Laws For Parking Your Motorcycle
Virginia Motorcycle Parking Laws In most cases the samelaws that regulate where cars or trucks can park apply to motorcycles as well. You can’t leave your motorcycle attended or unattended: In front of a private driveway Within 15 feet of a fire hydrant or the entrance to a fire station Within 15 feet of the entrance to an emergency medical services facility Within 20 feet from intersection curb lines or, if there aren’t any lines, within 15 feet of the intersection or highways On arailroad track There are a couple of noteworthy items inVirginia Code 46.2-1220: No ordinance adopted under…
Legislative Issues
Motorcyclists Have a Legislative Disadvantage There are many different things that draw people to motorcycling. For some, it is the sense of freedom. For others, it is a source of relaxation. It can also be a source of exhilaration. If you are like me, it is to some degree all of the above. That being said, it is the ride that we crave regardless of what each of us gets from it. This time of year the roads are packed with motorcyclists who are sitting back (or forward) and just enjoying the ride. That begs the question: Can we as…
Misconceptions About Motorcyclists And Riding
There are a lot of negative stereotypes about motorcyclists that unfairly tarnish the reputation of everyone who rides. For example, there are some studies that suggest the majority of accidents involving motorcyclists and passenger vehicles are caused by the car’s driver, not the motorcyclist, but common driver assumptions are frequently the opposite. Lane Splitting Is a Common Cause of Motorcycle Accidents Lane splitting is not as dangerous as many passenger vehicle drivers believe. In fact, many studies show that lane splitting not only reduces time in traffic for all vehicles, but can actually improve motorcycle safety. In California, one of…
Motorcycle Accident Caused By A Mechanical Failure
Not everymotorcycle accident is caused by another driver’s error or a rider’s own mistake. Some accidents happen due to mechanical defects in a bike, dangerous road conditions or improperly performed maintenance. The responsible party may not be immediately obvious, but that doesn’t change the fact that riders who suffer serious injuries in these accidents still have expensive medical bills to pay. In cases like these, the most common negligent parties are: The manufacturer of the component that failed The mechanic who performed work or service on the component that failed The city or municipality that didn’t correct known roadway defects…
Motorcycle Accident FAQs
Why do I need a lawyer if I have insurance? If someone else causes your accident, it’s the other driver’s insurance who will pay for your injuries and property damage (in most states). Insurance companies are not charities – they don’t make money by being generous with their claim payments. If you are seriously injured, which is far too common after a motorcycle accident, the insurance company may utilize an array of tactics to reduce what they pay you – or avoid paying you at all. Attorneys are hired to make sure you don’t get shorted. If the other driver…
U.S. Motorcycle Advocacy Organizations
Estimates suggest there are more than 13 million riders in the United States. Riders are a statistically significant part of the populace and the electorate. Both local and federal legislators have an interest in keeping riders happy, and there are many motorcycle rider advocacy organizations that lobby lawmakers to push legislation that protects the rights and safety of riders on the road. Local and National Organizations Rider advocacy organizations fall under one of two geographical umbrellas: local and nationwide. Most of the state motorcyclist rights organizations brand themselves with the acronym ABATE and the name of their state. These separate…
Motorcycle Brake Inspection Requirements
Motorcycle Brake Inspection Requirements Virginia and North Carolina Virginia Brake Inspection 19VAC30-70-340 During inspection, your inspector is required to observe the brake operation (operated by either you or your inspector). Your bikewon’t pass inspection if: A brake isn’t equipped, or it’s disconnected The OEM service brake system was on both wheels and it has been altered or removed from one or both of the wheels There’s no split service brake system or independent actuated brake system on both the front and rear wheels(only required on motorcycles manufactured after July 1, 1974) Less than 2/32 of an inch of lining or…
Motorcycle Equipment Laws
What motorcyclists have to wear or have equipped on their bike is regulated by local state legislation and statutes. Some states have special rules pertaining to things like headlights and turn signals or mirrors and brakes. Most states require regular safety inspections for motorcycle registration and renewal, but some states don’t. The following are some of the motorcycle equipment guidelines for North Carolina and Virginia. North Carolina Motorcycle Requirements North Carolina requires motorcycles be inspected annually if they’re in use on the state’s roads and highways. A variety of bike components are checked, including: Headlights, license plate light, taillights and…