Motorcycle Deaths Crisis in USA Today

Its a sad fact that whenever motorcycles make it into the newspapers, it is normally on a platform of bad news or scandal.

So the 3/4 page in today's USA today was predictably in a negative tone - and also a reflection of a quiet news day.

The subject was the skyrocketting deaths of motorcyclists across the country, and the causes. In fact the problem is seen as such an important case that a new federal bill has just been signed to mandate an official study.

Apart from the unfortunate tone, the article is well researched with an ocean of supporting data, facts and figures. Unfortunately, in today's politically correct world the writers are not allowed to suggest Real Reasons.

It's clear that many accidents are connected to one or more of the following:
Drunk or drug affected riding
Unlicensed riders
No helmets
Young riders
Harley Davidson and similar bikes

This last item is controversial in motorcycling, but as magazines point out - these are the bikes you see parked outside 'biker bars'.

Another factor is the lack of training, especially from riders returning to motorcycles in their 40's and 50's. They may have ridden in their youth, but today's roads are far more busy and treacherous.

Motorcycle Consumer News Magazines has printed some interesting and provocative articles on training, you can check the 2005 articles out here : - Motorcycle Consumer News Training Article

There's no doubt that a training regime that new and returning riders can willingly take, can only help - but I cannot help thinking that a lot of the fatalities involve people who would consider 'training' a threat to their manhood.....



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