Another Media Jackass Wants to put the Hurt on Motorcyclists
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2005
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From: Illinois, good ol' USA
RE: Another Media Jackass Wants to put the Hurt on Motorcyclists
Good idea on the feedback... here is the letter I sent. I hope everyone on this forum (and others) takes a few minutes to voice their displeasure with this idiot and any others we run across. Good post! We don't want to lose our rights because of a butt-munch like this.
I just read a column entitled "Airing Of Grievances" by Douglas Simpson. A link to the on-line story was posted in a motorcycle forum that I go to daily.
I hope that Mr. Simpson's remarks are not taken to heart by some of your readers and they decide to carry out his fantasy of intentionally injuring or killing a motorcyclist by opening his car door directly in their path.
I can understand his disappointment at certain INDIVIDUALS who ride their bikes in an unlawful manner, but to publicly say he wants to intentionally cause harm to unknown individuals is plain irresponsible. I hope that his column does not end up causing a lawsuit against Mr. Simpson and your paper.
Does Mr. Simpson believe that a speeder in a Ford driving down the road should be executed? Does he then believe that ALL people driving Ford's meet with the same fate?
I am 47 years old and I ride a sportbike. I have a wife and family, I have worked at the same company for over 10 years, and I also ride a Goldwing. I have traveled all over this great country on my bikes and I adhere to all traffic laws and drive the speed limit -- not 100% of the time however, because when I drive the speed limit, I generally anger most automobile drivers. You see, most automobile drivers do not drive the speed limit, and God help you if you are only on 2 wheels and they think you are holding them up by obeying the law. They will get on your tail and do their best to initmidate you and make you go faster -- even if you are in the furthest right-hand slow lane.
Maybe Mr. Simpson believes that all motorists other than himself should have some bodily harm done to them so that he could have the road all to himself and not have to sit in dense 5pm traffic. Heaven help us if Mr. Simpson is somehow inconvenienced -- he will publicly call for the early demise of all of us by his own hand.
Mr. Simpson should try riding a bike to work for just one week. Then he can see first hand why the TV ads were encouraging people to "Keep an eye open for motorcyclists". He would be surpised how many times people look right through you and pull out or turn right in front of you.
Maybe a bunch of law-abiding motorcyclists in your area of Texas should pay Mr. Simpson a visit -- only to escort him around town and see that no harm comes to him. I certainly wouldn't want to advocate vigilantism as Mr. Simpson has.
Sincerely,
Duane Kiser
St. Louis, Missouri
(no longer inclined to spend any of my tourism dollars in Texas)
I just read a column entitled "Airing Of Grievances" by Douglas Simpson. A link to the on-line story was posted in a motorcycle forum that I go to daily.
I hope that Mr. Simpson's remarks are not taken to heart by some of your readers and they decide to carry out his fantasy of intentionally injuring or killing a motorcyclist by opening his car door directly in their path.
I can understand his disappointment at certain INDIVIDUALS who ride their bikes in an unlawful manner, but to publicly say he wants to intentionally cause harm to unknown individuals is plain irresponsible. I hope that his column does not end up causing a lawsuit against Mr. Simpson and your paper.
Does Mr. Simpson believe that a speeder in a Ford driving down the road should be executed? Does he then believe that ALL people driving Ford's meet with the same fate?
I am 47 years old and I ride a sportbike. I have a wife and family, I have worked at the same company for over 10 years, and I also ride a Goldwing. I have traveled all over this great country on my bikes and I adhere to all traffic laws and drive the speed limit -- not 100% of the time however, because when I drive the speed limit, I generally anger most automobile drivers. You see, most automobile drivers do not drive the speed limit, and God help you if you are only on 2 wheels and they think you are holding them up by obeying the law. They will get on your tail and do their best to initmidate you and make you go faster -- even if you are in the furthest right-hand slow lane.
Maybe Mr. Simpson believes that all motorists other than himself should have some bodily harm done to them so that he could have the road all to himself and not have to sit in dense 5pm traffic. Heaven help us if Mr. Simpson is somehow inconvenienced -- he will publicly call for the early demise of all of us by his own hand.
Mr. Simpson should try riding a bike to work for just one week. Then he can see first hand why the TV ads were encouraging people to "Keep an eye open for motorcyclists". He would be surpised how many times people look right through you and pull out or turn right in front of you.
Maybe a bunch of law-abiding motorcyclists in your area of Texas should pay Mr. Simpson a visit -- only to escort him around town and see that no harm comes to him. I certainly wouldn't want to advocate vigilantism as Mr. Simpson has.
Sincerely,
Duane Kiser
St. Louis, Missouri
(no longer inclined to spend any of my tourism dollars in Texas)
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 380
Likes: 0
From: Ayer MA
RE: Another Media Jackass Wants to put the Hurt on Motorcyclists
Following oldfatguy's lead.
To the printers of the opinion from Mr. Douglas Simpson,
Mr. Simpson’s' assumption that ALL motorcyclists don't not obey the traffic laws is absolutely absurd. Mr. Simpson makes a generalization that to me shows his narrow-mindedness, I ask only, what about the people on bikes that ARE obeying the traffic laws that no one sees, what of them, do they deserve what happens, what can happen and what continues to happen to them? Is it really all that hard to look twice before proceeding through and intersection? Didn’t your mother always tell you to look twice before crossing the street?
I do accept that fact that there are INDIVIDULAS on the street riding who have no judgment as to how they should ride, I have no remorse for those who choose to perform stunts on a major street and don't make out so well. But to promote violence toward another human being because of the choice to ride in the manner in which they do is absolutely irresponsible on your part Mr. Simpson, is it ok for the people in the supped up civics to drive erratically, because they can't cut down the middle of traffic, like you can on a bike?
Maybe you should try to ride and then worry about someone like yourself opening a door, or riding your *** when you ARE doing the speed limit and you ARE obeying ALL the traffic laws you say that we don't, after you have done that then reprint you opinion filled with ignorance.
If you have the power to express your opinion to the public as you do, make sure you are smarter than you are trying to make yourself appear.
Sincerely
Kirk McRae
To the printers of the opinion from Mr. Douglas Simpson,
Mr. Simpson’s' assumption that ALL motorcyclists don't not obey the traffic laws is absolutely absurd. Mr. Simpson makes a generalization that to me shows his narrow-mindedness, I ask only, what about the people on bikes that ARE obeying the traffic laws that no one sees, what of them, do they deserve what happens, what can happen and what continues to happen to them? Is it really all that hard to look twice before proceeding through and intersection? Didn’t your mother always tell you to look twice before crossing the street?
I do accept that fact that there are INDIVIDULAS on the street riding who have no judgment as to how they should ride, I have no remorse for those who choose to perform stunts on a major street and don't make out so well. But to promote violence toward another human being because of the choice to ride in the manner in which they do is absolutely irresponsible on your part Mr. Simpson, is it ok for the people in the supped up civics to drive erratically, because they can't cut down the middle of traffic, like you can on a bike?
Maybe you should try to ride and then worry about someone like yourself opening a door, or riding your *** when you ARE doing the speed limit and you ARE obeying ALL the traffic laws you say that we don't, after you have done that then reprint you opinion filled with ignorance.
If you have the power to express your opinion to the public as you do, make sure you are smarter than you are trying to make yourself appear.
Sincerely
Kirk McRae
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
RE: Another Media Jackass Wants to put the Hurt on Motorcyclists
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 236
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From:
RE: Another Media Jackass Wants to put the Hurt on Motorcyclists
this guy is an idiot i hate when everybody talks about gary busey cause he was on coke and downers is why he crashed i hate when people compare all riders accidents to him.
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 605
Likes: 0
From: Jacksonville, Florida
RE: Another Media Jackass Wants to put the Hurt on Motorcyclists
Ack.... glad to see someone beat me to it and has already posted about this jackass... I jsut made a sticky with the link to this article, and the editor's email address. Feel free to copy and post it on all of your other forums. Let's BOMBARD this a**hole with our anger!
Retired Admin
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,653
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RE: Another Media Jackass Wants to put the Hurt on Motorcyclists
Some people suprise the hell out of me.....I thought I would share my e-mail I sent to this ********.
[color=#000066][b]Dear Douglas "Managing Editor"
I wanted to take a moment and comment on your article "Airing of grievances". Particurly the first part regarding motorcycles. I am a bit shocked to see someone in the reporting field that has such a one sided opinion. Your comments regarding the subject I feel are unfair to the largest group of riders who do obey the written laws and are responsible in our sport and riding practices. To group the entire field of riders into one set is the most obvious and perfect example of wrongful stereotyping that I have ever seen. In your profession I would expect accurate numbers and possible research prior to any article written. Possibly the following information would be of some enlightenment for you in future endeavors with motorcycles.
Due to the increased risk of serious injury and public perceptions of motorcyclists, a person injured in a collision between a motorcycle and another motor vehicle will generally benefit from consulting a lawyer who is experienced with handling motorcycle accident cases.
Prejudice Against Motorcyclists
Many people have a negative attitude toward motorcyclists, which emerges in part from the driving conduct of a minority of motorcyclists, in part from misperception, and possibly in part from stereotypes from movies, TV, and fiction. This can affect both how motorcyclists are treated by other drivers while on the road, and also can lead people to assume that the motorcyclist is somehow at fault for an accident even when the only negligent conduct was on the part of the other driver.
Dangerous Driving Conduct
Dangerous driving conduct by both motorcyclists and other vehicles can contribute to the likelihood of an accident. Certain driving conduct by motorcyclists also affects public perceptions of other riders.
Failure to Yield When Turning - Many accidents with motorcycles occur when the drivers of other vehicles fail to observe them in an oncoming traffic lane prior to making a turn, particularly a left turn. Drivers must pay due attention to the possibility that a motorcycle will be on the roadway. Motorcyclists should be aware that drivers often fail to observe them, and should exercise appropriate care at intersections.
Lane Changes - Drivers may fail to notice a motorcyclist in their blind spot, or may otherwise fail to notice a motorcycle when shoulder-checking or looking in their mirrors before changing lanes. Drivers must exercise appropriate care to observe motorcycles and to respect their presence on the road. Motorcycle riders should be aware that drivers may not observe them, and should take care when passing cars.
Failure to Observe a Safe Following Distance - Motorists sometimes fail to respect the vulnerability of motorcycles, or to recognize that a motorcycle may be able to stop more quickly than a car, and fail to follow at a safe distance.
Slowing Traffic - Sometimes a group of motorcyclists will drive at an inconsistent speed, or will drive below the overall speed of traffic, causing cars to queue behind them. When this happens, drivers may fail to follow at a safe distance, or may attempt to pass the group of motorcyclists in an unsafe manner.
Passing on the Shoulder - Sometimes when traffic is dense, motorcyclists will zip past backed-up cars on the shoulder of the roadway. Depending upon state law, this may constitute illegal passing. Motorcyclists need to be on guard for cars which may try to pull onto the shoulder, whether to pass or stop, or which may nose over to try to see the cause of the backup. They must also watch for debris, obstructions, or poor surface conditions.
Weaving - Sometimes motorcyclists pass cars by weaving between lanes. Drivers may not see a motorcyclist approaching in this manner from behind them, and motorcyclists should take care that un
[color=#000066][b]Dear Douglas "Managing Editor"
I wanted to take a moment and comment on your article "Airing of grievances". Particurly the first part regarding motorcycles. I am a bit shocked to see someone in the reporting field that has such a one sided opinion. Your comments regarding the subject I feel are unfair to the largest group of riders who do obey the written laws and are responsible in our sport and riding practices. To group the entire field of riders into one set is the most obvious and perfect example of wrongful stereotyping that I have ever seen. In your profession I would expect accurate numbers and possible research prior to any article written. Possibly the following information would be of some enlightenment for you in future endeavors with motorcycles.
Due to the increased risk of serious injury and public perceptions of motorcyclists, a person injured in a collision between a motorcycle and another motor vehicle will generally benefit from consulting a lawyer who is experienced with handling motorcycle accident cases.
Prejudice Against Motorcyclists
Many people have a negative attitude toward motorcyclists, which emerges in part from the driving conduct of a minority of motorcyclists, in part from misperception, and possibly in part from stereotypes from movies, TV, and fiction. This can affect both how motorcyclists are treated by other drivers while on the road, and also can lead people to assume that the motorcyclist is somehow at fault for an accident even when the only negligent conduct was on the part of the other driver.
Dangerous Driving Conduct
Dangerous driving conduct by both motorcyclists and other vehicles can contribute to the likelihood of an accident. Certain driving conduct by motorcyclists also affects public perceptions of other riders.
Failure to Yield When Turning - Many accidents with motorcycles occur when the drivers of other vehicles fail to observe them in an oncoming traffic lane prior to making a turn, particularly a left turn. Drivers must pay due attention to the possibility that a motorcycle will be on the roadway. Motorcyclists should be aware that drivers often fail to observe them, and should exercise appropriate care at intersections.
Lane Changes - Drivers may fail to notice a motorcyclist in their blind spot, or may otherwise fail to notice a motorcycle when shoulder-checking or looking in their mirrors before changing lanes. Drivers must exercise appropriate care to observe motorcycles and to respect their presence on the road. Motorcycle riders should be aware that drivers may not observe them, and should take care when passing cars.
Failure to Observe a Safe Following Distance - Motorists sometimes fail to respect the vulnerability of motorcycles, or to recognize that a motorcycle may be able to stop more quickly than a car, and fail to follow at a safe distance.
Slowing Traffic - Sometimes a group of motorcyclists will drive at an inconsistent speed, or will drive below the overall speed of traffic, causing cars to queue behind them. When this happens, drivers may fail to follow at a safe distance, or may attempt to pass the group of motorcyclists in an unsafe manner.
Passing on the Shoulder - Sometimes when traffic is dense, motorcyclists will zip past backed-up cars on the shoulder of the roadway. Depending upon state law, this may constitute illegal passing. Motorcyclists need to be on guard for cars which may try to pull onto the shoulder, whether to pass or stop, or which may nose over to try to see the cause of the backup. They must also watch for debris, obstructions, or poor surface conditions.
Weaving - Sometimes motorcyclists pass cars by weaving between lanes. Drivers may not see a motorcyclist approaching in this manner from behind them, and motorcyclists should take care that un
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,008
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From:
RE: Another Media Jackass Wants to put the Hurt on Motorcyclists
it looks like the feedback has been effective, the article is no longer posted on their website. If you look at the contacts page you'll see that this paper only has 7 employees. It's a local rag. They're not informing the world here.