Article in SF Chron today about rising use of bikes to commute

[James Burleigh]

Here's the article that appeared this morning.

And here's the letter to the editor I sent off this morning:

Editor:
 
As a person who has been commuting by motorcycle in the Bay Area, rain or shine, for the past five years, it gives me pleasure to read how others are also discovering that there is possibly no greater commute vehicle invented than the motorbike (
Bay Area commuters moving beyond cars,
Aug. 25, 2008).
 
From the motorcyclist’s perspective, even the densest traffic is porous, enabling you to keep moving even when cars are trapped like flies in amber. When you throw on top of the time savings being able to legally use HOV lanes, avoiding bridge tolls, and maximizing fuel efficiency, riding a motorbike to work makes a lot of sense. On top of all that, there is the fun factor, making your commute possibly the best part of your work day. How many car drivers (“cagers” in motorcyclist parlance) can make that claim?
 
But with rising motorbike use we are seeing rising accident and injury rates. Whether they ride a large-bore cruiser or a scooter, all new and returning riders can increase their safety by increasing their skills. Please take the Motorcycle Safety Foundation Basic Rider Course. To find a course near you, call 1-877-RIDE-411.

Note how I squeezed the word "legally" in reference to HOV lane use, as many cagers do not know this.

Stay safe,

JB

 

[BobbyBlue]

Thanks for sharing JB ! Although we cant lane split/share/scare here in Tejas, Tollroads...a nasty yankee invention... are becoming more and more common so it's great to be able to use HOV lanes to get around effectively. Glad to see 2 wheel use is up nationwide too. Great reply, hopefully MSF attendance will rise as well.

Blessings,

Bobby

 

[Kevin Daly]

You know when I was in SF this past July I was simply amazed at the number of bikes parked along the side of the streets. Here at WVU we have free parking for bikes and for the past four years I ahve had almost no trouble finding a space. this year however the parking for bikes has become rediculus. Just this past week too we had a couple of student come out of their lane and were hit head on; both died.

So I am thinking I need to push the university into offering a motorcycle safty course.

 

[cougar8000]

Nice reply. JB, Are you sure you are not taking MSF Instructor classes in secrecy??