Editor: So, okay, it’s warm and sunny summertime again and motorcycles are everywhere back on the road. That’s great!
I get on my cruiser every chance I get, though it’s not nearly often enough. My reason for writing is that I’ve got a bouquet and a beef on this subject.
Here’s my bouquet: on behalf of my fellow riders, I just want to offer a big thank you for the advisory notices the provincial government issues on overhead signs on major highways that advise drivers to look out of us two-wheelers. Much appreciated.
You can’t remind drivers often enough to look out for us.
But I’ve got beef as well. Too many bikes — especially the big cruisers, though it’s not just them — have loud pipes, very loud. Whenever the subject comes up with bikers it generally goes in the direction of, “loud pipes save lives.” That’s just plain hogwash.
Bikers who install and defend loud pipes just don’t know how (or want) to drive defensively.
It’s that simple. I’ve been riding a cruiser for years. The best thing I did to get noticed is add a couple of daylight running headlights.
Visibility has never been an issue since.
Loud pipes are entirely unnecessary, plainly obnoxious and socially offensive.
I’ve never studied psychology, but it seems to me that little people need loud pipes. To all the cops out there — tickets for loud bikes? Bring ’em on!
All the best and safe riding.
Ali Apetrots,
Langley