Posted on 05/23/2010 2:25:12 PM PDT by Bad~Rodeo
Austin, Tx. A horrific accident in Phoenix that killed four motorcyclists in March has touched hearts worldwide, even right here in Austin. Now bikers in this area are remembering their fallen friends and reminding drivers to pay attention while on the road.
On Sunday, the roars of more than 200 motorcycles sliced through the morning stillness at Barton Creek Square Mall, as riders of all ages with neon-colored shirts came together to spread a message. "People seem to overlook us on the road alot and they really need to realize we're on the road and we're in more danger than they are," biker Lena Trumbo said.
It's all part of a campaign to make drivers more aware of motorcycles on the roads, and realize that one second of carelessness behind the wheel can end a life. "I've been hit by a car three times. The last time was in San Antonio," Robert Ingram, a biker who has been riding since 1971, said. Ingram knows he's lucky to be alive.
"I was hit in the rear at 75 miles an hour. I lost my helmet, I lost my boots, flying through the air 250 feet, hit the ground and fortunately only had a sprained ankle," he said. Sunday's ride for the fallen reaches far beyond Austin.
"This started because four people died in Phoenix when some guy wasn't even looking and hit them while they were stopped at a stoplight," a man on a ladder said. In fact, the movement has spread worldwide. "The last count, there were more than 200 groups and 20,000 people participating," biker Larry Boone said.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2008, 47% of all motorcycles involved in fatal crashes collided with another type of vehicle on the roadway.
It didn't take long for these motorcyclists to split into small groups. They spent hours honking and waving on downtown streets to draw attention to themselves, and show drivers that sharing the road is the best way for everyone to stay safe.
"We just want to raise awareness and say hey we're here look out for us cause we could be right behind you," Boone said.
Dude! We truck-drivers are pro-life!
We only hit what we don’t see, or hear.
oops, meant 3cyl
That is one fine looking lawn mower! ;-)
It gets more dangerous out there every year. Talking on phones, texting, and more morons.
HAD a ‘78 Ford F250 crew cab with 6” lift. Rolled it off FM620 just passed the Mansfield dam before it was widened. I cried for weeks, L~
Now that is hard core. I only ride when the sun is shining and it's 70 degrees...;o)
I only have to go about 10 miles at speeds under 60mph. I have learned to dress in layers and bought some neat military gloves that go over my ski gloves, they were made for the artic. I wear cheap chaps I found at at horse place, (kinda nylon brush guards) and a leather vest and a windbreaker over my work shirt. Its not to bad, oh,, and large windshield.
I love screwing the government out of tax dollars,,, my bike get between 50-60mpg. I'm killing the beast a penny at a time!
3 cylinder- exactly right. Round about 2300cc. Amazingly well-behaved.
Unlike it’s owner, of course.
I sympathize with many bikers. But I imagine many of the drivers on the road not paying much attention are also plowing into larger vehicles, not just motorcycles.
How’s the balance, seems like carving into turns might be diminished some
You’re right on the money. I forget how many we lost during the ROT last year but I heard about someone cruising in Lockhart and they hit a parked car.
Too bad, you’d be rich if you had it still.
I rolled a couple of Rams, ‘96 and ‘01, no great loss.
As a three-time roller (I rolled a ‘76 pinto when I was 14)
do you see why we natives cry out that it simply is not a good idea on 1431?
Well it’s not a sportbike, but for a cruiser, it’s PDG. Balance is quite good. Haven’t had it for very long, but at this point, no complaints at all.
I bought it from a couple in Tennessee and rode it home up I-81 to Northern Virginia.
Absolutely, 1431 can be a spooky ride. One of the reasons I quit drinking is because of my love to ride
Pinging HerrBlucher, he’s got one and has had it longer than I’ve had mine.
2300cc’s, sweet.
No arguement here. I know that ALOT of the bikers coming to the ROT go through there.
Most I have been able to manage was about a 1/3rd twist of the throttle, which caused me to go streaking past columns of speeding semis on I-81. I didn’t want to take my eyes off the road for a second to look at the gauges.
I don’t like hanging around the big trucks or packs of cars on the open road. I like to go find a big, empty hole and stay in the middle of it, if I can.
I don't know a biker that does, L~
What size is your tank
I feel like Church Lady here, but all of you riders need to remember: last year we had EXTREME drought, and we lost our Lake.
This year, due to rain, our lake is full, actually more than full.
This means Big Trucks hauling Big Boats all along 620 and 1431 and 360 and 2222 plus big trucks hauling Toros and other big lawn-mowers, since we all have too much grass now.
Bad, are you going to host the ROT thread?
Didn’t really think about it but I guess I could. I just copied and pasted the 411 you just gave us
LOL. you aren’t a biker.
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