what i wrote:
Now that the warm weather has finally descended upon the area I'd like to take a moment to raise awareness for motorcycles. The season is early yet already there have been an onslaught of reports of accidents involving motorcycles and inattentive drivers.
I ask all motorists to please remember that when you approach any intersection be sure to "look twice and save a life." I can assure you as a rider myself that motorcyclists will do everything in their power to make themselves visible to automobiles.
Please be courteous and share the road so that we may all have a safe and enjoyable summer riding season.
Kimberly Storm
Hanover
here's the dumb bitch's response:
Ms. Kimberly Storm in her letter of June 15 asks that drivers be courteous and attentive in regard to motorcyclists, which most drivers are. By its very nature, motorcycle riding is a risky business. Not all accidents involve unhelmeted riders; however, the motorcycle lobby has achieved insanity ensconced in law with PA's no helmet passage (see The Evening Sun front-page article of June 13 for grim statistics).
Motorcyclists also need to commit to their side of the equation by greatly modifying their behavior regarding the horrendous noise assault inflicted throughout the area. I have a letter from Harley-Davidson Motor Company, dated May 22, 2008, stating that HD is "sympathetic to the growing public concern related to noise in general and motorcycle noise in particular." If so, they need to demonstrate this by leading a "quiet revolution" among their fans.
In an absurd understatement, A.B.A.T.E. of PA says in their current position paper, "Not everyone appreciates the sound emitted by bikes fitted with after-market pipes that increase sound levels and especially those that run straight pipes." A.B.A.T.E. then goes on to pass the buck by clearly implying we should not look to them for corrective leadership (
www.abatepa.org).
The American Motorcyclist Association in their current position paper "Voluntary Sound Management" lists prohibitions and affirmations involving manufacturers, retailers, riders, law and law enforcement. These are their "recommendations,"
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not a call to action, and thus are largely ignored (
www.AMADirectlink.com).
Remaining staunchly in denial that their behavior is offensive, a majority of riders throughout our streets, parks (Codorus is virtually ruined) and public venues, send this message: Here I am, angry, aggressive, and attention-grabbing; mean, macho and megadecibeled. I rev, therefore I am. I've got a right to roar, baby, everywhere, at any hour, even in the presence of babies and small children.
Welcome to our brave new world, from coast to coast. It is said that if we don't like the way the world is we should change it; in regard to this issue, how, God help us, how?
Sharon L. Narushoff
Hanover
direct your responses to www.eveningsun.com.