I love facebook. I am on it every day. Now that it is officially spring it's time for those constant messages about how as a driver I should be watching out for bikers.
To my very good friends who ride motorcycles on a regular basis. I hope and pray that as you are being responsible riders, wearing helmets and following the rules of the road, that the drivers around you are also responsible, alert and following the rules of the road. I understand that many people are careless and you are concerned about your safety and the safety of your fellow bikers.
I think it goes without saying that everyone who is in control of any vehicle on the roadways should stay in their lane, keep their eyes on the road and don't follow too closely. I also think it should go without saying that if you are riding a motorcycle, you have a good understanding of the risks you are taking. You realize that there is no seatbelt, no metal frame, no airbag, nothing between you and the road you are riding on. You realize that if you choose not to wear a helmet and you are involved in an accident, you will likely die, even if the accident is not your fault.
As the driver of a car, I am not responsible for anticipating that someone is going to appear on my right hand side while I'm sitting at a red light and try to edge in front of me. I am not responsible for someone who cuts across two lanes of traffic to make a left hand turn because they think they have room. I am not responsible for the person who feels the need to cross the yellow line to zip past me on a 2 lane street because they are enjoying the feel of a country road. I am not responsible for the person who wipes out in front of me because they were driving too fast or the one who tries to wedge themselves between me and another car on a highway.
I love my friends who ride and I want them to be safe and live long healthy lives, and continue to enjoy riding. Being responsible is a two way street.
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