Published: May 10, 2008 12:24 am            

SAFETY: State urges motorcyclists to have a safe season

Rick Parson remembers the summer day in 2001 when, while riding his motorcycle at French Road and Campbell Boulevard, a Ford Mustang cut out in front of him.

“A kid coming from the parking lot cut across the street,” Parson said. “I’m coming through the intersection with a green light, and I had nowhere to go.”

Luckily, Parson escaped the crash with only a broken ankle. For him, the crash is indicative of a serious problem faced by motorcyclists.

“A lot of (the other drivers) aren’t paying attention,” he said, “It makes it tough, because a lot of times they claim they don’t see us.”

With the summer riding season just around the corner, there are more motorcycles on the road these days.

Gov. David A. Paterson declared May “Motorcycle Awareness and You” month, which was commemorated by DMV Commissioner David J. Swarts at a ceremony Friday at Erie Community College.

“Spring has arrived and so has the increase in motorcycle use,” Swarts said in a press release. “The goal of the partners gathered today is to remind drivers to be more aware of the ever-increasing number of motorcyclists sharing the roads.”

At Hebeler Sales and Service on Main Road in Pendleton, salesman John Sattelberg said prospective motorcycle buyers often ask questions about safety.

New riders need to be aware of two things, Sattelberg said.

“The first is, speed is made for the racetrack, not made for the street,” he said. “And the fact that alcohol and two wheels don’t mix, period.”

According to the DMV, motorcycle registrations have increased from nearly 178,000 to nearly 307,000 in the state over the past decade — an increase of more than 70 percent. During the same period, motorcycle operator and passenger fatalities increased by 92 percent.

Statistics have proven that most motorcycle accidents are caused, not by the motorcycle, but by another motor vehicle not being operated safely, Swarts said.

Sattelberg said more people are turning to motorcycles these days because of the mileage they get. As gas prices skyrocket, the lure of motorcycles — which get, on average, 40 to 50 miles per gallon — has brought new riders to bike shops like Hebeler Sales and Service.

Salesman Joe Hebeler said many people are coming back to motorcycles after years away from them.

“It’s driving the motorcycle business, based on desperation to get to work cheap,” Sattelberg said.

Joe Aiello, state administrator for the Motorcycle Association of New York State, said it’s important for riders to be educated about the unique dangers faced by motorcyclists.

“Safety equipment is designed for after the crash,” Aiello said. “We need to concentrate on keeping the crash from happening in the first place.”

Parson recommends people take the class before they even purchase a motorcycle.

“They provide the motorcycle for you,” Parson said. “It helps them know if they’re going to be comfortable or not.”

Sattelberg said the classes are good for both new and experienced riders.

“I’ve heard people, experienced motorcycle riders, that have gone through that course with a younger motorcycle rider to kind of support them, and found that experienced guys learn something from it,” he said.

To prevent crashes, Sattelberg suggested motorcyclists ride with their headlight on at all times to increase their visibility.

“Be defensive,” he said. “You need to be on your toes. If somebody’s backing out of their driveway, you’ve got to assume they’re going to pull out in front of you and start to plan an exit route.”

And it’s not just cars that riders have to be aware of — there’s also wildlife, like squirrels or deer, or other animals like dogs or cats.

Hebeler remembers one time two deer ran out in front of him, and as he passed between them, he hit the second deer.

“Its head hit my leg,” he said. “It’s not just automobiles, it’s anything.”

Road conditions also play a part in safety. Gravel on the road can cause sudden instability, and rain can cause slippery conditions.

Freshly-paved or freshly-stoned roads each require unique driving styles. Steel deck bridges can be a concern for riders, as well.

“When you cross a steel deck bridge on a motorcycle, it feels like you have flat tires,” Sattelberg said. “You can slow down, and you don’t accelerate, and you roll across it, you’ll be fine. But you need to be aware of these things.”

Safety equipment is a must, as well. Hebeler said every rider needs a helmet and a jacket, and they must wear jeans and shoes with covered toes.

“It’s like anything else, if you practice the ‘what ifs’ in your head, you’ll be prepared for the ‘what if’ when it approaches you,” Sattelberg said.

Contact reporter April Amadon at 439-9222, ext. 6251.

        

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