Everyone loves the freedom of driving. For me, I couldn’t wait to turn 16 so I could finally get to drive around in my own car.

That is before I realized there was a less expensive, more economical, and generally more fun alternative to a car  that I could access earlier.

Under California state law, any person of age fifteen and a half who has completed the motorcycle safety course and can pass a written knowledge exam can get a motorcycle permit.

This permit allows full freedom of operation of any motorcycle, with the only stipulations being you can not have a passenger or ride past sunset.

Beyond that you are completely free to drive as if you had a regular license.

When you buy a motorcycle, you get a vehicle that’s available in a price category under $2500 and also gets exceptional gas mileage.

For me, that means 100 miles per gallon and a fill cost of under $10.

Combine that with the ability to lane split, or ride in between lanes of traffic, and you will not only get there cheaper, but a lot faster.

And for those who care for the environment, they’re great for you too.

Utilizing small engines and modern emissions equipment, emissions of motorcycles are significantly lower than those of cars.

However, I know what some may be thinking, “What if I don’t want to be a leather clad rebel riding down the open road on an earthshakingly loud Harley Davidson?”

While that may be the stereotype of motorcycles based on the biker gang culture of days passed, today there is a wide range of machines for a wide range of people.

From slightly larger than a bicycle, to three wheeled monstrosities that are only slightly smaller than cars, there is a motorcycle available to fit everyone’s taste.

That is why I believe that motorcycles are an underrated mode of transportation that everyone could benefit from learning about and maybe even using.