I have been driving numerous times and see bikers almost hit until the rev up their bikes and catch the attention of the other drivers. Some people do not believe that loud pipes save lives but until you own a bike and reving up your bike to get another driver's attention so they would not hit you, you will change your attitude. I do agree that some of the exhaust pipes are a little over the top (they seriously don't have to be THAT loud) and I also do not understand why bikers get away with the loud pipes but trucks do not get any slack. I know it's a discussion that could go on for days.

againwiththis- very true i do agree with what you said, the reason why i asked is because instead of discussing the issue which is yet again another drunk driver to me it just seemed like it was a i like/don'tlike bikers debate instead this woman injured a man because she selfishly chose to drink and drive

luluberry:

I remember that situation. Actually, I was friends with Danny in highschool.

And, what he did was terrible, and he got off wayyyy to easy.

I heard on the news today-that a man was arrested in Poplar Grove on his EIGHTH DUI...Seriously? His punishment...what he is looking at...6yrs-36 yrs in prison. HAHAHAH He will get off serving 4, I imagine, and get right back to the wheel. Eight times? this guys should have been facing THESE charges after the second one.

I'm willing to "forgive" the first one. We all make mistakes. You know, I still believe in harsh sentencing. Jail time, the FIRST time. A year, no less. bigger fines that 800.00. A lot longer without your license than 6 months...and after that, you are done. If you get caught A SECOND time, and you can't learn-prison. End of story. Felony.

I think people might think twice, if the first DUI was a felony.

And, honestly I would like to say that Wisconsin is too easy on drunk drivers... Even those who kill people. Take this for instance:

Danny J. King, 22, of 3640 Braemore Drive, Janesville, was sentenced to one year in jail with Huber privileges and 10 years probation. His driver's license was revoked for 10 years, and he was fined $2,302.

In addition, King was ordered to pay $12,530 restitution.

Misty Ruch, a Janesville resident, was 18 when she was killed in the crash Sept. 24, 2005, on Afton Road south of Highway 11.

latinmami2~~I don't think you should take (most) people's rant on annoyances to mean they hate bikers. I'm annoyed by loud pipes, but I certainly don't hate anyone because of it. To address you question~~I can only guess no one answered because the answer is quite obvious~~while we can live with annoyances, we take deadly chances by being on the road with a drunk driver. I think (most) would agree they'd rather risk hearing loss with a loud bike (LOL) than to risk death with a drunk driver.

i have asked this a few times but i don't think anyone answered. This is a question for anyone who wants to answer. Are bikers worse than drunk drivers? Do they deserved to be bashed more than the drunk driver that hit them? Since this has turned into a biker war blog are you (again this is for anyone) saying that it was okay for this lady to drive drunk. Personally, I don't ride bikes, I don't know how but I don't hate the people who do, in fact I would much rather be on the road with a sober biker than a drunk woman any day, even if they had the loudest bike in the world

I was accused of being automatically rude with my posts. I pointed out that I'm not. I also said that believers respond with rudeness to serious attempts to debate god and religion. At times, I counter in kind as a matter of tactic. That's how religion came into this blog.

I also pointed out that debating here is absent of the pitfalls of face-to-face debate -especially in the matter of religion. I have yet to encounter anyone here who can reasonably defend impositional religiosity. That means such debate would be even worse in person.

Boy, the comment police are out in full force today :o)

You all are wacked! When did name calling,attacking,religion come into these columns? Your not talking ABOUT THE ACCIDENT,EVERYTHING BUT.May she heal and be whole

h0rselvngrl~~well, I'm glad your stomach isn't sensitive because I'm fresh out of Pepto Bismol. LOL
And now we seem to be debating/commenting over how the proper way to debate/comment on stories. But, alas, we will agree to disagree. I love to see the route 'conversations' take. As in real life, it would be quite boring to only talk about one subject and one thing when you're with 'friends'. Have a great day!

Ahh, but, Gazettefan you were to one who brought up the face to face issue. :o)
And we'd have our issues, I don't debate religion~~religion is all too messy for me. I would be up for debate on my personal relationship and faith in my Lord. That I know well and complete. I admit that when it comes to religion~~I don't know all the answers and don't even pretend to. Not even sure I want to know all the answers and don't feel that most is even relevant to my relationship with Jesus. I find some issues to be thought provoking and will spend time researching them.

Wow, how did this turn into a religious debate?

BikerJoe, you proved my point. You're new and you totally misstated how I post. The history of this sort of posting is the exact opposite of your description. The insults first come from the believers. You even attempted to provoke me (and failed) by predicting I would leave a hostile post on another story. That was not a positive way to engage in a reasonable debate.

And you even engaged in pamphletereing by leaving a citation as I said believers would. But you didn't even leave the content. One of the local preachers in town is terrorizing people and children with that anti-christ stuff -shame on them.

This is the best place to clearly debate something -especially religion. And with your pampheteering and your misstatement of what's going on here you've already shown me that you can't keep up. Express your point of view here without insults and provocation and I will respond in kind. If you show me you can carry on a reasonable debate here then we can meet.

You can start by explaining how different a face-to-face conversation would be. What would you do there that you can't do here?

"h0rselvngrl~~as happens with most threads, people find other things to talk about. It is the nature of threads and even of conversations in real life. If you have such a sensitve stomach~~then maybe this isn't for you"
*******

It's NOT that I have a sensitive stomach, it's just a mere observation of idiots babbling over non sense :0)

******

Blogs are for opinions, and usually those opinions are generated towards the subject, not towards little side stories that have nothing to do with the story. IE: Religion, loud pipes, or "Harley people".

******

I enjoy reading the bickering,fighting, and non sense back and forth though.

Gazattefan wrote:
"Religion is a serious issue that deserves serious discussion. But try talking to a believer in person. They tap-out easily and can't keep-up. They then, in a sense, want to hand you a pamphlet and run away"

Once again your a legend in your own mind..
what they can't keep up with, are your insults and name calling which start the second someone tries to have a serious discussion about Religion with you.. I will however lay the fault for this with the Christians.. simply because they have not clearly understood what there dealing with.. 1Jn 2:18

Drop me a line.. I'll be happy to have some "Face to Face" time with you..

AGAIN...thank you for explaining what I was thinking so perfectly. YES, a topic does usually start a discussion, but after awhile the topic changes, but is evolved from the original.

But I do have to add, negative energy I can only take so much of. I eventually need to remove it from my life. :(

GAZETTEFAN, I wasn't directing my post towards anyone in particular. I was just generally speaking. And yes, you do have a point about the believers and pamphlets...most can't back up what they feel other than by words that are written. As a believer, I do agree with you there. :) I wouldn't offend you intentionally, as you never offend me. I can appreciate others' opinions, and if someone is annoying I will tell them both on my keyboard as well as in person, but I don't expect that to ruin my relationship with the person....some don't understand what a debate really is...

Does anyone know how the motorcyclist is doing?

And...all this talk of bikers/gangs got me thinking. Ever seen the show on FX, "Sons of Anarchy"?? Katie Segal (Peg Bundy) plays one bad a$$ biker mama! Love that show!

On a lighter note here's a true bikers/riders dream.... bosshoss.com
I've seen one and boy oh boy....NICE!!!!!
Nice and loud !!!!!!!

g-fan, actually, I wouldn't doubt it! LOL

btw- good thing NOBODY else was in this crash.

okay here is one that seems to becoming a cliche
http://wclo.com/news/2009/may/06/janesvi...

on his bike drunk. i di like the comment it is his FIRST drunk driving- like it was really his FIRST time drunk driving- just got caught cause he crashed this time. I also dont want the excuse it could have been this or that in the road- if you werent drunk you may have been able to avoid it and maybe you wouldnt have been speeding etc.

hope he will be okay though. /he is a nice guy and so is his wife.

gazettefan~~LOL I don't even have any pamphlets!! Is that required? I must have missed that Sunday!

hOrselvngrl's long post made the most sense.

AgainWithThis, send me a pamphlet.

h0rselvngrl~~as happens with most threads, people find other things to talk about. It is the nature of threads and even of conversations in real life. If you have such a sensitve stomach~~then maybe this isn't for you.

gazettefan~~Ohhh, as a Believer I'm sure we could have quite the conversation~~in person.

Mikki~~~> That is SO true most times ;) In regards to the measurement :)

Miki, have we met?

My previous post was for RSR or latinmama -one of those two honeys.

repof1.... hmmm, We've never tried to pull our boat with the Harley.

How do you do that????

(psssttt...) An I don't live in Florida!

Here Gmaof3 I'll type slowly try to keep up ok?

1.I don't ride a Harley but I do ride a motorcycle.
.
2.When you tow anything you become a defensive driver because you can't stop as fast. I'm sorry you couldn't make a simple correlation as it seems you own a boat as well. U must never tow it.
.
3.It's makes little difference where you live irresponsible drivers are worldwide unbeknown to you.
.
4. You seem like a reasonable person that has trouble seeing outside your box. Perhaps it really is true that people of all ages can make bad choices when it comes to driving.

In case you're talking about me:

Religion is a serious issue that deserves serious discussion. But try talking to a believer in person. They tap-out easily and can't keep-up. They then, in a sense, want to hand you a pamphlet and run away.

Expressing thoughts in writing is a high mark of civilization. Here, each side of an issue can take the time to state their opinions as thoughtfully and clearly as possible. The in-person pitfalls of conversation are absent.

gazettefan~~> No pun intended on the humor or lack of :0)

****
I have a sense of humor, a rather large on at that. And I ride on the back of a Harley, so I understand.
****

Oh geez...

RSR, yes the sad case of internet testicular fortitude.
I ran across it, many many years ago, when I first got on-line and became addicted (for a short period of time) to chat rooms.
Seemed like every person on line was rich, successful, and (men) were, um, huge.
I realized that there is an international internet genital measurement. So, if a guy says 10, you minus 2 and divide by 4. It's a complicated mathematical formula.
I thought I would bring this up, since we are already so off the subject, now.

When it was an issue about a year ago with gazettextra, I was all for true identities being mandatory -an even playing field.

Contrary to what happened on this blog, I otherwise seriously, clearly, and strongly state my point of view when I post. But many times people who can't counter me (and others) in kind resort to insults etc. I tactfully give it back to them and they can't take it.

People do speak freer with anonymity. I think gazettextra prefers it that way.

Very well said Rummage, I agree some people who are always bitter on here and probably the same way in life.

INTERNET BALLS, now that was funny. It is true, just as it is true that people are much more apt to speak their minds in numbers. But I am willing to bet, that many people on here that are rude, mean and bitter are just that to the people they look at eye to eye. Words are what is in someone's heart. And that can't be hidden for very long. Sure, somethings are easier to say through the keyboard, but a person's demeanor is impossible to hide.

Correct, hOrslvngrl, and my jokes may have been out of line here. But I've said similar things to other bikers. Some have a sense of humor.

Wow. I just read through all of these comments, some left by intelligent people, and some left by....well, I will keep that to myself.

****

I have noticed that MOST of you are COMPLETELY off the subject at hand. The subject being a drunk driver hitting a person on a motorcyle. Who cares if it was a harley, yamaha, "rice burner", "crotch rocket", ect. The fact is that this young woman COULD have KILLED this young man! You are all arguing over the loud pipes, neighbors, the Outlaws, etc.
****
It seems as though a lot of you have nothing better to do than sit behind a computer and point fingers about anything but the subject.

****

It shouldn't matter what the motorcyle was wearing, what he was riding, driving, or if he was walking, rollerblading, or running. It matters that he is was hit by a drunk driver, and that she should suffer for it.
****

And I'm not even going there about "Harley riders". Lol at those who judge. Should I start judging the idiots that drive in cars and run horse-back riders of side country roads, or cars that run bicycles of roads, etc.
****

Ugh this story makes me sick.

State what would happen with eye-to-eye contact.

gmaof3:

It's ridiculous to suggest that 'kids' are the only ones that drive with reckless abandonment.

I have been hit by 4 people.

One middle aged couple. Drunk driving. An older couple, probably in their 60's...backing out of a stall. And, a young girl pulling out of the courthouse parking lot and tboned me. And, I have been run off the road when a semi, driven by a middle aged man, switched lanes without looking.

Accidents happen all the time, by all ages. Driving all sorts of cars.

Corsicas are not the only cars that get in accidents. Young people aren't the only ones that drive coriscas, for that matter.

It's amazing the internet balls that some of the people on this site seem to grow as soon as their fingers touch the keyboard. When in reality, if they were to come face to face with the people they are talking crap too, wouldn't even be able to look them in the eyes.

Consequently, these 'trash talkers' are the ones that spend the majority of their days in the gazettextra forums, hiding behind their computer screens, starting drama.

Get a life.

I agree with BikerJoe. Somehow, a woman who is in the wrong drunk driving, is getting less flack in this forum, and suddenly the victim in the situation has opened some lame argument about how bikers need to stay off the road, and they all have herpes?

So I would like to know would some of you rather be around a drunk driver since you don't seem to care for bikers? I am just curious because the article is about a biker being hit by a drunk but yet the forum has turned into an "I love Bikers, I hate Bikers" debate

Rummage:

Not all bikers are scary.

Just like all AFrican American people aren't in gangs, like they portray on television.

All Asians aren't going to stab you with a knife, like they portray on television.

All white people aren't going to rob you blind, like they portray on television.

Drama sells. So, yea, networks focus on drama.

I wouldn't read too much into the documentaries you see on television.

The Outlaws, and other biker 'gangs' and so forth, for the most part, mind their own. No big deal. They aren't bad people.

miyata312:

Learning to ride is always a plus; however, you could be the best rider out there, but you cannot control the idiots in your surroundings.

Some drunk, some person on their cell phone, somebody yelling at their children in the backseat, someone changing lanes without checking blind spots, someone speeding or in a rush to get somehwere, someone just plain NOT paying attention.

I cannot count the number of times my husband has had to pull some miracle manuever to save our lives after some idiot who wasn't paying attention while driving, almost ran us, and the harley off the road.

biggirl: YES, the police give many drunk driving tickets.

It's not the 'cracking down' on drunk driving that needs a makeover.

It's the consequences.

Two 800.00 tickets, one of which will get dropped in court, license supension for 6 months, and a counseling session.

Hardly what I call 'serious' enough, considering the many lives the drunk driver put in harms way.

In some states, drunk driving is a felony. Which I think is wonderful. People definetly think twice before getting behind the wheel drunk.

Miyata312, for all the crap 2 wheelers get, just hold tight, when petroleum production evaporates and all the 4 wheelers are rusting in the streets, you'll be the only ones left who can afford to go anywhere. That will be your justice.

Not true, BikerJoe.

Gazettefan... as close as you will ever be to any Biker.. Is spending your day safely hiding behind your keyboard talking trash..

Yes, ihavealife, as a biker myself I have high standards. So do my three ol' ladies whose biker chick names are: Vicious, Herpes, and Detox.

Amazing.. Drunk woman hits a guy riding a Harley.. And the keyboard commando's are trashin Harley Riders.. I'm ashamed to think some of you could be my neighbors..

repof1.... hmmm, We've never tried to pull our boat with the Harley.

How do you do that????
.
(psssttt...) An I don't live in Florida!

g-fan.. Do you mean the "biker" with the Harley t-shirt, bluejeans and boat shoes ?? That uniform ? lol

Definition of a biker:

A guy with a motorcycle and a uniform.

gmaof3 have sniffer of brandy before you post...at your age you could blow a gasket, holy moly. By all means granny or gramps in his or her caddy going 85-90 in pouring down Florida rain is completely safe and not just as idiotic as the so called kids you complain about. I hope at some point age brings you wisdom. Stupid people come from all walks of life and age. Accept it and get over your stereo types. You may just find that worrying about what may or may never happen isn't worth the grief or angina. Btw I commute every day as well as my wife. I also ride a motorcycle and tow a boat as well I've seen my share of stupidity and had as many panic stops or have been cut off more that I care to think about. You my dear are not the only defensive driver on the road. Don't let it go to your head as there are move defensive drivers on average than morons that are easy to complain about.

Weren't there Hell's Angels in Janesville in the last 20 years or so? For some reason I want to remember some sort of bust at Slicks.

ihavealife....wow, you and I agree on something for once!!!
You know, when I was growing up, the Angels owned a bunch of property where I lived. A friend of mine got into an accident on her "rice grinder". She crashed.
She was out in the middle of nowhere, and they made darn sure she got the help she needed.
Yeah, some folks can be bad, some people look "bad". But don't judge them until you know them.

916WI, Go talk to him. I'll bet if you did that before you started giving him dirty looks, he'd return the respect. You gotta give it to get it. Have a nice Cinco De Mayo.

One more thought on "the big bad bikers ".There is a difference between a "biker" and a "Harley rider/owner" ! lol

gmaof3 - you are right about the people driving under the influence, there is way to many people who think it is okay and way to many people losing their lives or having their lives disrupted by selfish drunk drivers, it is not okay to drive drunk or under any other substance, people need to stop and think before they do these things, yes I understand that after drinking a ton most people don't think but they are sober before they get to that state and they could make alternate arrangements to get home or to wherever it is that they want to go so they can do so safely

repof1... you found an issue with ME stating "kids" drive recklessly? I'm on I90 everyday, and "kids" in my mind are those with their little Geo's and Corsica's and... driving "balls out", at least 85 MPH or more. Cutting people off, passing in the right lane... weaving in and out of traffic as if we are all on blocks!
.
The past two winters were hideous on the Interstate. Yet these kids were the ones that spun out. Black ice doesn't faze them till they hit it and end up in the median, cross the median, or end up sliding down the road, ass-backwards!
.
I've seen it, lived it, survived it (so far...) so don't try to compere inexperienced reckless drivers on our local interstate with a bunch of senior citizens in Florida.
.
To the topic at hand... ANYONE impaired by alcohol is driving on borrowed time. But it ticks me off when they injure or kill someone else because they seem to think they have some RIGHT to drive - regardless of their condition.
If they would simply implode behind the wheel from too much (pick any substance) then they would not be killing others, just themselves.

LMAO !!! For all of you that wet yourselves when you see the big bad bikers coming your way,WHAT??? My ex old man was one of them.Was he mean? at times.We would walk into a place and the crowds would spilt and let us threw.Too funny just thinking about it !! Yes the guys all flew colors and looked big and bad,the funny part is they were all "normal" during the week.It has been 30 years and to this day if I EVER needed anyone of them I know for a fact they would do all they could to help.Most are just average joes' and are the kindest people you would ever want to meet. Don't judge a person from their looks,you never get to know the true person.
R.I.P RS

PS--Crafty...all of the things you mentioned ARE illegal. It is called "inattentive driving." While I do agree cars need to be more cognizant of motorcycles on our roadways, some cyclists need to not use that as a crutch to drive like maniacs and ignore basic rules of the road. I have seen cycles, too many times to count, zip along the shoulder or down the dotted line just to bypass traffic.

And, dare I even mention that I don't give a rip about how LOUD a bike is....what I care about is when one isn't rode with RESPECT. I hate to categorize or stereotype, but "crotch rocket" riders are, IMO, more dangerous than a soccer mom's minivan. "They" have no respect for their bikes, fellow motorists or themselves often times.

I think a snotty attitude is bad period. Kinda like Joker has against everyone!

do you not think that a snotty attitude towards the bikers is bad?

Crafty.....It's all an attitude thing that these people have. The guy who lives by me is smaller and not in the best shape--nothing to really be afraid of in any set of circumstances--when he's on that bike though--watch out! He knows he's irritating people--I've been outside when he's driven by--We've definitely made eye contact and the eye roll and the obvious head shake that he gets from me and probably from the other neighbors leaves little doubt of our disgust. That's the mentality that some--not all--of these people have though--they think the bike makes them a real tough guy when in actuality it just makes them look like an idiot.....

lol that is cute Mikki :)

Mikki: I hope he lets the kitten wear a helmet when they are out riding.

crafty, I have to agree. My hubby is one of those "tough-looking" bikers.
But when you get to know him, you'd never know it!
(If the man could type to save his life, he'd e-mail me all day about the kitten and how cute the darn thing is and their adventures).

sarahb you are right because no one wants to talk about drunk drivers anymore of there has been plenty of forums on this subject already since there is a drunk driving moron every week. The bike topic really does not need to be bashed everyone has a hobby and for some it is bike riding and just because you don't like does not mean you need to bash it, I don't myself ride motorcycles but they don't bother me to the point that i need to freak out on a newspaper forum

I think too many of us have lost our minds due to being without a job. Some of the comments here support my theory.

I'm so sorry. I'll be sure to follow your rules next time.

wow crafty you are getting a little hostile there for an article that is not even about soccer moms chompin on burgers. Take a deep breath, count to ten, and relax. Geez. The main focus should be the drunk drivers.

Well since you're too chicken to talk to your own neighbor, you choose to live with the noise. I'd bet if you showed some respect to him, he'd return the favor.
You might be surprised, but those tough looking bikers, are just normal people.
It proves how sheltered a life you all must live...

916WI, you obviously don't like your neighbor. All bikers are just like him.
Check out this study:
http://www.bikernet.com/news/PageViewer....
It basically says bikes are no louder than 18 wheelers. Your problem is with the way a bike is ridden, not how loud it is. Why don't you try and TALK TO YOUR NEIGHBOR?
- You people know what I'm sick of?
People who have a GPS, DVD player, cd player or mp3, people who text or play on their phone while driving. We should outlaw all these things based upon the logic of some here.
With my loud pipes, at least I know you, the idiot, distracted soccer mom, chompin on your burger while texting and doing your makeup, MIGHT ACTUALLY HEAR ME, BECAUSE I KNOW YOU DON'T SEE ME!

really I would rather see more loud bikes than drunk drivers any day, at least the loudness won't kill anyone

Mickey--Go up and tell them how we feel??? They couldn't hear us even if we were to go up to them and scream how we feel! So confronting that way makes no sense.....Try again please:)

Mikki~~keep up, please. I was responding to the posts in general, not just yours. You have to admit those who are comparing it to racism here are a bit, ummmm off the mark. My panties are not in a wad LOL I have no problem telling people what I think here or IRL.

LMAO

I SAID judge by appearances. I didn't bring racism into it, YOU did.
What I am saying is that there are people here who are very opinionated on the boards, who wouldn't have the guts in person to say what they do on here.
But my post got your little panties in a wad, got you pretty defensive. What, did I strike a little nerve, there?

Anyone complaining about the loud bike, you only have to put up with us for 5 or 6 months out of the year. I hate the cars that you can hear the bass thumping from 2 to 3 blocks away.
But the article was about the drunk that hit the biker. No 1 year loss of license. Lock her up for 1 year.

Are we really comparing racism and people with loud pipes on their bikes? LOL No one is hating or judging anyone they just DON'T want to hear the LOUD noise!!! People really need to get a grip. And I'm not scared to tell any biker how I feel~~to imply I shouldn't then YOU are the one sterotyping~~all bikers are just jerks who beat everyone up?

Just like with any group of people, some folks judge by appearance.
What's funny, is nobody would go up to one of those 'bikers' and tell them what they "really feel".
If they think so, I would LOVE to be there to witness that!

You can't hate Blacks, Jews, Asians, Hispanics, or Gays, and now even pedophiles. But, it's alright to go ahead and hate "bikers"!
********************
Yeah because people not caring for what bikers do and other races are the same how?

Well Crafty, you might have one upped warm with the stupid statement of the week. Comparing the noise levels a Harley with open pipes to a lawnmower--too funny. I live on a corner lot. When the idiot Harley rider from my neighborhood hits that stop sign on my corner, he always feels the need to blip the throttle, to let everyone in the area know how cool he really is. As if we can't tell, with the black bandana, the cut off "Live to ride" t-shirt and the chromed chain attaching his wallet to his jeans...What a tool. When I'm in my house with the windows shut, I can't hear my neighbor's lawn mower, that piece of junk Harley I can hear from 3 blocks away...For the most part I try to hate everybody equally.....liberals and Harley riders have a special place in my heart though:)

Yeah Warm. That is the stupidest thing I've heard all week!
To all the others complaining about loud pipes, The noon siren wakes up my wife. She works third shift. Do you see me whining? The train wakes her up too.
Most lawn mowers, chain saws, snow blowers, and circular saws are just as many decibels as 99% of Harleys.
You can't hate Blacks, Jews, Asians, Hispanics, or Gays, and now even pedophiles. But, it's alright to go ahead and hate "bikers"!

I would have to agree that it's not just young kids that drive like maniacs. Heaven forbid that you should get in the way of someone late for work in the morning. It's idiotic how they drive and dangerous!! And honestly, I don't know what your definition of 'kids' is, but I've seen more middle aged people swerving in and out of traffic than young kids. Always in a hurry, always have to be there NOW.

Oh and heres a pic (no its not me either)

http://s243.photobucket.com/albums/ff248...

cut and paste if the link doesnt work.

gmao, I wouldnt say you cant get a Harley to wheelie. Not saying how I know. ;-)

gmaof3 your argument is null and void when you point fingers just at kids. I have seen drivers from all walks of life and age drive incoherent and stupid. A couple weeks in Florida last winter had my eyes in disbelief how fast and irresponsible senior citizens can drive. Your point that we all need to take a deep breath and slow down at times is much appreciated. However that lifestyle is brow beaten any more.

latinmami2, you and I have clashed on many fronts. However, I think we are in agreement that all the aggressiveness on our roads is killing people. There is no reason to drive "like a bat outta hell". In town, one would think defensive driving will keep us from killing a child on his tricycle, a senior citizen out for his morning walk, the construction workers just doing their job.
.
I just don't understand what has happened over the past 15 years. The interstate is insane. In fact, I've told my husband and kids, some moron is going to kill me on my way home from work on I90 from Sun Prairie. Even the conversations on my CB has the truckers frustrated with these kids swerving in and out of traffic.
.
Life has become so fast and furious, people barely have time to catch their breath before the next task pushes them even harder.
.
We need to settle down and enjoy "the ride"... life speeds by fast enough!

i agree everyone does need to slow down, everyone everywhere is in a hurry and while they are in that hurry i don't think people are taking the time to stop and think that their rushed driving can end up ending their life and someone else's life. Slow it down pay attention and enjoy living. Everyone who is driving rushed I think is on a suicide mission.

I just really think its time everyone slowed down on the roads and drove with courtesy and restraint. That extra 15 miles over the speed limit is not only reckless but illegal.
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That said, this woman could have killed someone. I have NO sympathy for her! And yes, I've watched kids on crotch rockets pull wheelies in traffic on Hwy 26. Looks pretty suicidal to me! You can't get a Harley to do that!!!

yeah i totally agree with you rummage, i am going to tell my kids when they are older and of drinking age if they ever ever ever need a ride no matter what time i will pick them up, i have lost to many friends to drunk driving. I had to once watch a mother bury her two sons and their cousin from drunk driving accident, that is the most sobering thing to see

Also Latin, I love the idea of a taxi service, as logical as is seems though, a person will drop a hundred bucks in a bar but squirm at the thought of paying twenty for a ride home. Strange but true. Also, on that note, my son's friends know that if they ever get in a bind from poor judgement, as long as they are honest with me, I will come and get any one of them, my son included. I don't condone, but I certainly want them to know that they have a safe place to fall.

LATIN, I am taking a chance by saying, I don't think any hostility was directed towards "bikers" as a whole, or this individual biker, I think we all were running on a tangent as happens many times with a thread.

i did mean people in a mean way, i was just wondering why so much talk about the bikes being to loud and all of that, when the real issue here is yet again another drunk driver out on the streets making it unsafe for people again.

latinmami2.. Who are you referring to when you say "you people"? I'm not seeing the conflict your looking for here.

I have a question why are all you people angry about bikers, this biker got hit a drunk driver because she was drunk not because he was riding a bike. Are some of you trying to say the only reason he got hit is because he was on a bike? Or trying to say that drunk drivers only get into accidents with bikers? I am not understanding why this has turned into a motorcycle debate instead of drunk drivers?

mollyd5 - How many of those crotch rockets do you see sitting out in front of a bar? None. I'd be real careful about who you stereotype with motorcycle riders. Do some homework on what types of bikes people are riding when most accidents occur. You'll also find the age group and how many are alcohol related. I'll give you a hint. It's not crotch rockets. Please understand, I could care less what someone rides either. A motorcycle is a motorcycle.

mollyd5 your stereo type on motorcycles you know nothing about or the cultures of people who ride them makes me sick. Why would you impose harm on some one? Are you god? You are part of the problem with your attitude not the solution.

latinmami2~~I like your idea of taxi service, but it isn't feasible in small communities. There is no way a town like Orfordville or Footville could sustain such a service. BUT, I personally think this would a band aid to the problem anyway. Most people who are going to drive drunk wouldn't bother to call a taxi or a friend/family member. If they aren't responsible enough to control how much they drink, likely they aren't going to be responsible enough to make sure they have a safe way home.

Rummage~~don't let Camper make you feel like an idiot. The Outlaws are in Janesville and unless you mess with one, you probably wouldn't know it. I really don't want to hear a bikers loud pipes than I do any other vehicles loud noises. Dont' we have enough noise in our world? How ridiculous that we have to be subjected to it. Wear a helmet, wear leather, and watch where you're going like any other motorist has to.
That being said my prayers to this young man. No one should ever have to go through what he is because some idiot can't stop drinking and be responsible!!

CAMPER, wow! Sorry I portrayed myself as an idiot. Thanks for putting me in my place.

what about those wannabe go fast speed racer ricers.they have to always hit 100mph from a dead stop no matter how far or little they have to go before stopping.I hate those crotch rockets and if I could put a cloths line up to block all of them,I would.they are really what gives bikers a bad name.

for the record,I drive a 150cc scooter and I can agree,most people look you right in the eye and still cut you off.just remember,if you hit a biker and he lives,be prepared to spend the rest of your life paying him off.lawyers love these kinds of people.

really this should not be about whether or not bikers are good or bad driver/riders. This should be about how we can come together and try to stop drunk driving.

RummageSalesRocks, come out from under your rock the Outlaws, Brother, and Hells Henchmen have been around here since the 70's. Nothing new, move along just TV making people afraid of their shadows and you bought right into it.

Loud pipes have helped save my life several times, so did good defensive driving. In reality you have to drive like the whole world is trying to run you down. Most of the time they are!

Quite often the history channel has biker documentaries on, and talk about scary stuff!! If you get a chance, watch it sometime. And one time I was watching about the gang The Outlaws, and they actually were talking about Janesville, WI in the show.

And really, those loud pipes may be annoying, but they are there and gone within a matter of seconds, so it really doesn't have that much effect on your whole day now does it?? :) There are more important things to think about like the decline in the bee population.

Oops, meant to say, THINKS everything/everyone is vindictive.
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LOUD PIPES...blah blah blah. Seriously, I used to be a 'biker babe' and the loud pipes save lives was always joked upon... The men/women riding their bikes with loud pipes are not doing so for that fact alone. The loud pipes are initially put on for the attention....just listen to any obnoxious biker and you will know he isn't trying to just merely be 'heard'. But, like another posted said, some bikers give bikers a bad name as well as some automobile drivers give others a bad name. We can't generalize everything from certain occurances. This is how bitterness and resentment evolve.

GMA...obviously you took offense to my post, I didn't mean to be mean, I just get sad seeing people thing everything is vindictive.

anyone who is blaming a bike rider over this is nuts, this lady was drunk, this was not an accident that involved two sober people this was a guy out enjoying the weather and a very irresponsible drunk driver, and there are ton of people who are reckless while driving cars around. Everyone just needs to pay attention to what they are doing while driving and have respect for the other people around you as well.

Myself and many others are very capable and skilled riders. I laugh at all of you that are basically blaming the riders instead of realizing that while you can be a defensive rider, if idiots out there don't pay attention in their vehicles, eventually, something really bad could happen. I'll do everything in my power so you cannot only see me, but HEAR ME. Aftermarket is aftermarket. Each person is going to have a different opinion of what's loud and what isn't. I'm not saying loud pipes necessarily save lives. Proper gear and riding skills are most important.

Loud pipes = noise pollution.
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drunk driving = death, maybe if the pipes were louder the drunks would wake up out of there alcohol induced coma that they are driving around in

+1 dodgeram. My Harley has stock pipes on it, my gsxr has aftermarket, but its just a tick louder than stock. I really want a bumper sticker that I seen in Chicago last month to put on the back of the Harley. It said "If loud pipes save lives, imagine what learning to ride can do".

Now I wish JPD would get the person,that cut off my friend on Milton Ave.Sat.Morning. He's out off the hospital,but with a broken leg in3 spots.Bike is totaled.Damn PEOPLE watch were you drive.......

Loud pipes = noise pollution.

I totally agree with wearing all the protective gear 100%. I also totally agree with having louder pipes. You're right, defensive riding is extremely important. Unfortunately, there's too many people out there that don't have defensive driving a vehicle skills so the rider is at a total disadvantage. Until that changes, I will endorse the loud pipes. Besides, they sound good.
No different that a classic car with some nice exhaust.

the bottom line really is that people should not drink and drive. It does not really matter that this accident involves a motorcycle, it could of very easily involved another car, people need to stop being selfish and worry about someone else other than themselves. There is enough violence in this world that we don't need anymore senseless death's because someone was to ignorant to call for a ride after drinking to much.

Spark.....Unfortunately the loud pipes do more to upset people and put a negative spin on motorcyclists than they do saving people's lives. If the riders that install these pipes were seriously concerned about safety they would ditch the bandanas and t-shirts and dress themselves in armored jackets and a nice kevlar or carbon helmet.

Loud Pipes Save Lives is a joke.

If people these days can't hear air horns on a train or a truck.... just how are they going to hear a little motorcycle?? Oh.. I got it, How about orienting the pipes to face forward to actually be of some use as a "warning device"? I'm betting that it would be too "loud" for the rider though.... hmmmm I'll take stupidity for 200 Alex!

One of the best defenses a rider has.... is DEFENSIVE RIDING. Unfortunately its a lost art, much like defensive driving.

The majority ARE in compliance with the law as it stands today. So based on your statement, what is the big deal with the OWI/DUI laws? Only a small percentage of the population gets arrested / convicted of OWI/DUI anyway. So what is the problem?

whoanellie - You may not like the loud pipes on motorcycles, but that's one of the best defenses a rider has. People obviously don't look for motorcycles when driving in a car. That's one of the reasons for so many accidents. Having a loud bike they can at least hear you.

Our prayers are with the young man. This young lady needs serious consequences for her action,yet she should not be vilified. USE all the laws on the books to convict,fine,incaracete,but dont use her for an example to change Wi. drinking laws.If taxis are not aviable call a friend,parent,spouse,anyone to get home safely.USE your brain,dont drive while drinking.

If you get caught drunk driving you should be shot in the face on the spot. How many people would risk that?
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If the consequences are severe enough, the majority will be in compliance with the law. That is why countries like Singapore do not have the crime rates that we do.
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(To those of you who think i am serious, i am not, i am just giving an over-the-top example)

whoanellie: You said; "no one should get a second chance if stopped while drunk. take away the license for a year for the first offense..."
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If based on your opinion what the law should be by taking away the license for a year, what happens after the year? Sounds to me they get a second chance.
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Which is it?? NO second chances or second chances??
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"No one with a loud muffler on their car should ever get a ticket cause the bikes are even louder!!"
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So, 2 wrongs make a right in your book?

Let me just say first that my heart goes out to this man, I hope he recovers quickly. Then I'll say: put this drunk in the tank and keep her there untill she is 80. no one should drink and drive and this county is way to soft on it. The state as well. no one should get a second chance if stopped while drunk. take away the license for a year for the first offense and that might change a few. also I think getting them taxi service is just enabling their bad habit. let them get caught( and hopefully no one is hurt) then slap the book on them. I also don't care for the loud motorcycles around town. They wake me up in the night and it's hard to leave your windows open in the summer for all the noise. No one with a loud muffler on their car should ever get a ticket cause the bikes are even louder!!

To all those pointing out the fact that so many times bikers are treated with disdain by those driving cars, I have to wonder about the situation. I have been driving on the road next to motorcycles that were so loud that I could not carry on a conversation with the passenger in my car. I have also been stuck behind a pack of motorcycles traveling 10mph under the speed limit after situating themselves in a way that it makes it impossible for faster moving traffic to pass. They just contiune on with a line of cars behind them. I realize that not all motorcyclists act in such a way, but all it takes is a few bad apples to have all lumped into the same catagory.....I also find it very hard to have sympathy for a rider who was in an accident wearing nothing but a bandana, t-shirt and jeans. There's so much gear out there now with textiles, kevlar helmets, etc. that it makes absolutely no sense to ride without gear. If the rider doesn't seem to care enough about himself to use modern gear, why should the rest of us?

Oh and if they can't call a taxi how about a sober friend/family

it is crazy to seek an alternative transportation to prevent drunk driving. Are you saying you would rather people drive drunk then come up with a solution. And if those other towns want to help stop drunk driving then maybe they could look into a taxi service as well.

Are there taxi's in Edgerton, WI?
Evansville, WI?
Clinton, WI?
Milton, WI?
Orfordville, WI?
Footville, WI?
Fulton, WI?
Ah.....NO!
Rediculous Idea!

I wish people would just realize that all they need to do is call a taxi get a ride home that way if you have enough money to drink you have enough to pay for a taxi ride to get where you want so that the rest of us do not have to be in danger by supidity. Maybe the bars should not allow vehicles in their parking lots are require all people who come to the bar leave in a taxi.

A good example of how drunk driving is handled in Rock County; several years ago, a young man on a motorcycle was killed on Hwy 140 near Larson Rd by a man driving drunk in the early afternoon. The drunk driver was released from the jail and continued to drive semi across the country FOR A YEAR before going to court and getting 7 years in and another 8 or so years extended supervision. Has the Rock County legal system changed at all since this tragic accident? ...And my continued prayers go out to the family of this young man...

biggirl drunk driving may be enforced, but I think that they let repeat offenders get away with getting caught to many times before they give them a harsher sentence. My ex sister in law when I met her the county had breathalizer put in her vehicle it would not start until she blew in it, and she would make her kids do it for her, she did not get a prison sentence until her 7th offense and her kids were in the car with her again

biggirl with another post defending a criminal. I would like to see her CCAP.

Another surprising post from biggirl. Could you please explain to us how someone could have a good defense for driving drunk?

I have seen it happen many times. When a driver is turning left and for whatever reason just does not see the motorcycle. Please people be aware. My son rides a Harley and I don't worry about HIS driving I worry someone won't see him.

Anyone who believes that drunk driving is not enforced enough here needs to look at the court reports and the police records. Every day people are arrested for drunk driving, and they are almost always convicted, even when they have a good defense. In fact, all accidents are listed as "alcohol related" even if one of the drivers has only had one drink. That is, it doesn't meet the scientific definition of causation, but it meets the loose legal ones. Why do the authorities want to do this? Could it be because it whips us up into a panic and then justifies increased police and prison expense?

Rummage... I'm fine thank you. Really... but thanks for your "concern".

However, I am blunt, to the point, and have an opinion to share, on these opinionated blogs!
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I'm irked though by people with these lackadaisical attitudes for those who blatantly break the law, those who harm others due to their lack of taking responsibility for their own actions and those who are not held accountable.

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My PERSONAL experiences (35 years worth of driving) has proven to me that people are less compassionate, more rude and do not pay attention to the task at hand, and that is to defensively drive and keep heavy metal on 4 wheels under control.
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Its that simple!

That 27 year old needs to be slapped around a bit may it will knock some common sense into her. Every citizen should be able to line up and one at a time slap her across the face, all 60,000 of us.

dont forget janesville is "good ole boy country" when it comes to drunk driving the courts are not hard enough. this woman will most likely get 1 year with huber and 1 year probation and she will claim shes an alchoholic and get a slap on the wrist then sent to rehab. I watch the court reports in the gazette second and third drunk driving and they still have their licenses I hope she has insurance and I hope he gets a good attorney
Biscuit

Well rummagesales, I HAVE had someone in a car try to purposely run me off the road when I was on a bike. Idiot blew his horn when he came beside me and when I looked at him he flipped me off and swerved at me. What was the response when I called the cops? "Do you have witnesses?". Have no idea what the guys problem was. I only got a partial plate. Really becomes fun when someone on their cell phone is paying more attention to their call than to the road they are mindlessly guiding their 5,000lb suv on at 15-20mph over the limit in traffic. I've made eye contact with people who are planning to turn left or pull out and STILL they just look right through you. Just to get an idea how dump people really are, a female motorcyclist died yesterday in Chicago when a woman rearended her at a stop light because the woman in the car was painting her fingernaols while driving. Girl was just stopped at the light and got plowed and tossed 200' because some idiot 'needed to paint her damn nails while driving'.

Now back to the drunk in this article. She should NEVER be allowed to drive a car again. Hitting someone while drunk and then fleeing the scene should be a felony. I dont care if it screws her life up. She should had thought of that before getting hammered and driving. People like her just dont give a damn about others and she proved it with her actions.

GMAO3.....I am a bit concerned about you. I read many of your post, and a lot of anger radiates from your words. You sound like you need to smile more. Yes, bikers are victims of many accidents, but I don't think people try to bully them off of the roads on purpose. I for one can attest to the fact that bikes are sometimes very hard to see. I am a VERY cautious driver, and I sometimes am surprised by the out of the nowhereness of a bike. I really don't believe people are going to risk hitting a motorcycle ON PURPOSE. Seriously, do YOU?

Ok. So, she flees the scene because she was drunk and didn't want to get into trouble. I get that. (not right at all, but can see how that could happen). MY QUESTION IS, how on earth, after fleeing, and let's say she gets away with it, could she live with herself? My gut would eat me alive!!! Just couldn't do it, and if I did, I know for a fact I would narc myself out. You just don't do something wrong and run away from it, ESPECIALLY when a life is involved.

kkm3: Christine F. Raychel hit the young man and fled, didn't you read the story??
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kkm3: "I am a firm believer we all must take credit for our actions."
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I am a firm believer we all must take RESPONSIBILITY for our actions

Honestly I don't know what kind of loser could hit a motorcycle and LEAVE! I hope she suffers some humilation. She left him for dead. I saw the aftermath, and I wasn't sure what was to come for that person. It was nice to read in this morning's paper he is in GOOD condition. I am a firm believer we all must take credit for our actions.

i completely agree no more 2nd changes for Drunk Driving. I have never met anyone who was caught drunk driving the first time they ever tried it.

I hope he recovers fully from this accident. Bikers have rights too. Why is it people can see small children and give them a wide berth (thank God they do...), but will pull out in front of a biker or change lanes without even looking for one? We rarely take our Harley out after dusk.

People drive like angry idiots as it is, then add alcohol to a 4 wheeler and the biker doesn't stand a chance. The kid who BLEW OFF the stop sign crossing a main county road hit a biker and his wife, out on a Sunday afternoon drive just weeks ago.

Bikers have rights to the roads too! But then again, THIS driver was drunk. So incarcerate her. "She was arrested on a charge of causing great bodily injury by intoxicated use of a vehicle and hit-and-run causing injury."

She shouldn't get a second chance!