2 or 4 – manners are core!

We live on a very busy county road. Even twenty years ago, one could pad along relatively undisturbed by passing traffic. Those days are gone. Today, you take your life in your hands if you step off your lawn and begin to take a leisurely walk down the road. I haven’t done that in a long time.

Because our road is both scenic and challenging, we are a hot spot for every teenager with a first car, a friend who wants to scare the pants off a peer, or a cavalcade of all manner of motor clubs.

My favorite parades are those of the Model A Fords that ply down our little road summer after summer. Some of the occupants actually sport attire to match the vintage of their vehicle. Others opt for current dress styles. Nonetheless, all of them have a great time out in the country.

About three Sundays a summer we see motorcycle rallies. In many instances, there may be up to 100 cycles. Bikes may host single riders, couples, or sidecar passengers. I worry when I see so few helmets, but until and unless Indiana elects to impose a helmet law, we will continue to see a high toll of brain injuries and deaths in motorcycle accidents.

Are helmets uncomfortable? Probably, but speaking as a snowmobiler, I know the value of a helmet. They come in all styles and price ranges. The upper end helmets have more protection, but choices are up to the rider and budget.

Indiana has increased motorcycle registrations markedly over the past few years, and nationally statistics tell us they have doubled since 1997. That means we drivers must be more alert than ever. Understandably, in a car- motorcycle accident, the motorcycle ends up on the short end of the stick.

Manners are core here. Oh, there a few cyclists who misbehave will sully the reputations of the majority who ride responsibly — those riders who don’t endanger themselves or drivers they encounter. We see that in snowmobiling, too. A few crazies can make a big impression — a wrong one — on the public and stifle trail expansion for fun-loving riders and families.

I have very few complaints about motorcyclists. It’s the non-motorized rider that can cause me no end of grief. Bicycles are more popular than ever. Specialty stores market high-end bikes, custom apparel, and all manner of accessories. Yet, all those accoutrements don’t guarantee good manners. I’ve seen more road hogs among bicyclists than drivers or “bikers”. Rally cars observe the speed limits, stop at stop signs, and generally behave themselves. Their vehicles are not average conveyances, so they don’t want to take a chance on a ding, dent, or — heaven forbid! — a wreck.

What makes pedalers ride down the middle of the road hugging the dividing line? I know it’s probably a lot more dangerous to ride along the berm, because any loose gravel can cause a cyclist to lose control. Yet, I wonder why they can’t ride in the middle of the traffic lane and ease to the right when a car comes up from behind. After all, most of them have rear view mirrors. (Don’t get me started on bicyclists and snowmobilers who ride without them!)

Just last Monday, we had to stop because a car was trying to pass a slow moving bicycle on the centerline and the rider simply would not pull over. He hugged that centerline as if it he were wired to it.

No matter whether you drive a car, ride a bicycle, a scooter, or a motorcycle, practice good manners. Your taxes didn’t pave that road for you alone. Others traverse that pavement, and at higher speeds if you are on a two wheeled vehicle. Good manners only enhance the public’s respect for your sport. Think about it.

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