Women are Riding Motorcycles in Greater Numbers

More and more women are getting off the back seat and climbing on the front seat of a motorcycle. Most are learning in special training classes. Here's an excerpt from a story and video from FOX 13 TV in Tampa Bay:

"Tammy Perkins is enamored when she gets on her motorcycle. 'It is freedom,' she said. Perkin's husband bought her a bike for Mother's Day. It is something she has wanted since she was a kid. Now that she is 40, and the youngest of her kids is out of high school, Perkins thinks she deserves it." -- Ken Suarez, FOX 13 News Polk County Reporter

Read more of this story and watch the video.

For more about women riders, check out Women in Motorcycling.

Military Personnel Advised to Ride Safe in the Spring

It's May Motorcycle Awareness Time again. All the major publications are advising motorists to watch out for motorcycles. But the military has the same problem on its bases. At Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst in New Jersey, they take extra precautions to train their personnel in safe riding techniques and to promote safe riding including wearing proper protective riding apparel. Here's an excerpt from an article on their website by Staff Sgt. Carlton Anthony:

"No one expects to be seriously injured or die in a motorcycle mishap when Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst warriors begin hitting the roadways. Unfortunately, every spring the number of motorcycle mishaps spike due to several factors: inexperience, risky riding, alcohol, speed, distractions and fatigue. All these factors are preventable and may lead to fewer accidents during this time of year." -- Staff Sgt. Carlton Anthony

Read more of this article.