GainesvilleMoms.com

My husband wants a motorcycle so badly and the high gas prices are helping his cause. I have "put my foot down" and absolutely refused this request (I sound more powerful than I am). There are SO many horrible accidents and while I know there are many responsible drivers I see so many zipping in and out of traffic like wild people and it is really scary! Anyone else have this fear and need to protect? I bet you we have some motorcycle mamas out there too! Let me know what it's really like.

I know they are so much fun from riding on the back of one a few times, but the thing is, no matter how good a driver you are, you have no control over what the other people on the road are doing. If he's going to get one, I hope he wears a helmet.

I used to rarely think about my husband's safety..as soon as we had children, I was making sure he wore his seat belt, ate healthy foods, exercised etc...I would be terrified if he came home w/ a motorcycle!

as a guy here...and first time poster...let me say that I agree with your apprehensions and fears, as it seems like every biker gets in a wreck. And my 21 yo son wants to get one now.

But if I may contribute a few things just for thought...

we hear all about the bikers that get killed or maimed badly, but in fact, just like with cars, many, many folks ride bikes and its a minority of them that get hurt. I know that may not offer much comfort, so let me also offer these suggestions if someone in your family wants a motorcycle, and most especially, if they have never owned one, tell them to do these things:

1) take a ridership course. Dont be macho about it, just do it. There are usually several levels, and you wont need a bike to do at least the beginner course. Then, when a bike is actually purchased, that one can be ridden for the advanced courses. They can and do save lives.

2) most of the time, for new bikers, they take things too casually. A rider MUST pay far more attention than a car driver. Consistent riding, like everyday, can build up this extra-needed awareness, so that a bike rider never assumes that ANY car sees them...this is vital. Always do what you can to increase your visibility. Extra lights on front and louder exhaust pipes (within reason and the law) can also help.

3) get the correct size and style motorcycle for the type of riding you want to do. For long distance highway type, the big ones with fairings and windshields and saddlebags work well, but they are heavy and cumbersome for daily city driving. The so-called 'crotch rockets', where the rider is almost laying down, is just too powerful and dangerous for most people and should only be ridden by very experienced riders. The most common city bikes are called 'cruisers'. They are the average harley-types, some with windshields, some without, and they have low seats so you can usually plant your feet easily on the ground, even for shorter riders. They are easy to ride at lower city speeds and yet still give great mileage, and also the very style of the bikes dont seem to evoke the need to race like a bat out of hell in and out of traffic, but rather, to just cruise.

4) always wear a top quality helmet and appropriate attire. This cannot be stressed enough, especially for city riding.

I hope this helps some of you, and you can pass these on to loved ones that want to ride. Like the motto says: "Ride to live...Live to ride"

Peace

Great tips, mrmjts. I wouldn't be opposed to my husband getting a motorcycle if he really wanted one, but safety would be priority No. 1: a ridership course, state-of-the-art helmet, etc.

We welcome your male input! However, I, like LWhitehurst, am suddenly concerned with everything concerning my hubby's safety. We are expecting as you all know and he had better be around to help...for a long time! I told him that once all the kids are grown and I have a really huge insurance policy on him he can do whatever he wants LOL!