BIKER NEWS

By Joe Maher

No one is comfortable with any motorcycle accident—ever.

It is no secret that accidents of any type are of concern within the military. In many cases, motorcycle safety training, personal protective equipment and mentorship have become mandatory from the DOD level down to the installation level for all branches of the United States military. In some cases, the military has been at the forefront of motorcycle accident prevention and rider training. Many of these efforts have had a positive impact, especially for newer riders.

While most states across the country continue to experience increases in motorcycle accidents and fatalities in the wake of increasing motorcycle usage, Texas is reporting a significant decrease in rider deaths. The decrease in fatal accidents is largely credited to safety and awareness programs initiated by motorcyclists and the Texas Department of Transportation.

According to TXDOT, fatalities declined more than 23% over the same time period from 2008, with 264 deaths reported from January 1 - August 24, 2009, versus 344 deaths in 2008.

While noise ordinances and restrictive exhaust legislation has been all the rage across the country as the newest favorite way to attack motorcyclists, at least two cities are not following the pack…at least not yet.

The Massachusetts Motorcycle Association announced that a proposed noise ordinance in North Reading, Massachusetts, that would have required an EPA Stamp on motorcycle exhaust systems and stricter noise controls has been defeated.

Oregon has become the third state in the nation to pass a law requiring all new motorcyclists regardless of age to pass a rigorous training course in hopes of reducing accidents and fatalities. Current Oregon law requires completion of such a course for prospective riders under age 21.

It was a packed courtroom in Pueblo, Colorado, August 11, 2009, for what was supposed to be the sentencing of 48-year-old Juan Vasquez Maldonado for his role in the death of Motorcycling legend Gregory "Griz" Robinson.

More than 80 friends and family members of Robinson turned out to voice their objection to a plea deal that would have Maldonado serve a community corrections sentence for his role in a May 12, 2009, accident that killed the much beloved Robinson. Robinson was 56-years-old when he died May 20, 2009, of injuries suffered in the wreck.

MORE PHOTOS IN THE GALLERY SECTION

By Itchy

The Colorado Patriot Guard Riders wrapped up their fundraising effort surrounding the rebuilt motorcycle of a Fort Carson soldier killed in Iraq with a benefit party at the American Legion Post 178 in Lakewood august 16, 2009.

Whatever you do, don’t pop your throttle to keep the oil pressure up on your motorcycle in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Citing spiraling motorcycle accident statistics, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration may require new safety features on bikes. For example, the federal agency plans to decide by next year whether or not anti-lock brakes should be mandatory equipment on motorcycles.

The government report also mentions an insurance industry study that shows that the rate of fatal crashes are 28% lower for bikes equipped with optional ABS braking systems than for those same motorcycles without them.

Bikers in the show me state suffered a stunning setback in early July.

By Tim Anderson

When American troops are in harms way, this country has a history…a tradition…of supporting them in ways that help our troops in different ways. From the sacrifices and rationing of WWII, to the USO shows, to the care packages from home, we do it all.

For some, simply slapping the yellow ribbon magnet on the back of a car just doesn’t cut it. Some want to do more.