At the request of a community member, I am going to spend some time discussing issues surrounding motorcycle operation and safety considerations. I will start by sharing my admiration for the feeling of cruising down the road with the wind through my hair—or, in my case, the feeling of the wind on my head. Since the invention of the motorcycle, it has been eternally linked to the desire for freedom and the exercise of individuality and independence. That being said, there is an old saying in the world of accident dynamics: "He with the most lug nuts wins." In the case of a motorcycle, it is imperative to understand the volatility of simply traveling down the road.

So, let's start with some basic rules for those interested in operating a motorcycle. First, you must hold a valid Class M license or motorcycle instruction permit to operate on a public road. In addition, if you are under the age of 18, you must also have completed an approved motorcycle rider education course. Once you have all of that, you can begin thinking about heading out onto the open road.

The first personal safety consideration is wearing a helmet. While it is not mandatory for riders over the age of 18 in Wisconsin, it is highly recommended. For those under the age of 18, it is mandatory. Even if you are not required to wear a helmet, eye protection is required unless your motorcycle has a windshield or windscreen that provides adequate coverage.

Just as with any motor vehicle, proper mirrors and turn signals are required. A recent addition to Wisconsin law is that a motorcycle's headlamp must be turned on at all times, including during daylight hours. This is a great safety measure because any attention you can draw to yourself and your motorcycle while operating on a public roadway increases your visibility and safety.

Another consideration when operating a motorcycle is where on the road you should position yourself. Think of your lane of travel in terms of "three thirds," meaning you divide the lane into three sections and position yourself consistently within one of them unless conditions change.

Position 1 is the left third of the lane. It provides the best line of sight for oncoming traffic and allows vehicles behind you to better see you in their rearview mirrors. It is also the best position when traveling in cities because it helps you avoid doors opening from parked vehicles. When operating on interstates, it also provides additional room for merging traffic.

Position 2 is the center of the lane. While it provides additional distance from oncoming traffic, it also has the greatest likelihood of containing debris, oil, or other roadway hazards.

Position 3 is the right third of the lane. It is ideal for rural roads or multilane highways because it provides greater distance from oncoming traffic and reduces the effects of wind turbulence created by large oncoming vehicles.

Overall, the consensus is that Position 1 is the safest in most riding situations.

Another consideration for motorcycle operators that is less prevalent for other motor vehicles is roadway debris. As the operator of a motorcycle, you must always be keenly aware of the road surface and any hazards that could reduce your tires' contact with the pavement.

Finally, slow down. Operating on two wheels already carries inherent risks. Don't increase those risks by exceeding not only the posted speed limit but also a safe speed for the current road and weather conditions. Along those same lines, leave yourself plenty of space to stop suddenly if necessary.

For those of us sharing the road with motorcycles, we can also take steps to make their journey a safe one. First and foremost, just as I would tell motorcyclists, slow down and allow greater following distance between your vehicle and the motorcycle ahead of you. Increase your vigilance at intersections by taking an extra look to the left and right before proceeding, as the smaller profile of a motorcycle can easily be overlooked at first glance.

As we continue to share the roads with motorcycles, tractors, recreational vehicles and, of course, pedestrians during the summer months, let's all do our part to keep one another safe.