Group lobbies for motorcycle safety

By CHARLES W. JOHNSON / News Editor for the Southern Standard

This is one of the messages appearing on billboards across Tennessee urging motorists to watch out for motorcyclists.

Though their numbers are growing, motorcyclists still represent one of the smallest segments of the driving population in the U.S.

They are also, through no fault of their own, one of the most often profiled groups. Motorcyclists are often attributed behaviors and lifestyles that aren’t necessarily accurate, simply because of their appearance or choice of transportation.

But the truth is these types of riders have always represented a very small portion of motorcyclists on the road. According to Rhonda Williams, secretary of the local chapter of CMT/ABATE (Concerned Motorcyclists of Tennessee/American Bikers Active Towards Education), touring bike riders have always been a bit more upscale than most people think.

In fact, these days the fastest growing segment of motorcycle purchases, particularly large touring bikes, are families with a combined income of around $80,000. Williams says CMT/ABATE members run the gamut from lawyers and executives to business owners and factory workers.

That’s why CMT/ABATE is working to get rid of old stereotypes and inform motorists about motorcycle safety issues through their Motorist Awareness Campaign. This campaign is funded by a grant from the Tennessee Department of Safety and the Motorcycle Rider Education Program.

One of the biggest concerns for the group is that other drivers don’t look for motorcyclists on the road. Many motorists involved in an accident with a motorcycle will say, “I just didn’t see them.” That’s why CMT/ABATE’s current slogan is, “Look twice and save a life.”

The group has put together some statistics from the National Highway Transportation Safety Authority that show how much this problem affects motorcyclists:

Two-thirds of all multi-vehicle crashes involving motorcycles were caused by the actions of the driver of the other vehicle.

One out of every 10 single-vehicle motorcycle crashes were caused by another vehicle even though no contact was made.

Half of all motorcycle crashes were caused by other vehicles violating the motorcyclist’s right of way.

As part of the Motorist Awareness Campaign effort, CMT/ABATE has been instrumental in installing 50 billboards around the state touting motorcycle safety.

The billboards take a somewhat tongue-in-cheek attitude with their slogans in an effort to catch the attention of motorists. One reads, “6’7, 302 lbs. and still fits in your blind spot.” Another features a bearded man in a leather jacket and the slogan, “Fears no man. Terrified of soccer moms.”

Williams says there are some stereotypes she, as a rider, is especially interested in eliminating. One is the riders’ choice of attire, particularly leather jackets and boots. Williams says this type of dress, though somewhat a style statement, really has a more functional basis, since the leather protects against road burns in an accident and keeps the rider warm.

“We ride bikes but some of us play golf too,” Williams said. “We don’t wear our golf gear when we ride bikes anymore than we would wear our riding gear when we play golf. And when it is 60 degrees out and we are doing 45 mph it feels like 42 degrees with the wind chill. That’s the reason for the leather.”

Williams says the loud pipes on bikes some people complain about have a function as well, one that riders are very much aware of, but most motorists aren’t.

“Loud pipes aren’t about showing off or being obnoxious and rudely noisy,” Williams said. “Hearing us come down the road is one more insurance policy that keeps motorists from cutting us out of our lane or pulling out in front of us. We have a common phrase, ‘Loud Pipes Save Lives.'”

The local chapter of CMT/ABATE will be holding a Warren County Charter Liberty Run on July 3. For more information, contact chapter president Randy Williams at 815-2224.

For more information on CMT/ABATE and their safety programs visit their Web site at www.cmtabate.com.