May marked for cycle awareness

Rowynn Ricks

May 18, 2008 07:36 pm

— Look twice.
That is the advice that motorcycle enthusiast Todd Finley offers to motorists when it comes to sharing the road with motorcycles.
“Motorcycles are smaller and harder to see,” said Finley, who is a member of the motorcycle club A.B.A.T.E. “So you should look twice in case they’re in your blind spot.”
It is timely advice because Woodward Mayor Bill Fanning recently proclaimed May as Motorcycle Awareness Month.
May is a good month to promote motorcycle awareness, Finley said, noting that “it’s springtime and all the motorcycles are out.”
Now is also a good time, he said, because “with fuel prices like they are, more and more motorcyclists are going to be out there.”
“Cars need to get used to motorcycles,” he said.
When it comes to getting used to motorcycles, Finley said automobile drivers need to remember that there are some important differences between how automobiles and motorcycles operate.
For example, he said “motorcycles need more room to stop.”
“It’s due to the lack of rubber on the road,” he said. “Cars have four tires and motorcycles only have two, so the amount of traction needed is greater.”
But it is not enough for the other motorists to be aware, Finley said. The motorcyclists themselves also need to be aware of their own responsibilities when it comes to sharing the road safely, he said.
One big tip for motorcyclists is to drive defensively, he said.
“Always look for two ways out of a situation; don’t get boxed in,” Finley said.
The reason, he said, is because “when two cars get into a fender bender it means minor damage, but when a motorcycle has a fender bender, it means major injuries.”
That is why it is also important for motorcyclists to wear appropriate protective gear, including gloves, boots and leather, Finley said.
“The leather is not just a ‘look cool’ thing,” he explained. “If you get into an accident it provides added protection.”
However, when it comes to a helmet, Finley said that if the rider is over 18 it is up to them because Oklahoma is a ‘by choice’ state.
“There are pros and cons to wearing helmets,” he said.
“A pro would be that if you get in an accident and hit your head, then the helmet would be there to protect it,” he said. “But the con is that a helmet can hamper your awareness of what’s going on around you.”
And having that awareness is very important, Finley said, noting that it is true for both motorcyclists and other motorists.
“The main thing is be aware that each other is there,” he said. “(Safety) comes from paying attention.”