I came across this 'letters to the editor' in "The Times" from San Mateo, California, dated Tuesday, July 20, 1948. I thought you might find it interesting.
'Motorcycle Gangsters Must Be Removed From the Roads'
Disgraceful performances by hoodlums on motorcycles, this year at Riverside, last year at Hollister, and with monotonous regularity in our own San Mateo county, are bringing precisely the result that might have been expected. A lot of folks are giving voice to those fateful words: "There ought to be a law '." Motorcycles, while not objects of beauty, are in themselves inoffensive. The trouble with them is some of the people who ride them. There seems to be something rather too exhilarating about getting astride a motorcycle and riding off in a cloud of gas fumes and noise. At least it is far too wearing on those of us who prefer the comparative safety of four-wheeled vehicles or the reliable "Shanks' mare."
After each outrageous episode there are always letters from duly organized motorcyclists' associations in which they disclaim responsibility for the outrages. These letters always deplore the misbehavior of the supposedly unorganized riders who are blamed for raising "hell on wheels.'' Rightly enough, the motorcycle associations hold the fear that the bad name being gained by the hoodlums will bring laws in restraint of the peaceful and reasonable use of motorcycles. They may well entertain such fear. Luckless motorists who have been driving lawfully are frequently struck by motorcycles ridden by persons who not only proceed without caution, but careen crazily about under the impression that the highways have been created for their sole use. When this happens, the motorist often finds himself surrounded by a gang of other motorcyclists bent on insisting that he is drunk or wholly to blame for the collision. Many times members of these gangs are themselves drunk or anxious to start a fight. This sort of behavior cannot be tolerated and. while no doubt the careful riders of the motorcycle associations deserve some sympathy, it is obvious that the laws governing the use of motorcycles must be made more stringent. The associations admit that they have no control over the marauding gangster type of riders, and, if they cannot control them, the only alternative is to allow the law to do so.
When the legislature convenes again it should be a first order of business to consider changes in the motor vehicle code which can effectively put a stop to motorcycle gangsterism. Whether this is to be done by outlawing these vehicles for pleasure use, by requiring the use of sealed speed governors, by changing the age limit for riders drastically upward, or by some other means, is a matter upon which state highway officials should be fully prepared to advise the legislature. The decent law-abiding motorists of California, and the people in both cities and rural areas, have the right to demand such a change in the law.
Mr. Donald Peterson, San Mateo
Thanks, Don...
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