The National Transportation Safety Board this week approved recommendations for motorcycle safety focusing on passage of mandatory helmet-use laws in all states, reports the American Motorcyclist Association. But the panel did not deal with other significant issues related to the safety of riders on the road.

The recommendations, which do not carry the force of law, come a year after the NTSB held a public forum on motorcycle safety that gathered comments from motorcycle manufacturers, researchers, trauma physicians, law enforcement officials, insurance companies and motorcycle associations, including the AMA. Those groups expressed support for a wide range of motorcycle-safety initiatives, including campaigns against alcohol impairment, increased opportunities for rider education and stricter enforcement of licensing laws. In the end, though, the panel's final report focused almost exclusively on the helmet-law issue.

In the October issue of Ebony magazine, Queen Latifah speaks out about her life, career and motorcycles.  As an avid motorcycle rider, she shares the love for riding with her family and many friends.  Though pictured on a custom bobber in the article, Latifah usually rides a sport bike and gets out every chance she can in California or at "home" in New Jersey.  She shares a touching story of loosing her brother in a motorcycle accident and how the passion they shared for riding still keeps her close to him. This a great article on a great women who rides...stop by the news stands and check it out!  In the same mag, there is also an article about the Black Biker Culture.

Motocross Legend Ricky Carmichael is taking on a new direction in racing.  He is trying out his skills against the four wheeled set at Orlando Speed World in Bithlo.