Bob Patters M

Thank you Dan Sullivan ! your work was truly appreciated

"Group rides into Illinois from Dodge Street."

On a ride last year (only been a couple of days since 2004) the lead rider was in the right hand lane, approaching the bridge. Normally the right hand lane has preference and the left hand lane has to yield. Not so with the Illinois bridge. From Iowa, it is the right hand lane that yields. Left has the right-of-way.

Normally we always have to contend with cars and trucks in the lane we aren't in. On this ride, we were lucky and didn't have to contend with anybody but if there was a car/truck, the right hand lane would have to yield while traffic in the left lane proceeded. In some instances, we might have had to come to a stop, depending on who was in the left lane.

The lead rider should be in the left lane when crossing the bridge. It has the right-of-way.

Normally we ride staggered in one lane.

One way we can protect anybody cutting in is when approaching the bridge, to split the staggered formation so we use BOTH lanes. Cars/trucks can't push us out of the way and as we go across the intersection, we'd merge again as we go on the single lane. Nothing illegal here, we're just using the lanes we are justified in using. It prevents a possible conflict with a 4 wheeler. We have the right-of-way.

Spread out in the few hundred feet approaching the bridge into using two lanes. Once across the intersection, we have to merge into one lane anyway. Nobody can push into our formation. Safety first!

Traveling with vehicles...................... There are several factors combine to cause drivers of other vehicles to overlook motorcyclists and subsequently violate their right-of-way: ~ Motorcycles are a relatively small component of the total traffic mix. Therefore, their visual recognition is reduced. ~ Drivers do not anticipate encounters with motorcycles. ~ Motorcycles are smaller visual targets and are more likely to be obscured. ~Automobiles have obstructions and blind spots because of door pillars, passengers' heads or carrying cargo. We, as riders find there is a continuing need to help other motorists "think motorcycles". BE SEEN, BE AWARE OF THE OTHER vehicles sharing the road.............Be sure your head light, horn, turn signals, and brake light are working.

	Dave Offerman at the Safety Seminar

Welcome Bob Steinman M.M.H.O.G.'s New safety officer for 08