couple of considerations on those that don't wave. New ryders fearful of letting go and encounters requiring full grip but these are occasions for a head nod in place of the wave. There are those totaly distracted as well. I wave to them all...:2thumbs:
I agree with you. When I said it was a "generational thing", I was referring to folks' recollection of the ill-content that took place in PA leading up to the repeal of the law some 11 years ago now. That will fade over time.I'm not so sure that it is a "generational" thing, I believe that it is a "Choice" thing. I think that EVERYONE should wear a helmet and appropriate riding gear, but if not, that is their "choice" if the law allows.
The missus & I wave to all other riders we see. Fully 98% wave back, yes even Harley riders. Most will wave if you initiate it, and a lot of other riders wave first. To me it is about community, and not just the :spyder2: community. A couple of weeks ago we were parked on the shoulder with flashers on looking at a map. Yeah, old school. A Harley pulled over and asked if we were OK and/or if we needed any help. Told him we were fine and thanked him for stopping. That, to me, is community. IMHO
couple of considerations on those that don't wave. New ryders fearful of letting go and encounters requiring full grip but these are occasions for a head nod in place of the wave. There are those totaly distracted as well. I wave to them all...:2thumbs:
Great read! I had not seen that before. Thanks.
Here in Pennsylvania, we have an interesting twist to "the wave" story. I mostly wave at everyone. 95% of helmeted riders either wave back, or they initiate it. With unhelmeted riders, it is exactly the opposite... 5% return the wave, 95% do not, regardless of what kind of bike they ride. (I wave anyway, just to "tick 'em off".)
In our state, helmets became optional in 2003. Wearing helmets had been mandatory, according to state law, for 35 years prior to that. And for all those 35 years there were vicious fights over repealing the "helmet law". Towards the end of that period motorcyclists were truly two different breeds in our state - those who hated the law and fought vehemently to repeal it, and those who, either didn't care, or sided with the majority of the legislators who believed that helmets saved lives. In 2003, after the repeal finally came, there were many riders (although a minority) who took off their helmets, threw them in the trash and have never worn one since. (Most ride Hogs.)
Now, eleven years later most of those who fought hard for the repeal still can't stand stand the rest of us who wear helmets (when by law we do not have to). There's a group of younger riders today who don't even understand what's behind the divide. It's a generational thing that eventually will fade, but for now, there are still those in PA who remain "a breed apart".