albqsusieq from Albuquerque showing what I and others would consider “perfect” riding apparel.

I just read an article written by a women, who purported to have a near collision with a motorcycle that she simply “did not see”. I am mulling this around in my brain asking myself, what more can we do to be seen by automobile drivers. We now have hi-vis gear, taller machines that place us evenly with cars, tons of reflective stickers, some have loud pipes (though I can’t be convinced that noise protects us). Many motorcycles are painted bright colors, our helmets are unusually graphic and bright, our ability to dart out of the way and our riding skills are probably the most important factor in avoiding a collision. But here in plain English is a woman who sez she was neither on a cell phone, nor listening to a car radio when she blatantly pulled out in front of an oncoming motorcycle, not seeing him/her. Why? People see bicycles, they see pedestrians, why not motorcycles?

This is further proof that we must keep in mind that we are indeed invisible. People do NOT see us. This is another grim reminder why the news if filled with motorcycle accidents and fatalities. Ride with vigilance and open eyes, whether it’s in your home turf or out on the open road. We simply CAN NOT be seen and as sorry as she was provides another facet to the gem of danger we place ourselves in each time we ride. Keep that in mind, m’friends.

For more reading on this subject please check bestscenicroutes.com.