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New Rider: Making All the Right Moves

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Scott O'Sullivan - The O'Sullivan Law Firm, motorcycle accident attorneys
Scott O’Sullivan, Founder of Rider Justice and The O’Sullivan Law Firm

No one needs to tell a biker how dangerous it can be on the road. Every rider can give a laundry list of close encounters without batting an eye and those who haven’t been lucky enough to avoid collisions have battle scars to tell their story.

My goal with Rider Justice, is to always focus on how to keep riders as safe as possible while celebrating the biker lifestyle that brings them joy. As a law firm, of course we are here to help riders that have been injured in an accident, but what if we could do more to be proactive? This question is always top of mind for me and my team.

So, when I met Tamara, someone who wanted to begin riding but hadn’t just yet, I knew I had a golden opportunity to help make sure this person got started on the right foot. Moreover, we developed a plan to document her journey as a way to help other new riders. 

Meet Tamara

I met Tamara a couple years ago as she worked in a restaurant I frequented in my neighborhood, and over time we’ve become friends. It was with great surprise when one day, she announced to me that she wanted to ride a motorcycle. After some very serious conversations filled with my best fatherly advice, she was undaunted and more determined than ever to get on 2-wheels. Knowing the potential dangers that lie ahead, I asked if she would let me guide her journey and she agreed. 

Tamara moved to Colorado from Southern California. You should also know that she has been horseback riding since she was ten years old. Her parents signed her up for riding lessons before sending her to a summer camp that had a horse program. Once she was riding, she was hooked.

That camp was in Buena Vista, Colorado and when she got into high school, Tamara began working at that same camp each summer teaching other kids how to ride. Now, with lots of years riding, and even competing with horses, she’s ready to move on to something new.

Tamara says, comparing riding a horse to what she thinks riding will be like. “It is kind of nice to be able to travel from point A to point B having the wind on you and being out in the open as opposed to riding in a car.”

Motorcycle Endorsement

First things first, Tamara needed to take a riding class. Not only would the class teach her how to ride and best practices, she would have a chance to actually ride a bike that she didn’t have to purchase first. 

Those who know me, know that I have a history of riding, but that I stopped after losing a friend many years ago. It doesn’t change that I miss riding a LOT! So, I took the class with Tamara, just for grins. And man, it was so fun!

We worked with Dave Tolbert who owns Motorcycle Training Academy in Aurora. He pointed out to us that excited new riders often go buy a new bike before knowing how to ride and then end up laying it down or knocking it over by accident and damaging it right away. So, in addition to waiving the DMV test by getting your endorsement in a class, a benefit of taking a class is using someone else’s bike to practice with. Moreover, they have a number of bikes for you to try. 

I’m pleased to report that on March 5, 2020, Tamara and I both passed the Basic Rider Course and got our endorsements!

Gear & The Bike

Knowing that Tamara had her eye on adventure riding as well as street riding, we brought her to work with our friends at Erico Motorsports. There, she worked with Stevie, the apparel specialist who is also a female rider and Nick who showed her all kinds of bikes.

Stevie had lots of great tips for Tamara regarding gear and how to evaluate gear for on- and off-road riding. Tamara left with a great helmet, jacket, and gloves!

Tamara had her eye on a Ducati Scrambler but she also liked the look of some of the Triumphs, too. Nick helped answer all of her questions. In the end, Tamara found the ride she’s been dreaming of: a 2018 Ducati Scrambler Café Racer. 

Follow the Journey

Even though Tamara is off to a great start, we’re not done yet! You can follow her journey by following her on Instagram, by following us on either Facebook or Instagram where we will share updates or go directly to the videos documenting her progress so far at RiderJustice.com/features. We are continually adding new videos showing what she’s up to in her learning process.

If you have suggestions for new riders, I’d love to hear your recommendations. Call or text me at 303.388.5304 or email: Scott@RiderJustice.com.

The World’s Strongest Denim Performance Jeans Custom Fit

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We are excited to introduce ARMALITH, the World’s Strongest Denim Performance Jeans in CUSTOM FIT. We know whether you are riding the freeway, the Million Dollar Highway, or the local backroads, getting and keeping your head in the game is essential for personal safety. To do that, you need your riding jeans to fit and be comfortable for you! 

click to enlarge
  • Jeans developed to resist impact and abrasion in a motorcycle fall. 
  • Jeans can be fully armored. 
  • Jeans made-to-fit. 

We believe every rider should get the pair of Performance Hi Abrasion Denim Jeans they will live in on or off the motorcycle. We can provide you with performance denim riding jeans that combine the comfortable fit of your favorite pair of jeans with the safety and technical qualities of leather made from ARMALITH, the World’s Strongest Denim. 

Here is how we do it: 

  • Send us your favorite pair of riding jeans that are comfortable sitting on the bike for longer rides. 
  • Answer a few simple questions. (Do you need a cell phone pocket? Or body armor?) 
  • We will send you a sketch and wait for your sign off and go ahead. 
  • We will make a pattern, sew, and ship your favorite jeans and your new jeans to your door in 2-4 weeks! 

Find us at www.hanmotogear.com  and begin today to create your custom fit performance denim riding jeans.

Motorcycle Training Schedule

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Motorcycle Training Academy have a massive schedule of motorcycle classes available in Aurora and Colorado Springs. They train riders for everything on 2 or 3 wheels!

Basic RiderCourse

Basic RiderCourses available every week:

  • Monday & Tuesday
  • Wednesday & Thurs
  • Saturday & Sunday

For new riders or returning riders. Successful completion gives you paperwork to get your endorsement and to skip the DMV test. This class is a total of 18 hours including a 3-hour eCourse, 10 hours of riding, 5 hours in the classroom. Who should take this class:

  • The best place for new riders to start once you’ve made the decision to ride.
  • Riders wanting their Colorado motorcycle endorsement. (other States MAY also accept this course)
  • Anyone who has little to no motorcycling experience.
  • Military personnel wanting to fulfill installation requirements.
  • Riders returning to motorcycling after a few years of not riding.
  • Riders seeking motorcycle insurance discounts from many major insurance carriers.

Experienced RiderCourse

The Experienced RiderCourse is offered every Friday.

Who should take this class:

  • Riders who already have basic skills.
  • Riders wanting their Colorado motorcycle endorsement. (other States MAY also accept this course)
  • Recent Basic RiderCourse graduates who want to become more confident on their own motorcycle.
  • Riders with experience who want to enhance their skills on their motorcycle.
  • Riders returning to motorcycling after a brief departure.
  • Military personnel wanting to fulfill installation requirements.
  • Riders seeking motorcycle insurance discounts from many major insurance carriers.

Check out our website for all classes available: MotorcycleTrainingAcademy.com

Prepping for the Riding Season

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Scott O'Sullivan - The O'Sullivan Law Firm, motorcycle accident attorneys
Scott O’Sullivan

A number of you Colorado Rider News readers are all-season riders but not everyone rides in through the winter season. For those that put the bike away for several of the winter months, the warming weather really creates an itch to hit the road.

[Read more…] about Prepping for the Riding Season

What SB065 Means for You

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What the bill does…

  • The bill limits the use of a mobile electronic device while driving to adult drivers who use the mobile electronic device through a hands-free accessory (except smart watches)
  • Establishes the following penalties for the respective offenses: $50 and two points for the first violation, $100 and two points for the second violation, $200 and four points for third or subsequent violations, and $300 and four points if the violation involves texting.

What the bill does NOT do…

  • Does not prohibit RTD drivers or other professionals from using two-way radio communication devices for their professional duties.
  • Does not prohibit the use of original equipment screens and controls which can control a mobile device remotely, such as buttons on a steering wheel.
  • Does not preempt the federal law that prohibits commercial drivers from using hand-held mobile telephones and texting while driving commercial vehicles.

Why have more restriction?

  • The bill aims to prevent distracted driving related accidents and deaths.
  • Nationally 3,116 people died in 2017 due to distracted driving affected crashes.1
  • Children and young people between the ages of 15-19, accounted for 23% of distracted drivers who were using cell phones, despite this group only making up of 6% of total drivers.2
  • Distracted driving in Colorado caused over 15,000 crashes in 2018.3

Benefits of the additional standard?

Good for public safety – This bill could help prevent the 53 deaths, and 6,269 injuries in Colorado annually as a result of distracted drivers.4 This bill could help deter the behavior of the 90% of the population which engages in distracted driving behavior in Colorado.5 All of these deaths and injuries are preventable, and this bill will help to deter behavior that leads to these types of losses.

Good for Colorado’s economy – Distracted driving leaves quit a toll on drivers in Colorado by causing 43 crashes per day.6 By deterring drivers from this dangerous behavior, Coloradans could save money from costly accidents and higher insurance premiums. The additional revenue generated from the financial penalties of distracted driving will also help fund law enforcement agencies, particularly in small rural areas, to continue to protect and serve Coloradans.7

1 National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
2 National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
3 Colorado Department of Transportation
4 Colorado Department of Transportation
5 Colorado Department of Transportation
6 Colorado Department of Transportation
7 Rocky Mountain PBS

True Bike Accident Story

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Why is it important to include Un-Insured/Under-Insured Motorist Coverage in your policy?

By Stormy

Considering being in a motorcycle accident in July of this year, I discovered that I didn’t have UM/UIM coverage included in my motorcycle policy. This means that because the at-fault driver didn’t have enough coverage on their policy, I might be stuck with paying my medical bills which as of today is $33,000.00.

[Read more…] about True Bike Accident Story

Proactive Riding: What does that even mean?

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Motorcyclists hear this all the time: Be a proactive rider! But what does “being proactive” really mean? 

Scott O'Sullivan - The O'Sullivan Law Firm, motorcycle accident attorneys
Scott O’Sullivan

The most important piece of advice you can start using right now: Don’t trust other drivers. You are responsible for your ride. It’s an unfortunate reflection of our current culture that people are driving distracted, wrapped up in themselves, and anxious. Taking control of yourself and your actions should be number one on your to-do list. 

Being proactive and being a proactive rider means actively being in control of everything possible about you and your ride and not just responding when something happens on the road. There are things you can control and then there are things you can’t control. 

What is in Your Control

Gear — Seriously! Ride with the right gear. Accidents, road debris, weather – they are going to happen. Recommended gear includes: shatter-proof eye protection, full-face helmet, full-finger gloves, sturdy boots, and long pants. 

Also, do you have a first-aid kit? If you do, do you know how to use everything in the kit? 

Your bike — Most riders love their babies so they have this one covered, but some folks do let maintenance and repairs slide. Don’t be that person that gets injured or stuck in a bad place because of an avoidable breakdown.

Get the right insurance — Because you absolutely cannot trust anyone else out on the road, assume the worst: that they have no insurance or the state minimum. (Don’t even get us started about hit and runs!) This means you must carry enough insurance to care for you and your family if the very worst happens. (Check out our insurance recommendations at riderjustice.com.) 

Your skill level — Hone your riding skills. Harley-Davidson said it best: Great riders aren’t born; they’re made! This means new riders should definitely take a class. Experienced riders should keep taking advanced training classes to keep yourself sharp. Rider inexperience is the *number one human contributing factor in motorcycle accidents in Colorado and your skill is completely in your control. Any rider, no matter how many miles under their belt, can learn more.

Situational awareness — Is anyone around you in a state of road rage? Are others texting, distracted, or oblivious? Is there construction, bad weather, or an accident ahead? Recognize what is going on around you and adapt with the sole intention of keeping yourself safe. Don’t get sucked into road rage yourself or teaching someone a lesson. Adapting to avoid danger is a better goal. Another way to plan for safety is to check out the Denver Accident Map and plot your rides to avoid the most dangerous roads in Denver.

Self Awareness — Do you react emotionally to situations? Do you get so angry at other drivers  that your hands shake and vision narrows? *Aggressive driving is the 2nd top contributing human factor for motorcycle accidents. Don’t be that guy. Take a deep breath and remember that keeping your cool is a better way to get yourself home safe.

Your Community — Do you know who to call for help if something goes wrong? Not just 9-1-1, but organizations like BikerDown exist to help riders after an accident and offer membership services that can keep you afloat if you get hurt.

Do you have a trusted legal resource, like Rider Justice in your phone so when you have questions you can get advice? 

Do you carry an ICE (In Case of Emergency) card? 

Ride sober — This one should be a no brainer, but still, *DUI, DWAI, and DUID is the 3rd most common cause of motorcycle accidents in the state of Colorado. Don’t be your own worst enemy! Anything that affects your perception, vision, reaction time, or attention span is taking your control away. 

Safety training — If there is an accident, can you help? Do you know CPR? Take classes that train you to confidently deal with what may happen on the road to fellow riders. Follow our Facebook page for announcements for safety classes that we sponsor for riders: https://www.facebook.com/MotorcycleRiderJustice/

What is Not in Your Control

People driving with little or no insurance — No matter how irresponsible – people still do it. You can’t control what insurance they carry or if they drive with none at all. There’s no pot of gold if someone uninsured hits you – insurance is where the money comes from.

Distracted Drivers — These people are a serious danger to everyone on the road. Watch for them and get away as far away from them as possible even if that means letting them move ahead of you so you can keep an eye on them.

Road conditions  — You can’t get CDOT to work any faster but you can watch the road carefully to avoid hazards and plan your ride to avoid construction zones.

You probably don’t have a hotline to control the weather (if you do, let us know- we have some requests). Check the weather and just don’t ride if there’s rain, snow, or intense wind in the forecast. If you choose to do so, recognize that you are giving up some safety control to the elements.

Public perception of bikers — This one is rough because we know bikers get a bad rap. It isn’t fair and we don’t like it but we find most drivers assume bikers are the bad guys. Just keep in mind cameras are everywhere and there is a better than good chance that in any road “situation” there will be a camera recording all or part of it. Make sure if you’re being recorded that it’s to your advantage.

The ride should be a beautiful thing, and sometimes beauty takes work and planning. The best thing you can do is take total control of yourself and your ride. 

*MOST 2019 Annual Reports

What resolutions will you stick to this year?

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There is always something special about the new year that somehow puts a new hopeful look into the upcoming year.  New Year’s resolution posts on Facebook and Instagram start flooding your timelines. Maybe someone you know is planning to quit smoking, hit the gym, drink less – the list can go on. These resolutions usually don’t last long. What about for us motorcycle riders though? If you’re passionate about riding, then it’ll be easier to follow through with biker resolutions. 

So, here are some motorcycle resolutions to keep in mind in 2020

Increase your bike/car insurance – not the most glamorous first resolution, but certainly the most important.  Colorado riders ride year-round and accidents as we know happen weekly in our community.  All riders MUST have at least 250k dollars in under or un-insured motorist coverage.  30% of all drivers in Colorado do not have car insurance and if they do another 25% of them have liability only.  No-one like high priced insurance, but FREEDOM of the ride is NO LONGER FREE.  Do it for your family and friends if nothing else, family members are the ones who will struggle to help you if or when you have an accident.

Get your Living will and affairs in order – again not on most people’s top 10 of things to do, but vital in the event of an accident.  We all know that life is short, and accidents can happen but thinking that your family and friends know your wishes or will honor your wishes after an accident of fatality is quite a different story.  We lost many of our biker family in 2019 and the aftermath of confusion would shock most of you.  Take a day to do your living will or attend one of BikerDown Foundation’s events.  They are planning on bringing in experts who can help you get your documents in order.

Motorcycle Maintenance – Regular maintenance is one of the best ways to ensure motorcycle safety on the road.  Just because your bike starts and runs…doesn’t mean it isn’t a risk for a breakdown leaving you possibly stranded on a ride and causing more damage to your bike when you are forced to get it fixed.   If you don’t know what you’re doing, then the New Year is the perfect tie to learn.  Take your owner’s manual and get more familiar with your specific bike.  You should also always check your tire pressure for the temperature and conditions on the road.  Your tires will lose pressure in colder riding conditions and not give you the performance you might need…traction is also so important in Colorado with the ice/gravel and other hazards that can be on our mountain roads.

Ride more often – you should try, and ride more than you did in the previous year. Set a goal of riding a specific amount of days per month. It can be hard to do with family, work and other commitments occupying most of your time, but if you are a passionate rider, then it shouldn’t be viewed as a chore. Even if you must go around the corner for a few groceries, make it your duty to take your bike instead. Once the nice weather hits your area, get out and join up with local organized charity rides.

Find a group of riders that share your passion and style of riding is also a great way to get out and ride more. The more buddies you have that want to hit the road, the easier it will be for you to get off your butt and go for a ride. 

Plan a Motorcycle Trip – Colorado riders has some of the best riding in the country.  Make a list of states that you have always wanted to ride to and start planning. Road trip can get expensive, but if you decide on taking your motorcycle somewhere instead, you will enjoy the freedom and experience of getting to your destination a lot more. Now is the perfect time to start planning something for 2020 because, in Colorado winter is still upon us and will limit our riding over the next few snowy months.  There is some amazing riding outside of Colorado…so make your bucket list and start your saving for your trip. The possibilities are endless. You just need that determination and drive to start organizing things and follow through with it. You only live once, so you might as well make it memorable experiencing the unfamiliar.

Get your endorsement – Many riders are riding in our state and nationwide without their motorcycle endorsement.  While your state may not require it, many states do…so taking that trip cross country you might head into a state that requires it. I believe there are also some insurance discounts/benefits that you can get from your insurance company by showing them that you have your endorsement or have completed some refresher classes.

Update your riding skills – Many of you have been riding for years, but there isn’t anything better than taking a day to refresh your motorcycle skills and learn some additional defensive driving tips.   There are also Accident Scene Management classes sponsored by Rider Justice and BikerDown that can help someone render aid in the event of an accident.

Is it time for a new helmet? – In terms of safety gear, a DOT helmet is one of the most important items you can add to the bike, and if you are planning on any road trips outside of Colorado, you will need to carry a helmet.  While Colorado riders have always believed in the choice to wear or not wear a helmet it’s astonishing just how many bikers will compromise their safety in a bid to look cool on the road.  I too had never wanted to wear a helmet, but now have taken that leap to additional safety when I ride by purchasing a DOT helmet.

Safety clothing and apparel – For years if you wanted to wear motorcycle safety gear you had to go to a sport bike clothing manufacturer and it really didn’t match your clothing or style of clothing.  Companies like Tobacco Motorwear Company have brought to the motorcycle riders (male and female) clothing such as Kevlar riding pants and jackets and vests that have D30 back protectors.  D30 is a new technology is the thinnest and most advanced protection against impact around.  Basically, it is very thin and flexible until impact and then hardens instantly.

Being pro-active with your riding and taking some simple necessary steps to keep you a little safer on the road seems to me to be the BEST Motorcycle New Year’s Eve Resolution!

Coloradans Organized for Responsible Driving

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Scott O'Sullivan - The O'Sullivan Law Firm, motorcycle accident attorneys
Scott O’Sullivan

In February of 2016, Brian and Jacquie Lehner were riding their Harley-Davidson on Highway 83 near Franktown when an oncoming driver crossed the double-yellow line and hit them head-on. Both of the Lehners were killed. The driver, Athina Munoz, was found by police to be texting while driving, and she was also high on multiple substances.

Susan Dane was friends with the Lehners, having met them through her Harley-Davidson Chapter in Parker.

“The summer after they died, I told our Chapter members, ‘Something good has to come out of this!’” says Susan. “I looked up the penalties for texting and driving in Colorado and discovered that it was only $50 and one point. We were all shocked and realized we had to get that changed.”

Photo from a strategy meeting before the 2018 legislative session.

Dane understood that Colorado’s laws were not strict enough to make anyone change their habits, meaning more people could die due to texting and driving. But she didn’t know how to change laws. She had never been involved in any legislative efforts in her life.

Therefore, Susan and a few of the Lehners’ other friends requested a meeting with George Brauchler, the district attorney who had prosecuted Athina Munoz. 

“He said we had two options to change the law,” says Susan. “Either we could create legislation and try to get it passed through the Colorado legislature, or we could try to get signatures on a petition and get it on the ballot. He told us legislation would probably easier.”

CORD was Born

Knowing this would take an organized, grassroots effort, Susan and several other motorcycle riders founded CORD: Coloradans Organized for Responsible Driving.

“My role was to go out and find bills that had been introduced or laws that had passed in other states,” says Susan. “I discovered that there was a bill moving forward in Colorado that year! Senator Lois Court had introduced the bill, so I gathered a bunch of bikers to show up and testify on behalf of the bill.”

Susan laughs a bit when she thinks of that day. “When Senator Court saw us all walk in the room – all these motorcycle riders – she was afraid we’d be against the legislation because bikers are typically against more restrictive laws, such as helmet laws. But then we all started telling our stories and she realized we were on her side.”

CORD and Senator Court worked together to cross party lines and get a bill passed that year. It was a victory but, according to Susan, still not enough.

“It was a small victory,” says Susan. “We got the fines increased but it was a very hard law to enforce. Basically, the only way to get pulled over and ticketed is if you’re texting while driving, and you’re driving carelessly, and a police officer sees you.”

(I also testified at that first public hearing and have been working with CORD and Senator Court to pass stricter texting-while-driving laws.)

Sadly, a stricter bill was quickly killed in 2018. But everyone involved agreed that they had to keep trying in 2019. Their first goal was to expand awareness and support of their efforts.

“We got insurance companies, AAA, C-DOT, the bicycle communities and so many others involved,” says Susan. “So many people want safer roads!”

The 2019 bill made it through the Colorado Senate but was killed in the first House committee it faced.

“The opposition seems to come from a perceived profiling concern, and because not everybody can afford a Bluetooth-enabled car,” says Susan, who explains that she has hard data refuting the profiling concern, and that there are many ways to go hands-free in any car.

“We aren’t going away!” she proclaims, insisting that CORD and many others will be back for the next legislative session to get an impactful, habit-changing law passed.

“In my perfect world, I would like to see a fine of $500 and 4 points for the first offense, escalating from there for each additional offense,” she says. “This is just as bad as drunk driving! As a comparison, we have a $1,000 fine for littering!”

Want Safer Roads? Get Involved!

Susan would love to hear from anyone interested in supporting CORD’s efforts, and she understands how intimidating it can be to join the legislative process.

“It’s an eye opener,” she says. “I’ve never done anything like this before. Social studies was not my cup of tea in school so I’m making up for it now. Honestly, it’s very interesting and I have seen how average people can make a difference.”

If you’d like to follow CORD’s work, visit them on Facebook. You can also email Susan directly: sdane@caresynergynetwork.org