I Wasn’t Worried

Occasionally, Cuz needs to speak up. This is one of those occasions.

I wasn’t worried when I started hearing all the hype brought back from Hardtail a few years ago about the end-of-life legislation for vehicles that was being introduced in Europe. After all, that was Europe, and this couldn’t possibly happen in the United States – Land of the Free. I was totally convinced this was a way to ruffle a few feathers in order to keep us all engaged and that even if it was happening in Europe, we would never let that happen here. Then came the talk about the Last Motorcycle on Earth and even after watching the movie, I thought a lot of it was staged to get a rise out of bikers. Onward and Upward – we started hearing about E15 and how it could become difficult in finding stations that would carry fuel that we legally need to use in our motorcycles in order to keep the manufacturer’s warranty intact and have our engines perform as they are meant to… and of motorcycle only check point profiling that we are still fighting to stop today, and are still in the process of making legislators aware of what’s really happening on the streets. Then we heard about what happened to a faction of cyclists in Waco. Now, it’s automated vehicles being tested on our roadways with little or no consideration for the motorcyclist and how that autonomous vehicle will react to motorcycles. Do they “SEE” us? Will we get crash reports? Time will tell. We are being told that motorcycles are being considered but are not a priority… at least not yet. Why Not? Wisconsin DOT’s own Connect 2050 project did not put a motorcycle icon on their poster. Subliminal message?

Somehow, I still don’t really think this will happen. Am I naïve? Maybe, but I have faith in our organization and the officers that lead us in the fight for the preservation of motorcycling and I believe that by making our voices heard we can, and will, make a difference. We need to make a difference in order to prevent these things from affecting the ride. We really need to start paying attention. We need to start paying attention, because there is nothing better than being on a bike on a country road, becoming one with nature, feeling that wind in your hair, and the sun on your face. That, in no uncertain terms, is church.

I recently heard about the new legislation being handed down in California banning the use of small off-road engines. Another step towards extinction?

I wasn’t worried, But I am now.

“Cuz”