Motorcycle Fatalities in San Antonio drop

Friends say Leonard Goff, 52, would be alive had he heeded his longtime girlfriend's advice to wear a helmet when he rode his motorcycle.

Goff, a longtime motorcyclist, died in a crash after losing control while speeding in the 14100 block of Judson Road on April 21. According to a police report, he may have been drinking.

He is the eighth motorcycle rider killed in a crash in San Antonio this year, police said. But they also say fatal crashes are on the decline: In 2012, eight fewer people died in motorcycle crashes than in 2011.

Texas is one of 16 states that has seen a drop in motorcyclist fatalities in recent years, unlike the rest of the country, where fatalities are expected to reach a record 5,027 once 2012 numbers are finalized, according to a study released by the Governors Highway Safety Association.

“We don't really know why they declined; the numbers fluctuate every year,” said Barbara Harsha, GHSA's executive director. “The state is probably paying more attention to motorcycle safety, but the most effective countermeasure is mandatory helmet laws for all riders.”

While Texas legislators in 1997 repealed a law requiring all riders to wear helmets, those younger than 21 still must wear them when riding, according to the Texas Transportation Code. Shortly after repealing the law, fatalities in Texas increased, published reports state, and the Texas Department of Transportation took notice.

The agency says an aggressive education campaign that began in 2008 is what's caused the drop in fatalities in Texas.

“We saw these fatalities starting to come up, and we knew that we had to focus on it,” said Carol Rawson, the director of TxDOT's traffic operations division. “There was a focus on this, like a laser. The benefits are coming about now, and 28 people didn't lose their lives in a motorcycle crash last year.”

She said that after interviewing motorists involved in crashes with motorcycles, the drivers often claimed not to have seen the bike, so officials targeted the campaign to better inform motorists. Called “Share the Road,” the effort includes electronic and road signs, advertising and education for both riders and drivers.

Texas motorcyclists aren't required to wear helmets, so long as they complete a rider training program or hold medical insurance covering motorcycle crash injuries. But they are encouraged in safety classes to wear helmets.

Rudy Vogt, 37, said Goff, who was a good friend, was a safe rider who was driving too fast while taking a curve on an unlit portion of the road.

Goff, described in an obituary as a “jack of all trades” who had many hobbies, “the greatest of which was riding his motorcycle,” is survived by his life partner, Angela Kiebler, and sons Anthony Goff and Joshua Mancini.

“He just didn't see the curve, but this could have been prevented,” Vogt said. “I always wear my helmet. I believe in it because my brother got into an accident, and a helmet saved his life.”


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source: My San Antonio (Moravec, 4/29)

Road Trip!

Tired of Dallas and need to get out of the city for a while? Why not take a road trip to San Antonio? July is the great time to head down there, since there is so much to look at, especially out on the road. Biker Lawyer has a few suggestions on what to check out.

While traveling south on I-35 to San Antonio, you'll pass Waxahachie, which has one of the most interesting buildings: the Ellis County Courthouse. Built in 1894, the "Unrequited Love Carvings" made this 9 stories tall court house famous. Legend has it that Harry Herley, a stone mason who fell in love with Mabel Frame, daughter of the boarding house where he stayed. At first, Herley carved her face in the sand stone that is now part of the court house, but she ignored his feelings for her, knowing that she would never pay attention to him, those beautiful carvings of her face slowly became twisted demons. This is something interesting that catches the attention from anyone.

After walking around the courthouse for a while, you'll probably work up an appetite. An hour or so further down from Waxahachie, you'll want to make a stop in Waco for some barbecue. Michna's BBQ is located on 2803 Franklin Avenue, two quick turns from the freeway. They are known for their amazing ribs and their southern hospitality; a John Wayne lover would love it.

While you're in Waco, you can't afford to miss a trip to the Dr. Pepper Museum. Located on 300 South 5th Street, here you'll learn anything and everything you could know about the Dr. Pepper brand. A fair warning: this place used to be the easiest place to get the best Dr. Pepper had to offer, the infamous pure can sugar Dublin Dr. Pepper, but after losing a lawsuit last year it is no longer in production. They may still have some in stock, but if you miss out, you'll have to try their infamous XXX Root Beer instead.

After getting your motorcycle back on the road, you'll want to travel a little further down I-35 to Austin. While in Austin, if you ever need something extra for your bike, you can stop at Cycle Gear. They have just about anything one needs for their bike. Should you decide to stop for a while longer, check out the Bat Bridge, where a literal a swarm of bats can seem turn the day into night. It's great for sightseers and nature lovers.

When you finally reach San Antonio, there is no time to rest. You must go out and see it all! The Toilet Museum, Gravity Hill, The World's Largest Boots, The River Walk, and last but not least, The Alamo. San Antonio is a beautiful city, with beautiful people, and great places to eat. Don't forget to have fun and enjoy your escape from DFW while it lasts.

Four motorcycle boot recommendations for men and women

When buying motorcycle boots, a rider generally looks for comfort, flexibility, protectiveness, breathability, waterproof, and something one can wear without losing the feel of one's foot. But the truth is there is no boot yet made that contains all of these qualities.

When trying out boots the most important factor is the initial fit and feel, as the first try usually indicates the comfort or discomfort. Texas Biker Lawyer has two great choices for both men and women.

First, for the ladies, is the Harley Davidson Studded Strut. This is a sexy and stylish boot for women that has an inside zipper for easy on and off, and comes with a comfortable fashionable 2 1/2" heel. Made of full grain leather and a rubber outsole, stacked heels with a narrow toe, the Harley Davidson Studded Strut boots cost roughly around $114.99.

The Durango 11" leather western boots are long lasting, comfortable, great looking uppers for women who are more laid back. They come with a cushion insole with flexible forepart for all day comfort. The hand stained composition outsole looks and feels like leather should. The Durango 11" leather western boots come with a fashionable 1 1/2" heel and costs around $99.99.

The Harley Davidson Men's Booker engineer boots are made out of leather, have a full size side zipper, and are mid-calf length. They are easy to slip on and off and extremely comfortable. Their engineer boot styling and buckled straps at the vamp and the shaft give it a gothic look. They can be found for around $140.99.

The Alpinestars Soho Gore-Tex Boots are a great choice for any man. They have grip on the soles and are easy to step in and out of, thanks to the velcro closure on one side, and it comes equipped with a full length zipper. Made out of full grain leather, they are reinforced on critical stress points, and once broken in they can be extremely comfortable. These waterproof boots costs around $329.95.