The Virginia Biker Network » Riding Tips

Motorcyclist Deaths on the Rise

Hersey — Fri, 07 May 2010 10:53:40 +0000

If you are getting married or graduating this weekend, congratulations! You have won the weather lottery. The forecast is nothing short of perfect: Sunny, clear skies, and temperatures will be in the upper-to-mid 60s. Classic spring.

The good weather is likely to draw more motorcyclists to the highway. If you do ride this weekend, be careful. Since the beginning of 2010, 19 motorcyclists have died in vehicle crashes in Virginia, a 27 percent increase in motorcyclist deaths from the same 5-month period in 2009.

This rise seems especially ominous since no one was driving anywhere for a week or so in February 2010.

The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles was concerned enough to put out a statement on the latest numbers, encouraging motorcyclists to take safety precautions.

“Riding a motorcycle requires extra caution and concentration, and the proper training,” said John Saunders, director of the Virginia DMV Highway Safety Office. “Helmets, eye protection and the right protective clothing – coupled with training – can make motorcycle riding a fun and exciting experience.”

Read the full story here.

Spring Motorcycle Safety Reminder

Hersey — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 00:48:10 +0000

Within the past 11 days 6 motorcyclists have lost their lives in traffic crashes on Virginia’s highways. The number of motorcycles on the roads traditionally increases in the spring months.

“As the spring weather entices more people to take to the roads to enjoy the warm temperatures and scenery, we remind everyone to be more aware of other motorists,” said Colonel W. Steven Flaherty, Virginia State Police Superintendent. “It’s easy to become distracted when enjoying the views Virginia has to offer this time of year. However, the driver’s primary focus must be on the road in order to keep our highways as safe as possible for everyone’s sake.”

SAFETY TIPS FOR DRIVERS & RIDERS:

Drivers are reminded to be on alert for motorcycles, especially when pulling out into or across traffic, and when changing lanes.
Riders are encouraged to wear proper riding gear and take advantage of motorcycle training safety courses (available through the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) http://www.dmv.virginia.gov/webdoc/citizen/drivers/m_course.asp).
All motorists are advised to comply with speed limits, avoid tailgating, use signals when appropriate, and be courteous and responsible when sharing the road with one another.

From the VA State Police.

With August’s dog days upon us, be extra careful on road

Hersey — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 12:23:29 +0000

I RECEIVED a call several days ago notifying me that my father had been in a serious motorcycle accident near his home in Montana. Apparently, the unusually warm 97-degree day had gotten to him and he suffered heat exhaustion and passed out. He went off the road and down a ravine, most of the way on his belly.

My father was luckier than most. He suffered a mere few broken ribs, road rash and a badly bruised face. The first responding officer on the scene told him that he had just left the scene of a similar bike accident where the driver hadn’t made it.

The western United States is experiencing record-breaking heat, and motorists there are being taken by surprise. But we in Virginia are approaching the hottest time of year as well, and commuters would be wise to prepare accordingly.

Read the Full Story here…

Learn to Ride with Colonial Harley Davidson

Hersey — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 10:50:33 +0000

Have you ever wanted to learn to ride?
Do you have the bike?
How about an instructor?
Haven’t ridden for a while?
Or, would you just like to brush up on your skills?

If you have any questions please contact Kim Steinhoff, Rider’s Edge® Program Manager, at (804) 861-4700 or ridersedge@colonialhd.com. She will be happy to answer all your questions!

Motorcycle Training in the DC Area – How to Get Started

Hersey — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 00:34:59 +0000

My wife provided the inspiration to realize my childhood dream of riding. Friends provided guidance about starting with used bikes. And eBay provided a ample supply of bikes of all shapes, sizes, ages, and costs.

But all of that still left me with the fundamental dilemma, how do I get a motorcycle license with no experience, and how do I get experience on the road with no license? How do I even get the bike home, after buying it!?

The answer for the Northern Virginia area seemed to be Virginia’s Rider Training Program. For those who have driven around this area on the weekends during the spring and summer, you’ve probably seen them: lines of motorcycle riders moving slowly through bright orange cones in the college parking lots.

Read the Full Story here…