Sharing the road with two-wheelers

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By Chris Walker (Contact)

Wednesday, June 11, 2008

WHEN IT COMES to getting around town, we would not characterize Emporia as a very energy-conscious community.

People don’t typically car pool to work, public transportation is not over-utilized and biking has not become prevalent enough for bike lanes to be added to Emporia streets. When it comes to transportation, most Emporians prefer their own cars, trucks and SUVs.

But with gasoline nearing $4 a gallon, we wonder whether our community is starting to change. Recently, we have noticed more motorcycles, mopeds, motor scooters, bikes and smaller cars zipping around Emporia’s streets.

As the price of gasoline continues to climb, it is likely that more people will start riding the more fuel-efficient two-wheeled vehicles. It’s important for people to learn to keep an eye out for them.

So far this year, here have been two collisions between cars and motorcycles and three accidents with bikes in Emporia. According to Emporia Police Chief Gary Smith, it can take drivers around two months to become accustomed to driving among increased numbers of two-wheel vehicles.

To help raise awareness, the motorcyclists’ organization ABATE has been promoting its “Be Aware: Motorcycles are Everywhere” campaign with yard signs around town.

As more motorcycles, mopeds, motor scooters and bikes are on the streets of the community, why not take ABATE’s advice:

“Look twice and save a life.”

Christopher White Walker

Editor & Publisher