Have you been noticing that the demographics of the American biker have changed a lot in the last twenty years or so? The typical biker these days is young, middle aged, or old and/or retired. More women of all ages are trading in the back seat to command the saddle themselves. Motorcycles have also been changing to accommodate the changing motorcyclist. Younger people are drawn to the sportier bike. The average “biker” appears to be hardworking, professional, and fairly responsible.
With the ever-rising cost of gas we may notice more motorcyclists on the road this spring and summer commuting to and from work. That is a good thing. The bad thing is that incompetent and rude drivers will also be on the same roads we travel. Morning and afternoon commuting can be treacherous. If we are going ride to work to get the most from our gas money, then we also need to be a lot more alert and patient. Watch out for those rude drivers. Check your mirrors often. Ride the HOV lane as much as possible, they are still free for motorcycles and the speed limit in them is 60 mph regardless of what rude drivers may assume. And no, HOV lanes are not a go fast lane or a passing lane. If the rude drivers want your lane let them have it. Back off on the throttle and keep a safe distance. Pay attention to your surroundings and have a safe ride to and from work. Let’s not give the WSP and Olympia any more stats to use against us.
While on a run in Eastern Washington last fall I reluctantly was involved in a freeway accident. I faired quite well, however the woman rolling across the freeway in front of my bike wasn't so lucky. She was a passenger on the bike that went down in front of me. On the side of the freeway, I was pulling out every clean rag I could find to wrap around her hands. She wasn't wearing gloves and the palms of her hands were quite scraped and bleeding. She probably thought "It's hot", and that she's "just a passenger" and so doesn't need to wear gloves.
Even though it may be warm-to-hot weather a light-weight pair of leather gloves is better than no gloves at all. Remember riders, your passenger should be protected for riding as well.