By Curtis M. Beloy, P.E. ::::

Motorcycles are unique vehicles that require special training and licensing to operate. They have unique handling characteristics and respond to disturbances differently than passenger vehicles. From a very simplistic point of view, a motorcycle can be thought of as being comprised of two wheels, a front structure that includes the handlebars and front fork, and a rear structure that includes the frame, fuel tank, and motor. The motorcycle contacts the ground at two points- the contact patches of the front and rear wheels. Unlike passenger vehicles, motorcycles are subject to unique vibrations and instability due to their ability to pivot about the joints on the motorcycle and the contact patches with the road. Because of this design, motorcycles can “weave” and “wobble” while traveling down the road, as well as lean/tip over (capsize) to the side.

William J. Birks, Jr., CPP ::::

Case Analysis: A woman drove her car into the parking lot of a US based retailer.  She secured a parking space, abutting a pedestrian walkway that ran perpendicular from the store’s entrance/exit, down the middle of the parking lot.  As she exited her car and turned right onto the walkway, the woman was unaware that she was being observed by two males that were “cruising” the lot in a stolen automobile. As she approached the end of the walkway, a car passed in front of her then made a right turn, against the traffic pattern. As the car slowed, a man seated in the passenger’s seat jumped out of the car as it rolled to a stop. The man quickly approached the woman from behind just as she arrived at the end of the walkway and lunged at the handbag she was carrying over her shoulder.  The force of the attack caused the woman to be pulled backwards onto the ground.  The man continued trying to pry the purse away but she would not relent.  As the fruitlessness of his endeavor quickly became apparent to the assailant, he retreated back to the car from which he came.  The car sped away, leaving the woman on the ground suffering from multiple injuries, requiring emergency medical attention.