Fox News Report "Motorcycle Daredevils" 11/5

[motobenco]

This aired last night. Enjoy.

http://www.myfoxchicago.com/myfox/pages/Home/Detail?contentId=1393921&version=1&locale=EN-US&layoutCode=VSTY&pageId=1.1.1


Feel free to send all comments to

mark.saxenmeyer@foxchicago.com

[Woofentino Pugrossi]

Already sent my "notes" about it to them.

[jer271]

Nine out of ten times it is the stuntas like dano that are the ones crashing, and they are not racing there doing a fricking wheelie they cant control. Thats nice they pined the race community with the footege of Arron yates and Matt Maladin.

[backMARKr]

They must have gotten ALOT of feedback.....the story has been pulled from the website... ::)

[tzracer]

They must have gotten ALOT of feedback.....the story has been pulled from the website... ::)

I just watched it. Yes motorcycle fatalities are up, but they are mostly due to older riders, not kids racing bikes on the street.

[Super_KC124]

I want to ride that 160 mph Harley chopper!

[Woofentino Pugrossi]

They must have gotten ALOT of feedback.....the story has been pulled from the website... ::)

Its still there.

[motobenco]

My Response:

Although I found your piece on Motorcycle Street Racing entertaining the story was lacking in several areas.  I found the timing of the story a bit odd. Most of the motorcycling public has stored their bikes for the winter and probably won't venture out in this weather. Secondly you forgot to touch on the fact that any 16-18 year old can take a safety class and obtain a motorcycle permit. However the fact is there is nothing to stop that kid from buying a high performance motorcycle and taking it to the street without any formal training. I personally think that the Illinois' Secretary of State motorcycle test is a joke. I think we should adopt a tiered system whereas you start on a smaller bike and move up to a bigger one once you prove yourself. There are plenty of schools and trackdays within a hour of Chicago that offer the training needed to operate a motorcycle in the correct manor.

One example:

http://www.visionsportsridingschools.com/

You also failed to touch on the fact that a motorcycle can be an affordable mode of transportation and in most parts of the world are used more for commuting than pleasure.  .

I also feel that the State Police Motorcycle Squad is on outdated equipment and deserves a makeover. What kind of example does the State set when their uniforms barely offer any protection?

As for the helmet law, it's my head it's my choice.  I think Illinois would have a hard time changing that law. Although I choose to wear appropriate clothing including a leather jacket, racing boots and gloves and a full face helmet, it's still my choice.

As for the fact that most motorcycle accidents are caused by excessive speed. I would have to question that fact.  All of the close calls I have had are by inattentive drivers. Several of those were by people on their cell phone, doesn't Chicago have a law about that?  I think its about time that drivers take responsibility for their actions. The old adage " I didn't see the motorcycle", doesn't fly anymore, it doesn't work with stop signs it shouldn't be an excuse for car drivers.

How do I know all of this information? I am also an avid motorcyclist and road racer. I have done over 170 mph on a motorcycle, it happened to be on a race track with about 50 other racers around me.  I do use a motorcycle for work as well. I find it the most efficient way to maneuver around the city and with the current gas prices it's a relative bargain to fill up.

I think Mayor Daley needs to embrace motorcycles and in his ever consuming effort to make Chicago more worldly at least add dedicated parking spots for motorcycles in the loop. I find it quite annoying that tickets are given to motorcycles that split meters. However if I take a full spot I risk damage to my bike by outraged car drivers.

If you wish to make an honest report on motorcycles and the City of Chicago feel free to contact me.


Their Response:

thanks for writing, ben. you're right--it should have
been done earlier but the bosses thought it would be a
good piece for november sweeps (ratings-driven periods
for tv).

as for all the other info you mentioned--yes that would
have been good to include as well but i was :30 too
long as it was!

mark

[tshort]

Fox sucks.   

[loc_dogg]

Being that I was in Iraq and also ride/race motorcycles, I have little to no respect for main stream media. As it is a simple fact that they rarely if ever mediate anything posative, relavant or TRUE!! FU(% FOX!!!!   

[kylbie]

i have seen two other fox news productions in the last week that are neg publicity for bikers

http://www.cycleaddiction.com/forums/index.php?topic=2523.msg39433

[motobenco]

Nine out of ten times it is the stuntas like dano that are the ones crashing, and they are not racing there doing a fricking wheelie they cant control. Thats nice they pined the race community with the footege of Arron yates and Matt Maladin.

Now, let's see wasn't there a guy who was trying to "back it in" on the public roads some time ago...?