Gas prices

A rising number of British Columbians are fighting back against soaring gas prices by strapping on leather gloves, throwing on helmets and heading out on a motorcycle.

In the last six years, the number of two-wheeled vehicles insured in B.C. jumped 31.25 per cent to 80,000 from 55,000 in 2001.

During this same period, the number of cars insured jumped only 9.25 per cent.

Dealers say the recent surge in gas prices -- which averaged $1.32 a litre in May 2008, compared to 71 cents in May 2001 -- is the main reason why more people are making the switch from a car to a two-wheeled vehicle.

But other factors such as convenience and cost are also driving motorcycle sales in B.C.

Vancouver dealer Carter Motorsports sold 10 scooters on a single Saturday last month -- and followed that up by selling another 11 the following week.

Carter Motorsports sales manager Al Johnson said the growing preference for two-wheeled vehicles, which can run for over 200 kilometres on $5 worth of gas, is part of a global trend.

"You go to places like Thailand or London, people are taking the option of going to scooters because you can commute, they are easy to park and they take little maintenance," he explained. "From a cost point of view, they are very economical."

A 2007 scooter, including a jacket, gloves and a helmet, can be purchased for approximately $2,700. The price jumps to just over $3,000 for a 2008 model, according to Johnson.

More bikers

Richmond Motorsports spokesperson Stuart Nowacki said many people who make the switch to two-wheeled transportation are opting for starter motorcycles, costing between $3,000 and $4000.

"Our sales have gone up, especially with the smaller 125cc and 250cc (Kawasaki) Ninjas," said Stuart Nowacki, Richmond Motorsports spokesperson, which sells scooters and motorcycles.

He said scooters are popular because riders only need a regular driver's license to take one on the road.

Training

As sales of two-wheeled vehicles increase, so do concerns about safety.

Some say people who buy a scooter should have to acquire a motorcycle license since it is more dangerous than driving a car.

"I would encourage all scooter and motorcycle riders to take a course," said Adele Tompkins, executive director of the B.C. Coalition of Motorcyclists.

"I don't see how anybody can comfortably go from a car to a scooter and have the knowledge -- because it's a whole different beast."

Since motorcycles and scooters cause less road wear, burn less gas and cause less traffic, Tompkins says governments in places like London, England are encouraging people to ride motorcycles and scooters.

She says Vancouver needs to follow suit, but the problem is a few noisy motorcyclists give the rest a bad name.

"It wasn't that many years ago that Vancouver City Council came up with the idea of banning motorcycles from the West End," she said.

The BCCOM fought for this plan for two years, worried B.C. might follow in the footsteps of Quebec where there are many motorcycle-free zones, Tompkins explained.

"It was pointed out to (city councillors) time and time again that they need to enforce the laws they have and not legislate more law."

Greenhouse gas emissions

Tompkins is currently waiting for emissions rates from motorcycle manufacturers in the hopes motorcycles can be included in Transport Canada's ecoAUTO Rebate Program, which offers rebates from $1,000 to $2,000 to people who buy or enter a long-term lease for a fuel-efficient vehicle.

"More than anything, it's the recognition that we do burn less fuel and we do emit less greenhouse gases," Tompkins said.

For over seven years, the BCCOM has been fighting with ICBC. Currently, you do not have to have a motorcycle license to insure a motorcycle, even though you need a driver's license to insure a car.

Tompkins worries that any 16-year-old kid can go into a dealership and buy a fast motorcycle -- including sportbikes that can exceed 300 km/h -- and have the bike insured without producing a license.

Risk taking males

And she's not alone.

According to Allan Lamb, executive director of the BCAA Traffic Safety Foundation, young riders are taking too many risks.

Between 1998 and 2007, a total of 341 motorcyclists were killed and 86 of them -- one in four -- were between the age of 16 and 25. This subgroup may represent only 2.4 per cent of licensed motorcyclists, but these under-25ers have a fatality rate that is 1,200 per cent higher than those aged 25 and up, according to Lamb.

"We're dealing with young male risk taking behaviour," Lamb said.

"Motorcycles represent 1.5 per cent of all motorists in B.C. and account for 10 per cent of all road fatalities."

Lamb suggests all motorcyclists take a motorcycle-training course, avoid alcohol and drugs and urges young motorists not to buy powerful sportbikes.

"What we have found in our research is motorcycle training works for those who are motivated, who want to be safe," he said. "Motorcycle training does not work for the young, risk taking males."

Before you strap on a helmet and grab hold of the handlebars, it is important to analyze the risks in hand. Lamb says motorcyclists are 20 times more likely to be killed or injured in a collision.

Hopefully B.C. will follow in the footsteps of Europe, where two-wheeled vehicles -- motorized or otherwise -- are so common, studies indicate that fatalities among registered motorcyclists have declined over the past 15 years, sometimes dramatically, according to Lamb.

Safety

At this time of year, like always, it is important for drivers to check their blind spots. With more sunshine comes the inevitable rise in the number of motorcyclists on B.C. roads.

Motorcyclists are advised to always choose the appropriate lane position, so that they are more likely to be seen by drivers and less likely to have drivers share their lane.

The left lane position is viewed as the best option because the rider is visible to drivers nearby and is seen in mirrors -- and this position discourages drivers from entering the bike's lane.

The centre position is often dangerous because there is usually a grease strip down the centre of the road. There are times when this position should be used, for example, when it is windy.

Use the right lane position when you are approaching a hill or a turn. It will give you a space margin to keep you safer.

The most important thing to remember is to adjust your position as road conditions change, scan constantly for weather and condition changes -- and never presume people see you. The safest riders always presume they are invisible.

For more information on motorcycle safety, check out ICBC's motorcycle safety link attached to this story.