The History of the Biker Stereotype
The biker stereotype started almost 60 years ago, when Life Magazine ran an article with staged photos hyping a relatively minor incident following an American Motorcycle Association event in Hollister, California. Not long after that, Marlon Brando created the biker "Johnny" in the movie "Wild One", and the rest is history.
There is a consensus that the actual number of "bad biker" motorcyclists is small. The term "One Percenter" is a reference to the statement that less than 1% of riders are fairly characterized as "bikers".
Nonetheless, even bikers themselves have perpetuated the myth of the "bad biker". Loud pipes, dress that mimics the movie character bikers, motorcycles that are modified to have the look, and customs of some of the riding groups, all contribute to the perception that there are many more outlaw riders than there could possibly be.
The few notorious motorcycle clubs are routinely the subject of police surveillance, and the remaining members of those long ago outlaw groups are now in their 70's.
In the 60's, the Japanese led the public relations change, with Honda's slogan "You meet the nicest people on a Honda". Smaller motorcycles, few with accessories, were coupled with a clean cut All American image, and the tide began to turn.
Today, there are more riders than ever before, and it is a mixed bag. For one thing, there is more diversity in motorcycle riders than ever before. If you include scooters, the riding community runs from art students on scooters, to big baggers with huge v-twins and tens of thousands of dollars worth of accessories and custom paint jobs.
Understandably, the automotive public has a wide range of views on motorcycle riders. On the one hand, loud pipes, lane sharing (legal in some states), and super fast sport bikes blasting past autos in traffic create a negative response. On the other hand, there is an underlying belief in motorcyclists as a modern day cowboy. Frequently the motorist that needs help on the road finds it in the form of a motorcycle rider, as the motorcycle culture encourages a camaraderie that includes helping each other.
In short, there is a broad spectrum, and most people recognize it. Generally, riders are more conscious of safety than ever. There are more riders taking MSF courses, more is required in the way of training to get a motorcycle license, and the riding community is constantly exposed to riding and safety material. Even the clothing has been much improved, with helmet standards, and the European Standards for protective armor in clothing having an impact on American riders.
That said, there will always be those on the fringe. New riders particularly seem to test the capabilities of their motorcycles, and the bikes themselves are faster and better handling than ever. Ultra fast motorcycles allow those riders who choose to do so to blast past cars at a truly frightening speed.
Drivers in cars continue to turn in front of motorcycles, or cross into their lane of travel without warning. A steady stream of incidents and near incidents results. Rarely, but occasionally, a rude or angry driver will deliberately cut off a motorcycle, or tailgate to show displeasure. Some will move in their lane to stop a rider from lane splitting through traffic.
With cell phones in proliferation, there does not seem to be a discernable decline in the number of incidents involving cars that cut off a motorcycle. Statistically, motorcycle deaths are up, although no one seems to know why. Theories include older riders, faster motorcycles, more motorcycle miles being travelled per year, and so forth, but the studies are only beginning.
Studies have shown that riders who take a motorcycle safety foundation course, have a far lower rate of accidents for six months after completion. With more riders than ever taking these courses, it is fair to say that the bulk of the motorcycle community is riding more safely. The proliferation of motorcycles in advertising of everything from fashion clothing to financial planning attests to the fact that motorcycling continues to improve its image. Motorcycle manufacturer Ducati, for example, lent its name and design identity to a high fashion line of luggage.
Many older riders are now executives, leading to the statement that "motorcycling is the new golf". Motorcycle lawyer Michael Padway of San Francisco has discovered many times that he was riding in a group that included Hewlett Packard Vice Presidents, or the owners of known major corporations. Malcolm Forbes, of Forbes Magazine was a rider. Jay Leno is famous for it. Willie Nelson is becoming associated with it. Even President Bush has made it a regular event to meet with motorcycle groups.
About Michael Padway
Michael Padway - http://www.michaelpadway.com/ - is an experienced motorcycle lawyer specializing in motorcycle accident cases. He has represented hundreds of motorcycle accident victims and works to bring his clients the best settlements possible in a timely and efficient manner. Because Michael is a motorcycle rider himself, he understands the ins and the outs of motorcycle accidents and what is needed to win his cases. Injured motorcycle riders can call Michael Padway & Associates, California motorcycle injury accident attorneys at 415-777-1511, or visit MichaelPadway.com.
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