Reader Jason D. Fellingham of Seattle, Washington forwarded us a copy of this letter, which he sent to local news outlets in his area:

I am writing this letter to voice my concerns about an upcoming movie and the likely negative media it may generate towards an activity that I deeply enjoy.

The movie is “Biker Boyz”, due for release on January 31st, and the activity is motorcycling, sport riding in particular. I have only seen the trailer for this movie but, from that and knowing Hollywood’s tendency to glorify absurd and reckless behavior, I am sure that this movie will portray sport riders in a very negative fashion. This movie will likely show illegal street racing, wheelies, burn-outs and general hooliganism in a “cool” and rebellious way. I am also sure that it will have some sort of media impact, much like that of the movie “The Fast and The Furious”.

I have been riding for a number of years, and racing for the past three. I know hundreds of riders and racers up and down the west coast, mature, responsible riders who have spent a good deal of time and effort trying to shed the “Bad-Boy” image and animosity towards motorcyclists that comes with it. Most of the riders I know are productive members of our community, some are parents and many are involved in local charities, but it’s hard to see that thru a helmet and riding gear.

My chief concern over this movie is that it will influence younger, less experienced riders to engage in extremely dangerous and illegal actions with no true understanding or concern for the inevitable repercussions, but I am also very concerned about how you in the media will deal with this. I bring to point an article printed in the LA Times on June 5th, 2002 entitled “Filling the need for speed” which painted a picture of sport riders as reckless daredevils, based on interviews with two absolute morons and a number of incorrect and exaggerated statistics. The writer of this story carried a bias through the entire article, neglected to contact any local clubs, magazines or manufacturers for information nor did she provide any sort of positive information about motorcyclists or motorcycling. Needless to say, the LA Times received thousands of letters in response to this pointed story, mine included, one of which, written by a local man, made it to the pages of Cycle World magazine.

I am not asking you to cover this matter nor do I presume that you would do so in the unprofessional manner displayed by the writer of the article I noted. I only ask that if it does happen that you do a story regarding this movie, the actions in it or sport riding in the region that you do so responsibly, keeping in mind the influence you have over the views of the general public. I assure you that any negativity carried by motorists is and will be seen on the road, where we are already in a vulnerable and potentially dangerous position. I would also ask that you provide some information about local clubs and organizations and help to show our younger riders that there is in fact a safe and appropriate place for racing i.e. the race track.

I thank you for taking the time to read this and humbly offer myself as a resource for any contacts or information you may need regarding local clubs and racing organizations.

Regards,

Jason D Fellingham
Seattle, Washington