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Janet's avatar

Harley Davidson is losing its reliable market—boomers who could afford to buy them. It’s a bauble that most younger men can’t afford Nor want. They were so stupid to go DEI. My hubby had one—when he was in his 20’s. Then went for British bikes. He’s almost 78 now and still wants to ride the smaller bike he has. Im just about ready to hide his keys. People drive like maniacs out there.

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NAB's avatar

Driving skills have deteriorated significantly I think in part due to cell phones (i.e. distracted driving) and also since Covid (loss of social cohesion).

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Super Happy's avatar

In my small town, I see a huge uptick in distracted driving. You don't dare start through an intersection when the light turns green until you wait a tad longer to make sure no one is running through the red light. Heads up out there🙂

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Juju's avatar

Same!

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Valerie's avatar

Honestly, 98% of the time when I’m behind someone driving way too slow (10-15 mph below the speed limit), there’s a 98% chance they’re on their phone. The other 2% are elderly and I’m ok with that. I’d rather someone drive slow when they know their reflexes aren’t what they used to be than drive faster than they feel like they can safely.

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RunningLogic's avatar

I’d add illegal immigrants to that list. No license and no respect for laws.

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Maggie Think of Me's avatar

Do our laws apply to them.... I mean they beat the smithereens out of two cops in NYC and were freed without bail in less than 24 hours.

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wily_coyote-genius's avatar

I’m a past ER nurse. You have it right! People are maniacs out there and I’m not necessarily talking about the motorcycle drivers. They seem to be the safer of the two! Saw some pretty wicked survivors of accidents

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J Boss's avatar

Fear is a powerful motivator and focuses the mind. As a cycle rider, first thing that scares the crud out of you is when you nearly get hit bc the car driver didn't see you.

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Kathleen Janoski's avatar

Pennsylvania doesn't require riders to wear a helmet.

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Robin Greer's avatar

But you will be pulled over and ticketed for no seat belt. Makes total sense.

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Janet's avatar

Neither does Illinois. He still wears one and a neon orange vest. But drivers still don’t see them nor allow that they may be coming to a through intersection faster than the car drivers think. He has some stories, that’s for sure. He came over a country hill with another motorcyclist ahead of him. The cyclist ahead hit the tractor going across the road. Killed instantly. Hubby had to lay his bike down to stop. He had leathers and helmet on so he was not injured badly.

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Kathleen Janoski's avatar

I cringe every time I see someone riding in shorts and sneakers.

Should be wearing leathers and sturdy boots.

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Maggie Think of Me's avatar

And, long sleeves!

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PEL's avatar
Aug 20Edited

Speeding on crotch rockets no less!

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RunningLogic's avatar

I had a motorcycle come up behind me as I was passing another vehicle on the highway and proceed to go between us to pass us both. He was coming up so fast that I only saw him at the last minute as I was getting ready to change lanes again and go back into the right lane. If I hadn’t double checked before I moved over, I’d have run right smack into him, and probably killed him 😞 It was very dangerous and foolish of him to pass in the middle like that 😕 I try to be careful and respectful of motorcycles and all other drivers on the road, but other people need to do their part too (not saying your husband isn’t, your post just reminded me of that very scary incident 😕).

I actually don’t mind there not being a helmet law in Indiana, it should be up to people to decide to take the risk or not. Seatbelts should be the same imo. People should know the risks but make their own decisions. I’m honestly sick of nanny state laws to “keep us safe.” It’s a slippery slope.

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TW's avatar

We have riders in our family and they are sick of the 'new' riders too. Probably a mixture of young and/or immigrants, they don't know/care to follow the rules

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Fla Mom's avatar

RL, if the rest of society weren't financially responsible for them when they were brain damaged or crippled, I'd agree.

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Robin Greer's avatar

Not to scare motorcycle riders, but my prosthetist says behind diabetics who smoke (they have a 100% certainty of losing their legs), motorcycle riders keep him in business.

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Fla Mom's avatar

Robin, motorcycle riders were called "organ donors" when I was in medical school.

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