Why Motorcyclists Can’t Afford to Just Sit Back and Enjoy the Ride
By Matt Danielson, The Motorcycle Law Group
Many different things draw people to motorcycling. For some, it’s the sense of freedom. For others, it’s a source of relaxation, even exhilaration. If you’re like me, it’s to some degree all of the above. That said, it’s the ride we crave regardless of what each of us gets from it.
This time of year, roads are packed with motorcyclists sitting back (or forward) and just enjoying the ride. Which begs the question: can we, as avid motorcyclists, afford to do that?
I have the privilege of being able to attend motorcycle rights conferences around the country. It has allowed me to take some fantastic rides in some of the prettiest parts of this nation. I remember attending one conference a few years ago put on by the Motorcycle Rider’s Foundation (MRF), in Frisco, Colorado. If you’ve been to Colorado, you know it’s some of the prettiest riding country you’ll ever encounter. Yet on a gorgeous Saturday in June, I found myself not on my bike riding the Rockies, but in a room with motorcyclists from around the country discussing issues riders face all around the United States.
Some of the issues being addressed by the participants included working to:
• Prevent motorcyclists from being excluded from public parking lots, roads and parking garages
• Eliminate roadside checkpoints aimed only at motorcyclists
• Address the ever-growing problem of distracted driving
• Prohibit the use of higher ethanol blends at the pump until the effects on motorcycle engines can be further studied
• Lobby for legislation allowing motorcyclists to safely and reasonably proceed when they are stuck at a traffic light that will not recognize them
• Prevent legislation which arbitrarily sets age restrictions for passengers on motorcycles
• Partner with state and local governments to promote sensible motorcycle awareness campaigns
These are all real issues being faced by real riders. As I took in everything being discussed, I thought to myself: what would riding be like if no one was addressing these issues on behalf of motorcyclists? The answer was chilling. It’s easy to sit back, enjoy the ride, and count on everything being all right. But can we afford to do that? If we all did, we may soon find no ride left to sit back and enjoy.
So what can you do to protect yourself and the activity we all love and cherish? Take some simple steps to become involved in protecting the rights of fellow motorcyclists. I’m not suggesting everyone start riding all over the country attending seminars (though it is a great excuse to ride all over the country). Get involved locally. Start paying attention to positions your local, state and federal legislators take regarding issues affecting motorcyclists. Share your thoughts in letters and emails. Write letters to the editor of your local paper. Go to City Council or County Board meetings. Join a motorcycle rights organization and attend their lobby day, when motorcyclists go the State Capitol to discuss important issues with elected officials. I also encourage you to join the MRF, an organization dedicated solely to protecting the rights of American motorcyclists (learn more and join at mrf.org).
There are numerous ways to protect your rights as a motorcyclist. The ways are limitless, bound only by your passion and imagination. There is, however, a wrong way, and that’s to count on someone else to do it. That someone may be sitting back, enjoying the ride and counting on you.
If you have any questions or comments concerning this article or any other matters concerning your rights as a motorcyclist, please feel free to contact me at 1-800-321-8968 or matt@motorcyclelawgroup.com.
Matt Danielson
McGrath, Danielson, Sorrell & Fuller
The Motorcycle Law Group
1-800-321-8968
MotorcycleLawGroup.com
Matt Danielson is a partner at the Motorcycle Law Group, a personal injury law firm whose attorneys all ride motorcycles and represent clients in GA, VA, WV, NC and SC. He also serves as a lobbyist, adjunct professor and works with motorcycle rights organizations throughout the country.
