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NHTSA 2022 Crash Statistics

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2022 Crash StatisticsNHTSA Report Mixed News For Bikers This week, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) released its final 2022 Fatality Analysis Reporting System traffic crash data. NHTSA reported 42,514 total fatalities in the U.S. in 2022. That is a 1.7% decrease from the previous year. However, the final numbers show mixed results for motorcyclists. Sadly, overall rider deaths on our nation’s roadways increased by 1.2%. The official number of motorcyclists killed in 2022 was 6,218, an increase of 75 deaths compared to 2021. Biker deaths now account for 15% of all fatalities on the road, up 1% from 2021. Large truck, bus and pedestrian deaths also saw increases, while passenger car occupants saw a decrease. The Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) remains concerned that these numbers may justify lawmakers taking a closer look at motorcyclists and our place in the transportation network. We surely do not need to be singled out for further scrutiny and have our freedoms limited. Fortunately, the final number of motorcyclists injured dropped by 2.6% in 2022. Two years ago, there were 82,687 biker injuries in crashes, down 2,211 from 84,898 the previous year. While every crash is unique, there are some disturbing trends. Alcohol-impaired fatal crashes account for 29% of all motorcyclist deaths. Across the nation, 7.8% of fatal crashes involved a “distracted driver.” Personal responsibility is a core value of the MRF. We must ensure we are all making the right decisions to protect ourselves and others on the road. If we don’t, who will? 2022 Crash Stats — Read 2022 NHTSA Report by Clicking Here Join The MRF — http://mrf.org/

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I Have A Dream Bikernet Weekly News for April 4, 2024

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Hey, I have a dream when it comes to our country and our future. This is one of those thoughts that runs rampant when you focus on it. First, I’ll just jot it down and then we can analyze it from there. My dream is that kids can grow up enjoying life, having a blast, falling in love, building and racing motorcycles and thinking of family, instead of political attacks against everything. Okay, there I said it. Let’s hit the news and see if there’s hope for love, romance and choppers in the future. In the meantime, fight back and ride free. –Bandit Click Here to read the Weekly News only on Bikernet.com

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Truett & Osborn Doubles

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Come to the Sturgis Motorcycle Museumwritten by Bandit and Jackpot Sturgis Motorcycle Hall of Fame inductee 2014, Bonnie Truett was born in the foothills of the Ozark Mountains. Before the perfect storm of life set him down the yellow brick road in Wichita, Kansas, Truett went to work on the grimy AT&SF railroad. He couldn’t have everything. He soon bought his first motorcycle, a 1957 Harley-Davidson Sportster. He immediately tore into the nimble platform to see what it was made of and how he could improve the power. His goal to make it faster than any Sportster in town. After modifications and working with some amazing area machinists, Bonnie, hell bent for leather, outran everyone. Click here to read this Feature Article, only on Bikernet.com

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AMRA Igniting Biggest Nitro Harley Year Ever

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AMRA pre-race advance: PennGrade1 AMRA Cajun Nitro NationalsAMRA Igniting Biggest Nitro Harley Year Ever at No Problem event: PennGrade1 AMRA Cajun Nitro Nationalswhen: April 5-7, 2024where: No Problem Raceway, Belle Rose, Louisiana, USA AMRA PennGrade1 motorcycle drag racing series–pre-race advance The PennGrade1 AMRA American Motorcycle Racing Association is bringing their Harley-Davidson drag racing series back to No Problem Raceway in Belle Rose, Louisiana, and featuring Nitro Harley’s in a big way. Thanks to the support of Top Fuel Harley legend Johnny Mancuso and his Circle M Ranch, and Dove Fuels, Top Fuel will now feature a full 16 bike field on race day. That means 8 more bikes are available to race and a full extra round of eliminations for the ground-pounding, flame-throwing, thundering, 220 mph nitro V-Twins. That’s a win-win for fans and racers alike! Local hero Randal Andras—the multi-time NHRA champ—will be defending his turf to the best of his Fast Coon Ass ability. But he’ll be facing Nitro Harley studs such as 2X defending AMRA champ Ryan Peery, North Carolina Hall of Famer Jay Turner, Spevco’s Tii Tharpe, AMRA’s own John “JT” Toth, last year’s Rockingham Finals winner Jordan Peterson, Bad Apple Racing’s Tracy Kile and Jimmy “Mac” McMillan, California’s Tim Kerrigan, Ricky “Sharkey” House, Finland’s Juha “Sushi” Hintukainen, and more. Nitro Funnybikes are like Top Fuel with one less injector and gear, but every bit as loud and awesome. Louisiana’s own Rocky Jackson will face Pennsylvania’s Michael Balch, North Carolina’s Cameron Gunter, Japan’s Tadashi “Reggie” Saitou and more. The bikes are small but the field is large…Hawaya Racing Pro Fuel bikes are smaller and carbureted, but still pack a nitro punch and race with a full 16 bike ladder. Champion Sam White starts his AMRA title defense against “Bad Apple Mary” Dangrow, Jim “Bad Influence” Martin,

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Happy Easter: “We’re Living in the Best of Times”

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Mark 9:23Jesus said unto him, “If thou can believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.” Hey Folks, Hope you are with friends and family and grateful! We all at Bikernet.com and 5-Ball Racing Shop wish you the very best. Happiness may be a state of mind but it is also obvious that we have amenities, services, products, opportunities, information and a lifestyle that presents us with everything imaginable to envision success, if not get up (or) get out and do what our heart desires. Past generations may have had a simpler existence, but the immense possibilities for life to be healthy and joyous has never been so easily and readily available to the masses. As Bandit says often, “We’re living in the best of times” and this is not just a cause for celebration but also our stoic responsibility to not allow anyone to make it otherwise. Whether it is their greed or power or insanity, we need to be able to defend our right to be joyous in our humble existence, with integrity, ethics and honesty in arts and sciences (media and technology). Not to “burn daylight” as Bandit says, have a blessed Sunday and stay positive, fruitful and grateful. —Wayfareryour Bikernet Blog Editorillustration titled “a new day, everyday” by Wayfarer

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100WFC: Fuzzy by Wayfarer

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Fuzzyby Wayfarerwith illustration by Wayfarer I swayed left and right, twisting the throttle, pushing and pulling at the handlebars. I was tense, sweating throughout on an early morning in June. If only I could ride another 200 miles, I know I would be at peace. This time yesterday, I had kickstarted my journey to the heartland. There were no goodbyes at work, maybe there will be none at my destination, my home. As I evaded the bustling traffic on the interstate, the many commuters dissolved, my mind picturing her smile, her yellow gown, her rare recipes and most of all, her patience with me. The oil rig fellas had pitched in to do my share of work as I took off to a final resting place. Mom was fading fast. Will she remember me in her condition? I gotta stay awake to fulfill her dreams and a promise to be by her side. (publication dated 30-Mar-2024) * * * You can participate and win as well–just subscribe to the weekly newsletter by clicking here. Then send us your fiction in 100 words or less through Wayfarer@Bikernet.com

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100 WFC: Quig by J J Spain

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Quig by J J Spain (Jeffrey)with illustration by Wayfarer I took the first Piedmont exit off I90, rolling the Chieftain on to the parking lot of Matt’s Place, the front tire of the Indian facing the interstate. The t-shirts stapled to the wall said Matt wasn’t there, he was fishing. Silently I tipped my champagne of beers to the Blackhills and whispered to my friend that I missed him. It’s been four years now since he left, yet I still hear his voice, his laugh and wish I could cast a fly like he could. Time goes by, the days go fast, the best leave us first. Enjoy Miller time. (publication dated 30-March-2024) * * * You can participate and win as well–just subscribe to the weekly newsletter by clicking here. Then send us your fiction in 100 words or less through Wayfarer@Bikernet.com

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MRF Visits Waymo: Latest In Robo-Taxis

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Last week, the Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) attended an event in Washington, D.C., hosted by Waymo, a self-driving car company. Titled “Every Mile Together: Waymo Safety Forum and Discussion,” this event included a panel discussion with executives for Waymo, the National Safety Council and the Governors Highway Safety Association. Waymo is a subsidiary of Google and is best known for its “robo-taxis.” These vehicles allow riders to hail a car and travel to a destination without a driver. Operating without a driver falls under the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) definition of “Level 4” automation. That NHTSA classification means, “When engaged, the system is fully responsible for driving tasks. A human driver is not needed to operate the vehicle.” An important takeaway from the event was that Waymo agrees with the MRF that current advertisements and the lack of transparency involving this modern technology are unacceptable. Other companies are operating vehicles with Level 2 autonomy. Misleading advertising means consumers are unaware of what tasks that automation level can perform. The Level 2 automation definition states: “Driver is fully responsible for driving the vehicle while the system provides continuous assistance with either acceleration/braking and steering.” The MRF is committed to fighting for the safety of bikers and will collaborate with allies on issues we agree upon. We thank the officials at Waymo for the invitation and for including us in these discussions. As a reminder, Waymo is operating in Phoenix, San Francisco and Los Angeles, with plans to start in Austin, Texas. These vehicles are on the road now and their presence is growing. Waymo will soon begin testing in other locations, so, as always, remain vigilant. Join The MRF — visit http://mrf.org/

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