“Tar snakes”, do you know what I'm talking about? I am referring to the material that the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) has began using to seal cracks on paved roads.

 

It is some slick stuff. It looks like common tar, but I'm not sure it is. It builds up a thick strip of “tar” that has, in one of my riding experiences, caused my motorcycle to change path of travel. That is particularly risky in a curve.

 

I have received quite a lot of comments and feedback about the problems they cause. Things like, “ it feels like a flat tire”, “it causes my tire to slip a ½ inch”, etc.

 

ABATE of Indiana's friend and lawyer, Rod Taylor, has begun a discussion with INDOT to make them aware of the problems we motorcyclist encounter with the “tar snakes”.

 

As of this writing we're not sure if it is an administration issue or something that has to be addressed legislatively. Hopefully it can be addressed with INDOT administration and be resolved.

 

If you know an INDOT administrator, engineer, or road boss you may try addressing the issue with them. Of course you need to be calm and try to just make them aware of the problems we encounter. This is NOT a call to action. It is just a suggestion.

 

If you have a friend in another State, try to do a little research and find out if they have “tar snakes” and what they have attempted or achieved to address the problem.

 

If any information on “tar snakes” comes your way be sure to contact the ABATE state office and let them know what you have found out or you can e-mail me at  HYPERLINK "mailto:reyem@psci.net"reyem@psci.net. 

 

Until this issue has a resolution in one form or another, ride carefully and aware of “tar snakes”.

 

Remember to RIDE far, RIDE safe and RIDE FREE over the “tar snakes”!

 

Later,

Mike Meyer

State LINC Director