers wear loud colors to attract the attention of motorists seems ludicris.

Texting, inattentive, and impaired motorists are a danger to all road users, and especially motorcyclists.

Have you ever been cut off by someone driving while on their cell phone? It is a godsend and lesson learned if you survived, but if you crashed due to being cut off, would you feel the same?

[Paxton]

40%?  ???
Well, 78.167% of statistics are made up on the spot!

[Romeo]

George and Pam, i want to thank you both for being so active in trying to educate both riders and non-riders alike. It's a shame that an event such as the one you were involved in left a bad taste in your mouth. I know you well enough to know you won't let something like that dissuade you from your work.  thanks again you two.

[Bob E.]

Bob E,

Federal funding is given to the states to make the motoring public aware that motorcycles are out in numbers now (not very many in the cold midwestern months).

It is similar to the current "Click it or Ticket" campain. But as bikers we need car/truck/suv drivers to look for us. And yes, we need to be diligent and look for those that would unintentionally or intentionaly harm us.

If you feel the need to wear flouresent riding gear, well that should be your choice. But to suggest that bikers wear loud colors to attract the attention of motorists seems ludicris.

Texting, inattentive, and impaired motorists are a danger to all road users, and especially motorcyclists.

Have you ever been cut off by someone driving while on their cell phone? It is a godsend and lesson learned if you survived, but if you crashed due to being cut off, would you feel the same?

I agree with you that what protective gear one wears should be your choice.  I feel the same about seatbelts in a car as well.  I was just wondering if he was just blaming bikers for accidents or if he offering advice that could help make a motorcyclist more visible.  I'm not suggesting that if a biker is wearing all black and is hit by an inattentive driver that the biker is at fault at all.

[Momz]

Bob E,

Federal funding is given to the states to make the motoring public aware that motorcycles are out in numbers now (not very many in the cold midwestern months).

It is similar to the current "Click it or Ticket" campain. But as bikers we need car/truck/suv drivers to look for us. And yes, we need to be diligent and look for those that would unintentionally or intentionaly harm us.

If you feel the need to wear flouresent riding gear, well that should be your choice. But to suggest that bikers wear loud colors to attract the attention of motorists seems ludicris.

Texting, inattentive, and impaired motorists are a danger to all road users, and especially motorcyclists.

Have you ever been cut off by someone driving while on their cell phone? It is a godsend and lesson learned if you survived, but if you crashed due to being cut off, would you feel the same?

I agree with you that what protective gear one wears should be your choice.  I feel the same about seatbelts in a car as well.  I was just wondering if he was just blaming bikers for accidents or if he offering advice that could help make a motorcyclist more visible.  I'm not suggesting that if a biker is wearing all black and is hit by an inattentive driver that the biker is at fault at all.

Bob E

In Micheal Prince's speech he blamed motorcyclists for driver awareness in biker/car accidents. And that wearing high visability gear and full face helmets were the items best suited to making drivers see motorcycles. He was waaayyy of base as that does nothing except excuse distracted/drunk driving.

[signart]

I only wish that were true. (40% M/C fault) I'd feel a lot safer.