If you're wondering what the Snell Standard is all about or why Helmet Standards matter, check out these great informational videos from the Snell Memorial Foundation.
Motorcycle Etiquette
As a city girl, I find myself surrounded by a variety of motorcycle / scooter riders. I can honestly say that I've never seen people ride the way they do here.
I've gotten used to seeing the whole No Helmet, No Gear thing, given PA's lack of a helmet law. But what is really annoying is the lack of motorcycle etiquette (including scooters) that I'm used to experiencing. In addition to general lack of pedestrian and driver safety really. But I suspect that sort of thing is common in most big cities.
Tonight, I was riding home just a few blocks from my house about to pull into a gas station on my right. I'm going maybe 10-15mph and these two bikes pass me on the left inside my lane. I've NEVER had that happen when I rode in San Francisco. Ever. The one time I had someone pass me on the right while out riding my ride leader yelled at him for being such an ass (and doing that to other riders as well, not just me).
The attitudes about motorcycles and scooters here are far less serious and seem whimsical at best. I guess it's a difference in attitudes that are specific to this region. I don't know.
But what I do know is that I'll never be ok with it. And if you're one of those people who like passing your fellow motorcyclists in their lane WITHOUT permission, you're not only risking my life but yours.
Situational Awareness
I really like this article from Motorcyclist Magazine, by Ken Condon about Situational Awareness. Riding on the street is so different from riding on a closed racetrack and street riding demands your full attention.
Check it out and let me know your thoughts!
YETI Presents: Lost and Found Baja
Love this video from Dana Brown about riding Baja.
Maybe someday I'll get to ride down there with a few of my favorite women riders like Carla King and @advgoddess !
