WHEN IT COMES to getting around town, we would not characterize Emporia as a very energy-conscious community.
People don’t typically car pool to work, public transportation is not over-utilized and biking has not become prevalent enough for bike lanes to be added to Emporia streets. When it comes to transportation, most Emporians prefer their own cars, trucks and SUVs.
But with gasoline nearing $4 a gallon, we wonder whether our community is starting to change. Recently, we have noticed more motorcycles, mopeds, motor scooters, bikes and smaller cars zipping around Emporia’s streets.
As the price of gasoline continues to climb, it is likely that more people will start riding the more fuel-efficient two-wheeled vehicles. It’s important for people to learn to keep an eye out for them.
So far this year, here have been two collisions between cars and motorcycles and three accidents with bikes in Emporia. According to Emporia Police Chief Gary Smith, it can take drivers around two months to become accustomed to driving among increased numbers of two-wheel vehicles.
To help raise awareness, the motorcyclists’ organization ABATE has been promoting its “Be Aware: Motorcycles are Everywhere” campaign with yard signs around town.
As more motorcycles, mopeds, motor scooters and bikes are on the streets of the community, why not take ABATE’s advice:
“Look twice and save a life.”
Christopher White Walker
Editor & Publisher
Comments
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Posted by bdprotheroe (anonymous) on June 11, 2008 at 3:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Even mass transit feels the effect of soaring gas prices, specifically when motorists curb their cars and opt for subways, trains, street cars and buses: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/25010939/. I've noticed a change in my morning and evening commute on San Francisco's MUNI; more users lined up to board already over-crowded trains and the train-operators telling us to wait for the next train. Upon boarding the train, you just hope and pray the person next to you doesn't have bad body odor. Reminds me of the old TV commericals for SURE deodorant.
Posted by dml (anonymous) on June 11, 2008 at 8:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Last night I almost hit a guy on a bicycle at 9th and Neosho about 8:45. I started to pull out from the stop sign when I just happened to notice him coming from my left as I started to pull out and hit my brakes. He did not act like he even noticed me in my white car with lights on. People on bikes need to be just as aware of motorists as motorists need to be aware of the bikes because the people on the bikes will be on the loosing end in case of an accident.
Posted by mythoughts (anonymous) on June 13, 2008 at 8:11 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I think kids on bicycles should be banned from using their cell phones while in motion. I don't know how many kids I've seen riding with one hand while talking or dialing. And when dialing, they're looking at the phone, not the road. Very inattentive, and very dangerous.
Also, bikers, please wear bright clothing. An all-black outfit on a black bike at dusk or later is just asking for trouble. And please stay off the sidewalks!
Posted by Weltha (anonymous) on June 13, 2008 at 3:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Motorcycles have just as many reflectors and lights as a small Civic size black car with tinted windows. Does that mean those people need to paint pretty little fluorescent colors all over their car before they go out at night?
Posted by esu42 (anonymous) on June 13, 2008 at 4:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I know I've started riding my bike far more often- it's cheaper, and good exercise. Unfortunately, unlike a car, it's hardly a weather-resistant activity.
Posted by apsuz (anonymous) on June 13, 2008 at 11:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Motorcycles also have headlights and taillights. But I think (my assumption, anyway) when mythought was referring to wearing "bright clothing," this person was probably referring to bicycles because they tend to not have as many reflectors or any lights. Personally, I think bicycles should come equipped with these safety features. But since they don't, if you plan on riding a bicycle at night, please invest the few dollars in some lights to make sure you are seen. And both bikers on motorcycles and bicycles should remember they are smaller and harder to see, even with lights, so there is nothing wrong with a little bit of reflective precautions.
Posted by USNretired (anonymous) on June 14, 2008 at 8:51 a.m. (Suggest removal)
My motorcycle has lights and I stop at stop signs. Many bicyclists can't say the same.
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