(Be careful how you play with the insane)If you saw our post yesterday on the News Conference announcing their "Ride Proud, Dress Loud" Campaign, See our post here.
And then read the Tallahassee Democrats glowing report on the event, you might think we had attended two different events. From the Democrat:
"A thunderous roar filled the Capitol Courtyard as bikers revved their engines in support of a statewide motorcyclist safety campaign launched Monday.
The idea is to get more two-wheeled riders to wear helmets and bright colors and to drive with their lights on all the time, so they're more visible and less likely to be involved in crashes.
"Because there is a huge increase in motorcycle sales, there is an increase in usage on our highways, therefore making more motorists vulnerable to other vehicles," said Electra Theodorides-Bustle, executive director of the state Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. "So we launched the campaign to educate and raise awareness in our community."
If your bike or your clothes are black, gray, beige or some other neutral color, you'll be harder to see, the speakers reminded their audience. Reflective materials and decals on your bike can help.
Col. John Czernis, of the Florida Highway Patrol, told the several dozen riders that he recently had bought a white shirt so he could be seen more easily at night when he rides.
Statewide last year, according to preliminary Highway Safety motorcycle statistics, there were 550 deaths and almost 9,000 injuries. Both numbers were up from the preceding year.
Here's an attention-getting figure handed out Monday: The 2006 Florida Traffic Crash Statistics Report stated that motorcycle riders made up about 16 percent of all Florida traffic fatalities, though they were only about 5 percent of the population.
Tallahassee resident William Belle, 43, is part of the Independent Riders club. He said he hopes this campaign builds community awareness.
"I've had three friends die due to careless drivers," he said. "This event was an excellent idea... I wish more people would have come out."
Stephanie Kopelousos, secretary of the Florida Department of Transportation, said she wants the support of everyone: "I hope more motorists feel safe on the road."
HMMMMM no mention of the dissenting voices that were their including the Associated Press reporter that asked some interesting questions. No mention of the 17 page press handout we gave them citing the research backing up our contentions. Ain't it written somewhere, PRINT THE WHOLE DAMN STORY.
FOLLOWING IS OUR JUST SENT IN LETTER TO THE EDITOR:
Regarding your coverage of the Florida Highway Safety announcement of their Ride ProudDress Loud Campaign.
Apparently our reporter missed the dissenting voices that were interviewed by other media and did not read the 17 page press packet handed out identifying the problems with this little feel good attempt at lip service to motorcycle safety.
He also apparently missed the AP reporters pertinent questions which the dignitaries tried to sidestep.
Placing the burden of responsibility on the motorcyclist for the actions of negligent, distracted drivers is not the answer.
Dealing with the negligent, distracted drivers is the answer
why was this aspect of the story not reported?
rc
http://www.bigbendbikersforfreedom.com/
The Tallahassee Democrat is the only daily newspaper in a large area. IF they are to have any integrity at all it is incumbent on them to print the whole story. Whether it fits in with their bias or not.
But then again maybe just half the truth is pertinent! Ride Free little doggiesAdd to Technorati Favorites
Oh, and don't forget, some of us were told if we didn't want to dress like "crayon boys/girls we could always paint our motorcycles a bright color...yeah right...
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