Good people of Porterville, I’m writing this letter to ask something of you.

We’ve lost a number of our fellow Portervillians recently in senseless accidents. Motorcyclists share the road with four-wheel vehicles every day. People ride motorcycles not only because they’re cheap on gas, but also because it’s a freedom. There’s nothing like being in the wind. If you don’t ride, I really can’t explain it.

But I can explain the pain I’ve seen in family members’ faces, because of the loss of their loved ones.

Motorcyclist have the same rights as the four-wheel motorists have. It’s just bikers don’t have a cage around them. If you think it’s the bikers’ fault for riding, let’s not go there. All I’m asking is, take an extra second to look both ways. Before changing lanes, look twice. It could mean a biker’s life.

Be aware that Porterville has a lot of fathers, grandfathers, mothers, brothers, sisters, preachers, sheriff’s deputies, cops, and just good people of our community who choose to ride. I pray to God that we all will be more careful, and watch out for those who choose to ride.

And to the person who turns in front of me almost every morning off of Prospect onto Olive, I ride. I’m a dad, and a father of 10. Take a second to relax, and watch out for us. God bless Porterville.
Richard Higgie Higginbotham
Porterville