In seeking RiderCoaches to help with students this week, I was confronted by a coach full of negative comments. It struck me the real reason this particular coach was no longer coaching; his reason for being in our community was no longer about the student. To tie back to a previous article, the RiderCoach was no longer seeking betterment or improvement; he was satisfied and happy with his knowledge and was to a point where his impression of the state of Rider Education was less than favorable and different from those around him. From my perspective, he had given up being better for demanding everyone conform to his ideas and ways.
As always, this led me to be self-reflective. Is it possible I am perceived this way when I opine about what I think about our profession? Do I come across as unyielding, stagnant, or a sage on the stage – a grumpy old man who refuses to expand my knowledge? Am I unable to see how others see me?
These questions of myself then became a jump into how other road users may see me as a rider. Am I a good rider when I use our common roads? Are my actions as a motorcyclist in keeping with a social norm of safe driving/riding, or do I present on the road with a bombastic “watch me” – I know how to ride attitude? Do I want to be noticed and seen in a proper light, or do I want to be seen in the safe environment of an average road user?
As we enter Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month of May, I am seeing the typical Safety Month messages like “Watch for Motorcycles,” “See Motorcycles,” or “Look Twice – Save a Life.” Still, I wonder how others genuinely look at us?
Sunday, I was sitting outside at a lovely eatery in a small town outside of Atlanta, Georgia. It was an impromptu meal with an old army buddy as I passed through on my way home from an event. A motorcycle would,d pass by slowly every few minutes, Vroom Vroom, pop crackle, Braap Braap, prop crackle. I began to wonder again – how do others view motorcyclists? Are we seen as enthusiasts, mutual road users, or annoying anti-social hooligans?
I could give more examples as I drive I-95 in northern Virginia daily. Motorcycles weave in and out of traffic at high-speed and with inches to spare. Sometimes cutting off other motorcycles without a glance or a wave. It certainly gives me pause and then more questions. How can I have a positive impact? How can I be open to good ideas and improve our culture? What will we discuss on Tribe Talk?
I hope you have similar thoughts and consider how others see our culture and profession.
