That’s the problem faced by motorcyclists. Folks driving in their cars simply aren’t trained to look for motorcycles. From the time we get our automobile learner’s permit, we’re taught to look for other cars and larger vehicles. Yes, bicycles, motorcycles and pedestrians are mentioned, but the focus is on large motor vehicles. And of course, automobiles and trucks are the primary hazards for motorists and the predominant traffic encountered on our roads. It’s only natural then, that motorists would tend to focus on other cars, trucks and buses. The question, of course, is how to train or condition motorists to also notice motorcycles, and hopefully avoid running over them.

I have a theory about that; one that I used to think was unique. My theory is this: Perhaps the best way to condition motorists to be aware of motorcycles is to create in their minds a positive image of bikes and bikers—help them get to know us and hopefully like us. (To know us is to love us?) Why do I think this makes sense? Have you ever been smitten by a particular car—one you just had to have or maybe one you just bought? What happens when you’re out driving? Don’t you seem to notice every one of those type cars that pass you on the road? Everything else is just traffic, but you not only notice those cars, you notice what color and maybe even what model they are. Why? Because you like them and they’re personal to you. I think that could work for motorcycles, too.

As I said, I used to think this was a unique approach, but it turns out that others have considered this theory and found scientific data supporting it. Research reported in Driver Awareness and Motorcycle Accidents. Proceedings of the International Motorcycle Safety Conference (1990) found that drivers who rode motorcycles or had family members or close friends that rode were more likely to observe motorcyclists and less likely to collide with them. Why? Because these folks all had a personal connection with motorcycles.

So what can we do to help create that personal motorcycle connection for people who don’t ride? I think it’s two simple things. When we are on our bikes we need to be friendly and courteous, and we need to be good citizens.

Friendly and courteous is easy. Ride with a smile. Wave at folks, particularly the kids. Say hello. Engage people in conversation, especially if they are curious about you and/or your bike, as they often are. Help them get past their image of bikers, which is often less than favorable, and discover the real people that we are. When we lived up in the Washington, DC area, Kathy and I used to ride into Old Town Alexandria during the weekly Saturday night motorcycle cruise-ins. I can’t tell you how many hours we spent talking to passers-by who didn’t ride but were curious about motorcycles and bikers. Talking to those folks was what made the cruise-ins so much fun.

Being a good citizen is easy too. Start by obeying traffic laws. I saw one group of riders (not HOG) block highway traffic so that all the members of their group could get out of a parking lot. This is not only illegal and dangerous, it’s rude. How many friends did they make for motorcycling that day? Be courteous on the road. Allow other traffic to enter the roadway or merge if it’s safe to do so. Offer assistance to other motorists needing help when you can. What about loud pipes? Most of us like pipes capable of announcing our presence with authority. But how much noise we actually make is a function of how much noise we want to make, using our throttle and/or our choice of gears. Why sit at a light revving the engine? I mean, other bikers are not going to be impressed, and other motorists probably think it’s obnoxious. Riding through neighborhoods at high rpms making lots of exhaust noise doesn’t win motorcycling any supporters. All it does is disturb people’s sleep, upset the pets and set off car alarms.

Remember, we’re motorcycle ambassadors anytime we get on our bikes or are otherwise identifiable as bikers. Do our jobs well and we can help members of the non-riding public develop a positive and personal connection with motorcyclists. That’s a good thing in itself. Will it make a difference safety-wise? We’ll probably never know. But if it makes only one person more aware of motorcyclists and prevents only one collision between a motor vehicle and a biker, it’s well worth it. Ride safe and have fun.