What should we do about all these new riders?

I think the MSF course should be mandatory. If no course is completed, riders should be limited to low CC bikes and no highway use. Caught one time on a high CC bike or on the highway and you lose your license.

I think people applying for car license should have to answer a few questions about motorcycle awareness. Motorcycle awareness should be a lesson in the drivers ed and defensive driving classes.

I know in NJ the HOV lanes are for cars with 2 or more people and motorcycles.

> What should we do?

I stay away from other riders unless I'm in a group.

> Should we have a national law that requires all new riders to take a motorcycle safety course?

Nope. The insurance price break ensures that most new riders will take the MSF course anyway.

> Should rookie riders be required to wear a rookie stripe

Nope.

> Should rookie riders be limited as to which roads they can ride?

They are already. With a learners' permit, no freeway, no night riding, and no passengers.

> Should we make the penalty harsh for folks in cars who hit folks on bikes?

I think the increase in their insurace will cover it.

> Should cities with HOV lanes allow bikes during heavy traffic?

California allows motorcycles in the HOV lanes at all times.

We were all 'rookies' once. We just have to be tolerant towards new riders. When I 'ride' I just automatically ASSUME that every other driver/rider is a newby and a homicidal maniac. I then adjust my riding style accordingly.

In some locales a motorcycle course is mandatory and I agree with that. I never had access to one when I was learning to ride and I regret that.

Rookie Stripes - pointless and unenforceable. Hell; we can't even get people to wear their helmets.

Limited road access - see above. The first thing a "squid" does is take his new crotch rocket on the highway to see 'what it will do"

As for people who hit bikers with their cars, I think there are constitutional issues that prevent the law from punishing them more severely just because they hit a bike.

And finally bikes should be allowed in the HOV lanes but only during specified hours.

Perhaps one answer would be to reach out to them. I'm sure each person who has been riding for years knows or knows of an individual who has just started riding. Instead of the veteran riders looking down on the newbies because they don't have as many ride pins or have the "right bike" maybe they could invite them to ride along with them. It's supposed to be a brotherhood remember? When your little brothers need direction give it to them. Granted, there are those who feel they don't need help and already know everything. But I believe most of the new riders want to learn as much as they can. By the way I've also seen some veteran riders who have to duck walk their bike twenty feet every time they take off. It's not just years riding but also time put into becoming a better rider.

It is a little scary. Around here it only used to be the people who were attracted to riding for riding sake that would buy a motorcycle. Their interest in riding would usually cause them to learn as much as they could and make them more aware of what all goes into it. Now people think that motorcycling is just the next step in fuel efficiency, and don't really think about what else goes into it.

I think the Motorcycle safety course is a great idea for new riders, but you only get out of it what you put in to it, and if it's mandetory, how many people will simply go through the motions without truly learning?

I like the idea of rookie restrictions, but again, some people will never learn.

Bottom line for me is that motorcycling is not for everybody(same thing for driving in general), but you can't deny someone the opportunity to prove themselves. Even the safesty riders(not always the ones with the most miles) have to share the roads with the idiots. Frankly, I'm more concerned with the 16yr old with a cell phone in a sedan.

Traditionally, the old tramp schools the new one.

We had the same phenomena during the oil extortion of the 70s. The problem is not with college students or grannys who take the MSF and commute by bike. The problem is middle age trend humpers who ride without proper training.

People getting away with killing bikers predates $4 gasoline.

Motorcycles can use HOV lanes.

Traffic law is the purview of the States, not the Feds

You sound like a rank poser, wanting more involvement by Big Brother at a time when bikers are struggling to restore the Constitution. Imagine the suggestion that only Jewish bikers should wear the stripe or that only black riders be required to use side streets.

The way I see it, a rookie on a motorcycle is much less dangerous to me than an experienced person behind the wheel of a 2 ton SUV. I do totally see your point though and there will be more accidents with all of these rookies on the road. The way it is more likely to affect folks like us is in higher insurance premiums.

I think we should treat them as we wanted people to treat us when we were rookies. Either that or kill'em Its a mighty low life S.O.B. that would say something about a Nam vet or any vet as far as that goes. Its a good thing you have a PC to hide behind,QUETA NATES. I am an old HD rider and a vet. What war were you in? Or did daddy send you to Canada you sorry piece of *&^%. I don't usally rant like this, but when some cowardly little weasely unAmerican type sissy starts putting down Vets I lose control. Imagine sharing a foxhole with a whimp like him.

NO MORE STUPID **** LAWS {PERIOD !!!!} !!! Lose more freedoms is not the answer to everything. We ALL started at one time or another and so the world turns. There will be new-bee's when we're dead and gone, like it or not. The best thing we can do is HELP EACH OTHER. If a rookie needs advise then try to help. Making a mandatory class every couple of years is asinine and it will only help the politicians get richer. Either learn to live with the rookies{which at one time it was every one of us} or find a different way to spend your time.

You were a "rookie" once too.

I think all rides should be treated the same. They should all take a safety course at least every couple of years.

Harsher penalties for people who hit someone on a bike? Ridiculous. How about all the bike riders who ride together and block traffic? Or those who weave through traffic?

Stupid drivers are stupid drivers whether they be in cars or motorcycles.

Bikers should have to follow the same laws as everyone else.