Graduated licensing for motorbikes
Interior Health recently released data that indicated that the Okanagan had an inordinate number of motorcycle fatalities. In the first half of this year, there were 12 deaths in the region, accounting for 40 per cent of the province’s total of 29. As a biker I can add some insight into some of the causes and can offer solutions as I made these same mistakes.
Too many of these accidents are in the category of single vehicle incidents. These are often caused by the mismatch of the motorcycle to the capabilities or size of the rider.
Of all motorcycle fatalities in B.C. this year, 90 per cent were men, most drivers were between the ages of 19 and 29.
Young novice riders purchase incredibly powerful sport bikes, commonly called crotch rockets. In my youth I owned one of the original Japanese so-called superbikes, a Kawasaki three cylinder. Its nick-name was “The Widow Maker” as it was very fast and handled poorly.
The power of that bike pales in comparison to the crotch rockets available now. The stopping ability of modern brakes matches the power of the engines on these bikes. Either of these two can be deadly when a rider losses control on twisty mountain roads of Interior B.C. An ex-Honda dealer friend wisely included a safety training course with each purchase, as he valued repeat customers.
Senior riders fall into the weekend touring category. For them the motorcycle of choice is a big Harley-Davidson. Unfortunately, for too many riders, bigger is better. With many Harleys purchased on the second-hand market, buyers may compromise and acquire a bike that does not match their size, strength or riding abilities.
When a bike weighs five times as much as the rider, adequate control is soon conceded. The combination of inexperience and huge machines is deadly. I too rode an oversized Harley for four months, but was smart enough to consider my family’s fear of being passengers, subsequently selling it.
I hold myself up as a bad example of the problem with motorcycle rider licensing. Back in the 60s I took my rider’s test on my brother’s Honda 50cc step thru. As soon as I could bundle my part-time wages together, I bought the aforementioned 500cc superbike. Riding lessons were not available back then either. Luckily, in my youth there were far fewer cars on the road for me to crash into.
Currently ICBC rules require novices to ride for as little as 30 days on the motorcycle of their choice. Once licensed, one is “qualified” to ride any size machine.
The solution to this idiocy is to have a graduated licensing system based on the size of the bike. For example, if a rider learns and tests on a 350cc machine, his/her license should be limited to riding a sub-500cc size. Likewise the owner of an 88 cubic inch (1,450cc) Harley should take the qualifying test on that bike. In the meantime, please give motorcycles a little extra space.
John Dorn is a retired tech entrepreneur living in Summerland. He also holds a Bonneville Salt Flats speed record in the 500CC class of motorcycles.