Published: April 11, 2006 11:56 pm      

Veteran motorcyclist is willing to assume risks

I am a lifelong motorcyclist now 55 years old and the owner of many motorcycles over the years and the owner of many very happy memories of the miles I have traveled. I also have a few scars and the memories of a few broken bones from my motorcycle adventures. So I do feel qualified to comment (“If safety is the objective, outlaw motorcycles,” Thursday, April 6).

Motorcycles are not inherently dangerous. Operation by untrained or unskilled riders is dangerous. Also, operation by overly enthusiastic or overly inebriated riders is highly dangerous.

If safety on the highways is the real issue here, shouldn’t we also be taking a look at modern cars with over 250 horsepower that are capable of more than 150 mph? And do we really want teenagers still in high school driving these cars?

Do we want soccer moms who have never driven anything larger than a Honda Civic driving a 5,000-pound sport-utility vehicle? Isn’t there a danger that they will hit someone in a smaller car?

Accidents happen. Motorcycle accidents can hurt. I still choose to ride.

Do you really want to tell me that I can’t choose to ride my bike? Or tell a young man who has worked hard and saved his money that he can’t buy a Mustang? Or tell your wife she can’t have an SUV because we all want to be safe?

One of my favorite riding shirts says, “I REFUSE TO TIPTOE THRU LIFE ONLY TO ARRIVE SAFELY AT DEATH.” I don’t ask you to agree with my life’s choices, but I do ask you allow me to live my life as I choose.

Alex Fleury

LaFollette, Tenn.