Letter: Motorcyclists must ride differently

I have been riding motorcycles since 1977. All of the riders I know were outraged by the events in New York City on Sept. 29 ["Lawyers stand by cyclists," News, Oct. 11].

Those guys were not representative of the riders I know. They were using the roads for stunts -- not very bright.

Now, it seems that sportbike riders are being targeted by the police ["Bikers busted on LIE," News, Oct. 15], who allege the motorcyclists were traveling 90 mph and driving in and out of traffic.

Riding in a group of bikes has always been a way to be seen by surrounding traffic. It is actually a safety measure. Anyone who reads Newsday, and who has driven on the Long Island Expressway lately, is aware that the average speed for traffic exceeds 70 mph. On a motorcycle, you have to become part of that scenario or risk taking your life into your hands. In fact, it is prudent to go slightly faster.

I do not condone darting in and out of traffic, but the basic rule is to ride as if you are invisible to other motorists. It seems, to the drivers around us, we are invisible, and many of us die because of that every week.

Lawrence Z. Aupperlee, East Setauket