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.
After waking up in the back of an ambulance, I decided to sell my bike.
Sorry to hear that...been riding/racing motorcycles since I was 16 and I’m 59 and still ride a Harley Softail Standard...:o)
Ditto on your reply only I straddle a ‘77 Shovelhead
Sorry to hear it man. I have been riding for over 30 yrs and never had a scratch. However, one thing you have to develop is situational awareness.(I'll probable get hit tomorrow)
Nothing is quite like bugs in your teeth..:o) A buddy of mine are right in the middle of discussing a motorcycle trip we took through Yosemite CA back in about 1969...I on a Honda CB-160 and he on his Suzuki X-6 Huster 250...almost got eaten by a bear otherwise the only way to see a national treasure like Yosemite. You just don't get the same experience in a "cage" (automobile).
2002 Honda Shadow Ace,,,,,, bought it for $3K 7 yrs ago,,, over 60K miles on the clock. (ya, I’m cheap :-)
I haven't heard that term in eons, you have been cruising awhile LOL~
I know what you mean...I learned to ride like every car is out there trying to kill you...has served me well over the years. Motorcycles like aviation and the sea are "not inherently dangerous...just very unforgiving of mistakes". I also love flying and sailing...:o)
It’s all about the open road brah
Yep! Since about 1965...:o)
“...they really need to realize we’re on the road and we’re in more danger than they are,” biker Lena Trumbo said.”
.
Yes Lena, riding on two wheels is not as safe as riding on four.
Screw Austin.
Fags.
That’s when Harley Davidson was a dirty word, I remember
SPYDERMAN
Yeah but even back then I always wanted a Sportster like my buddy had....stock except for extended forks, straight pipes and a sissy bar..it just sounded so cool....:o)
I remember the first time I saw one of those...I wondered : “What they he** was that?!” as it went by...:o)
Amazing... I have a current PPL and a sailboat... go figure.
I'm a private, A and P mech...Cessna 195 driver and my buddy owns the sailboat...36' Catalina...:o)
I’ve seen those on the road. How’s the handling, especially the rear end?
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