Motorcycles are becoming more popular as gas prices rise. With gas near $4 per gallon, many students are considering motorcycles as a possible means of transportation.
Deon Graham, a senior in civil engineering, got his motorcycle in December because it saves on gas. He also said parking for motorcycles was a plus.
However, some students have had them for years and are now glad they have them because of the rising gas prices.
“I thought it would be fun, and it was. I got it before anyone was worried about saving gas,” said Brett Williams, a sophomore in chemistry.
Williams, who got his first motorcycle 10 years ago, gets 55 to 60 miles per gallon.
Students do see benefits other than the good gas mileage, including the enjoyment of driving a motorcycle and the better parking on campus.
“It’s fun riding when the weather is like this. You’re in the open air, so it’s like being outside,” Williams said.
There are a few drawbacks that students see in having motorcycles, but most students said the benefits outweigh the risks. Many students see the higher chance of injury as the biggest drawback of getting a motorcycle.
“When it’s really hot outside and you get stuck in traffic, there’s no air conditioning,” Williams said. “If you get in an accident, you get hurt a little bit more.”
“People around here, just driving around town, tend not to look for bikes,” Graham said. “It’s a big deal to be more cautious and aware of what’s going on around you.”
Many students who don’t own motorcycles would consider getting them for various reasons.
“I’d probably consider getting one. It would be fun to drive,” said James Manasco, a senior in history and political science. “It’s cheaper than a car, and gas is good. Parking is really good,” Manasco said.
The sale of motorized scooters, such as Vespas, has also increased with the rise in gas prices. Motorized scooters cost anywhere from $800 to $8,000. Many smaller motor scooters and medium sized motorcycles get 75 to 100 mpg.
Honda’s motorcycle division has seen an almost 10 percent rise in sales since last year.
According to the Alabama Department of Motor Vehicles, motorcycles have to be registered and licensed just like cars. Motorcycle licenses can be applied for at the age of 14 with testing similar to that of a regular driver’s license.
