Electra Glide In Blue

In Colorado like anywhere, you want to travel the highways, byways and back roads motorcycling safely. We have some of the most challenging roads here. Twisty mountain roads that can suck you right in to a corner so hot you don’t have the time to say fuck. Loose marbles you can find in any mountain curve that will throw you to the shoulder and over a guardrail (lucky if you find a guardrail) and down a 50 or 100 foot ravine, you’ll be wishing we had a helmet law.
Eighty-eight motorcyclists died on Colorado roads last year. Last year, 72 percent of fatal motorcycle crashes were blamed on the rider. Larimer County totals were the highest with 13.
This year it is looking like Boulder County is taking the lead. In the last two weeks, we’ve had three motorcycle fatalities in Boulder County.
Two were head-on collisions happening within 90 minutes of each other. The other was the left-hand turn killer. All three motorcyclist were killed by the four wheeled cage and are still under investigation.

From the reports, the drivers of the cars may have been distracted. A motorcyclist with all the skill in the world wouldn’t have had a chance.
The loss of life is sad and a reminder that motorcycling is serious business. And people in cars are out to kill you.
When driving a motorcycle we drive defensively at all times and give 100 percent to the road. It is a shame people who drive cars don’t follow suite.

Check out Colorado’s Live to Ride program including the fact sheet and news release.

After reading all the news reports out of Phoenix, about the eight motorcycles being rear-ended while setting at a stoplight Thursday afternoon you just have to wonder, what the hell happened there?

Obviously the driver of the dump truck is a fault here. What the hell was the distraction?

In a split second three were killed, a fourth one passed away Friday night. Four others were seriously or critically injured, and one was treated and released from the hospital.

If they all would have been packed in a cage, the end result would probably been close to the same. My thoughts and prayers are with all who have been affected by this tragic accident.

The investigation into the crash may take some time. I’m still shaking my head on this one. When I’m sitting at a light I try to protect my ass as much as I’m watching what’s happening in front of me.

There have been quite a few comments on some motorcycle forums today about this so I thought I’d list some motorcycle safety recommendations for protecting your ass and trying to stay alive on a motorcycle.

1) Increase your following distance. By allowing more time for you to stop, you decrease the likelihood that you will surprise the person behind you. The person behind you will definitely be surprised if you have to stop quickly, but if you can stop smoothly and gradually, then you force them to do the same.

2) Communicate your intentions. While it’s not really an option in an emergency stop situation, in everyday traffic, you can tap your brakes a couple of times to flash your brake light. People behind you are MUCH more likely to notice a flashing light than a static one. You my what to consider a brake light modulator.

3) Always have a line of escape by constantly scanning the areas all around you.

4) Be ready to swerve instead of stop. If you recognize that a rear-end impact is imminent and you have the time and wherewithal to deal with it, swerve between lanes of traffic and let them hit the car in front of you instead.

5) Don’t obsess about the person behind you. If you’re busy thinking about what’s behind you, then you’re less likely to notice what’s in front of you.

6) Never take the traffic around you for granted. Anticipate driver error.

Ride safe and watch your ass.

Kids like to ride the majority of the time. To meet this need, kid’s motorcycles are provided. They come in different styles, models, and sizes to fit every kid’s desires. The most popular types or models are Minimotos, 110cc Midimotos, Mini Mud Midi Mud bikes, and many others. A parent cannot run out of options to select from.

Choosing the Right Kid’s Motorcycle

There are certain things you need to consider when selecting the perfect ride for your youngsters. You can start by selecting among the various makers of bikes or bikes. You can find good resources in the Net. You can also visit the closest dealer and ask for suggestions. Safety is of course your concern so be sure that the motorcycle you are purchasing is made of quality materials. Finally , you can always ask your child or youngsters to select the color, style or model they like.

Adults or parents have the responsibility to make sure that the tiny riders are safe. Motorcycle riding is fun but it can also be injurious and even deadly without adult’s supervision. Guardians should not forget a number of guidelines to consider when youngsters are concerned.

Kid’s Bike Guidelines

Protective Gear

Kids should be wearing protective clothing which includes kid’s motorcycle helmet, jeans, long sleeved shirts, padding, abs shell and removable liner, kid’s motorcycle jackets and other accessories. These are not just for defending them from possible bruises; these are also for UV protection purposes. Youngsters , like adults should be protected from the dangerous rays of the sun. Aside from different gear, a good pair of glasses and of course suntan lotion lotions or creams should be applied to their skin.

Driving Rules

Teach children crucial driving rules that they need to follow. Remind them of the importance of safety when riding and teach them what to do in case there is an emergency. Always have a first aid box ready. Better yet, guide them thru all the rules of driving and riding and confirm they know and adhere to them.

Staying Close to Home

Kids are curious folk and they love the thought of adventure and being some distance from home. Guarantee to establish a rule that they stay in areas where they belong to and not stray away from those places. Looking for lost kids in their motorcycles would be the last thing you would need to end up in to. Make sure they know your phone number in case they get lost.
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Colorado Department of Transportation has released the 2008 data on motorcycle fatalities. Transportation officials say 98 motorcycle riders and passengers died on state highways last year, a record. Motorcycle accidents accounted for 18 percent of Colorado traffic deaths in 2008, even though motorcycles make up only 3 percent of all registered vehicles.
CDOT says motorcyclists were found to be at fault in 80 percent of the fatal crashes. 70 percent weren’t wearing helmets or were wearing them incorrectly. 39 percent didn’t have a motorcycle indorsment on their license or had no license at all.
The previous record was set in 2007 at 90 fatalities.
2008 also was a record year for motorcycle registrations, with 173,873 motorcycles registered in the state. The state reported 157,000 motorcycle registrations for 2007.

Ride Safe!