The 33rd Annual Utah Polar Bear Ride set for Sunday, March 21, 2010 marks the beginning of spring cruising for many Utah Motorcycle enthusiasts. The ride begins at 10:30 sharp at the Edge Motorsports and ends at Copperview Community Center where dinner, entertainment and festivities will continue. This widely attended annual motorcycle event is organized by the Salt Lake Motorcycle Club (SLMC), a non-profit organization, and the event sponsored by more than 52 local and national businesses including Wrights Motorcycle, South Valley Motorsports and Honda World. For more information on how to register, click on the following link Polar Bear Ride Utah.
Safety in Packs
The stereotype that a Utah motorcyclist is a speeding, reckless and less than law-abiding citizen is quickly dismantle when you meet members of the Salt Lake Motorcycle Club. These individuals are clearly motorcycle experts and gurus- most have rode throughout North America and are familiar with riding in all types of terrain, weather conditions and on different types of bikes. In fact, Larry Higginson, Road Captain of the SLMC, is a vocal advocate of motorcycle safety. In order to ensure that potential Utah motorcycle crashes are avoided when there are hundreds of bikers with passengers who take part in the this year’s Polar Bear Ride, Higginson recommends motorcyclists ride in packs.
However, Higginson warns of the Rubber Band Affect that contributes to Utah Motorcycle Accidents: “It is easy to get into the riding groove and forget, when leading, that the leader’s job is to keep the group together. After stopping, if you accelerate too rapidly to cruising speeds, spacing between subsequent riders gets larger and larger. This encourages those in the rear to ride faster and faster to catch the group.” To minimize the potential speeding and distracted driving consequences of the Rubber Band Effect, Mr. Higginson recommends that the leaders of the pack start slowly and keep an eye to the rear to see that all are moving.
As experienced Salt Lake area motorcycle accident attorneys, we have a few recommendations to add to the safety list:
- Ride with bikers that cruise at similar speeds as you and have similar bike experience.
- If the pack is moving too fast for your comfort level, it more important to stay safe and move at your own space. Usually there will be other riders who feel the same way. These individuals will be more than happy to form a smaller cruising group with you.
- Remember Utah Motorcycle Law stipulates that only two riders are legally allowed to ride next to each other in the same lane.
What a Skilled Utah Motorcycle Personal Injury Attorney Can Do for You
Utah State law protects motorcyclists who fall victim to traffic accidents, entitling them to damages that include pain, suffering and medical expenses. If you or someone you love has suffered through a Utah motorcycle crash in the Salt Lake City area and you feel the motorcycle accident was the result of the negligence of another, we urge you to contact Attorney Ken Christensen to set up a FREE consultation to discuss your legal rights. We know the true value of your case and can help ensure the best result for you and your loved ones.
Main Phone: 801. 506.0800
Davis County Office: 801.294.9500
Utah County Office: 081.224.2999
