Is Houston a More Dangerous Place for Motorcycles?

Last month, more than 170 people were arrested at a Twin Peaks restaurant in Waco, following the deaths of nine people in what was termed one of the worst biker brawls in recent years.

The incident may reinforce Houstonians’ perceptions about motorcyclists, and may help to explain why some have little regard for them on the road. It may also explain, in part, the motivations behind an event last week in which the Houston Police Department and Texas Patriot Guard Riders came together to promote motorcycle safety awareness and encourage Houston drivers to share the road with bikers.

We talk with Keith Rovell, Vice Chairman of the Texas Motorcycle Safety Coalition, and HPD Senior Police Officer Jeff Allard about Houstonian attitudes towards bikers, and what can be done to overcome stereotypes, and more importantly, get more drivers here to notice and respect bikers on the road, just like any other motorist. (According to TxDOT, Houston is the deadliest city in Texas for motorcycle riders, 26 of whom died in Houston traffic accidents in 2014).