The Misunderstood Motorcycle Rider - Essay Example

Initially, relevant statistics would be provided as a brief overview of motorcycle riders in the United States, prior into delving on the reasons for preference in this mode of transportation. The pros and cons of this particular endeavor would thereby be detailed, with specific support and references from riders who are members of identified registered motorcycle clubs in the country. Finally, a concluding portion would highlight the points that were discussed and present personal ideas based on the evaluation of issues that were expounded.

Brief Overview of Motorcycle Riding The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) is an organization that has been tasked to monitor data and information pertinent to motorcycle riders in the United States (NHTSA). Its mission is explicitly stated as “reducing crash-related injuries and fatalities while ensuring the highest standards of safety on the nation's roadways” (NHTSA par. 1). There were reportedly “an estimated 7 million motorcycles on the US roadways each year, compared to approximately 130 million passenger cars” (NHTSA par. 2). .

emergency department (ED) for a non-fatal motorcycle-related injury” (par. 2), noted as an all time unprecedented high for motorcycle deaths that were exhibited and compared to other motor vehicle crash data during the stipulated period. Despite the alarming figures, there are riders who have signified preference for motorcycles for reasons discussed below. Benefits of Motorcycle Riding In a study written by Lawrence, Max & Miller for the NHTSA on “Costs of Injuries Resulting from Motorcycle Crashes”, the authors effectively revealed that motorcycles are comparatively categorized as one of the most cost efficient vehicles in terms of the amount and volume of fuel consumption needed to cover a destined location.

Likewise, motorcycles provide speed and easy options to manuever through tight spaces between vehicles and other travel areas. In addition, joining motorcycle clubs have added benefits in terms of achieving some specifically identified mission or goals. For U.S. Military Vets MC (Michigan) club, for example, their organization which was reportedly established in 1987 explicitly stated the following objectives, to wit: “* To provide a club for qualified military veterans, which offers brotherhood and an opportunity to establish relationships with other military veterans who have served in the defense of the United States of America.

* To establish and support a strong sense of pride in having served in the active military service of the United States of America. * To improve the image of military veterans and bikers to the general public” ( U.S. Military Vets MC (Michigan) 1). From their set of objectives, it was apparent that joining a motorcycle club provides the