Trike Life
July 2008

ARE YOU SAFER ON A TRIKE???  

I’ll bet your first inclination is to say “Yes.” But stop and think about it. A Trike is bigger than a two-wheeler, so it should be easier to see. However, I have had as many cagers start to pull out in front of me when on a Trike as I had on a two-wheeler. It just seems that people do not see motorcycles, 2 or 3 wheels. To increase visibility (2 wheels or 3), many utilize head-light modulators. Though a lot of controversy is bantered around about their use (see http://users.snip.net/~WCLAMB/MODULATOR.HTM for Federal Statute and etiquette), I personally run with mine on when situations and traffic warrant it. OK, a second thing: One might think that a Trike will not fall over and will not high-side. Partially right. However, under CERTAIN circumstances, a Trike will flip. They will also hydro-plane worse than a two-wheeler. In addition, the rear wheels on the Trike will still slip in the sand and gravel on the curves, just not as readily as a two-wheeler. It will not fall over but the rear end can swing around and bite you where you don’t want to be bit. One potetial problem with being on a Trike is over-confidence. You are riding a bigger and wider machine, so the tendency is to relax your vigilance and really enjoy the ride. You can relax and enjoy the ride; BUT, do not relax your vigilance to your surroundings and those BIGGER machines around you. PAY ATTENTION!!!!

BE SAFE PEOPLE!

Bill & Sandy Hatfield
Georgia Trike Representatives