Riding can safe dollars, but do it safely

If you've been going through the bills lately, you may have noticed an increase in one area of the budget.

No, it's not the water bill, although that's nothing to sneeze at. It's the gasoline bill, and it's bound to get worse as we head toward Memorial Day.

That factor, combined with the beatiful weather we've been enjoying for the last few days, have brought out two-wheeled vehicles of all types.

While a local insurance company spearheads a bicycle rodeo and helps provide helmets for elementary students, it's the older among us who may need the reminders to keep us safe.

That's true for bicycles, and even more true for those of us who ride their powered descendants. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, a motorcyclist is 16 times more likely to die in an accident than a motor vehicle occupant. And, motorcyclists are also three times more likely to be injured than people in cars.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 3,661 motocyclists died in 2003, a 12 percent increase in 2002 and a 74 percent increase from 1997. An additional 67,000 were injured, 4 percent more than injured in 2002.

But that doesn't mean riding can't be a safe and enjoyable sport.

The United Spinal Association's Motorsafe program stresses the following precautions:

* Never ride without a certified motorcycle helmet and eye protection.

* Read your owner's manual throroughly.

* Attend motorcycle rider educational classes.

* Wear the proper shoes, gloves and clothing.

* Purchase a bike you can handle safely.

* Consider the primary use of your bike -- don't buy a trail bike for highway use, or use a highway bike off road.

* Follow the rules of the road and drive defensively.

* Ride sober and awake.

With a little extra care and a few extra precautions, a motorcycle can be an enjoyable way to save some gasoline during the warm coming months.