By Donald L. Green
Bernt Speigel (2010) wrote in the preface of his book the Upper Half of the Motorcycle that motorcyclists are “thinking, acting, reacting” organisms with “the unique ability to create, use, and adapt tools, instruments, equipment, and machines in an integrative way as extensions, or components, of [themselves].” It is essential to emphasize the thinking, acting, and reacting statement because it supports the primary factor in all motorcycle experiences – the human element.
Despite the best intentions of engineers and policymakers to improve the environment and safety in riding, the bottom line is that the rider is the one variable affecting every element of the solution. The human thought (cognitive) factor should be more emphasized when seeking to improve crash outcomes and decrease overall mortality rates in transportation. The most critical decisions in motorcycle crashes are made on the upper half of the motorcycle and must address at the source, the rider behavior. Leonard Evans (1991) relates to this by addressing behavior as the difference between what a rider can do (skill potential) versus what a rider does do (rider action).
The human element is the last point of error in most crashes and must consider the following factors for future success: 1) licensure is a privilege, not a right; 2) Education is essential to creating more riding knowledge before the crash; 3) Motor skill development is only one part of a bigger puzzle; 4) The best gear, machines, and roads do not override poor judgment; 5) Riding includes thinking and working well with others.
Whether a rider focuses on motorcycles as recreation or a form of transportation, those who are serious about maintaining the privilege will eventually have to consider why so many of us crash. If you are one of the many, who cares about the way of life, either by immersing yourself in the culture or by sharing it with new riders, then please embrace learning how to be better. The human factor is the last point of error; don’t be the error.
Inspire others, explore safer ways of riding, engage in learning, and integrate the human factor of better judgment into our riding culture.
References
Evans, L. (1991). Traffic safety and the driver. New York: Van Nostrand Reinhold.
Spiegel, B. (2010). The upper half of the motorcycle: On the unity of rider and machine. Center Conway, New Hampshire: Whitehorse Press.
