like flying on the by Harriett Fjaapesund “Riding a motorcycle is very ~- much like a pilot flying an air- plane — the driver must be in complete control of his machine, ' and be totally aware of the en- vironment around him. It’s like _ flying on the ground.”’ That is how James Gilham, Executive Director for the Road- runners Motorcycle Club and Regional Director of the B.C. Motorcycle Federation, zone 7, describes motorcycling. Roadrunners was formed in 1982. At present there are 16 members. Both Roadrunners and the B.C. Motorcycle Feder- ation are volunteer, non-profit organizations. Roadrunners has patrolled for the Kitimat 80-kilometer Bicycle Race, the Skeena Century Race, and the Skeena Valley Triath- lon, While on patrol they watch for people having difficulty. But they are probably best-known for Ride for Sight and the Salva- tion Army Toy Run. . - The club has two types of © memberships — Regular mem- ber and Associate member. A regular member must be over 19 and have a class 6 or equivalent (learners permit) driver’s license. An associate member is anyone with an interest in motorcycles, ' - Roadrunners would like to see more awareness among all motorists. James Gilham points out that motorists tend to forget about motorcycles over the . ‘winter months. . . And that can be a real prob- lem for. motorcyclists. Because of their size and shape, -motor- cycles aren’t as. visible to the other drivers around them. One member described it like this, “I’m paranoid; every car I see is out to get me.” Motorcycle awareness began in 1982 as one week. Now it isan entire month, but Roadrunners would be happy to see it extend- ed to eight months for our area. Safety is at the very top of their list. Unlike conventional four-wheeled traffic, motor- cycles must operate under an ad- _ ded set of safety factors. Clothing — Good guys do wear black — encase yourself in leather; it has a high abrasion resistance. Better to scrape the cowhide along the pavement than your skin! Boots and gloves should cover your ankles and wrists. Ideally all cuffs should be elasticized. And don’t forget your helmet. The same rules ap- ply to passengers as well. Vehicle Check — Always check your motorcycle over before you climb on. Like any pilot flying .an aircraft, you don't want any surprises in-mid- journey when it may:be too late to turn back. es Nie ground Visibility — Try to create a space around yourself. Ride in the right track of the lane, well over from the curb. This allows you to see two-thirds of the lane around you. Avoid riding in the . center of the lane. This is where broken glass and oil slicks from other vehicles collect. Speed — Try to keep a little ahead of the traffic behind you. — You don’t want to be hit from behind if you have to stop sud- denly. Remember that a motor- cycle can stop much more quick- ly than a four-wheeled vehicle. Awareness — Like any other motorist, you must be alert at all times to what is going on around you. Motorcyclists are especially vulnerable because they don’t have the body of a vehicle to protect them. Skills — Be aware of your own skills. And limitations. Motorcycling may look as easy as falling off a log, but it takes a great deal of skill to safely maneuver a two-wheeled vehicle that may weigh 800 pounds or more, Insurance and License — Any motorcycle designed for high- way use, meaning a motorcycle equipped with head and tail lights, must be properly licensed _ | and carry valid insurance. If you - are in an accident and your motorcycle is not licensed, your insurance may be null and void. There has been a problem with dirt bikes in this area. Roadrunners cautions parents to © teach their children safe motor- _ cycling procedures. A dirt bike is . an excellent way to learn how to ride a motorcycle, but their tires -are-designed for dirt: They are ~ much more unstable on. pave- . ment; that makes them a hazard . to the rider as well as other motorists. Roadrunners also have a mes- sage for-the girls — if that cool dude on the motorcycle is trying _td impress you by showing off, don’t climb on behind him. It’s | not worth your life. Although. Roadrunners are not teachers, they will gladly ride with new motorcyclists for 30 days to help give them the confidence they need and to point out safety tips. And finally there is what James Gilham calls the Grin Factor, He says motorcyclists tend to smile a lot because motorcycling is a natural high. Perhaps there is a little bit of the vagabond spirit in each of them. Anyone wishing to know more about Roadrunners can contact James Gilham at 635-9217, or drop by McDon- ald’s any Sunday morning (ex- cept when it’s raining) around ‘ten. You'll find several members gathered there for coffee, ee a tang Oo pel Gye a rt ~ _ Terrace Review — Wednesday, June 6, 1990, B7 THE TERRACE ROADRUNNERS not only enjoy motorcycling. They also promote safety for bikers and sponsor two major charity events during the course of the year: the Christmas Toy Run for underprivileged kids and, set for this coming weekend, the Ride for Sight in support of eye " reasearch, : = . Make sure the harness fits saugly Make sare Infant car seats face the or areead your child. A chest clip . i rear of your vehicle. All child seats may be needed to keep the shoulder Bh and boosters face forward. straps in position. Make sure the base of your child seat --Pat your child in a booster seat : Is held by tha lap belt. The top of the when he orshe outgrows the seat Is held securely In the forward: child seat. The booster will allow facing position by a tether strap which your child te look out the car A is anchored to your vehicle frame. window aud will kelp position the dap belt property ever the hips. | 24 DOITUP RIGHT, EC (ICBC :