I understand what Mr. Dave Mathena is saying (“If safety is the objective, outlaw motorcycles,” Thursday, April 6) along with not all but some of the other responses written concerning motorcycles.

My husband and I had dirt and street motorcycles before we had our children. Now I hate motorcycles with all my heart. Our youngest son bought a motorcycle on March 24, 2004. This was against my will, but he was determined and told us he would be careful. I told him I knew he would but the drivers of automobiles do not respect or give rights of way to motorcycles.

The day after he bought it, he wanted to carry it back because he realized he didn’t need it and couldn’t really afford it. Also, he knew how we felt about it. But the store had a “no return” policy and wouldn’t take it back. It had 11 miles on it when he left the store, and it only had 13-14 miles on it the next day from riding it in the yard.

One month and four days later, our 20-year-old son was killed on April 28, 2004, riding his motorcycle when a careless driver pulled out in front of him. He wasn’t speeding and was being careful trying to come home to us from college. Just five miles from home, he never made it, and there is a “no return” policy when you die.

Your life changes forever when you lose someone you love with all your heart. Our son had his whole life ahead of him and all planned out. So, the next time you think about buying a motorcycle, think for a while: Is it worth it to have that ride on the road with only two wheels, no protection for your body and no respect from other drivers in cars and trucks? True, it can happen when you are riding in a car, truck, plane or train. But, how would your family feel if they lost you forever just because you wanted to have the thrill of riding a motorcycle? I know a person can ride motorcycles for years and never have a wreck. I was told of a man who rode one for more than 20 years — until a woman pulled out in front of him.

So, I wish for something that will never be, and that is to stop production of motorcycles. It is so upsetting to see them on the road when sometimes I just want to stop the person and make them get off.

So, don’t judge someone for how they feel and think you know where their heart is coming from. Our family’s hearts are broken forever. We lost a son, brother, uncle, grandson, nephew, cousin, friend and fiance. Some day, it could happen to you or yours. Please, talk and talk to stop your loved one from buying one, no matter what.



Ann Todd

Chunky