The post Motorcycle Lane Splitting: What Is It & Should You Do It? appeared first on Susquehanna Valley Harley Davidson.
]]>You’re faced with a complicated decision each day when you head out on the open road. Will you lane split on your motorcycle or share the same space as traditional vehicles? The concept of lane splitting is a popular topic across motorcycle shops and online forums, but most states prohibit this action.
So what is lane splitting, and should you do it?
Lane splitting is the process of riding a motorcycle in the same lane between rows of moving or stationary vehicles. The action can take place across divided and undivided streets, roads and major highways. This definition is accompanied by a number of different variations, as California is currently the only state to allow lane splitting.
This riding activity may be efficient for some riders, but whether or not you should lane split is going to depend on where you live. California is the only state in the country to recognize lane splitting, but the following states do not specifically prohibit it:
If you live in one of the locations where lane splitting is not specifically prohibited, you don’t necessarily get a free pass. Just because there’s no legislation against lane splitting in certain states doesn’t mean you won’t get in trouble. After all, California permits lane splitting, but riders are not required to ride this way.
Riders either love or fear lane splitting. If not done correctly, this practice quickly becomes dangerous for riders and other vehicles on the road. Additionally, it’s up to local Highway Patrol to determine if your actions are unsafe, so you can still get a ticket for lane splitting even if it’s technically not “illegal” in a given state.
Lane splitting is drastically different from lane filtering or lane sharing alongside other riders. If you’re skeptical about the practice, you shouldn’t try it.
The future of lane splitting is somewhat uncertain. Even though the activity is legal in the state of California, legislators across the country are unsuccessful in pushing bills for approval. There are two sides to the argument on lane splitting, but some riders see a number of benefits for the operation, if it were legal across the country.
Riders often see lane splitting as a way to keep motorcyclists safe from rear-end collisions. If it’s done responsibly at recommended speeds, it’s possible that lane splitting could lessen traffic congestion, as fewer riders would be in front or directly behind other vehicles.
California drivers are getting used to the concept of motorcycle lane splitting, but remember not to engage in this practice unless you live there.
Susquehanna Valley Harley-Davidson does not advocate lane splitting, as we’re a Pennsylvania-based dealer. Lane splitting outside of California is extremely dangerous, as drivers and other riders are not prepared for it. This activity has the potential to cause drivers to overreact because something on the road is out of the ordinary.
Until further notice, avoid lane splitting outside of California.
New to motorcycles or simply seeking out a new ride? Susquehanna Valley Harley-Davidson wants to help! Be sure to check out our new bike inventory listings and schedule a test ride at our location today.
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]]>The post Ride for Life appeared first on Susquehanna Valley Harley Davidson.
]]>What we shared above, and what most of us take for granted, describes the daily lives of too many people who reside in your very own neighborhood as well as individuals located around the world.
Men, women, and children across the globe suffer from muscular dystrophy, ALS and other neuromuscular diseases that make living a “normal” life challenging, if not impossible. Even though these people suffer daily, things may get even worse as time passes and their affliction continues to nip away at their independence and self-sufficiency.
Individuals diagnosed with neuromuscular diseases aren’t the only ones impacted by those conditions. Watching a loved one suffer from a disease takes a heavy toll on the individual’s family and friends. It’s not just the family members who walk upright who are impacted. Even four-legged family members feel the weight of neuromuscular diseases like muscular dystrophy and ALS.
While your heart may go out to people with muscular dystrophy, ALS and related neuromuscular diseases as well as their loved ones, just your empathy simply isn’t enough. Your participation in a muscular dystrophy fundraiser like Ride for Life is necessary to ease the suffering and change the lives of countless men, women and children for the better. Together we can help individuals live longer and grow stronger.
If you’re not already part of the extended Harley-Davidson family, you might not know that motorcycle fundraisers take place regularly to raise money for worthy causes. One such cause is the Muscular Dystrophy Association. For decades, Harley riders and motorcycle enthusiasts have come together for MDA Ride for Life and, as a community, committed themselves to ending neuromuscular disease and supporting the individuals affected by those conditions. The group has raised millions of dollars throughout the years. Despite that laudable success, more still needs to be done.
Paul Cohen, a leading New York businessman who suffered from muscular dystrophy, and a group of his friends who had personal experiences with the disease, founded what would eventually become the Muscular Dystrophy Association back in 1950. Since then, the MDA has “spearheaded efforts to transform the lives of people with muscular dystrophy, ALS and related neuromuscular diseases.” To this day, the organization continues to fund much-needed research, lend support to families, and ensure patients receive the best possible care.
While the group’s name indicates otherwise, the Muscular Dystrophy Association supports research and provides support and care to people who suffer from an array of neuromuscular diseases. Here are just some samples of the diseases the organization exists to improve treatment for, in addition to muscular dystrophy and ALS:
To understand why muscular dystrophy fundraising events are so vital to the MDA’s work, you need to realize that, unless a specific disease is mentioned in the list above, the condition has multiple variations. For example, there are at least eight broad categories of muscular dystrophy and nine named types of mitochondrial myopathy. When you’re familiar with all the diseases the Muscular Dystrophy Association finances research in, and all the diseases affecting the people the organization exists to help, it’s easier to appreciate why muscular dystrophy charity events that benefit the MDA are so crucial to millions of people throughout the world, including your community.
By now, we’re sure you’re eager to learn what you can do to support the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Whereas the MDA helps people on a global level, we proudly do our part on a local one — and we’d love for you to join us regardless of whether you ride a Harley Davidson, a bike produced by another brand or a bicycle. Just like muscular dystrophy, ALS and related neuromuscular diseases don’t discriminate, we welcome participation from everyone regardless of how they get around town.
We know hosting a one-off Muscular Dystrophy Association fundraiser is like using an eyedropper to drain the ocean. That’s why we host muscular dystrophy fundraisers locally year-round, with our biggest one being our participation in the annual Ride for Life event.
In addition to Ride for Life, which occurs in the springtime, we take part in other charity events throughout the year such as bike nights and other charity rides. Just like we support the Muscular Dystrophy Association, we’re proud to assist other area organizations that exist to help others, including:
We’ve had the honor to serve Harrisburg, PA and surrounding areas since July, 1995. And we consider it a privilege to provide support for organizations that strive to make the extended community we share with you and others in the local area and around the world better, including the Muscular Dystrophy Association.
While some of our other fundraising activities benefit different non-profits, 100 percent of the money we raise through our MDA Ride for Life events goes directly to the Muscular Dystrophy Association. If you’ve lived or worked in the area for a while, then you probably know we take part in an annual event that benefits the MDA every spring. With every event being even more fun-filled and action-packed than the one before it, we can tell you one thing for sure: Ride for Life 2020, is a charitable event you will not want to miss.
Although this year’s Ride for Life is in the rearview, the planning for next year’s event is already in full swing. The MDA Ride for Life 2020 is slated to begin on April 30 and wrap up on May 3, 2020. Throughout this multi-day event, attendees can participate in scenic bike rides, silent auctions and beer and wine tastings, among other activities.
If you can only attend one day of the event, make sure it’s Saturday. That day is when the “real” action will occur. One of the day’s biggest events will be a Sidecar Parade, during which adults and children with muscular dystrophy, ALS or a related neuromuscular disease will ride in Harley Davidson sidecars in a lengthy line along a pre-set route. The hour-longish Sidecar Parade is a must-see event that offers living, visual proof of the importance of the MDA’s work and your involvement in Muscular Dystrophy Association fundraisers, including Ride for Life.
Saturday is also when you can catch the thrilling Hill Climb. Our MDA Ride for Life 2020 will only be the second time local attendees can witness this American Motorcycle Association Professional Event. The only way to accurately describe this event is “super cool” for kids of all ages, including the inner child inside your adult self.
Believe it or not, supporting the MDA is as simple as attending any of our events throughout the year at Susquehanna Valley Harley-Davidson. The fundraising process for the spring MDA Ride for Life event normally doesn’t start until January, which is when the event’s official packets will be available.
BUT, you don’t have to wait to throw your support behind Ride for Life 2020, however. As we mentioned earlier, Susquehanna Valley H-D® engages in fundraising for worthy causes year-round. To jump-start (or kick-start, if you prefer!) interest in our next MDA Ride for Life event, we’ve already started pre-selling entries to the function.
For a donation of just $60 to benefit the MDA, you’ll receive admission to Ride for Life 2020. You’ll also get tickets for discounted meals and other things. We’ll even give you tickets for the much-anticipated, second annual Hill Climb! Where else can you get so much for six Hamiltons while helping others at the same time?
There’s no reason to put it off — you can start supporting the Muscular Dystrophy Association and participating in our Ride to Life event as early as today. Visit Susquehanna Valley H-D® to score a great deal during our Ride for Life pre-sale. If you can’t make it to our location today, contact us to learn more about how we support Ride for Life in Harrisburg and our other fundraising activities now.
Remember — although appreciated, it’s not enough to empathize with people in need of help. Action is required to provide the assistance that researchers and individuals with muscular dystrophy, ALS and other neuromuscular diseases and their families desperately need. Taking action has never been easier now that you’re familiar with the MDA and Ride for Life. Get involved by contacting or visiting Susquehanna Valley H-D® now. When it comes to the MDA, it’s all about the journey, not the destination. Let’s take a journey to a happier, healthier tomorrow for millions of people located across the globe and in our own backyard, together, through Ride for Life.
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]]>The post Female Motorcycle Clubs appeared first on Susquehanna Valley Harley Davidson.
]]>Whether you’re a newer rider or have been riding for many years and want to connect with other female riders, joining a female motorcycle club near you is a great option. You can find a great club to get to know other women motorcycle riders in the area, whether you’re looking for an all-female motorcycle club or a more specific demographic such as female motorcycle clubs for black riders.
Locating a riding club can be pretty easy, but finding one that’s exclusively for women can be a little bit harder. Of course, the internet is a great resource and a good place to start your search.
While you’re searching, you may find a wide variety of motorcycle clubs in general, and each organization may have different values and goals for the group. With so much variance in groups in the area, there’s a good chance you’ll find an all-female motorcycle riders club!
If you’re having trouble finding a club for women riders, why not start one? Chances are there are other female riders nearby who would love a newer club that’s just for women. Like other activities and sports, women experience riding in the community differently than men do. Having other women riders who understand and relate to your own experiences can make this hobby even better.
One of the best reasons to join a riding club of all women is for the chance to connect. Whether you want to swap tips, are looking for a group to ride with or want to meet other people in the area with the same interests, a riding club is a great solution. Join an existing club or start your own, and you’ll have a great place to do the thing you love with other women.
By joining an all-female motorcycle club, you’re connecting with other women who have likely had similar experiences to yours. If you’re having a problem, you can ask for advice and know you’re getting it from a perspective similar to your own. It is also super rewarding to share your own experiences in order to help someone solve a problem that they’re having!
With more and more women making up motorcycle ownership in the country, the month of May is the time to celebrate female motorcyclists. Whether you want to join a riding club or commemorate the time in another way, it’s a great month to connect with other women riders.
If you’re not ready to commit to a riding club, you can still take advantage of other options. Visit your local Susquehanna Valley Harley-Davidson to meet other women riders in the area.
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