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On the road with motorcycles and mopeds - 9/13/2008 10:53:45 AM
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Covaan_Meshuga
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I pondered where to place this, but this is good, because it definitely has to do with ethics -- how to treat motorcyclists and mopeders on the road and how both ought to treat pedestrians and vehicle-drivers.
I used to ride motorcycles, and had to put up with a lot of pure stupidity and rudeness from vehicle-drivers, much of which was dangerous to me because they had no respect for my right to be on the road. Today, it seems like that has switch around and that some motorcyclists are either stupid or they have a death-wish.
Please, motorcyclists and mopeders, tell us what we could do better, and auto-drivers, tell us what motorcyclists and mopeders could do better. I think this will be more and more important as more people take to the road on both motorcyclists and mopeders, as the economy makes driving vehicles more difficult.
This is only for motorcyclists and mopeders; there is another thread for non-motorized bikes.
_____________________________
Abiyah
"Ladies and gentlemen, there are things that you will only be able to learn by the weakest among us, and when you snuff them out, you are the one that loses." ~~Gianna Jesson, 1977 LA, CA, saline abortion survivor
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RE: On the road with motorcycles and mopeds - 9/13/2008 11:11:19 AM
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Covaan_Meshuga
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Vehicle drivers, if you wonder why they drive toward the side of the lane instead of the middle, where you would be more likely to see them, it is because the middle of the lane is extremely oily, making it dangerous for motorcyclists. Use your side-view mirrors.
You do not have the right to occupy any part of the lane beside a motorcyclist. When a motorcycle is in the lane in front of you, do not drive up in the lane beside her/him. This is both rude and dangerous -- and stupid.
In some states, motorcyclists have the right to drive between stopped cars. Is that also stupid? YES. But the law gives them that right, so let it go.
_____________________________
Abiyah
"Ladies and gentlemen, there are things that you will only be able to learn by the weakest among us, and when you snuff them out, you are the one that loses." ~~Gianna Jesson, 1977 LA, CA, saline abortion survivor
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RE: On the road with motorcycles and mopeds - 9/13/2008 12:07:17 PM
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Miss Giggles
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There really aren't too many problems with motorcyclists here besides aggressive driving. However there is some stupidity on some scooter and moped drivers because they are driving them on roads in which they cannot keep up with the traffic .. but those roads are marked as "no scooters"
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RE: On the road with motorcycles and mopeds - 9/13/2008 12:16:41 PM
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mvic
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Motorcyclists - on the motorway do not ride at high speed in-between two lanes of fast cars. You are effectively riding at speed in a very narrow corridor. If one car changes lane suddenly, if your front wheel for some reason wobbles ... well ... you can guess the rest.
Always, always, even in daylight, have your lights on. You are a very narrow vertical shape compared to a car which is wide. From inside a car you are very difficult to see - especially if you're wearing dark clothing.
You're faster sometimes than a car. If I can't get out of your way, you'll hit me and you'll get hurt. You have no protection like airbags and seat belts. The first thing that my car will hit is your flesh. Keep your distance. Lower your speed.
Don't ride in a close convoy of five or six bikes in single file and come at speed from behind and suddenly overtake me. The sound and speed of the first bike can startle the driver. If he suddenly swerves ... God help the second and subsequent bikers coming close and very fast from behind.
Mopeds - you're not allowed on the motorway. Keep off.
Mopeds - you're slow. So in town do not ride in the middle of the road. It frustrates car drivers - especially if they don't know whether you are turning left, right or going straight. They just follow you slowly and pray you go away.
Mopeds - use hand signals to tell car drivers of your intentions.
Mopeds - lights on at all times; even in daylight.
Bikers and mopeds - helmets on at all times. It's the law. Even if you have a rider with you.
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RE: On the road with motorcycles and mopeds - 9/13/2008 12:35:50 PM
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stellaluna
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quote:
ORIGINAL: mvic
Mopeds - you're not allowed on the motorway. Keep off.
Mopeds - you're slow. So in town do not ride in the middle of the road. It frustrates car drivers - especially if they don't know whether you are turning left, right or going straight. They just follow you slowly and pray you go away.
Mopeds - use hand signals to tell car drivers of your intentions.
Mopeds - lights on at all times; even in daylight.
Bikers and mopeds - helmets on at all times. It's the law. Even if you have a rider with you.
Actually, where I live mopeds are allowed on streets and roads. They are allowed to ride in the middle of the lane. Lights are not required during the day. There is not a helmet law.
Some of the things motorists are frustrated with are just going to have to be sucked up because the law is on the side of those not in cars. Shocking, I know.
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RE: On the road with motorcycles and mopeds - 9/13/2008 12:49:45 PM
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car2ner
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Car and truck drivers, don't tailgate a motorcycle!
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"May your days be long and your hardships few".
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RE: On the road with motorcycles and mopeds - 9/13/2008 2:07:48 PM
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Oldwing
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Lets not forget that this time of year the leaves begin to drop off the trees and can be slipery under your tires - especially when wet.
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Gary
These things I command you, that you love one another. John 15:17
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RE: On the road with motorcycles and mopeds - 9/14/2008 2:15:55 PM
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Memaw.
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quote:
Bikers and mopeds - helmets on at all times. It's the law. Even if you have a rider with you.
Not in my state, which is ridiculous.
To the cyclist, please ride with your headlight on at all times, it makes you easier to see.
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"Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction.
Every generation has to learn how to protect and defend it, or it's gone
and gone for a long, long time."
Ronald Reagan
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RE: On the road with motorcycles and mopeds - 9/14/2008 2:25:33 PM
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car2ner
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to the car driver... don't try to hold a phone and pull out of the parking lot or even drive at the same time... you don't drive as well as you imagine. It was by the Grace of God that we didn't get broad sided because a gal was on the phone while she pulled out of a gas station. It is more than unnerving to find a bumper inches from your left knee, lots of congestion and a ditch on the side of the road. EEEEK
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"May your days be long and your hardships few".
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RE: On the road with motorcycles and mopeds - 9/15/2008 8:44:06 AM
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edgibson
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Well, having been a scooter rider, and currently use a motorcycle for my commuter, I have some insight from both sides of the road.
I have had very few problems with autos while riding. The few that I have fall into 2 categories: Aggressive driving, and inattentiveness.
Aggressive driving being tailgating, lane intrusions (deliberate), racing (or attempting to), and other such stuff.
Inattentiveness is turning in front of me, running that yellow light while I am in the intersection, lane intrusion (cause you didn't notice me), throwing things out of your window while I am behind you  , and basically looking through me.
The Motorcycle Safety Foundation training courses teach you to "assume you are invisible", that drivers will not see you. It is sad that this is the case. The most common comment by a driver after hitting a motorcycle is "I didn't see them". My question is "were you looking?"
The #1 cause of motorcycle accidents, by far, is an oncoming car turning left across the motorcycles path (usually in an intersection.)
Now, to be fair, there are many motorcyclists that give us a bad reputation. The mental midget riding a wheelie down the freeway comes to mind. The pack of riders who ignore the rules of the road, too. The guy with pipes loud enough to rattle your fillings is always fun to be around.
I will admit that most auto drivers are fine, just like most motorcyclists are. It is the few that make the rest look bad.
So I guess that my only advice is:
Motorcyclists- remember you aren't at the track, slow down and drive right.
Auto drivers: We are out here, especially now that gas is so pricey, be on the lookout.
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RE: On the road with motorcycles and mopeds - 9/15/2008 9:14:50 AM
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Covaan_Meshuga
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quote:
ORIGINAL Edgibson
I will admit that most auto drivers are fine, just like most motorcyclists are. It is the few that make the rest look bad.
Exactly.
My husband and I went looking for a scooter for me yesterday. After having ridden motorcycles, this is a difficult choice for me, but he is very uncomfortable with my buying a motorcycle while he is not so uncomfortable with my getting a scooter. Never having used a scooter before, does anyone here have any advice pertinent to scooter-driving?
_____________________________
Abiyah
"Ladies and gentlemen, there are things that you will only be able to learn by the weakest among us, and when you snuff them out, you are the one that loses." ~~Gianna Jesson, 1977 LA, CA, saline abortion survivor
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RE: On the road with motorcycles and mopeds - 9/15/2008 1:25:06 PM
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Covaan_Meshuga
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Thank you for telling me that! I haven't tried one out yet -- just looked -- so I will be watchful for the things you've mentioned.
_____________________________
Abiyah
"Ladies and gentlemen, there are things that you will only be able to learn by the weakest among us, and when you snuff them out, you are the one that loses." ~~Gianna Jesson, 1977 LA, CA, saline abortion survivor
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RE: On the road with motorcycles and mopeds - 9/15/2008 2:18:15 PM
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edgibson
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Allot will be determined by the "scooter" you are looking at.
There are scooters and there are scooters.
For instance, you can get a Vespa, with a 50cc engine and zip around town, or you could opt for a Burgman 650 executive and essentially have a small GoldWing.
My first was a 250cc Kymco that was able to propel my not insignificant mass up to highway speed.
In fact, I t-boned a deer @55mph on that same bike. (not a hobby I would recommend.)
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Where are we going?
And why are we in this handbasket?
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RE: On the road with motorcycles and mopeds - 9/15/2008 8:55:12 PM
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Covaan_Meshuga
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A little 125cc (nyahh -- make it a 250) is likely all I'd need, but I want it to have storage for "stuff" like what I may carry to work and what I may buy on the way home, stopping at the grocery store.
_____________________________
Abiyah
"Ladies and gentlemen, there are things that you will only be able to learn by the weakest among us, and when you snuff them out, you are the one that loses." ~~Gianna Jesson, 1977 LA, CA, saline abortion survivor
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RE: On the road with motorcycles and mopeds - 9/16/2008 6:47:47 AM
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Oldwing
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quote:
ORIGINAL: Covaan_Meshuga
A little 125cc (nyahh -- make it a 250) is likely all I'd need, but I want it to have storage for "stuff" like what I may carry to work and what I may buy on the way home, stopping at the grocery store.
Storage is all important. I and my wife ride our 1980 1100cc Goldwing to the grocery store. Did you know two people can stuff a week's worth of groceries aboard and still have room for rain gear?
We also go camping and get all our gear aboard, including a kingsized blowup bed and an 18X8 tent! Amazing how much a good bike can carry.
Plus we get between 42 and 45mpg. Frugal AND fun. :)
_____________________________
Gary
These things I command you, that you love one another. John 15:17
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RE: On the road with motorcycles and mopeds - 9/16/2008 11:06:15 AM
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Covaan_Meshuga
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Oh, I can only dream of having a motor cycle again. When I first started shopping for something other than a car, my husband pulled the rug right out from under me. I found the sweetest little bike, fell completely in love, and my husband said, "I have a bad feeling about it." I have learned to listen when he says such things. It broke my heart, but I walked away from it. I still think about it. It was such a sweet ride.
Since this, we have been talking about getting a scooter. Both of us were getting one. Then Sunday, my husband told me that when he's prayed about it, he feels like he is getting a "no" for himself but not for me. This is another setback, but again, I have learned to listen to him in these things.
However, for myself, I have had to consider my age and my health. I simply am not strong enough for a motorcycle anymore. I guess, if I get something, it will have to be a scooter. And it is an "IF" I get one.
_____________________________
Abiyah
"Ladies and gentlemen, there are things that you will only be able to learn by the weakest among us, and when you snuff them out, you are the one that loses." ~~Gianna Jesson, 1977 LA, CA, saline abortion survivor
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RE: On the road with motorcycles and mopeds - 9/16/2008 2:30:31 PM
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car2ner
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that is why so many folks ride trikes. Goldwings get converted often cause folks don't want to give up such a sweet ride, but can no longer steady the weight.
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"May your days be long and your hardships few".
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RE: On the road with motorcycles and mopeds - 9/18/2008 8:59:33 AM
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Oldwing
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quote:
ORIGINAL: Covaan_Meshuga
Oh, I can only dream of having a motor cycle again. When I first started shopping for something other than a car, my husband pulled the rug right out from under me. I found the sweetest little bike, fell completely in love, and my husband said, "I have a bad feeling about it." I have learned to listen when he says such things. It broke my heart, but I walked away from it. I still think about it. It was such a sweet ride.
Since this, we have been talking about getting a scooter. Both of us were getting one. Then Sunday, my husband told me that when he's prayed about it, he feels like he is getting a "no" for himself but not for me. This is another setback, but again, I have learned to listen to him in these things.
However, for myself, I have had to consider my age and my health. I simply am not strong enough for a motorcycle anymore. I guess, if I get something, it will have to be a scooter. And it is an "IF" I get one.
quote:
car2ner I agree with car2ner - a trike is steady for those with physical challenges. I'm not sure if my legs will ever come back to full strength after my surgeries [in fact I have a fourth surgery scheduled for the end of this month] but if they don't a trike conversion is definitely in my future.
An added bonus is even MORE storage! Makes up for the lack of lean to some degree.
_____________________________
Gary
These things I command you, that you love one another. John 15:17
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RE: On the road with motorcycles and mopeds - 9/18/2008 8:34:02 PM
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Oldwing
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quote:
ORIGINAL: car2ner
http://www.flickr.com/photos/car2ner/2868950688/
here is the correct picture to go with the last post.
Now THAT is COOL!
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Gary
These things I command you, that you love one another. John 15:17
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RE: On the road with motorcycles and mopeds - 9/19/2008 2:40:28 AM
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Covaan_Meshuga
Posts: 3576
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quote:
ORIGINAL: car2ner
http://www.flickr.com/photos/car2ner/2868950688/
here is the correct picture to go with the last post.
Oh! That was just way too sweet!
_____________________________
Abiyah
"Ladies and gentlemen, there are things that you will only be able to learn by the weakest among us, and when you snuff them out, you are the one that loses." ~~Gianna Jesson, 1977 LA, CA, saline abortion survivor
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RE: On the road with motorcycles and mopeds - 9/19/2008 1:20:17 PM
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car2ner
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BTW, Oldwing, only a short bit of season left for biking in NH. How is the foliage this year?
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http://www.car2ner.2ya.com
"May your days be long and your hardships few".
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