| Author | Message | ||
     Werewulf |
Green Chaps? FHP Wants Motorcyclists To Be Seen By MICHAEL SANSERINO ST. PETERSBURG TIMES Published: Thursday, July 17, 2008 at 8:11 a.m. Last Modified: Thursday, July 17, 2008 at 2:10 p.m. BROOKSVILLE | Perched on a stool at Crossroads Bar & Grill, Larry Obonnon stroked his handlebar mustache and looked over several fliers for a state campaign encouraging motorcyclists to wear brighter colors. One flier, titled “Green Eyed Monster,” featured a man wearing shades, a black leather jacket and, stunningly, neon green chaps. Obonnon shook his head in disgust. ” I’ve been riding since the 1960s, “ said the gray-haired Obonnon, clutching a Budweiser, ” and this stuff here ain’t going to change a thing.” The Florida Highway Patrol never expected that its “Ride Proud. Dress Loud” safety campaign would persuade all bikers to adorn themselves in brightly colored chaps. But the patrol says one of the greatest dangers to bikers is other motorists who don’t see them. ” We want motorcyclists to be visible, because they’ve got a lot at stake, “ said patrol spokesman Capt. Mark Welch. The campaign, which launched Monday and runs through September, encourages riders to avoid black, gray, beige and other neutral colors. It is a response to the spiking number of motorcycle fatalities as more bikers have taken to the road because of rising fuel costs. In 2006, the most recent data available, 521 Florida motorcyclists were killed on the road, up from 441 in 2005. Polk ranks 10th among Florida counties with the highest number of fatalities behind Miami-Dade, Broward, Hillsborough, Volusia, Orange, Palm Beach, Brevard, Pinellas and Duval. To enhance visibility, motorcyclists are encouraged to wear brightly Officials are optimistic the campaign will reduce that number. But in a state where helmets are optional, they may have an uphill battle. ” I’ve got black chaps, black vest, black T-shirts, black shoes, “ said 62-year-old Gary Dove, sipping on a cup of beer Wednesday night outside Quaker Steak and Lube on 49th Street N in Pinellas Park. ” I support the Florida Highway Patrol, but I certainly wouldn’t wear vibrant green chaps. “ Neither would Larry Diehl, 52, of Seminole, among the dozens of motorcyclists parked outside Quaker Steak. ” In the spirit of riding a motorcycle, I think we should be able to go out like anybody else that drives a vehicle and wear what we want to wear, “ he said, while walking around with his son, Charlie. Not everyone shuns brighter colors. ” I want somebody to see me when I’m on the back of my old man’s bike because I don’t want to get hit first, “ said Rusty Wilson, a bartender at Tail Gaters sports bar north of Weeki Wachee. ” I won’t wear chaps, “ said Tail Gaters patron Billy Dalton, who usually wears black and avoids helmets. ” You know what that looks like? That looks like somebody at the Village People. “ Interestingly, the FHP won’t be following its own advice. Patrol officers will still wear taupe uniforms and ride tan and black bikes. ” You hate to say it’s different,” said Welch, noting troopers have more training than recreational bikers, “but it is dont shoot the messenger! | ||
| Cityxslicker |
Funny, I am in all orange, riding an orange bike, with a loud pipe, and I still got run off the road in broad daylight. They revoked his license when he pulled the "I didnt see him cr@p" Punched a hole in it on the spot. Put him in the back of the cruiser for other wants and warrants. Wasnt his day, glad it wasnt mine either | ||
| Danger_dave |
Personally I do a pretty good Terminator act. I find presenting as 'a biker' - who might shove the steering wheel down your throat if you pull out in front of me - to be far more effective getting room in traffic than dressing as a popsickle. There are whispers of compulsory hi vis vests here. You want to wear it wear it, just don't 'make' me. I have my own solutions. Some of which are hi vis - but cool too. (Message edited by danger_dave on July 21, 2008) | ||
| Ft_bstrd |
Loud and Proud? Where have I heard that before?  | ||
| Tramp |
I was expeppcting more goddam greenwashing from the media... thankfully, this thread isn't. | ||
| Massgirl |
that's...interesting...I dunno, I'd rather wear something just brightly colored, not necessarily hi-vis...I have a new jacket that's a bright color...but if I'm not wearing that, I'm wearing a leather...I don't think the color you wear helps as much as just being conscious of your surroundings | ||
| Not_purple_s2 |
Any thoughts on those modulated/flashing headlight set-ups available now? I've seen a few bikes with them, usually goldwings. They definitely get noticed, people see flashing lights and think cops or emergency vehicle. | ||
| Brumbear |
just loosen up the headlight it bounces around pretty good And at the average speed we all can travel we should be looking out for them twice as much as they for us | ||
| Spiderman |
Hmmm A red jacket on a bike painted like Spider-Man with a helmet with Spide-Man on it didn't stop a guy from rear ending me Friday... Oh yeah my red jacket had a big yellow patch on my back... |
