
Quality Parking for two-wheelers? A likely story.
For years now, I’ve believed two wheels are generally better than four when it comes to internal combustion vehicles. I bought a motorcycle 18 years ago, despite the shaking fits, alternating between concern and disdain, that emanated from my then-girlfriend and her frequently balled fists. I’ve never been without one since.
A motorcycle that is.
Everything is better on two wheels. Drenching storms that flood the highway with water and belt the horizon with lightening only make a journey better. Descending the Rocky Mountains through three inches of fresh snow is a feat of vehicular control that no four-wheeled pilot can grasp. Wind, bugs, rain, road rash—it’s part of a set of experiences that are relished for the way even the pain of it reinforces the pure, sizzling sensation of life that accompanies passing through the world in an entirely more experientially immediate way than most people even consider.
And fair weather riding? Suffice it to say that people who drive in cars are missing out on the world. Riding a motorcycle is like being a hyper-pedestrian, a “triple digit sightsee-er” as one popular Web site puts it. Other conveyances simply can’t compare.
The boom in fuel prices has triggered a welcome rise in popularity for two-wheeled transport. But the more two-wheeled junkies that zip through roadways, between cars and around obstacles, the more awareness bubbles to the surface about what’s wrong with riding in Santa Fe.
Parking
In April, the
City of Santa Fe Parking Division
announced that motorcycles under 500 CCs in displacement were allowed to park at city facilities for free. Bikes with larger engines pay 25 cents per hour. The thought is appreciated, but does the creator of that policy know anything about motorcycles? Very few manufactures sell a model in the US under 500 CCs. A more appropriate cut-off would have been 600. And, well, thanks for letting me park for free or cheap in city lots, but how about on generous sidewalks and between parked cars where efficiency could be maximized?
Manhole Covers
Maybe there are underground junctions that make it wise to have manhole covers whenever there are curves in the road. I don’t know. But slick, steel objects habitually placed at the apex of sharp corners (think S-turns on Paseo de Peralta) indicate roadworks designers with little room for two-wheeled vehicles in their thoughts. A bit of rain, and front wheels wash out quick on a manhole cover.
Stop Lights
Older traffic lights, such as the set-up at the intersection of
Agua Fria St. and St. Francis Drive
, aren’t sensitive enough to be triggered by full-sized motorcycles, let alone scooters. At off hours, like late at night, you just sit there until you finally get fed up and break the law. How about a tune up?
Bad Car Drivers
There are three basic kinds. First, macho pricks in big trucks that try to edge you off the road and muscle into two-wheeled territory: Insecure much? Second, macho pricks in overpriced cars with big, annoying exhaust pipes and a need to race: Give up, we are faster than you and it’s best not to embarrass yourself in front of that girl you are trying to impress.
Finally, there are bizarrely oblivious drivers, usually in
and
. They don’t mean to consistently almost kill me, but they do. Then they act all hurt and surprised that I “suddenly appear,” sometimes gesturing, screaming and, on a bad day, kicking at their door panels. Let’s all calm down and pay attention.
Bad Motorcycle Drivers
What is up with all the 18-year-olds on hopped-up sports bikes with more power and agility than they can handle? At least they’re wearing sensible protective gear, uh, like flip-flops and shorts. Come on, you little punks: Learn how to ride well on something that suits your skill level. You shouldn’t need Viagra yet, so quit compensating with power you can’t handle.
Well-intentioned Friends
Please just stop saying “be safe” or “be careful.” I’d like to, but it interferes with my insane death wish. Seriously, I’m riding a motorcycle and I’m riding it responsibly. I’ll let you know when I’m aiming a shotgun at my head and getting loose with the trigger—maybe at that point your advice will be valuable.
Lack of Skills
I’m sick and tired of people hurting themselves on small displacement scooters because they think it’s easy and intuitive. There are physics involved with two wheels, no matter the size and power. Learning how to use the brakes effectively, for example, is worth its weight in hospital bills. Completion of professional safety courses usually comes with a discount on insurance and a coupon for purchasing safety gear.
That’s hardly the end of my list of complaints, but it pales in comparison to my endorsement of the pleasure, efficiency and bona fide utility of two wheels. Cars and trucks have their place, but nothing beats open-aired enjoyment, provided we can accept the trade-offs, learn the skills, encourage other drivers to develop some respect and hopefully, government entities can begin to plan with us.