I have had a motorcycle license since I was 14, and I am 50 now, with my last owning a street bike ending about three years ago after I was hit two times in one summer by cars. These two accidents were the first times I was ever struck by autos with many near misses over the years.

It is very sad to see so many riders hurt and killed on an almost daily basis. Riding a motorcycle, for many years, was my first love of hobbies. It has gotten so dangerous now that it gives me chills just to think about riding one. In fact, I would not ride one on our roads if you paid me.

Also, why is there no outcry about this carnage? One or two bicycle riders get hurt or killed, and every media outlet, along with passionate petitions from riders are screaming for relief or action to rectify the issue. There are many more motorcycle riders than bicyclists on the highways, in my opinion, and the people involved in this pastime had better start raising a stink about the carnage or else, at this rate, there won't be anyone left to participate. Follow the bicycle riders examples and bring some attention to this travesty, while you are still able.

The motorcycle dealers really need to spearhead this effort since they have this as their livelihood and most also participate. I know they probably don't want to bring this danger to the forefront, but it needs to be, since we all need the right to ride without becoming a hood ornament. All motorcycle riders start screaming and don't just accept it. It is not right for people to ignore you and kill you

Joe Blevins
Guild, Tn.

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I have lost track of how many motorcyclists have been killed in 2010. Every year the statistics just keep getting worse. One of my duties as the managing editor of Chattanooga's Road Rash Magazine is to send out emails to our subscribers about motorcycle accidents. This year has been especially deadly, and we are on track for the highest death rate ever recorded in a single year.

Why is this? Contrary to popular belief, most accidents are caused by motorists hitting, pulling out in front of, or stopping suddenly in front of motorcycles. Today's drivers find themselves occupied by doing everything except paying attention to driving while behind the wheel. I have been riding motorcycles for forty years, and I have seen the lack of paying attention getting worse with each passing year.

Motorists are too busy putting on make up, smacking their kids in the back seat, eating an Egg McMuffin, drinking, playing with the radio, looking in the glove box, fixing their hair, reading a book (yes, I have seen this many times on the interstate), and the scourge on humanity, texting. Anyone that kills or maims another driver or pedestrian due to texting while driving should be given a mandatory ten year prison sentence. I see texting while driving at least a dozen times per day.

Wake up morons. We don't want to die just so you can tell your boyfriend that you love him. We have people that love us too, and they don't want to see us killed due to your negligence. Contrary to what you think, what you have to say is not that important in the scheme of life and death. It is a matter of life and death when you run over us while texting your drivel.

Joe Blevins asked why there is no outcry over these deaths? Motorcyclists have always been considered second class citizens, and the public considers us expendable. The age old cliche of "scooter trash" is still alive and well in the minds of the general public. Sad . . . but true.

Ronnie "Rock" Land

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I, like Mr. Blevins, started riding motorcycles in the early 70's and am still riding at the young age of 50.

I agree that something needs to be done. I think that our local media needs to run PSA's regarding motorcycle awareness. I also believe that not everyone who rides a motorcycle can "ride" a motorcycle. There is an MSF course that can be taken to help make us better motorcycle riders.

I feel that we as motorcyclists need to be overly aware of our environment and anticipate the worst. Car drivers should pay attention to what they are doing, but with gals applying their warpaint on while driving, dudes reading the paper, cell phones and the texting aficionados, we don't stand much of a chance.

So, you are correct, the public needs to be made aware that we are out there and out there in numbers and we don't like being your hood ornament.

That's the stink I would like to see raised.

Brett P. Salmon
RInggold

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Mr. Land, I have one more you can add to your list. About two years ago, I was standing on the sidewalk by Fifth Street and observed a young woman driving by in her vehicle brushing her teeth.

Jim Ashley

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This year has been tough on pedestrians and two wheeled vehicles alike. Most of them had the "right of way." Having the right of way does not release you to enforce the right of way. Bike riders, both Harleys and Schwinns, can zoom through unmarked intersections if they want, but it would cut down on the carnage if you would look both ways while you are doing so. Pedestrians, especially those on Georgia Avenue, are on a path to destruction as well. Between 4 and 5 p.m. a steady stream of people step into the crosswalk reading magazines, texting, cell phone talking, or are engrossed in conversation without looking left or right, ignoring that there may be traffic headed their way. Sure you have the right of way, but drivers are being as stupid as you are, doing those same activities, not looking left or right either. They will get a $50.00 ticker for failure to yield the right of way. You will get an ambulance ride.

So the biker or walker has the right of way at all costs. Don't be another statistic. First grade rules apply; look right and left before crossing the road. Bikers, slow down and watch for the stupid drivers texting and talking on the phone. Expect the worst and stay vigilant; don't drink and drive your Harley or Honda. Too many biker deaths involved alcohol. Just having the right of way will not protect you from unaware, uncaring, and untrained drivers.

Harry Presley

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Southern Biker, Road Rash and the other motorcycle magazines always seem to try and raise awareness with articles and PSA ads. But I agree with Brett, it would be great if more radio and TV stations would do it and then do some follow up stories on what happens to drivers after they run over a biker. Is it jail, court, law suit? They never say what happens.

I ride almost every day to work during warmer months. My wife rides her bike alongside on weekends. We both try to avoid heavy traffic hours, busier roadways and try to stick to back streets. Most of my scares have involved drivers on cell phones or young drivers.

As a rider, even a self proclaimed weekend rider, there are four thoughts that popped in my mind for both motorcycle and scooter owners while reading these letters. I’m just saying these as a rider, not as anyone in authority or while trying to be better or more experienced than anyone else.

One – Drunk Riding – I think this is actually getting better as of late. My wife and I will maybe have one beer when riding. Most often we then opt for tea or diet coke. Anyone that knows me can tell you that I enjoy cold adult beverages. Heck, I’m the Pabst Blue Ribbon chef. Pabst is one of my sponsors so no one can say I am against having a cold one or being high and mighty.

Two – If you ride a scooter please make sure it has enough power for the terrain around town. Some scooters are just not strong enough to pull some of these hills at a safe speed or keep pace with normal traffic on bigger roads. Or carry large people and adults. Some are toys.

Three –I’ve see riders on crotch rockets popping wheelies on I-24 and other streets around town. I actually had a beautiful street bike scream past me, and another guy on a bike, while riding through the East Ridge tunnels. This kid flew by us like a jet, and he even had a young lady clutching onto his back. And it’s not just high speed street bikes. I recently saw a rider doing over 75mph on I-24 between Chattanooga and Nashville using a cell phone. He was texting and switching hands grabbing a water or Sprite bottle.

Four – Better Visibility – I see more and more riders wearing reflective material, patches or bright neon style shirts. I like my black shirts. But I did notice the other day a lady getting ready to pull out onto a street do a double take when I was approaching. I was wearing a bright orange Auburn shirt. I know the bright color caught the driver’s attention.

It’s the season for motorcycle events, bike nights and charity rides. Please keep an eye open.

Kent Whitaker
thedeckchef@hotmail.com