Motorcyclists labeled as organ-donors

[DRU2]

September 22, 2004 – If you believe Chicago Sun-Times columnist Neil Steinberg, motorcycle riders are pretty sure bets to become organ donors simply because they ride motorcycles.

As a motorcycle rider, you know that's not true. But if you're not a motorcyclist, like most of his readers, you may take the ill-informed comment to heart. What's worse, Steinberg thinks it's a joke.

In a column with the headline "Hop on a motorcycle, fill out your donor card," that appeared in the September 22 issue of the Chicago Sun-Times, Steinberg wrote: "Why are there many more heart transplants performed in the summer than in the winter?

"It's one of my favorite brain teasers, good to toss out at parties. It almost always stumps people." he wrote. "I like to give them a moment to think hard, squirm, then give up, before I spring the answer -- so obvious in retrospect:

"Motorcycles."

Steinberg goes on to say in his column that he has daydreamed about getting a motorcycle but abandons the thought when he thinks about hitting "the twig, or pothole, or whatever" that would "send me flipping into the guardrail, the flash of which would be my last sight on Earth."

Steinberg added: "Besides, there are already too many dumpy middle-aged guys racing on motorcycles, dreaming they're something they're not."

Outraged, AMA Public Information Director Tom Lindsay dashed off a quick e-mail to Steinberg to set him straight.

"Speaking on behalf of this nation's seven million motorcyclists, we found your characterization of motorcyclists-as-organ-donors insulting and ill-informed. Perhaps your intent was dark humor or tongue-in-cheek commentary -- but comments like yours are irresponsible and promote a malicious and unjustified bias against motorcyclists.

"Motorcyclists are doctors and lawyers, office staff and factory workers, and probably your colleagues at the Sun-Times. We're among the most safety-conscious motorists on America's highways," Lindsay wrote. "And while you're making light of the recent increase in fatalities, responsible motorcyclists -- and responsible journalists -- are joining us in an effort to reduce them.

"Please set the record straight with your readers. We look forward to reading your retraction."

Steinberg's response: "Thank you for your comment. There will be no retraction."

If you would like to let Chicago Sun-Times columnist Neil Steinberg know how you feel about his column, you may e-mail him at nsteinberg@suntimes.com.

© 2004, American Motorcyclist Association
 

[EM JAY]

   I really hate reading that s$!t...I'll be sending comments for sure.  My best friend died in a motorcycle "accident", he got hit by a car and the guy took off, his eyes were donated, not his heart, altho everyone who knew him knew it was made of gold.

[spyderchick]

Here's what I wrote:

Mr. Einburg,

                        As a motorcyclist, a former amateur racer, in a family of racers, I found your article to be offensive and ill informed. Movies like Torque and Biker Boyz, along with drivel like your "article", are promoting a poor image of motorcycling in general, and in the very least, promote fear where education is the answer.

            I am someone who provides services to the motorcycling community at large. I find that as a rule, most enthusiasts are safe, and promote safety. For example, racers take their riding gear so seriously, they spend thousands of dollars on it every year. Helmets, gloves, boots, leathers and a back protector can run easily $2000-2500, just to get yourself geared up to go race. That's at the amateur level, the pros spend 3-5 times that a season, or find the sponsorship to offset the cost. These same racers will have their friends and family gear up as well.

            However, having the proper gear is not enough. Most racers think the street is much more dangerous than the track. Why? Because folks in cars think they don't have to pay attention. Case in point: a 21 yr old street riding friend of my racing daughter was coming home from work in an urban area. Riding the speed limit and wearing a nice Snell/DOT approved helmet, he met with fatal injuries. A driver who wasn't paying attention made a left hand turn in front of his motorcycle and crushed his helmet thus causing traumatic brain injury. Yes, he became an organ donor.

            Case 2: My daughter was riding near her home when she was struck by an SUV. He failed to see her as he changed lanes. She stopped, a witness stopped, as she was forced up the curb into a light post. Uninjured, she chased the vehicle down that did not stop after hitting her. She tried to get his attention by yelling at him to pull over. She then had to pound on his door, which made him angry. Bottom line? He didn't even KNOW he had hit her and her bike! He then apologized. If it hadn't been for her racing experience going elbow to elbow with fast riders on the track, and having the experience of dealing with how her machine worked, it could have been much worse. My daughter weighs about 100 pounds soaking wet. Other than her skill with the bike, she doesn't stand a chance against an SUV. Yeah, right, another irresponsible organ donor. Good riddance, because they are stupid enough to ride a motorcycle. Right? WRONG! There is accountability to be had, and many times that falls on the driver of the auto.

            I'm not saying that there are not irresponsible riders out there, just that your article paints anyone on two wheels with a motor in this broad stroke. The AMA, the racing community, and the MSF all take rider safety seriously. It's not a joke. We need to promote and educate everyone on rider safety. I'm sure if you would like to check the facts, any one (or several) of the motorcycling organizations around the country would be more than happy to enlighten you. You could then write a fresh, new article. Educate yourself before you cause any more harm.

[boo181]

stated perfectly Alexa

[EM JAY]

  Thanks Alexa!  Very well said!

[EmerWil]

I simply wrote:

 you are a jackass....

[StumpysWife]

There was no point to his "collumn" except to get a rise out of people he dislikes.  It doesn't seem he has sources or facts to back up his argument.  It's just opinion, and has no point.  

He'll get no attention from me.

Heather