Clint Lawrence, founder of Motorcycle Shippers. Helping give riders more freedom to enjoy the bikes they love. [email protected]

Clint Lawrence, founder of Motorcycle Shippers. Helping give riders more freedom to enjoy the bikes they love. [email protected]

The Feds hone in on motorcycle safety—should you care?

With the recent launch of the Motorcycle Advisory Council (MAC), the feds are officially turning their eyes to motorcycle safety—for better or for worse, depending on how you feel about rider regulations.

The MAC is designed to provide recommendations to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) on matters related to motorcyclist safety. It will focus specifically on engineering-related infrastructure measures that can reduce motorcycle fatalities, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT).

This may seem harmless enough. But it’s renewing a heated debate in the biker community: What is to blame for motorcycle fatalities? And are more motorcycle regulations worth it if the payoff is rider safety?

Here’s what you need to know about the MAC and the debate over motorcycle safety.

What is the MAC, anyway?

The Federal Highway Administration’s Motorcyclist Advisory Council is a 10-person committee whose creation was mandated by the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation Act (also called FAST Act). The U.S. DOT reassures us on its website that all 10 members are riders themselves.

The MAC provides recommendations and advice regarding:

• Barrier design and roundabouts
• Construction
• Road design and hardware
• Road maintenance practices
• Work zones
• Whether new “smart” transportation technology will reduce motorcycle fatalities

What are the latest statistics on motorcycle safety? 

According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 5,286 of the 37,461 roadway fatalities in 2016 involved motorcycles. This represents a 5% increase over the previous year.

Another set of motorcycle safety data worth looking into is the NHTSA’s 2015 Traffic Safety Factsheet. A few quick takeaways:

• Per vehicle mile in 2015, motorcyclist fatalities were nearly 29 times more frequent than passenger car occupant fatalities in traffic crashes
• 55% of the motorcycle fatalities occurred in urban areas; 45% were in rural areas
• 67% occurred on non-intersection locations compared to 33% on intersections
• The most harmful event for 2,761 (54%) of the motorcycles involved in fatal crashes was collisions with motor vehicles in transport
• In 2015, there were 2,448 two-vehicle fatal crashes involving a motorcycle and another type of vehicle. In 41% of these crashes, the other vehicles were turning left while the motorcycles were going straight, passing, or overtaking other vehicles. Both vehicles were going straight in 22% of crashes.

Meanwhile, the FHWA is currently compiling research for its Motorcycle Crash Causation Study, which will feature data from more than 350 crash investigations. The MAC is expecting this to provide significant insight into what measures can help curb the frequency of rider fatalities.

What’s the debate about?

Rider opinions on the MAC very greatly, as showcased in the comments thread of a Revzilla article recapping the MAC’s first meeting. Some applaud the MAC’s efforts and the fact that many of its members are riders themselves. In the other camp are those who passionately oppose any regulations imposed on riders. The iconoclastic streak shared by all motorcyclists means that they don’t like being told what to do—especially not by the government.

While some safety measures would likely gain the support of riders overall, many also fear that these measures would lead to stricter recommendations—and eventually regulations and laws, which could limit the freedom of riders to do what they want, and ride as they see fit.

For more on the debate over motorcycle safety, check out this debate.org thread titled, “Is it dangerous to drive a motorcycle?”

What does the MAC mean for bikers?

In the short term, the MAC means very little to the average rider. The main role of the council is to provide recommendations, and little concrete governmental action will likely occur in the foreseeable future. But in the long-term, some of the council’s recommendations could be adopted into policy decisions. This is what the freedom-loving “no rules” camp fears most.

Regardless of the MAC’s actual impact, it has sparked a debate that evokes strong reactions from riders on both sides of the fence.

 With opinions flying fast, where do you stand on the issue of government action toward riding? Are more regulations worth it if the payoff is rider safety?

Clint Lawrence, founder of Motorcycle Shippers. Helping give riders more freedom to enjoy the bikes they love. [email protected]

It’s been nearly 50 years since Easy Rider took us all on a wild ride across the U.S. from Los Angeles to New Orleans. This iconic tale of “A man [who] went looking for America and couldn’t find it anywhere” reawakened the very soul of American motorcycling and sparked a renewed commitment to film and biking long after it left theaters.

The 1969 indie film holds a key place in film history, despite the many independent films that came before it. Easy Rider was the first indie film to actually make money—quickly becoming what many now consider to be one of the most successful indie films of all time. The small-budget film cost $380,000 to produce. Between poorly focused shots, lens flares and light-leaks, the movie left some reviewers (and cast) dubious about its reception. Still, the movie quickly went on to become a cult classic that grossed more than $60 million worldwide.

Years later, echoes of Easy Rider ring through the culture in documentaries, bike tours, film schools and even the Super Bowl.

• Documentary

Easy Rider isn’t just living on in the hearts of baby boomers and the new riding generation, but in film lore, past, present and future. A new documentary titled Along for the Ride recounts the life of Easy Rider’s director Dennis Hopper (who also played the role of Billy in the movie). Hopper’s subsequent films didn’t achieve the same applause, but he is still lauded for his Easy Rider roles in movie making history. While Hopper was nearly fired as director, the iconic story and film quality piqued the interest of moviegoers everywhere and became the film that changed the landscape for indie movie makers to come.

• Super Bowl

Although the counter cultural rebellion that made Easy Rider the epic tale it was no longer seem to be what’s fueling today’s youth, the spirit of Easy Rider is poised for a reboot in 2019. Come next year, the movie will celebrate its 50^th anniversary. In 2017, actor Peter Fonda hit the screen in a Super Bowl commercial for Mercedes-Benz. Despite the ad’s direct promotion of a car, the elements of the ad echoed the bygone era, which Fonda hopes will renew cultural interest in the film and all it stood for.

• Commercial tours

Outside of film school, few people take the time to appreciate Easy Rider as a piece of classic cinema. But bikers can still embark on the 2,589-mile Easy Rider route with a commercial tour and rediscover that spirit of individualism for themselves. Easy Rider spanned across the breadth of America and captured something truly unique about the American spirit, a sense of freedom, adventure and ability to dream.

• Films

Easy Rider was one of the first films to ever use pre-recorded music instead of its own film score. By using the music of the period from Bob Dylan, The Band, Steppenwolf and Jimi Hendrix, the producers connected the characters with the era and with viewers everywhere.

Henry Fonda, Peter Fonda’s father, labeled the movie “inaccessible” and didn’t think people would understand or relate with it. But he was wrong. The movie that catapulted Jack Nicholson to fame and scored him his first Oscar nomination had a youthful edge that no movie of the time could replicate. Easy Rider captured the hearts of a generation because it was about them. It tapped into the raw, the nitty-gritty and the rebellion. And most of all, it tapped into a culture and a passion for living on the outskirts of the establishment—to be free and unbound.

While a sequel was made in 2012, Easy Rider: The Ride Back never scored the same fame, and went straight to DVD with few people knowing or caring. In 2014, the Captain America Harley Davidson that Peter Fonda rode in the movie sold at auction for $1.35 million.

The riders. The freedom. The legends. After all is said and done, these remain the iconic pillars that mark the motorcycle culture both in film and in life. Easy Rider isn’t just relevant today as a key moment in film history, but as an idea that sparked an era of riding and a passion for the open road.

“Easy Rider” is returning to movie theaters across the country for two days only: Sunday, July 14, and Wednesday, July 17.
Tickets for “Easy Rider”can be purchased today at FathomEvents and at participating theater box offices.

When you feel the need to hit the throttle, Motorcycle shippers is ready to help you get your bike to your destination safely so you too can enjoy the open road.

Clint Lawrence, founder of Motorcycle Shippers. Helping give riders more freedom to enjoy the bikes they love. [email protected]

Motorcycling is a way of life. But new technologies on the horizon might just change the very nature of motorcycling forever. While technology may promise to enhance the biking experience with bells and whistles, at the end of the day, is that what bikers really want?

The Great Biker Tech Debate

Bikers fall into two camps when it comes to new technology. Those who decry all new technology as ‘cheating’, and those keen to embrace all the tech advantages they can get their hands on. Tom Byrne, a motorcyclist and writer for Revzilla Motorsports, pointed out that one of the main advantages of new technology is its ability to improve safety for riders, car drivers and pedestrians alike.

Whatever old-school bikers think, though, these new technologies are not about to go anywhere. Harley Davidson has responded to a depressing 6.8% drop in global sales by rallying behind new tech. They acquired Alta Motors, which has been producing electric motorbikes since 2010. The first Harley Davidson electric motorcycle was released in 2019.

The rise of motorcycle technology

The motorcycle market has struggled in the aftermath of the 2008 recession as it tried to regain the sales it once held. In the U.S., Baby Boomers have dominated the market. But now, as new technologies take shape, it might just kindle new interest in riders who haven’t yet embraced the experience in the way their predecessors have.

These up and coming technology trends are, one way or another, redefining motorcycling as we know it.

• Communications Systems

Smart technology, like heads-up displays with navigation, is coming to motorcycle helmets near you. Tech like this promises to change the nature of motorcycling by feeding riders with information about the road ahead, including speed limit, maps, and outside temperature. It can also enable you to listen to music, take photos and receive hands-free calls. Some riders feel such tech disconnects them from experiencing the road. But, for others, the thought of blasting their favorite tunes while riding down the freeway is a dream come true.

• Driver Automation

Driver automation still has a ways to go, but bikers are already able to automate parts of their ride with traction control, throttle control, stability and brake assist. Several luxury motorcycle manufacturers, including BMW, are leading the way in electronic assist controls. While the new technologies make learning to ride easier for beginners, advanced riders may find themselves wondering if they are riding the bike, or if the bike is doing all the work.

• Electric Motorcycles

The old sound of a roaring engine may soon be replaced with a soothing hum, a memory and a squeal as you tear out on an electric motorcycle. In 2016, China had been the largest market for electric motorcycles. A report from TechNavio indicates that the global market for high-performance electric motorcycles will grow at a CAGR of more than 45% between 2016 and 2020. While electric motorcycles have their advantages, many traditionalists will likely prefer to feel the raw power of the ride.

• Self-Driving Motorcycles

One of the biggest tech trends in motorcycling may come from self-driving bikes. These motorcycles are the next big thing on

 the horizon, and may take all required skill out of riding. Still, some are excited about the prospect of using an interactive touchscreen on the bike for a hands-free riding experience.

• Flying Motorcycles

Based on the R 1200 GS Adventure kit, designers at BMW created a flying motorcycle model, complete with front wheel

propellers. This futuristic concept called the Hover Ride. It’s yet to be seen whether the investment in new technologies will pay off, as many bikers are still on the fence about whether technology will make riding easier or eliminate some of its most enjoyable elements.

Clint Lawrence, founder of Motorcycle Shippers. Helping give riders more freedom to enjoy the bikes they love. [email protected]

The U.S. Department of Transportation reported that in 2016, there were a total of 4,976 motorcyclist fatalities—an 8% increase over the previous year. A Canadian study reported that motorcyclists were 3.5 times more likely to suffer from injury or fatality due to head trauma than other drivers on the road. Without safety features such as airbags, the only thing standing between motorcyclists and the asphalt in the event of a crash is simply a helmet.

But many riders are calling for government to relinquish its hold on what they feel should be a choice and a freedom: riding without a helmet.

A protest gone wrong

Twenty states currently require helmet laws. American Bikers Aimed Toward Education (ABATE) is one of many groups lobbying for motorcycle awareness and rights. But on Feb. 25, a helmet protest ride took a fatal turn when rider Philip Contos fishtailed out of control after hitting his brakes, suffering fatal injuries after hitting his head. Had he been wearing a helmet, state troopers believe he would have survived the crash. Despite the shock and sadness at the loss of a fellow biker, the group still holds to its belief that motorcyclists should decide whether they wear a helmet—not the government.

 Two opposing points of view

Despite the numerous statistics and reports on the matter, the two groups continue to fight vehemently for what they believe. Here’s a brief look at the debate.

• Helmet use as a mandate

Proponents of mandatory motorcycle helmet use base their arguments on safety and reduced medical costs. Because nearly half of motorcyclists aren’t covered by private insurance, the government must often shoulder their healthcare costs. Non-helmeted riders increase those already high costs by an additional $290 million.

And that’s only the financials of it. On the human capital side of things, helmets have been shown to reduce the risk of motorcycle-related head injuries by 69%, and deaths by 42%. In 2015, helmets saved 1,772 lives. It’s projected that 740 more could have been saved if all riders wore helmets.

• Helmet use as a matter of personal choice

Opponents of helmet laws believe that government should not mandate what they wear. A rider’s safety should be a personal decision since it doesn’t affect anyone else. Additionally, many feel that helmet laws could actually be a detriment, as riders might take more risks than normal, believing the helmet will save them.

And regarding the healthcare costs? Opponents argue that many groups, including smokers and drinkers, can incur high medial costs by their own risky behaviors. And many of those costs will fall on the government. Motorcycling is no different and should not be treated so.

Is it worth the cost?

Helmet use might be a matter of life or death—yet many could argue that freedom is worth dying for. At then end of the day, there are still two positions with both sides striving for dominance. Does the benefit of feeling the wind through your hair and having the freedom of the ride outweigh the risks? Should governments be allowed to step in when healthcare costs for non-helmeted riders have a direct impact on it and on society?

Opposing sides will continue to argue their points. And as a “government of the people, by the people,” voices on both sides are striving to be heard. Where do you stand in the great helmet debate?