You Know a Biker

Chances are you know a biker and you just don't realize it. The recent promo of this blog in the News Herald certainly stirred up some conversation. (I hope it stirred up some readers, too.) I expected a lot of comments about the size of picture they ran. But what I'm hearing most often is "I didn't know you were biker." This is good. As you may know from reading this blog - I'm all about letting people know that I ride. Why? Because when motorists realize motorcyclists are real people - people they may know personally - it results in greater awareness of bikers on the road. Awareness makes the road safer for everyone.

May is Motorcycle Awareness Month. The Motorcycle Safety Foundation works year round to protect the rights of bikers and to raise the public conscience towards bikers. The following is from their website:

"The MSF urges all car, bus, truck, and other motor vehicle drivers to follow the key safety messages listed below:
MSF’s 5 Key Messages for Drivers
1. Look for Motorcyclists – Use your eyes and mirrors to see what's around, and check the blind spots when you're changing lanes or turning at intersections. Look, and look again.

2. Focus on Driving – Hang up the phone, put down the MP3 player, settle the passengers, and drive. And NO texting.

3. Use Your Turn Signals – Signal your intentions for everyone's safety.

4. Give Two-Wheelers Some Room – Don't tailgate or pass too closely.

5. Take Your Time – Nothing is as important as the safety of your loved ones, yourself, and the others with whom you share the road.

For additional safety tips, video instruction, and other resources to help car, truck, and bus drivers learn how to safely interact with motorcyclists on the nation’s streets and highways, visit forcardrivers.com, a website launched by the MSF in 2008.

Since 1973, the Motorcycle Safety Foundation has set internationally recognized standards that promote the safety of motorcyclists with rider education courses, operator licensing tests, and public information programs. The MSF works with the federal government, state agencies, the military, and others to offer training for all skill levels so riders can enjoy a lifetime of safe, responsible motorcycling.

The MSF is a not-for-profit organization sponsored by BMW, BRP, Ducati, Harley-Davidson, Honda, Kawasaki, KTM, Piaggio, Suzuki, Triumph, Victory and Yamaha. For RiderCourseSM locations, call 800.446.9227 or visit www.msf-usa.org."