accidents

Spain is rolling out mandatory Motorcycle gear to solve rising fatalities

General Posts / By

from the Wayfarer with illustration by the Wayfarer SPAIN— All motorcyclists might soon be required to wear full-face helmets and gloves every time they ride. In USA, there is some reasoning and freedoms left while across the pond, the control-ist regimes are “welcomed” by mute citizens, reminiscent of 1930s. There are many reasons for a road accident and many more for a motorcycle related accident. In USA, even the Feds and NHTSA know that it is the people with more than two-wheels who are reckless and blind and have the shameless (illegal) luxury of texting and dialing while driving. Yet, why not blame the most fuel-efficient and cheapest transport vehicle available to a citizen–the motorcycle –and its rider for accidents and fatalities. You might as well say roads kill people and force people into house arrests or ghetto patrol with Judge Dredd being the only one with a gun and a motorcycle! Even open-face helmets are not good enough for Spain as full-face helmets are being advocated to be mandatory. No gloves? Well, they want to save your middle-finger for later! Gloves are to be mandatory riding equipment as well. While there’s no specified timeline regarding the implementation of these various new mandates, driving license for two-wheelers itself will be staggered and handed out in stages to those completing courses. Maybe Spain will mandate a College Degree in Motorcycle Riding to allow a citizen to get a motorcycle driving license. Meanwhile, the rest of the users of Spain’s roads are not required to know anything about motorcycles, including the lawmakers!

Spain is rolling out mandatory Motorcycle gear to solve rising fatalities Read More »

Federal Government Finalizes 2021 Crash Data

General Posts / By

This month the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) released its annual report, Traffic Safety Facts 2021: A Compilation of Motor Vehicle Traffic Crash Data. The 225-page report contains information on crash types, causes and participants involved. Remember that while we are nearing the end of 2023, this report is 2021 data. NHTSA spent nearly two years compiling these figures before releasing the report. The data on motorcyclist fatalities is especially troubling. According to the report, in 2021, motorcyclists made up 13.8% of all nationwide traffic fatalities, with 5,932 motorcyclists killed on our nation’s roadways. That is the highest number since data collection began in 1975. In comparison, the pre-Covid year of 2019 saw 5,044 bikers killed. The number of those injured on motorcycles reported in 2021 was 82,686, which is fewer than the all-time high of 104,442 in 2016. This total injury count represents 3.3% of the 2.5 million people injured in all motor vehicle crashes. It is important to note that 2021 showed a substantial increase in motorcycles registered. The data also shows an increase in vehicle miles traveled by bikers. NHTSA data shows 9.8 million registered motorcycles with approximately 19.6 billion miles traveled in 2021. Those increases mean that while the total number of fatalities and injuries went up, fortunately, the rate per 100,000 registered motorcycles went down. Here are other takeaways: Riders accounted for 95% of deaths, while 5% were motorcycle passengers. 57% of fatalities occurred by collision with another vehicle, 26% resulted from a collision with a fixed object, 4% collision with a non-fixed object, while 13% of fatalities occurred without a collision. 34% of fatalities involved a rider impaired by alcohol. That number is in line with the 31% of alcohol-related fatalities nationwide. Riders were wearing helmets in 59% of fatalities, while riders were

Federal Government Finalizes 2021 Crash Data Read More »

Old Bikers Never Die

General Posts / By

by Amy Irene White They Just Smoke More Weed Last night I was sittin’ in my chair, window shopping chrome for my new hardtail Sportster, as my old back beat a steady rhythm of pain through my body… and I got a message from the sister of one of my old riding buddies. My heart thudded loudly as I stared for a minute at the first few words she typed… ‘Hey I keep forgetting to tell you that my brother Ron…’ I was terrified to click on it and read the end of that sentence. Finally, I worked up the nerve to open it, and thankfully she was just telling me he was in a nursing home here in town. Click here to read this anecdote from Amy only on Bikernet.com * * * * * * * * * * * *

Old Bikers Never Die Read More »

Recall of Harley Softails 2018 to 2023

General Posts / By

Some 2018-2023 Harley Softails Could Have Breaking of Rear Shock Hardware. A fastener could break, causing the rear shock adjuster to loosen and increase the risk of a crash. Harley-Daivdson announced the safety recall on 29 August 2023. They filed the same with US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. On motorcycles that have the faulty fitting, the fastener used on a particular style of rear shock adjuster may potentially fracture. If it breaks, the shock absorber may then make contact with the rear tire. This could increase the risk of tire damage, and potentially lead to a motorcycle crash. Approximately 65,224 bikes may potentially be involved in this recall but not all of them may have this fault. Some of the models from 2018 to 2023 use the affected rear shock adjuster whereas some do not. The motorcycles that were produced between June 28, 2017 and August 7, 2023 are potentially at risk. No VIN number ranges are specified in the official safety recall notice. A warning sign that riders and passengers should look out for is any noise that seems to come from under the seat. When you remove the seat and find a loose shock adjuster, that may be another sign of faulty fastener. When shock adjuster makes contact with the rear tire, riders may notice unusual handling and/or atypical tire wear on the rear tire. Since June 2023, a total of 33 Warranty Claims regarding this issue has been recorded. Softails made after 7 August 2023 do not have this problem. Related accessories from Harley-Davidson have also been separately recalled. Owners may contact Harley-Davidson customer service at 1-800-258-2464. Additionally, owners may contact the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153) or go to www.nhtsa.gov. NHTSA’s number for this recall is 23V-591. The motorcycle model years, models,

Recall of Harley Softails 2018 to 2023 Read More »

NCOM Biker Newsbytes for July 2023

General Posts / By

Industry & Legislative Motorcycle News from USA and the world Compiled & Edited by Bill Bish This week in the news: U.S. HOUSE COMMITTEE PASSES BILL PROTECTING ‘MULTIPLE-USE’ LAND NATIONAL FUNDING FOR OUTDOOR RECREATION VERMONT CLOSES “BASKET CASE” REGISTRATION LOOPHOLE MIC WARNS OF BILLS THAT “WILL HINDER THE POWERSPORTS INDUSTRY” HELP TO PRESERVE VEHICLE CHOICE FIGHT FOR YOUR “RIGHT TO REPAIR” and lots more Click Here to read this month’s NCOM Newsbytes on Bikernet.com ABOUT AIM / NCOM: The National Coalition of Motorcyclists (NCOM) is a nationwide motorcyclists rights organization serving over 2,000 NCOM Member Groups throughout the United States, with all services fully-funded through Aid to Injured Motorcyclist (AIM) Attorneys available in each state who donate a portion of their legal fees from motorcycle accidents back into the NCOM Network of Biker Services (www.ON-A-BIKE.com / 800-ON-A-BIKE). * * * * * * * * All the Motorcycling News you need to use to stay on Two-Wheels – get updated with free Bikernet Blog Weekly Newsletter. Click & Start !!!

NCOM Biker Newsbytes for July 2023 Read More »

NCOM Biker Newsbytes for June 2023

General Posts / By

Compiled & Edited by Bill Bish Industry & Legislative Motorcycle News from USA and the world THIS MONTH IN THE NCOM NEWSBYTES: CORNHUSKERS REMOVE LID LAW WASHINGTON STATE TO PROTECT VULNERABLE ROAD USERS EUROPEAN MOTORCYCLE MARKET EXPERIENCING DOUBLE-DIGIT GROWTH FIRST-EVER WOMEN’S RACING CHAMPIONSHIPS COMING DUCATI HONORED BY ITALIAN POSTAGE STAMP RIDER SETS DISTANCE RECORD NEW RECORD SET FOR MOST COUNTRIES VISITED IN A DAY BY MOTORCYCLE ELECTRIC MOTORCYCLE PARITY ACT BIPARTISAN CALL TO RE-ESTABLISH MAC (Motorcyclist Advisory Committee) AS REQUIRED BY LAW Click Here To Read this Month’s NCOM Newsbytes on Bikernet.com National Coalition of Motorcyclists (NCOM) News provides updates on motorcycle industry, market, legislation, rights of bikers, motorcyclists in USA, and motorcycle news from around the world. The National Coalition of Motorcyclists (NCOM) is a nationwide motorcyclists rights organization serving over 2,000 NCOM Member Groups throughout the United States, with all services fully-funded through Aid to Injured Motorcyclist (AIM) Attorneys available in each state who donate a portion of their legal fees from motorcycle accidents back into the NCOM Network of Biker Services (www.ON-A-BIKE.com / 800-ON-A-BIKE). * * * * * * * * * * * * Rest assured, our coverage is comprehensive…yet revealing. Subscribe now! Click & Go!

NCOM Biker Newsbytes for June 2023 Read More »

100 WFC: Lane Splitting for Life

General Posts / By

100 word fiction contest continues…. #100WFC image courtesy Motoblogn Lane Splitting for Life by Bandit She called during rush hour in Phoenix. Hot enough to melt asphalt, Mudd straddled his Dyna and slid into traffic. Had to get to his pregnant girl on time. Only one thing to do, twist his throttle to the stops. Lane splitting still wasn’t legal. Mudd didn’t care, as he tore between frustrated, honking drivers. Taking out a sideview mirror, he nearly went down. Police sirens blared. Angry motorists cut him off. An accident ahead stopped all movement. He kept his throttle pegged as he darted onto the Highway winding into Scottsdale. He squinted against the glare, braked, screamed, screeched but made it in the nick of time. * * * * * * * * Yup, its a weekly contest open to all. Just sign up for the free weekly newsletter by clicking here. Then email us your 100 word limit fiction to the editor wayfarer@bikernet.com

100 WFC: Lane Splitting for Life Read More »

Motorcycle Awareness Month 2023

General Posts / By

May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, and warmer weather means more motorcycles on the roads. We want to Remind Motorists to Share the Road and Be Alert. Always check your blind spots. Motorcycles are smaller than other vehicles and can be even more difficult to spot while merging or changing lanes. Be extra cautious when passing. Make sure to signal your intention to pass a motorcyclist. Remember that motorcycles react more quickly than cars. Make sure that you maintain an adequate following distance behind motorcycles. Be aware of the weather. Inclement weather has more drastic effects on motorcycle riders than on automobile drivers. Help riders stay safe after dark by increasing your following distance, ensuring that your high beams are turned off when you notice an approaching motorcycle, and refraining from passing. Stay in your lane. Motorcycles are legally entitled to their own lane of traffic. In no situation are you allowed to drive your automobile in the same lane and in close proximity to a motorcycle. Inform motorcyclists of your intention to turn. Initiate your turn signal sooner for motorcycles. Many vehicle accidents that involve both automobiles and motorcycles occur at intersections. Always follow the safety protocol for intersections every time that you approach one. Watch for turning motorcycles. If you notice that a motorcycle is driving with an activated turn signal for an abnormal distance, increase your following distance so you have time to react whenever the rider decides to turn. Take a second look at left turns. Before you cross a lane or lanes of traffic to turn left, take a second look for approaching motorcycles. Motorcyclists should always wear protective gear and be sure to use a DOT-compliant motorcycle helmet. For more information on motorcycle safety, visit nhtsa.gov. * * * * * * * *

Motorcycle Awareness Month 2023 Read More »

NCOM Biker Newsbytes for April 2023

General Posts / By

Compiled & Edited by Bill Bish Industry & Legislative Motorcycle News from USA and the world National Coalition of Motorcyclists (NCOM) News provides updates on motorcycle industry, market, legislation, rights of bikers, motorcyclists in USA, and motorcycle news from around the world. Click Here to read the NCOM News on Bikernet.com In the news this month MSF CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF TRAINING RIDERS US & EU PUSH IMMINENT DEMISE OF FOSSIL FUEL VEHICLE HAWAII CONSIDERS ‘RIDE ON RED’ LEGISLATION FACIAL RECOGNITION COMING TO MOTORCYCLES POLICE DRONES ZERO IN ON MOTORCYCLE ROAD SAFETY CALIFORNIA BILL WOULD LIFT BANS ON CRUISIN LANE SPLITTING BILL FILTERS THROUGH OREGON LEGISLATURE EAR PROTECTION FOR MOTORCYCLISTS QUOTABLE QUOTE: “We’re surrounded. That simplifies things.” ~ USMC Col. Lewis B. “Chesty” Puller during the Chosin Reservoir campaign in Korea, 1950 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Follow Bikernet.com Weekly News, every Thursday — know your market, know your industry, know motorcyclists. Visit https://www.bikernet.com/pages/cantina_bikernet_news.aspx

NCOM Biker Newsbytes for April 2023 Read More »

Paris Climate Accord Vs Paris e-scooters

General Posts / By

Parisians vote to ban e-scooters from French capital An overwhelming majority of Parisians voted to ban electric scooters from the streets of the French capital on Sunday, in a non-binding referendum that city authorities have said they would follow. The ban won between 85.77% and 91.77% of the votes in the 20 Paris districts that published results, according to the City of Paris website on what was billed as a rare “public consultation” and prompted long queues at ballot boxes around the city. “I preferred to vote against, because in Paris it’s a mess. The way it’s organised, the danger that it creates in Paris, the visual pollution, it’s not good.” said a railway worker. Cities worldwide are tightening regulations on e-scooters, limiting the number of operators as well as speed and where they can park. Electric scooters accessed through smartphone apps have operated in Paris since 2018, but following complaints about their anarchic deployment, Paris in 2020 cut the number of operators to three. They were given a three-year contract, required that scooters’ speed be capped at 20 km/hour and imposed designated scooter parking areas. The current contracts will run until September 2023. Other restrictions were checking if users age was over 18, fixing licence plates so police could identify traffic offenders and limiting to one passenger. On Sunday, operators such as Tier and Lime sent free voucher codes to users to encourage them to vote against the ban. Some voters said they would have rather had tighter regulations than an outright ban. “I don’t want scooters to do whatever they wants on pavements, but banning them is not the priority said a Parisian. “I voted for (the scooters) because I’m against the rather binary choice we’re given in this referendum,” he added. In 2021, 24 people died in

Paris Climate Accord Vs Paris e-scooters Read More »

Scroll to Top