| Author | Message | ||
     Hootowl |
http://www.cnn.com/2004/US/Midwest/08/25/daredevil.motorcyclists.ap/index.html Thank you for making us all look bad. I hate squids. | ||
| Outrider |
Remember when the only negative influence on public opinion was the Outlaw Biker Groups? Too much more bad publicity and we will be legislated either into severe restrictions (bike, attire, licensing, fines, etc.) or off the pubic roads and onto reservations by the SafetyCrats. | ||
| Benm2 |
I'm sure I'm not the only one that noticed the passengers in the Suburban were all NOT wearing seatbelts. Or, that SUV's have a bad record with regards to rollovers. Of course, that does not excuse the cyclists. The "reservations", i.e. the track, are exactly where this sort of activity belongs. I've seen waaaaay more responsible motorcyclists than not, but the "not's" have certainly had more of an impact on the surrounding traffic, I'm sure. | ||
| Outrider |
Unfortunately, having been a young jerk once upon a time, showing off isn't any fun if you don't have an audience. Only difference was, back then you didn't get immediate national attention and the instant ridicule of millions that want to make the world a safer place. | ||
| Newblaster |
The sad part is that most nonriders can't (actually, more like "are unable to" ) differentiate between the responsible motorcyclists and the idiot squids. We're all on 2 wheels, ergo we're all the same. That's what scares me, the knowledge that, to most cagers, I either know the idiot that blew by them at 125 mph a mile back, or else I AM him. (Yeah, right, a stock Blast doing 125. lol...) Makes it easier for them to justify cutting me off (slow him down! keep him alive!), "closing the door" while I'm splitting (idiot shouldn't be doing that!), etc. A self-righteous person in a 3-4 ton SUV is a force of wanton destruction, and the "freeway stunnaz" are creating more and more of them, every day... Also... BenM2, I noticed that too. Not a word about lack of safety in SUVs, not a word about people not wearing seat belts, just "oh, those crazy motorcyclists..." Double standard? Anti-rider bias? Par for the course. That's the saddest thing of all... (Message edited by newblaster on August 25, 2004) | ||
| Signguyxb12 |
do what i do when i see these monkeys... copy the plate number if i can and call the cops | ||
| Midknyte |
I don't believe there is a double standard angle - the "did" mention in the story that they were not wearing seatbelts. If they wanted to slant the story in their favor, they'd have left those details out... | ||
| Josh_ |
In the link I posted to the original story yesterday (GDB) - it was a 16 year old driver in the Explorer that swerved and knocked the Suburban off the road. | ||
| Dasbuell |
I would say the inexperience of the 16 year old driver of the Explorer could well have been a factor... maybe a bit more so than the stunters. Sounds like a combination/interaction of the stunters and a young driver may have multiplied the danger to those in the suburban. Until one get a few years of driving in traffic, the sensory overload can be dangerous. That is one major reason why it costs a chunk to insure a teenager. Surviving the learning curve without making multiple insurance claims. IMHO 9formerly dasxb9s - still a menace in traffic) | ||
| Outrider |
Stunt riding is at the least cited as "Reckless Driving" almost everywhere in this country. Not a good thing, especially if you get caught after causing an accident. Had someone been killed, that could result in manslaughter charges or worse. I sure as heck wouldn't want to pay the piper for that responsibility. | ||
| Tripp |
it also was'nt mentioned exactly what the cyclists did, i find it hard to believe a bike caused the accident, you are supposed to be in control of your vehicle at all times, if a group of bikers pulling wheelies and traveling at high speeds goes by you and you freak out and crash i would say your crash is your fault! and i'm not saying it's ok for a motorcyclist to break the law either! | ||
| Tripp |
oops, i went back to the article after i posted and it said they cut the explorer off, so i take that back about not mentioning what they did... | ||
| Outrider |
Tripp...good point. Have seen many cage drivers do some really bad moves when scared by a bike whizzing by. Especially the way too loud ones. Can just imagine how a 16 year old would react in a situation like that. New license and all, driving someone else's vehicle. Had to be a real sphincter pincher. | ||
| Bartimus |
"In Arizona, things got so bad that law enforcers in 2002 created a task force targeting sport bike riders that police and motorcyclists agreed were pushing the limits on that state's roads. Sometimes, authorities said, packs of 10 or 15 sport motorcyclists have raced on Phoenix-area highways, terrifying other motorists. Often, one officer lamented, "their kick is to find cops, race by them, give them the middle finger salute or wave at the officer. They are out of sight in the blink of an eye." Here in Arizona, particularly in Maricopa county, which surrounds Phoenix, the ticket would be: "Reckless driving to endanger" which I believe is a felony }. Too many "kids" are riding like maniacs on high horsepower, ill handling machines, that are poorly maintained, and often stolen. Stealing motorcycles for stunt use is a serious problem here in Arizona. the bikes can be quickly abandoned when crashed or caught. My S2 was stolen last Thanksgiving eve, while parked between my wide-glide, and my Honda CB750.} The Tucson Police surmised this was the intended fate of my beloved S2 last year. When it was recovered, it was in a stolen enclosed trailer along with 5 other bikes. All crotch rockets, all were just crammed in there with no tie-downs, and all had been beaten hard. I was just happy to get my bike back. | ||
| Coolice |
Ya its bad, BUT the occupants DIDN'T have seatbelts on! Sure we can complain and agree they should do it on track, but will track owners allow that? NO WAY, thank a lawyer for that! Personally I go to Daytona and hang out just to watch "the show". These guys (and gals) are talented with a very good sense of balance and smoothness to do the stunts at the speeds they do. I wish there was a place for them to do it and stay out of traffic, didn't drag racing start this way? Just last Sunday nite on the way home from Peoria TT Fiery and I were coming thru Starved Rock park and on the road after the park a couple of riders on "sport bikes" passed us at speed. I sped up and they slowed, then I couldn't believe it, the guy in front of me stood up and wheeled and began accelerating. I kept up with him with my GPS on and he passed a car and finally set it down at 99.9 mph! Not looking in my mirror as the two turned off shortly on a side road, Fiery later said the rider behind me was also on the back wheel!So its a bad pr story for bikers and it will probaly bring some more "rules" to deal with. And whenever I can I stop and talk to younger riders to encourage them to do track days. | ||
| Outrider |
Bartimus...Wasn't aware of the thefts to support their habit. That is sad. Coolice...Unless you have a "Badge", pacing them at that speed could get you some form of accomplice charge that might be a little expensive to get out of. Appreciate your efforts to educate, just don't want to see you incur any unnecessary hardship. | ||
| Johncr250 |
"Reckless Driving to Endanger" which i believe is a felony The police don`t issue tickets to people that commit felonies. Reckless Driving as defined by the Vehicle and Traffic Laws is a Misd. punishable by up to 365 days in jail. This will almost always result in the violator getting arrested on the spot. A summons may be issued based on the PO`s discression, but 99% of the time the vehicle is impounded and the operator goes to jail. | ||
| Loki |
Didn't the original article mention that the chase(film) car may have clipped the Explorer? I can't fault the 16 yod driver for getting spooked. There has been a few times I have been spooked. Look once and it is clear. Then boom! | ||
| Josh_ |
They have not confirmed there was a chase car nor repeated that it may have clipped the Explorer (or even who originally claimed it did). What's the chances the kid was distracted by the bikes, bumped the Suburban and not the Explorer passengers are embellishing? Or (better yet) the reporters are embellishing since "killer bikers" makes better copy. I should probably watch the local newscasts for updates. But I won't I wonder if www.streetfighterz.com knows who was out there. | ||
| Mikej |
From the streetfighterz web site:
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| Loki |
I thought I read that there MAY HAVE been a chase vehicle involved. I did not mean to imply that it was the case. fact of the matter: Someone knows who was and was not there at that time. My thoughts is has to be waying on that person(s) consience pretty darn hard. | ||
| Outrider |
Consience...LMAO Most folks that have that much disregard for the law and the others they share the roads with simply don't have one. | ||
| Mikej |
Or it will eventually surface in another 20 years or so, if they survive that long. | ||
| Outrider |
Possibly...But that is usually reserved for those on Death Row and only shows when the last appeal fails. LOL | ||
| Josh_ |
Minor follow-up to the earlier story. Think CNN will pick this one up also? To wit: the 16-yr old driver of the Explorer loved stunt bikes, had met with those riders earlier and was diving with them. The riders exiting the freeway : "Witnesses told police that, while the bikers had been performing stunts, they were far enough ahead so that they didn't cut anyone off." "But, for some reason, when the bikes cut into the center lane, Cory cut over to the right lane and T-boned the Suburban." hmmmmm yeah, must have been the big bad bikers. | ||
| Gravedigger |
Josh, The Streetfighterz usually hang out down in the river bottoms (or at least they used to) This appears to have happened on south 270? I seriously have my doubts it was them. I would also be as certain that they know who it is by now and aren't saying. Keith p.s. been up to Hardin for lunch lately? when's the first Blackhawks/blues game of the year?  (Message edited by gravedigger on August 29, 2004) | ||
| Josh_ |
It was on the new "Page Ave extension" bridge between 270 and St Charles. Who knows when the next hockey season will start. Sure doesn't look good. | ||
| Banditjockey |
Hi folks. I'm new to the group and to motorcycling. Although in a year and a half I've ridden 22500 miles and counting but there is alot to be said for longevity as well. Anyway my point is to say and say again that here in the states we are in the golden age of motorcycling. We have the fastest machines available to the public ever. And I think not only are the squids doing this risking lives they are risking the very freedoms we all enjoy. It won't take long before a congressman or senator is witness or victim to one of these yahoos and you can bet your bippy there will be a real fight to limit your access to a machine that is basically track ready. It is that way in parts of europe where as i understand it age and your time in the saddle limits the amount of horse power you can opperate. | ||
| Glitch |
I'm not opposed to a graduated license program, as long as the bikes don't change. I'd also help get some small displacement bikes to be more than Rebels, Nighthawks, ect. | ||
| Josh_ |
Nothing like gasoline on a fire. Buried in the middle of Motorcycle.com's latest Sport-Touring shootout which took place near Reno: "The tomfoolery continues until Sean forces a Ford Explorer to swerve into a loaded Chevy Suburban, the later cart wheeling and rolling down the embankment while ejecting five of its unbelted passengers. We quickly flashed a few gang signs, and then left the scene before anyone could get our license numbers. Ok, so that didn't happen, but the ST1300 Honda is still faster than the K1200GT." |
