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A recent editorial piece in the Pensacola News Journal caught my eye. Not so much for the editorial, although it was interesting enough, but for the comment that was posted in response.

The author admits that he knows little about motorcycles, describing the subject bike as “one of those bikes where you have to lean over.” The author further explains that he is not anti-biker and, as the aritcle points out, he is more aware of them than I suspect are most drivers.

The article describes the author’s encounter with a motorcyclist who was weaving in and out of the heavy traffic “like a Norwegian skier.” The author’s point is that safety has to be a bi-partisan affair; drivers and riders must work together to assure the safety of both.

So, where am I going with this? The comment that grabbed me was the following:

Please do not paint all bike riders with a broad brush. I ride a Harley and do my best to blend in with traffic and use safe, defensive driving techniques. Me and my riding friends do not drive aggressively and we do our best to share the road with automobile traffic without creating conflicts.

The Harley Owners Group (HOG) clubs around the world, of which there are over one million members, religiously promote safe riding classes and instruction. We receive safety material on a regular basis and many of us have taken advanced ridership classes with practical training that emphasizes safety above all else.

On the other hand, most sport bikes (the kind you lean over on) are ridden by young males. They are the ones that you frequently see weaving in and out of traffic. They are one of the worst traffic hazards on the road and they give a black eye to all motorcycling enthusiasts. My advice is to give them alot of room and keep in mind that they are someone’s son, brother or grandson. We all sincerely hope they live long enough to outgrow their immaturity.

Apparently the comment’s author does not mind painting some bikers, particularly young male sport bike riders, with that broad brush. Just don’t use it on him or, by inference, his fellow (and apparently sainted) Harley riders and HOG members.

No offense to Harley riders or to the wonderful HOG organization; but I have seen PLENTY of Harley riders do stupid stuff. As near as I can tell, stupidity has no brand loyalty. Nor is it specific to any type of motorcycle.

Don’t forget that the vast majority of those who make the laws that affect our chosen sport are not motorcyclists. Furthermore, the laws that they enact do not discriminate cruiser from sport bike; dualsport from Gold Wing. If it has two wheels, it is all the same to them. Riders behaving badly, regardless of the brand or type of bike they ride, reflect badly on us all.

Remember, it’s not what you ride; it’s that you ride.