Splitting the Difference: Biker Life in LA

By Myer Thompson

Despite what you hear, there are only two problems with living in Los Angeles: the traffic and the traffic. Yeah, it's a cliche by now, but the truth is the truth. You can't expect to go anywhere in the City of Angels and not be in your car for at least 45 minutes. If you're lucky and it's 3 AM on a Sunday, you might be looking at 30 minutes. No matter what you do, if it's not within walking distance -- which nothing is in LA -- you're starting your engine and hitting the road.

Think traffic isn't that big a deal? If you think you have it all figured out -- you're wrong. Your harebrained traffic predictors are worthless. Even your own, hard-won experience with the patchwork of highway and overpasses will not prepare you. Just because you managed to speed down the 405 one day, doesn't mean you'll have the privilege the next.

No, as long as you're stuck in a car or truck -- you'll be stuck in a car or truck. The solution, short of relocating, is getting off four wheels and getting on two. It's a daunting prospect, to be sure. Except for the foolhardy and brazenly brash, few people willingly decide to have a turn on a motorcycle in LA County.

You can't argue with mobility. The main appeal of getting around on two wheels instead of four is mobility. In California you can split lanes. Though highly controversial, this means a motorcycle can cut between two cars. Lanes no longer matter for the Californian biker. This means inching you way up to the head of the line at any stop light and zooming into and out of traffic.

The advantages are appealing, but the risks are significant. In fact, motorcycle fatalities have soared over the last decade to constitute 14% of all roadway deaths, despite the fact that motorcycles account for less than 1% of vehicle miles traveled. This is an alarming statistic, and one that should prompt any life-loving rider to have a Los Angeles motorcycle accident attorney on speed dial at all times. - 30247

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