traffic

Federal Government Finalizes 2021 Crash Data

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 […]

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Malta to ban rented e-scooters from March

The decision had been taken because of “intolerable abuse,” Transport Minister Aaron Farrugia said. A surprise announcement on Friday mentioned the cause as inconvenience to pedestrians. The violations are so many, doubling the number of enforcement officers overnight would not have solved the issue as per the minister. It is understood, private e-scooters will still be allowed, with incentives introduced to encourage people to buy their own. This decision makes Malta the first European country to ban rental scooters, although the French capital Paris took a similar decision after holding a referendum. Refer: https://blog.bikernet.com/paris-climate-accord-vs-paris-e-scooters/ Government earlier this year stated it will consider designated parking zones for the 5,000 scooters on the island, before banning them outright. The term e-scooter may be confusing– it is not the typical scooter such as a Vespa. Refer above images of an e-scooter. * * * * * * * * Click & know more about Bikernet’s Free Weekly Newsletter

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Delivery and Deliverance

A tale of two parties to a deal and one steadfast old iron engine Text and photos by Ujjwal Dey with illustrations from Wayfarer An Enfield Bullet 350 finds a home after being in limbo for four stressful months. The cast iron engine with right-hand-side gear shift is a well-known legend among motorcyclists, especially purists who don’t want the brand name “Bullet” associated with run-of-mill modern designs & engines. What misadventure occurred and what new adventures await? “First time in life I decided to purchase a used vehicle. An out of production cast-iron engine Enfield Bullet 350cc with right-hand-side gear shift which is the closest thing available to the 1955 Enfield Bullet 350 including chassis and engine design by the Britishers among other things such as dashboard, tank, hand-painted pinstripe, etc. These come with Green Tax for the alleged pollution they may or might be making. I got a fitness test certificate from the Road Transport office, where the ownership change is registered.” — Dey Click here to read this awesome anecdote about ‘love after love’. Believe it! * * * *

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How Big Was The 2023 Sturgis Rally?

Hey, the 2023 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally Attendance Was Down 8.1% Article & photos from sturgis.com with illustrations by Wayfarer Read on to see how the numbers break down. South Dakota Department of Transportation reported traffic numbers as well. How are all these statistics accounted? What are the numbers regarding taxation? Let’s find out. Click here for this Feature Article on Bikernet.com * * * * Join the crew at Bandit’s Cantina, click here.

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100 WFC: Lane Splitting for Life

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

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Motorcycle Awareness Month 2023

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. * * * * * * * *

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NHTSA Responds to Questions from Congress

Just before the end of 2022, Rep. Tim Walberg of Michigan and 26 of his colleagues in Congress sent a letter to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) regarding recent crashes that involve motorcycles and cars believed to be in self-driving mode. The response from government regulators has some key takeaways: “NHTSA is actively working to educate consumers and the media that automated driving system (ADS) technologies are not self-driving technologies, and that drivers must always remain engaged in the driving task.” “Crashes involving motorcycles account for less than 2 percent of all reported crashes involving ADS.” “NHTSA is conducting research on how vehicles equipped with crash avoidance technologies react to motorcycles, bicyclists and other vulnerable road users in various scenarios.” The Motorcycle Riders Foundation is committed to aggressively working with lawmakers to address obvious safety gaps in the deployment of this new technology. While we appreciate that NHTSA is conducting research on this topic, on this topic, motorcyclists are not “vulnerable road users”, motorcyclists are simply road users. Additionally, it’s unacceptable that consumers falsely believe this technology, deployed on our roads, allows them to sit back and relax while in the driver’s seat. The safety of the nearly 10 million bikers on our nation’s roadways requires that all roadway users act in a responsible manner. As always Ride Safe and Ride Free. About Motorcycle Riders Foundation: The Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) provides leadership at the federal level for states’ motorcyclists’ rights organizations as well as motorcycle clubs and individual riders. Visit http://mrf.org * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Stay updated, stay ahead of the curve. Click to Sign up for the Weekly Newsletter from Bikernet Blog for free.

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Helping Veterans : Biker Lives Matter

by Rogue Biker Lives Matter continues to provide Accident Scene Management Courses with the American Legion in Florida. Crashes and collisions continue to increase involving motorcycles and one of the most effective ways for those involved to survive is to be treated at the scene by others until more trained people like EMTs arrive. The American Legion is a very large organization and each chapters can include a motorcycle group named Legion Riders. Working with the American Legion organization affords out teachers to reach a lot of people. The more people trained the higher the possibility of saving more lives. Click here to read this article because Biker Lives Matter. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Know your rights and freedoms. Read the Thursday News only on Bikernet.com by clicking here.  

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Mobile Application For Road Safety Enforcement

Known as the Public Eye Enforcement Programme (PEEP), the mobile application will empower anyone with a smart phone to record road traffic violations and forward to the Authority for the prosecution of offenders. by ghanamma from https://www.ghanamma.com/ NRSA To Introduce Mobile Application For Road Safety Enforcement The National Road Safety Authority (NRSA) is developing a mobile application to improve road safety across the country. Known as the Public Eye Enforcement Programme (PEEP), the mobile application will empower anyone with a smart phone to record road traffic violations and forward to the Authority for the prosecution of offenders. The Board Chairman of the NRSA, Jeremaine Nkrumah, made this known when he led a team of officials from the Authority to commend the Greater Accra Regional Minister, Henry Quartey, for his leadership and determination in championing road safety in the region. Their visit was also to recognise the minister for his productive collaboration with stakeholders in managing the operations of motorcycles and tricycles on major roads as well as bringing some sanity to the Madina Zongo Junction within the La Nkwatanang Madina Municipality. A citation was presented to the Regional Minister. PEEP mobile application Touching on the mobile application, Mr Nkrumah said it would be piloted in the Greater Accra, Eastern and the Ashanti regions immediately after the new legislative Instrument, drafted by the Authority is approved by Parliament. “We are currently developing a website and mobile application and we are going to take advantage of the constitution aspect of citizens’ arrests and empower anybody who owns a mobile device to be able to record,” Mr Nkrumah noted. He added that the sender of a video which led to prosecution would be rewarded. “If a person sends in a video and the video leads to prosecution, the mobile number of the sender

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Royal Enfield Reveals Scram 411

ROYAL ENFIELD REVEALS ALL-NEW SCRAM 411 ADV CROSSOVER Ready. Set. Scram! Milwaukee, WI (Tuesday, March 15, 2022) – Royal Enfield, the global leader in the midsize (250cc – 750cc) motorcycling segment, today unveiled the Scram 411 – the brand’s first ADV crossover. The new Scram 411 is an engaging, accessible and capable street scrambler, with the heart of an adventure motorcycle. Built on Royal Enfield’s proven 411cc single-cylinder engine platform and the Harris Performance chassis, the Scram 411 combines spirited agility on urban streets, with competent rough-roading capabilities. Focused and purposeful changes in the riding geometry and ergonomics make it ideal for in-city riding, as well as unpredictable, challenging trails off the urban grid. Unveiled for global audiences today, the new Scram 411 is already available in India, and will be available in Europe, Asia Pacific, North America and Latin America later this year. The Scram 411 is scheduled to arrive in the U.S. late summer/early fall. Pricing and colorways will be announced in the coming months. The Scram 411 is a continuation of Royal Enfield’s constant pursuit of exploration, and building motorcycles to enable every adventure. One such motorcycle is the Himalayan—Royal Enfield’s flagship adventure tourer. Launched in 2016, the Himalayan has fostered a subculture of adventure touring around the world, most recently, even Antarctica’s South Pole. Its unique design and well-rounded capability make it among Royal Enfield’s best-selling motorcycles, and it is upon this stalwart platform that the style evolution continues with the more urban-focused ADV-crossover motorcycle—the Scram 411. The all-new Scram 411 is a new subspecies that has the authentic vibes of a scrambler and adventure touring in its DNA. With long-travel suspension and class-leading ground clearance paired with a 19-inch front wheel and 17-inch rear, the Scram 411 is playfully agile on city streets, yet is

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