As spring finally arrives, more and more people are heading out to enjoy the outdoors. That includes those of us who ride motorcycles.

As spring finally arrives, more and more people are heading out to enjoy the outdoors. That includes those of us who ride motorcycles.

Soon more riders will be out, and the need for safety will increase dramatically; unfortunately, so will the number of accidents involving a car and a motorcycle.

All of us have been trained in safe, defensive riding. Sadly, most, but not all, of us practice it. I can only speak for the majority of us, not for those who split the lanes on the highway or whiz past at reckless speeds.

We do as many things as possible to make ourselves seen and heard. Many of us have headlights and brake lights that flash or are very bright.

Others have loud exhausts and stereos, partly so you can hear us. I like to leave three to four car lengths in front of me, so that when I have to jam on my brakes on the highway, I won�t hit the car in front of me.

I tend to ride in the left side of the lane so drivers can see me in their side-view mirrors. I try not to put myself in anyone�s blind spot.

I will not ride anyone�s bumper. I use both hand signals and blinkers to ensure drivers see my intent to change lanes.

When traffic approaches from the side, I�ll toot my horn to make the driver look my way so he sees me.

Some bikes are very small and can hide behind a windshield post in a driver�s view very easily, to the point that drivers never see us.

I would like to ask car and truck drivers to make motorcycle riders some promises. I feel confident in saying most of the motorcycle community will make some promises in return.

If drivers promise not to cut us off, we promise not to damage rear bumpers with our front wheel.

If they promise to make sure the cross-traffic is clear before pulling out of a side street, we promise not to dent their fenders or doors with our bodies. If they promise to make sure oncoming traffic has cleared before turning left, we promise not to deploy their airbags and bounce off their windshields.

Last and most important, if drivers promise to watch out for motorcycles, we promise to watch out for drivers. We want to get there safely, just like they do.

JIM CARLSON

Westerville