Ups & Downs

Ups & Downs

START DATING MOTORCYCLISTS

UP: To Ignition Motorsports, for getting the word out. Remember the popular “Start Seeing Motorcyclists” bumper stickers advising the public to be aware of two-wheeled motorists? Well, the Minnesota apparel-maker (www.ignitionmoto.com) has its own version: “Start Dating Motorcyclists!” Talk about a public service!

DOWN: To Dr. Barbara E. Swan, for her poorly researched conclusions regarding kids and dirtbikes. Her article, “Children and motorized bikes are a dangerous combination,” which appeared this past November in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, blasted parents for “permitting” their kids to ride dirtbikes. “It seems reasonable that children too young to safely drive a car are also too young to safely drive— and race-a dirtbike,” the physiatrist concluded. The paper was flooded with critical responses from readers, including racing photographer Steve Bruhn. “She saw an injured child at the hospital (his third trip), and all of a sudden she wants to change everything,” Bruhn wrote. “If she is concerned, she really should be talking to the kid’s parents, not slamming a whole sport.”

UP: To Sean Linder and Matthew Newcomb, for refusing to look the other way. According to The Orange County Register, when the La Habra, California, residents witnessed Patricia Summers slam her Ford Expedition into motorcyclist Charles Kenney, breaking his elbow, leg and pelvis, then flee the scene, Linder gave chase while Newcomb attended to Kenney. Summers was arrested and charged with felony hit-and-run and driving under the influence.

DOWN: To the state of Iowa, for pocketing $775,000 in ATV registration funds to help balance the budget. According to the Iowa 0HV Association, the monies were originally earmarked to help maintain current riding areas and fund future off-road opportunities. Other accounts were also robbed; snowmobiling lost $950,000!