Number of motorcycles on the rise

With the cost of gasoline showing no mercy, it should come as no surprise that the number of motorcycle permits issued in the region through June is up by more than 550 over the same period last year.

It's a trend showing only upward growth, according to Lt. Mary Pfeifer, with the Ohio Highway Patrol's Marietta post.

"I expect that it does have a lot to do with the price of gas," she said. "Motorcycles are now being seen as alternative transportation."

Pfeifer said there are usually about 700 permits issued in the first half of the year. However, in District 7, which includes not only Marietta but Cambridge, New Philadelphia, Zanesville, St. Clairsville and Steubenville, there are nearly 1,300.

In addition to the numbers of motorcycle riders increasing, Pfeifer said there is an increase in the number of older riders and women seeking permits. Some older riders have had motorcycle licenses in the past, but maybe haven't ridden for years and let their license lapse.

Ohio ranks fifth in the United States with more than 630,00 licensed motorcyclists.

Sunshine Hughes, 27, and her sister, Jacinda Burton, 33, both of Marietta, are new motorcycle permit holders. The sisters hope to use their permits, which are good for a year, to master a shared Honda Rebel motorcycle, with an official license to follow in a month or so.

"I've wanted one for years," Hughes said of her new bike. "We get 70 to 79 miles per gallon."

For the sisters, the issue is mostly the cost of gas.

"My truck is sitting," Burton said. "It's outrageous to fill it up. I also have a car that isn't too bad on gas."

Burton rides their motorcycle mostly for fun and recreation. Hughes rides the bike to work.

"I ride about six or seven miles to work. When I fill my truck, it's about $100. It costs me $9.50 to fill the bike," Hughes said. "Why not now?"

Examiner Tammy Burke with the Ohio Driver License examining station in Marietta is one officer with the job of administering the 40-question permit test, then, down the road, a licensing examination and skills test.

"A permit is what it is - a learning process," Burke said. "It's a time to learn to ride."

The licensing office at Frontier Shopping Center is currently issuing eight motorcycle permits every day, Burke said.

"That's up," she said. "We are seeing more female riders, but the ratio is still 30 to 70 percent males."

There are restrictions with the rider permit.

New motorcycle riders may ride only in daylight hours, may carry no passengers, must stay off congested roads and interstate highways and must wear a protective helmet and eye protection.

About 75 percent of those who have permits pass their written and skills test for a license, she said. Four attempts are allowed.

Burke said drivers sharing the road with motorcyclists need to be more aware and pay attention.

"Cars are not watching all the time, and as more bikes are on the road, drivers need to be paying more attention," she said. "They need to watch for the inexperienced rider."

So far in 2008, there have been 18 motorcycle crashes in Washington County, resulting in 11 injuries and one death on June 14 on Virginia Street in Harmar, just outside the Marietta city limits, according to Pfeifer.

With the exception of the single fatality, that is actually an improvement in motorcycle safety over the same period in 2007 when 24 crashes were recorded involving 22 injuries.

"The most important thing that a motorcycle driver can do is be a defensive driver on the road," Pfeifer said. "It's also extremely important to wear a helmet and protective gear."

Pfeifer, who has 14,000 miles of riding under her belt, can attest for protective gear. Earlier this year she and another officer were seriously injured in a motorcycle crash while they were off duty. The crash is blamed on a drunk driver who hit their bike.

"If it had not been for a helmet, I don't think I would be here today," Pfeifer said.

Member Comments

View Comments: | 1-8 | Post a comment

goulash
07-18-08 4:55 PM »Report Abuse	Wildcat, What was it Jacques Derrida said about "Jap crotch rocket owners"? You may search for the sake of searching and try for the sake of trying. Camus inveigled the "Jap crotch rocket owners" to not to "get splattered." Sartre remained aloof on the question.
glider
07-18-08 2:21 PM »Report Abuse	I think it's great so many people are getting into the motorcycle spirit. Reducing fuel consumption any way one can is a good thing for everyone. I've been riding motorcycles for recreational purposes for more than 30 yrs. and now that fuel costs are so high it is even more appealing. I personally don't care what make or model anyone rides, that's personal choice. I do think the people who ride the super fast sport bikes put their lives (and others) in extra danger going 100+ mph. and if they're lucky in time they will realize this. I perfectly content puttin' around on my big fat comfortable Electra Glide.
therabbit
07-18-08 1:00 PM »Report Abuse	I too have seen a lot more motorcycles on the rode this summer. I purchased a bike 3 years ago, and ride daily to work in Parkersburg (weather permitting). It was paid off in six months, so now all I pay for is insurance and gas. Not only am I getting 60+ mpg, but nothing is more relaxing than a 20 min ride on a cool morning.
HarleyinTexas
07-18-08 10:51 AM »Report Abuse	Here in Houston we have a full 12 month riding season so the initial expense of motorcycles is much easier to justify than those who live in Northern climates where a 4-8 months season is typical. I own 2 Harleys which were both bought because I wanted them, not for fuel savings. In the recent months as gas prices have risen I have find myself opting to jump on the bike to run errends, go to diner, etc. where normally I may have taken the truck ($4.67 for Diesel)at 17MPG or the car ($3.98 for gas) at 26MPG I think a new motorcyclist would have a hard time breaking even on expenses if they bought any "good" bike just to save gas, but I see experienced owners utilizing their bikes more in today's fuel economy.
mark1961
07-18-08 10:34 AM »Report Abuse	I bought a motorcycle for $500 from the bulletin board. It gets 60 to 70mpg. My SUV gets 11mpg. The cost of the bike will be paid in fuel savings this summer alone. The insurance is not that expensive and will also be offset by the savings. This fall I will have a vehicle thats paid for and saves me money. Oh, and I use less fossil fuels.
mark1961
07-18-08 10:33 AM »Report Abuse	I bought a motorcycle for $500 from the bulletin board. It gets 60 to 70mpg. My SUV gets 11mpg. The cost of the bike will be paid in fuel savings this summer alone. The insurance is not that expensive and will also be offset by the savings. This fall I will have a vehicle thats paid for and saves me money. Oh, and I use less fossil fuels.
XXOOXX
07-18-08 10:24 AM »Report Abuse	Might it not have to do with a waning of testosterone in middle aged men. Last chance at being a man?
dude01
07-18-08 9:13 AM »Report Abuse	By the time you pay for the bike and additional insurance, are you really saving money - or just trading that for what you would spend on gas?

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