A Motorcycle Isn’t a Death Wish

Although it may not seem like it, warm weather is on the horizon. For two-wheel enthusiasts like me, that means it’s time to hit the road. 

I fell in love with motorcycles as a teenager. I loved the perception associated with them. I loved the sense of freedom and lawlessness portrayed in movies, the idea that this community of mischievous vagabonds ride anywhere they want, do anything they want, and then ride some more spoke to me. I’m not sure what that says about me. I like to think it means that I’m adventurous and like to travel. 

I discovered early on that the idealized image of motorcycling isn’t completely true. 

I bought my first motorcycle when I turned 18. I made a down payment on a 1995 Honda Shadow VLX 600, signed up for my first taste of debt, and rode my brand-new motorcycle off the lot on my 18^th birthday. It was the best feeling in the world. 

Ever since that day, I’ve craved warm, sunny afternoons with nothing to do. There’s just nothing like hopping on the back of a bike with no destination in mind. The only objective - ride. 

There is one other thing that has been constant since that day. When people find out I own a motorcycle, they feel the need to tell a story about someone they know who died on a ride. Every single time motorcycles come up, Debbie Downer walks in the room. 

Look, we know they’re dangerous. It’s part of the appeal, honestly. Your recollection of that fatal wreck you saw that one time on I-20 isn’t going to be the eye-opening moment we decide to quit riding cold-turkey. We’ve heard all the stories and, chances are, have had someone we know who was injured or killed on a bike.  

Here’s the thing, people have died doing all kinds of stuff. Should we recall the stories about people who die on roller coasters when you’re excited about your trip to Universal Studios? How about the people that go missing on cruises?  

Bikers know the inherent dangers of riding. Yes, there are a few reckless riders out there throwing caution to the wind and riding as if they have a death wish. But most of us take precautions. We ride responsibly, wear protective riding gear and, most importantly, pay attention to the other drivers.  

So, rather than recall some gruesome death to your motorcycle-riding friends, remember that riding gives them life. Also, remember that we’ll be out there sharing the road with you as it gets warmer. The saying goes “Look Twice, Save a Life.” I say look three times, maybe even four. And for the sake of anyone who straps on a helmet and hits the road, please put down the phone.