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Aug 23, 2008 6:05 pm US/Central
Harley-Riding Woman, 85, Talks Motorcycle Safety
ROBBINSDALE, Minn. (WCCO) ―
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Though Lewandowski may take it a bit easier, she said even after 60 years, to ride is still her biggest thrill.
CBS
Deadly motorcycle crashes are on the rise in Minnesota. Last week, four riders were killed and two seriously injured.
According to the department of public safety, 39 riders have died so far this year, compared to 37 at this time last year. Nearly half of all of the riders who died last year were between 45 and 60 years old. Safety officials say all riders need to get more training.
There's a rider from Robbinsdale who knows how to be safe and enjoy the road. She's been doing it for about six decades. Violet Lewandowski gets some strange looks when she hops on her Harley. At the age of 85, strangers, friends and family alike wonder why she's still riding.
"They think that I'm going to get hurt. They're wishing I would quit. I'm not ready to quit," said Lewandowski.
She started riding a small motorcycle on the farm when she was in her twenties. She eventually bought a Harley sportster and has stayed with her current Harley since 1974.
"I love it. It's just, it's hard to explain, but when you get on it and get out there and ride on it, it's just a feeling that, it's just something I love to do it's a part of me. It's been all my life I guess," said Lewandowski.
When Lewandowski moved to Robbinsdale in the late 1950s, you never saw women riding motorcycles. She said the neighbors didn't approve.
"I'd have to ride when it got sort of dark at night and I'd push it out on the road," she recalled.
Later, Lewandowski spent years crossing the country on her Harley, sometimes riding 400 miles a day. After all these years, she's had only one minor accident.
"Keep a'watchin', that's about all you can do," warned Lewandowski.
She always wears a helmet. She's noticed other riders have become more careless.
"I think it's all due to the speed. They just have to slow down," said Lewandowski.
Though Lewandowski may take it a bit easier, she said even after 60 years, to ride is still her biggest thrill.
"About 50 (miles per hour) is OK, but not 80," she laughed.
The Department of Public Safety says most single vehicle motorcycle crashes involve speed, inexperience, inattention, and impairment. The department urges new riders to take a safety course.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
