Thanks for Riding a Motorcycle
Here’s the story of how MOTORCYCLES OK was born.
I think it may have started with a very used Honda 90; my first motorcycle. The guys at Gear Patrol place it at the top of the most iconic bikes list for good reason. Over 60 million (yes, you read that right) have been produced. I was never able to kill mine. I remember selling it. The test drive left the block in an uncharacteristic haze of blue oil smoke. The guy still bought it.
I was part of the generation that grew up through the transition of British bikes giving way to the unstoppable developments of the Japanese models. There will always be a special cachet to British marques, but it took the Japanese to bring motorcycling to the masses. Along the way, they gave us unprecedented dirt bike performance and the coolest mini-bikes ever made.
As the miles have unfolded through a lifetime of work and family obligations, motorcycles have always been a part of my life. Not just a time in my life. When I got married, my lovely bride said I could have any motorcycle as long as it’s free. I’ve had four free motorcycles. She rolls her eyes every time I mention it. I’m also a motorcyclist, not a biker. There’s difference in how you approach riding. Motorcyclists tend to be rather anonymous. While they live for the ride and the passion, they are less concerned about the chrome or making a lifestyle statement. Motorcyclists are the silent majority that will change perceptions of motorcycling.
We have reached a point in the BC lower mainland of having issues unique from the rest of Canada; congestion, density, projected population growth, and a favourable riding climate. Clearly, getting around this finite area will have its challenges going forward. At no time has there been a better opportunity for a voice of motorcycling as part of the solution. That voice covers safety, training, roads, emissions, parking and awareness around sharing the road. Along the way, Motorcycles OK won’t lose the other key aspect. Motorcycles are still the coolest bit of daily adventure you can get.
Other jurisdictions have launched discussion at the parliamentary level. Check out Senator Leyonhjelm of Australia, who thanks Australia’s motorcyclists for reducing congestion, reducing emissions, and reducing infrastructure wear and tear – among other things:
Couldn’t have said it better myself.
Repeat “MOTORCYCLES OK” to any audience. Let’s make it part of the social fabric.
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To Whom it May Concern: Hi there. I tried to join Motorcycles OK but in doing so it seems the only way is to open a pay pal account. I’m not comfortable doing that and in reading previous to that, I believe it was stated I need not open a pay pal account and could pay with credit card without opening said account. This doesn’t seem to be the case. As such my payment didn’t seem to go thru but notification to me letting me know said to wait and see if it went thru. A bit confusing but now waiting to see what happens. All said, it seems if you want to join you have no option but to join pay pal. I’m sure I read in your invitation to join it was not necessary to do that. Perhaps I read it wrong, but if not, that info would appear to be incorrect. Thanks for reading.
These kinds of things have been tried in BC in the past but soon disappear despite their good intentions.
I think that BCCOM has dropped the ball. I think they focus too much on the political stuff (not that advocacy is not political per say), but they could be doing way more to champion the cause for all bikers in BC. They say they are but I don’t think so. For instance, I find it interesting that BCCOM is not listed as a RoadSafeBC partner but Motorcyclesok is. I wonder why that is? If you look at the list of partners, many advocate motorcycle awareness and safety and that’s a good thing.
If I’m reading the stats correctly, motorcycling in BC (especially in the Lower Mainland) is growing as a utility mode of transportation and not just recreation. Everyone who uses the road needs to be educated about motorcycles for everyone’s benefit. More needs to be done. And let’s get lane filtering in place asap.
I will join Motorcycles OK and I will also spread the word.
-Rob
Thanks for the note. You are right in the view that everyone needs to be educated. That will be even more important if the idea is to get more riders on the road.