They defend these actions?

The growing interest in motorcycles with the current economy is understandable.
The growing culture of the Sport Bike is acceptable.
The increasing use of the highways for the sport bike "show-off" is INSANE!

As an instructor of safe driving and with our focus on awareness. I find it appropriate to WARN YOU about the sport bike Bozo, who rides his two-wheel "rocket", on one wheel down rush hour highways. That's right rush hour highways. These types are usually 17-30 year old males, who defend their actions, regardless of the obvious hazard. (women are integrating into this also) Recently, on a busy Texas metro freeway, one of these "dudes" caused a fatality accident and never knew it. He was traveling at an estimated 120 mph+, weaving through traffic, when one of his sudden lane changes caused a chain reaction collision of 5 vehicles. This resulted in one teen driver being killed. Ironic maybe, sad definitely.
Besides the speed factor of these sport bikes, the maneuverability and relatively reasonable price are the attractant. The owner can quickly become socially accepted and then learn the "art" of sport bike from any parents worst nightmare. These young people, fueled by NO FEAR, learn some impressive tricks on these things and before you know it they are out on some street trying them out. Search You Tube for these guys and you'll spend most of your day viewing some flicks that will have you scratching your head. Now I love a good exhibition of speed and great handling, however, I prefer it to be in the right venue, NOT on the highway I share with them.

I recently had a chance to talk with a few young men in this culture and hear them actually speak positively about what they do. I asked all of them (7) if they thought what they did was safe. All said "sure." One of them stated, that he felt he had better control of his bike on one wheel, than most car drivers have on 4! OK?! As the discussion continued, I got the vibe, these guys feel like the bikes were made for road racing so, why not do what they do on the road? I asked them "What about the other people on the freeway?" They said they are aware of them, but since they have the size advantage to keep moving between lanes and on shoulders that they should have the right to keep moving forward. Huh?! So, again they find a way to justify themselves. When I asked them if they had any friends die while riding one, 5 of the 7 said yes and 1 said his brother had been killed while performing a difficult rear wheel "wheelie" in traffic. Ya think?!

Neighbors, these kind of people are out sharing the roads with us. It has become apparent, that if we want to avoid an incident with one of these "YAHOO's", we are going to have be fully involved in our driving task. There will no room distraction or bad judgment. As much as I understand where they are coming from, I still can NOT defend their actions.

Please commute with this new information fresh on your minds. If you see these guys, usually traveling in "packs", please adjust your driving and hope they do not involve you in one of their "tricks"

Thanks for reading and keep your eyes moving!