Celebrity motorcycle brigade: a growing number of Black celebrities are taking to the road on motorized bikes

Ebony, Jan, 1996

It was once considered a sport for the eccentric, an activity enjoyed by leather-clad boys with tattoos, mohawks and attitudes. But today, motorcycling has become a national obssession, with executives and celebrities hopping on the two-wheeled bandwagon.

Across the country, an estimated 30.5 million people ride motorcycles. While some love the roar of the engine and the pure power the machines possess, others get a thrill out of the blight colors and futuristic designs. Still others see motorcycling as a practical and fun way to avoid traffic jams and parking problems in America's larger cities.

Among these new riders indulging themselves in the sport are African-American singers, actors, athletes and other celebrities. In fact, motorcycling by the rich and famous has become so popular at least one motorcycle manufacturer has started a celebrity-lider program.

Alfonso Ribeiro, who plays "Carlton" on The Fresh Prince o Bel Air, is passionate about his Suzuki GSXR-1100. "It's so great to have a motorcycle in the state of California," says the New York native. "During the warm months, which is pretty much all of the time, I ride my [bike] to the set."

Donde T. Whitfield, who plays "Mac" in the situation comedy, The Crew, and "Terrence" in the daytime drama, All My Children, drives to the Los Angeles set on his Honda bike. "Telling you what I feel like when I ride is almost impossible," he says. "It's one of the few things I can do and not feel stress or tension because it gives me an overwhelming feeling of freedom."

The West Coast isn't the only place stars can be seen riding their bikes. Sunny Florida is also a haven for celebrity motorcyclists. Film star Wesley Snipes made headlines over the summer when he crashed his bike after allegedly leading police on a high-speed chase near Palm Beach. Snipes, who reportedly drove 30 miles in 14 minutes, was ordered to pay a fine and perform 80 hours of community service.

The judge did not order the action movie star to take the driving lessons usually given after a speeding violation, saying, "Anybody that can drive as fast as you, I'm not sure needs defensive driving school."