tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20666162.post7311655020662863827..comments2024-01-30T22:53:34.269-08:00Comments on Musings of an Intrepid Commuter: irondadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17821323482397075170noreply@blogger.comBlogger8125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20666162.post-14603356491784602612007-05-12T05:30:00.000-07:002007-05-12T05:30:00.000-07:00paul,A lot of folks of various sorts are driving w...paul,<BR/>A lot of folks of various sorts are driving with no licenses or suspended ones. Obviously with no insurance, either. They purchase a cheap car with tags that are valid for a while. Many times they don't transfer the title. When they have a wreck the vehicle gets abandoned. The orginal owner then gets the official notices. There's a just way more of these than unendorsed motorcycle riders.<BR/><BR/>Free training? Interesting. How is it funded? Good on you for your support.<BR/><BR/>gary,<BR/>I get people in all the time who have failed DMV. The good news is that it humbles some of them and then they listen. Here they can't renew the permit over and over.<BR/><BR/>They don't have a drinking problem. They ride, get drunk, fall down. No problem!<BR/><BR/>bill,<BR/>Sometimes the subtle approach at the right moment is more effective than a frontal campaign. I'm pleased if this blog can help with riding skills.<BR/><BR/>steve,<BR/>Mentoring riders can be a great way to impart wisdom. Some won't come to training or even admit they need it. Inside though, they know the truth. <BR/><BR/>I like the "let me show you something that worked for me" approach.irondadhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17821323482397075170noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20666162.post-86987448925414998592007-05-11T05:14:00.000-07:002007-05-11T05:14:00.000-07:00Here in Pennsylvania the DMV test is considered da...Here in Pennsylvania the DMV test is considered daunting for the reasons you outline and I know a handful of long time riders without motorcycle licenses that will not chance their egos on that test.<BR/><BR/>I have suggested the MSF course but without much success. I think the course is fun myself and will probably take the Experienced Rider Course again this time on the GTS.<BR/><BR/>Taking Bill's lead as a new evangelizer I think when I reprint my <A HREF="http://vespalx150.blogspot.com" REL="nofollow">Scooter in the Sticks</A> cards I will print some safety information on the back about rider safety and training. Sounds like the least I can do to give back to all the riders who have offered support and advice.<BR/><BR/>Steve Williams<BR/><A HREF="http://vespalx150.blogspot.com" REL="nofollow">Scooter in the Sticks</A>Steve Williamshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04540977884513559091noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20666162.post-884828313700596652007-05-09T19:40:00.000-07:002007-05-09T19:40:00.000-07:00Thanks for the promo! I've found that I have my wo...Thanks for the promo! I've found that I have my work cut out for me. Compiling "basic" information in literature form that will not get tossed as soon as I turn my back is my first task. Getting together with one of our local instructors is a phone call away. So I'm rolling now.<BR/><BR/>Presentation will be the key to my success. Having the right info at hand will help. I've already turned someone toward your blog as a reference for cornering technique information.<BR/><BR/>It's good to have neighbors like you to fall back on. Thanks!<BR/><BR/>Have fun,<BR/>BillBill Sommershttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13830209488539036338noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20666162.post-58974428194391245902007-05-09T15:17:00.000-07:002007-05-09T15:17:00.000-07:00Here in Minnesota, we have the perpetual permit po...Here in Minnesota, we have the perpetual permit poseurs; usually Harley owners who have failed the riding test once, and are afraid to take it again. <BR/><BR/>They just go and renew their rider's permit every Spring, so they can ride from bar-to-bar with all their badass buddies. Then they drink and ride, and then they fall down. Pretty sad...<BR/><BR/>Ride well,<BR/> =gc=Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20666162.post-20978447982056720762007-05-09T00:27:00.000-07:002007-05-09T00:27:00.000-07:00That's interesting that car drivers are even worse...That's interesting that car drivers are even worse. I would guess that is because of people whose licenses are suspended or revoked and can't or won't give up driving, whereas unlicensed motorcycle use is probably because people don't care (or can't get into a class).<BR/><BR/>In Illinois you can't renew your registration without proof of insurance, and it is very expensive to get insurance if you or someone you live with has a suspended license, but no doubt there are still plenty of unlicensed drivers.<BR/><BR/>Although it is far too hard to get into a class here. I had to wait over a year. That's because it's free. I don't know why $100 or so is a big deal if you're going to spend big money on a new bike, but apparently it is. I was one of very few people in my class who let the motorcycle course fund keep my $20 registration deposit.<BR/><BR/>Cheers,<BR/>-PaulAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20666162.post-14460717355434382482007-05-08T18:40:00.000-07:002007-05-08T18:40:00.000-07:00balisada,Thanks for the feedback on the RSP. This...balisada,<BR/>Thanks for the feedback on the RSP. This is a relatively new offering for us. We take student comments into account in the refining process. I love teaching the RSP. What a blast!<BR/><BR/>jeffinny,<BR/>At first glance I could see why you have the perception you do. Keep in mind that this blog promotes commuting on two wheels. As a result, I tend to only report on things relating to bikes. Car drivers only figure in as they present hazards to riders. There are parallel projects going on with car drivers as far as licensing goes.<BR/><BR/>I appreciate the reference. I'm always interested in "big picture" things. <BR/><BR/>Car drivers have a lot further to go than motorcyclists, for sure.<BR/><BR/>Danirondadhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17821323482397075170noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20666162.post-86148302349185258792007-05-08T14:57:00.000-07:002007-05-08T14:57:00.000-07:00Hmmm, interesting. Sounds like Oregon is actively...Hmmm, interesting. Sounds like Oregon is actively discriminating against motorcyclists (civil action anyone?). According to the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials the numbers Oregon quoted are about on par with the percentage of ulicensed automobile drivers involved in FATAL accidents.<BR/><BR/>I infer from this that a) The Oregon motocyclist may actually be MORE likely to be licensed than the average US motorist, and b) this data indicates that their should be an unbiased focus on getting all drivers properly licensed.<BR/><BR/>Unlicensed fatality data:<BR/>http://safety.transportation.org/htmlguides/USR/intro.htm<BR/><BR/>JeffAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20666162.post-82014987449168752682007-05-08T09:31:00.000-07:002007-05-08T09:31:00.000-07:00Yes, the class is a great deal.It's a short, inten...Yes, the class is a great deal.<BR/><BR/>It's a short, intensive course offered by instructors who work for an accredited group (Team Oregon).<BR/><BR/>So that means that when I took the class, I got actual facts and not opinion, (which I would have gotten, had I had one of my relatives teach me to ride). <BR/><BR/>And after you have taken the Basic Rider Course, get some experience, and come back later for the Rider Skills Practice. It's even funner (That know-it-all who always seems to be in every beginning class, is absent in this one).<BR/><BR/>That figure 8 thing, in the Rider Skills Practice, where we were riding and watching for each other was wild, and I liked the fact that we could follow along in the book, but I wish that more of the range diagrams were in it, because one of the range tests was difficult to grasp.<BR/><BR/>The Basic Skills class also has the added benefit of the beginning rider seeing other riders who are just as inexperienced and lacking in confidence as they are. So the beginning rider is not thinking that they are somehow 'irregular'.<BR/><BR/>Ta!<BR/>BalisadaBalisadahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08836878587693331978noreply@blogger.com