Seattle's mayor, Greg Nickels proposed a plan on how to get paramedics to an emergency scene in much faster time: put them on Harleys.

With the town in the midst of a population boom, construction, and congestion, it's becoming harder for four-wheeled emergency vehicles to get through.

Dubbed, "Motorcycle Medics", it'll be similar to other motorcycle paramedics in place in Miami, Pittsburgh, and other cities.

Obviously, these bikes can't transport patients, but they can administer first aid, carry defibrilators, and act as efficient "first responders".

The beauty of these is speed. They don't necessarily have to administer care either, they can just evaluate the situation, and decide if it's necessary to get a transport out there.

The city will actually lease four motorcycles during the pilot program under a budget of $570,000. That compares with the standard medic one unit that costs $1.3 million per year.

Labels: Motorcycle Paramedics, Washington

An article from the Associated Press reports that officials from the Washington State Patrol and the Department of Licensing are discussing strategies to address older motorcycle riders killing themselves.

Among the solutions is a requirement that people must show their motorcycle license before buying a bike

While age certainly does play a factor towards reduced vision, and slower reflexes, I know some geriatric riders that ride better than I do. Who hasn't heard of "Turbo Dave", who's like 80 years old, owns umpteen different bikes, and rides coast-to-coast just to pass the time away?

If a guy wants to leave this world while riding his bike, let him. It's a lot cheaper for government to pay for road cleaning, than it is to pay for years of public healthcare services.

Labels: Legislation, Motorcycle Endorsements, Washington