PowellB
Junior Member
As I sat to edit last year's SoCal ride video on my old computer, I checked an old car news bookmark and ran across this article:
Cops and sportbikers: somebodys gonna hurt someone
I think most of us have seen the video where the rider cornered and accosted at gunpoint for some minor traffic violations -but I hadn't heard about the incident where a few riders taunted a bleeding police officer after he rolled his car during a pursuit.
That disturbs me. All you hoons in WA state, be careful. A few riders have given a bad name to our larger and generally more human community and left a real sour taste in the mouth of law enforcement, let alone the general population.
Not saying I'm an angel on the street, but I like to think I know when a little fun is supposed to give way to caution, respect, and general compassion for other motorists and their right to live. I don't mean to fan flames by posting this article, just hope y'all give it a read and think about it next time you are in a position to influence the public's view of our sportbike community.
The essay is worth a read through. After reading the source article for the WA incident, that the State Trooper spokesperson pointed out that: "Typically, our Harleys don’t cause any trouble. They’re riding around trying to be safe," -gives you an idea of what their state of mind might be.
/rant. back to video converting...
Did a quick search on the forum, didn't see it posted. Sorry if I'm mistaken.
Cops and sportbikers: somebodys gonna hurt someone
"As I scan the motorcycling-related news lately, I have the feeling that American cops and sportbikers are engaged in a game of poker where neither party can resist raising the stakes. Hot on the heels of the sportbiker who was run onto the shoulder and threatened with a pistol by somebody who later on identified himself as a cop we have a story about a Washington State trooper who crashed while chasing stunt riders and was then taunted by those same riders as he lay bleeding by the side of the road."
I think most of us have seen the video where the rider cornered and accosted at gunpoint for some minor traffic violations -but I hadn't heard about the incident where a few riders taunted a bleeding police officer after he rolled his car during a pursuit.
That disturbs me. All you hoons in WA state, be careful. A few riders have given a bad name to our larger and generally more human community and left a real sour taste in the mouth of law enforcement, let alone the general population.
"Put aside the fact that the Washington State Trooper who crashed his cruiser was operating his vehicle way outside of his personal talent zone, and that he could have murdered a family with his irresponsible actions. If you think being buzzed by a motorcycle is scary, trying being hit by a Crown Vic doing a buck-twenty. This fellow will be the rallying point for troopers who are tired of being laughed at by these young men with their bad-ass literbikes and thong-wearing, tatted-up girlfriends."
Not saying I'm an angel on the street, but I like to think I know when a little fun is supposed to give way to caution, respect, and general compassion for other motorists and their right to live. I don't mean to fan flames by posting this article, just hope y'all give it a read and think about it next time you are in a position to influence the public's view of our sportbike community.
The essay is worth a read through. After reading the source article for the WA incident, that the State Trooper spokesperson pointed out that: "Typically, our Harleys don’t cause any trouble. They’re riding around trying to be safe," -gives you an idea of what their state of mind might be.
/rant. back to video converting...
Did a quick search on the forum, didn't see it posted. Sorry if I'm mistaken.