Apr 29, 2005 - 23:16:15 CDT
It's a simple phase, but it's amazing how many people don't understand it. I've been riding a motorcycle for about 10 years now and can't count the times when I've been ignored by people in cars. They'll see the other vehicles around me, but it's as if my bike is invisible, and they'll pull out like I'm not there.Motorcycle riders learn early on that you never take for granted what the person in the four-wheeled cage is going to do. If there's any chance of a car or truck putting you in a compromising position, odds are they will. Being on a motorcycle puts you in a vulnerable position; there are no steel plates to protect you or airbags to cushion the impact. Odds are you'll be thrown from the bike with only the asphalt to catch you.
When I spot another vehicle in my vicinity I try to figure out what the worst possible outcome might be and what my "escape routes" might be -- this usually has to happen within a split second, so, the more I practice it, the easier it comes.
Most importantly, never assume anything. Does that person in the car with that cell phone at his ear looking straight at you, see you? Probably not.
Most of the near-misses I've had were when the driver was looking my way, but pulled out in my path, anyway. I used to figure signaled intersections were our friends, but not in Bismarck. Most drivers seem to think yellow means speed up before it turns red and red mean, whoops, I didn't speed up enough to beat the yellow. I've grown very wary of entering any intersection.
May is "Motorcycle Safety and Awareness Month." For motorcycle riders this is a 24/7, 365 days a year kind of thing, at least where weather allows. Help us out. Be more cognizant about what's happening on the streets -- whether you're on two wheels, four wheels or more.
ABATE event
ABATE of North Dakota and the North Dakota Motorcycle Program will hold a special event on May 7-8 to promote Motorcycle Safety and Awareness Month.
"Race for Safety" will showcase all aspects of motorcycling and promote motorcycle awareness, according to ABATE's Janet Frost. The event will run from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday.
Highlighting Race for Safety is the opportunity to drive the Legends Race Cars -- eight laps for $10. Various vendors and motorcycle distributors also will be on hand. A blood drive also will be held on Saturday.
Busy week
It's going to be busy next week. At 5:15 p.m. Monday the Burleigh County Commission is back to work. At 10 a.m. Tuesday the Morton County meets, and the Mandan City Commission at 5:30 p.m. On Thursday, the Lincoln City Council convenes at 7 p.m.
Also on Tuesday, the new Bismarck Municipal Airport terminal will be opened to the general public from 4 to 8 p.m. It's quite a building, and this will be the only chance for many to roam free through its interior.
(Reach reporter Gordon Weixel at 250-8255 or gordon.weixel@bismarcktri-bune.com.)
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