[villagetinker]

Motorcycles scare the living daylights out of me, and I do not ride them for that reason. Over the last 50 plus years of driving, I have had 3 close calls with motorcycles, and in every case, they simply disappeared from view. In each case I saw the motorcycle, and in each case when I looked again, they were GONE! Fortunately, in each of these cases, there were close calls, but no injuries or fatalities. I try to avoid being anywhere in the vicinity of these devices. Now before the flames start, in each and every case, the cycle disappeared behind a mirror, a windshield post, or something similar.....so I do all I can to stay away from them. For the most part I see a lot of responsible cycle drivers here, but there a few that I think have a death wish.
The recent spike appears to be a few of the possible the latter group being in the wrong place at the wrong time.
To all of the motorcycle enthusiasts, please remember the average age in this area is probably older then other areas, and the reactions are a little slower, the vision a little bit less than optimal, and almost no one uses turn signals or lane change signals, so ride defensively, so everyone gets home safely.
This is just may humble opinion, not meant to inflame anyone, please be kind when responding.