FabSwingers.com > Forums > The Lounge > Are Motorbikes just too dangerous?

Are Motorbikes just too dangerous?

By (user no longer on site) OP over a year ago

After a 19 year old tragically lost his life today do you think that motorbikes should be banned. I hate to say this really changed my mind about bikes - I know mountaineering is dangerous and so are all sorts of other sorts but the footage of this poor young lad just reminds me how fragile they are in an accident with another vehicle. RIP

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GGnOAEOc7Dg

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By *-and-KCouple over a year ago

Back of Beyond

I ride bikes and in all honesty can say they are no more dangerous than other motorsports. In fact it is a tragedy as a competitor also lost his life at last weeks event, 2 teens in 7 days.

And yet in international track competition these are the first deaths in about 9 or 10 years, so you do have to weigh up the safety measures nowadays to say what it was like in the 60's and 70's where somebody lost their life just about every weekend.

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By *ittle_brat_evie!!Woman over a year ago

evesham

whilst any loss of life is horible to hear of and wthout wanting to sound heartless the racer knew the risks when he got on the bike and decided to drive at such speeds etc

everything we do in lfe has some element of risk attached to it, it is up to us to decide whether or not that risk is worth it

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By *ara_and_MJCouple over a year ago

rochdale

Not a biker, just a cyclist but i hear the same arguments used about cyclists "ooh, they're too dangerous on the roads they should be banned".

Complete rubbish IMHO. It isn't the vehicle that's dangerous it's the user. Whilst excessive speed is a common factor in motorcycle deaths so is inattentiveness & poor roadskills from the drivers of many cars.

Simple fact is that many - too many - drivers/riders are simply not skilled enough to drive safely on the roads.

It's not the machine, it's the driver/rider.

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

"After a 19 year old tragically lost his life today do you think that motorbikes should be banned. I hate to say this really changed my mind about bikes - I know mountaineering is dangerous and so are all sorts of other sorts but the footage of this poor young lad just reminds me how fragile they are in an accident with another vehicle. RIP

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GGnOAEOc7Dg"

Ban bikes. Ban cars. Ban water. Ban pen tops. Ban Fires. Ban eating....

Banning is never a solution

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By (user no longer on site) OP over a year ago

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GGnOAEOc7Dg

Ban bikes. Ban cars. Ban water. Ban pen tops. Ban Fires. Ban eating....

Banning is never a solution "

(lol I think there is one case where that is not appropriate - ban andrew lloyd webber's face from TV - radio is ok but have to admit that I feel pretty scarred)

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By *oe_Steve_NWestCouple over a year ago

Bolton

It's always sad when a life is lost - how many people die crossing the road? We're both bikers and cyclists as well as car drivers - on the bikes its the car drivers who tend to be our worry - the ones on phones - speaking/texting or just plain non observant - we have to bemany times more vigilant on the bikes - banning can't be an option - where would it end? Z

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

I'm an ex-biker who gave up 30 years ago after two close calls - both my fault with no other vehicle involved and in good conditions. I was just going too fast. I'd been riding on private ground for a number of years but just didn't have the road experience needed to keep myself alive.

As for racing accidents. My father also rode road bikes and had been to the Isle of Man a couple of times in his younger days. He reckoned the problem wasn't so much speed as speed differential. On test days all the bikes went out together - 125s right up to 750s and, although the 125s were quick they weren't as quick at the 750s and couldn't always get out of their way in time.

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

i stoped racing after a bad crash, over 40 broken bones, however it was my choice to race and i loved it, take away freedom of choice and you are left in a world im not sure i would like to be in

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By *oe_Steve_NWestCouple over a year ago

Bolton

"i stoped racing after a bad crash, over 40 broken bones, however it was my choice to race and i loved it, take away freedom of choice and you are left in a world im not sure i would like to be in"

Have to agree - if you love doing something and know the risks then it's up to you. On a track there's going to be noting coming the other way - all guys there know what they're doing. Has any one read George Orwells 1984? Take away choice and thats what life would be like! Great eh? Z

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

It's sad to hear of any loss of life but I ride Bikes still and used to race and stunt them, I've lost a lot of Friends through Bikes but we all make our own choices, without choices what would we have

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

Everything we do carries an element of risk - including swinging - and I am not just talking about "accidents".

Life is about making choices, informed choices and some of us are more risk takers than others.

Each to their own I feel but please don't ban things for people who want to take the risks.

I would not like to be stopped from doing aerobatics simply because some planes have crashed.

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By *eclan_and_AimeeCouple over a year ago

dunblane, stirling

I watched this live today and whilst being extremely moved by what I could tell already was, or was going to end up in a tragic outcome, it was one of those freak sports moments. As an avid rider myself I am well aware of the potential dangers involved and would actively take precautions to avoid them. However i could still be killed after being hit from behind at a set of traffic lights by a driver not paying attention. Does that make my bike any more dangerous?

Unfortunately though the guys who do short circuit or road racing do often end up in nasty injuries but the injury rate versus the fatality rate are not even close.

A hugely unfortunate event but not one that should merit closing down an entire sport.

RIP Tomizawa - gone but not forgotten.

Dec

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By *oe_Steve_NWestCouple over a year ago

Bolton

I think that more people are killed whilst fishing (for pleasure not commercially) than in any motorsports - lets ban fishing? Z

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

"I think that more people are killed whilst fishing (for pleasure not commercially) than in any motorsports - lets ban fishing? Z"

Indeed - people have choices in life , don't they. It is different if somebody is being forced into a dangerous situation against their will. But the beauty of being human is that we have choices !

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

Of course bikes shouldn't be banned! Motor bikes aren't dangerous, it's other road users, road conditions and dare I say untrained bike riders that are dangerous.

I've ridden bikes for many years and know the risks I take everytime I ride.

As for the deaths of Shoya Tomizawas today and Peter Lenz last week, they took part in a dangerous sport and knew that accidents do and can happen.

My thoughts are with both their families and friends.

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

Banning bikes is a bit draconian, and it's already been said above about knowing the risks when participating in motorsport.

My particular bug-bear are the TV ads that say, "Think Bike!" but there isn't a corresponding ad for bikers that says, "Stop being a complete wanker."

I always watch out for bikes coming up behind me - usually at some stupid speed that would leave me no options if I switch lanes and they switch lanes at the same moment to go around me. When I do spot these nutters coming up fast I put my indicator on so they know exactly what I'm about to do and then they can fly past and kill themselves further up the road.

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

Isn't it the riders or other road uses that are a danger not the machines? Granted motorbikes offer less protection but they are only as dangerous as those who ride them or the ones who collide with them.

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

"Isn't it the riders or other road uses that are a danger not the machines? Granted motorbikes offer less protection but they are only as dangerous as those who ride them or the ones who collide with them."

indeed - when do we stop blaming motors and machinery for personal inadequacies and lack of skill? Is it not a bit about taking responsibility?

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

"Banning bikes is a bit draconian, and it's already been said above about knowing the risks when participating in motorsport.

My particular bug-bear are the TV ads that say, "Think Bike!" but there isn't a corresponding ad for bikers that says, "Stop being a complete wanker."

I ride and take a lot of care more so than in the car but the big problem is drivers not seeing you and pulling out. Yes you get mad riders but you also get just as many nutters in cars.

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By *oe_Steve_NWestCouple over a year ago

Bolton

"Banning bikes is a bit draconian, and it's already been said above about knowing the risks when participating in motorsport.

My particular bug-bear are the TV ads that say, "Think Bike!" but there isn't a corresponding ad for bikers that says, "Stop being a complete wanker."

I ride and take a lot of care more so than in the car but the big problem is drivers not seeing you and pulling out. Yes you get mad riders but you also get just as many nutters in cars."

Yes you do and you also get a lot of car drivers who think it's amusing to pull out in front of you - we don't all ride at silly fast speeds - some do admittedly but so do some car drivers! It's great when you're going past cars in a jam and some hate it and deliberately pull out to stop you - they're the wankers! Z

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

"Banning bikes is a bit draconian, and it's already been said above about knowing the risks when participating in motorsport.

My particular bug-bear are the TV ads that say, "Think Bike!" but there isn't a corresponding ad for bikers that says, "Stop being a complete wanker."

I ride and take a lot of care more so than in the car but the big problem is drivers not seeing you and pulling out. Yes you get mad riders but you also get just as many nutters in cars."

Absolutely. There are a lot of dozy drivers out there as well as dopey bikers. As a driver I have no way of telling if a biker is a dopey biker until he's right on top of me so I've adopted the policy of just getting out of the way and let them go.

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

"Banning bikes is a bit draconian, and it's already been said above about knowing the risks when participating in motorsport.

My particular bug-bear are the TV ads that say, "Think Bike!" but there isn't a corresponding ad for bikers that says, "Stop being a complete wanker."

I ride and take a lot of care more so than in the car but the big problem is drivers not seeing you and pulling out. Yes you get mad riders but you also get just as many nutters in cars.

That's because your going past them and they are stuck in traffic. I have had that done as well and at times it is ludicrously dangerous.

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By *umourCouple over a year ago

Rushden

"Banning bikes is a bit draconian, and it's already been said above about knowing the risks when participating in motorsport.

My particular bug-bear are the TV ads that say, "Think Bike!" but there isn't a corresponding ad for bikers that says, "Stop being a complete wanker."

I ride and take a lot of care more so than in the car but the big problem is drivers not seeing you and pulling out. Yes you get mad riders but you also get just as many nutters in cars.

That's because your going past them and they are stuck in traffic. I have had that done as well and at times it is ludicrously dangerous."

Well, I still don't understand why it is OK for bikers to overtake on the inside but it is not for cars! Surely, if you are overtaking illegally, then YOU are at fault!

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

I do not understand how motorbikes continue to exist when we have higher and higher standards for car safety IMHO!

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By *oe_Steve_NWestCouple over a year ago

Bolton

"Banning bikes is a bit draconian, and it's already been said above about knowing the risks when participating in motorsport.

My particular bug-bear are the TV ads that say, "Think Bike!" but there isn't a corresponding ad for bikers that says, "Stop being a complete wanker."

I ride and take a lot of care more so than in the car but the big problem is drivers not seeing you and pulling out. Yes you get mad riders but you also get just as many nutters in cars.

That's because your going past them and they are stuck in traffic. I have had that done as well and at times it is ludicrously dangerous.

Well, I still don't understand why it is OK for bikers to overtake on the inside but it is not for cars! Surely, if you are overtaking illegally, then YOU are at fault!"

It's quite legal to make progress through traffic - you need to make sure you're not going fast and don't undertake - it's just common sense really - we're smaller and can get through! Z

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By *oe_Steve_NWestCouple over a year ago

Bolton

"I do not understand how motorbikes continue to exist when we have higher and higher standards for car safety IMHO!

Yes, you're dead right - no one should ride a bike - ride a horse - walk even cos we don't need to! Z

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By *andKCouple over a year ago

Norfolk

My cousin was decapitated on his motorbike at 17 (i was about 12 at the time) and can honestly say I have never been on a bike. K's brother was in hospital for the best part of a year after a bike accident. In the first case the lorry was stationary and in the 2nd no other vehicle invloved. Have to say my personal evidence is that they are dangerous but with everything in life we have our choices and we make them.

Feel sorry for the young lad though and those nearest and dearest to him.

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

"Banning bikes is a bit draconian, and it's already been said above about knowing the risks when participating in motorsport.

My particular bug-bear are the TV ads that say, "Think Bike!" but there isn't a corresponding ad for bikers that says, "Stop being a complete wanker."

I ride and take a lot of care more so than in the car but the big problem is drivers not seeing you and pulling out. Yes you get mad riders but you also get just as many nutters in cars.

That's because your going past them and they are stuck in traffic. I have had that done as well and at times it is ludicrously dangerous.

Well, I still don't understand why it is OK for bikers to overtake on the inside but it is not for cars! Surely, if you are overtaking illegally, then YOU are at fault!

It's quite legal to make progress through traffic - you need to make sure you're not going fast and don't undertake - it's just common sense really - we're smaller and can get through! Z"

That's right as long as you dont cross double white lines or a solid white line on your side your fine to manoeuvre through traffic.

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By *umourCouple over a year ago

Rushden

"Banning bikes is a bit draconian, and it's already been said above about knowing the risks when participating in motorsport.

My particular bug-bear are the TV ads that say, "Think Bike!" but there isn't a corresponding ad for bikers that says, "Stop being a complete wanker."

I ride and take a lot of care more so than in the car but the big problem is drivers not seeing you and pulling out. Yes you get mad riders but you also get just as many nutters in cars.

That's because your going past them and they are stuck in traffic. I have had that done as well and at times it is ludicrously dangerous.

Well, I still don't understand why it is OK for bikers to overtake on the inside but it is not for cars! Surely, if you are overtaking illegally, then YOU are at fault!

It's quite legal to make progress through traffic - you need to make sure you're not going fast and don't undertake - it's just common sense really - we're smaller and can get through! Z"

Sorry Zoe, but as soon as you pass between lines of traffic that are both moving slower than you, surely that IS undertaking? Making your way through traffic is OK as long as all around you are not moving.

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By *oe_Steve_NWestCouple over a year ago

Bolton

"Banning bikes is a bit draconian, and it's already been said above about knowing the risks when participating in motorsport.

My particular bug-bear are the TV ads that say, "Think Bike!" but there isn't a corresponding ad for bikers that says, "Stop being a complete wanker."

I ride and take a lot of care more so than in the car but the big problem is drivers not seeing you and pulling out. Yes you get mad riders but you also get just as many nutters in cars.

That's because your going past them and they are stuck in traffic. I have had that done as well and at times it is ludicrously dangerous.

Well, I still don't understand why it is OK for bikers to overtake on the inside but it is not for cars! Surely, if you are overtaking illegally, then YOU are at fault!

It's quite legal to make progress through traffic - you need to make sure you're not going fast and don't undertake - it's just common sense really - we're smaller and can get through! Z

We go round on the right hand side - not the left - there fore not undertaking - but even that's allowed on a motorway or in a traffic jam - we just don't like doing it. Z

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

"Banning bikes is a bit draconian, and it's already been said above about knowing the risks when participating in motorsport.

My particular bug-bear are the TV ads that say, "Think Bike!" but there isn't a corresponding ad for bikers that says, "Stop being a complete wanker."

I ride and take a lot of care more so than in the car but the big problem is drivers not seeing you and pulling out. Yes you get mad riders but you also get just as many nutters in cars.

That's because your going past them and they are stuck in traffic. I have had that done as well and at times it is ludicrously dangerous.

Well, I still don't understand why it is OK for bikers to overtake on the inside but it is not for cars! Surely, if you are overtaking illegally, then YOU are at fault!

It's quite legal to make progress through traffic - you need to make sure you're not going fast and don't undertake - it's just common sense really - we're smaller and can get through! Z

We go round on the right hand side - not the left - there fore not undertaking - but even that's allowed on a motorway or in a traffic jam - we just don't like doing it. Z"

I am always very cautious because you don't know what drivers ahead may do.

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By *oe_Steve_NWestCouple over a year ago

Bolton

Being a biker is great, love the feeling of riding the bike but I am always amazed at some csr drivers - I have had people deliberately swerve in to me - push me off the road - been very aggressive - they were always small, nondescript, 'grey' guys - see a woman on a big bike - feel threatened - jealous? don't know what it is! Z

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

"Being a biker is great, love the feeling of riding the bike but I am always amazed at some csr drivers - I have had people deliberately swerve in to me - push me off the road - been very aggressive - they were always small, nondescript, 'grey' guys - see a woman on a big bike - feel threatened - jealous? don't know what it is! Z"

Women riding motorbikes ? Whatever next ?

Men doing the washing...

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By *oe_Steve_NWestCouple over a year ago

Bolton

Women riding motorbikes ? Whatever next ?

Men doing the washing...

Whoa!!!!! Thats a step too far! Z

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

Women riding motorbikes ? Whatever next ?

Men doing the washing...

Whoa!!!!! Thats a step too far! Z"

Exactly...Now be a luv and make us a brew then theres the hoovering to be done...

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

IVE BEEN RIDING FOR 30 YEARS AND BIKES ARE LETHAL

THE POWER IS CRAZZY AND HANDLING TO

BUT THE PROBLEM IS THE RODS ARENT GETTING BIGGER OR SAFER BUT MORE BUSY IF YOU WANT TO LET LET LOOSE ON ONE GO ON A TRACK DAY

INOW RIDE TRIALS BIKES AND ENDURO RACE AND KEEP WELL AWAY FROM ROADS DONT BAN THEM REDUCE THE POWER AND MORE TRAINING

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

"I do not understand how motorbikes continue to exist when we have higher and higher standards for car safety IMHO!

Yes, you're dead right - no one should ride a bike - ride a horse - walk even cos we don't need to! Z"

I question why peeps ride horses. But then I have a push bike for riding off road away from traffic for exercising myself and the dog!

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By *oe_Steve_NWestCouple over a year ago

Bolton

"I do not understand how motorbikes continue to exist when we have higher and higher standards for car safety IMHO!

Yes, you're dead right - no one should ride a bike - ride a horse - walk even cos we don't need to! Z

I question why peeps ride horses. But then I have a push bike for riding off road away from traffic for exercising myself and the dog!

Oh, ok - kind of defeats your previous post really then! I have ridden horses - it's good fun - I have a brand new car - yep - and STILL have a motor bike! Crikey - freedom of choice is great - isn't it? Z

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

"Oh, ok - kind of defeats your previous post really then! I have ridden horses - it's good fun - I have a brand new car - yep - and STILL have a motor bike! Crikey - freedom of choice is great - isn't it? Z"

Sorry, however, I do not understand where you are coming from.

IMHO, with the advancement in car safety, I question why we still have motorbikes, and push bikes for that matter, on the roads, as the latter two do not provide the same level of protection of a car!

Likewise with horses. And people.

However, we cannot ban people from using the roads!

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By *oe_Steve_NWestCouple over a year ago

Bolton

Sorry, however, I do not understand where you are coming from.

Likewise with horses. And people.

However, we cannot ban people from using the roads!

I know what you mean - in a way - if you want to get from A to B in comfort and safety - yes - the newest cars are possibly the best option - however - if you want to experience something different you should be free to do so. On the premise of your argument then no one would be free to walk (it's too slow) - ride a push bike (it's too slow and dangerous) ride a motor bike - (it's too fast and too dangerous) oh - cross a road (you may get run over by a car, a bike etc....... you can't fly a kite - may get struck by lightening - you can't go for a round of golf (another very dangerous sport) the point I'm trying to make is that although you may not inderstand why people do certain tings - you can't condem them for it! How many of our vanilla friends know that we swing? think it's ok - they may not! Z

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

"I know what you mean - in a way - if you want to get from A to B in comfort and safety - yes - the newest cars are possibly the best option - however - if you want to experience something different you should be free to do so. On the premise of your argument then no one would be free to walk (it's too slow) - ride a push bike (it's too slow and dangerous) ride a motor bike - (it's too fast and too dangerous) oh - cross a road (you may get run over by a car, a bike etc....... you can't fly a kite - may get struck by lightening - you can't go for a round of golf (another very dangerous sport) the point I'm trying to make is that although you may not inderstand why people do certain tings - you can't condem them for it! How many of our vanilla friends know that we swing? think it's ok - they may not! Z"

I do not believe I condamn anyone from doing anything in my original post above.

I merely expressed an opinion and questioned why motorbikes continue to exist when so much has been done to improve car safety.

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By *oe_Steve_NWestCouple over a year ago

Bolton

I do not believe I condamn anyone from doing anything in my original post above.

I merely expressed an opinion and questioned why motorbikes continue to exist when so much has been done to improve car safety.

OK - will leave this here - we won't ever agree on this, can I ask though, do you ever go to a barbeque? Or enjoy a real fire? Z

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

"... can I ask though, do you ever go to a barbeque? Or enjoy a real fire? Z"

I do not enjoy watching real fires if I know someone might have got hurt in the process!

And yes I enjoy BBQs a lot, and I take the necessary precautions to make them as safe as possible for myself and those around me.

If this is some kind of trick question on risk taking etc., then I put my hand up to admit I take certain risks, and am always performing risk analysis for everything I do!

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By *oe_Steve_NWestCouple over a year ago

Bolton

"... can I ask though, do you ever go to a barbeque? Or enjoy a real fire? Z

I do not enjoy watching real fires if I know someone might have got hurt in the process!

And yes I enjoy BBQs a lot, and I take the necessary precautions to make them as safe as possible for myself and those around me.

If this is some kind of trick question on risk taking etc., then I put my hand up to admit I take certain risks, and am always performing risk analysis for everything I do!

No trick question - a bbq is outdated - we have cookers now - and a real fire is lovely to see - in a grate of course! Very old fashioned but safe never the less and nicer to look at that a radiator! Z

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

"No trick question - a bbq is outdated - we have cookers now - and a real fire is lovely to see - in a grate of course! Very old fashioned but safe never the less and nicer to look at that a radiator! Z"

Sorry, I have to disagree.

Cookers cannot produce the same char-grilled taste one can get from a charcoal BBQ! And I do not like using gas BBQs for the same reason, even though I have one sitting in the garden and ready to be fired up 24/7!

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By *oe_Steve_NWestCouple over a year ago

Bolton

Sorry, I have to disagree.

lol - so even though it's from the age of the cave man to cook on flames we aren't allowed to ride a bike cos we now have cars? Make your mind up! Z

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

"lol - so even though it's from the age of the cave man to cook on flames we aren't allowed to ride a bike cos we now have cars? Make your mind up! Z"

I respect people's opinions and life choices, and expect the same in return.

Not too much to ask for I believe!

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By *oe_Steve_NWestCouple over a year ago

Bolton

"lol - so even though it's from the age of the cave man to cook on flames we aren't allowed to ride a bike cos we now have cars? Make your mind up! Z

I respect people's opinions and life choices, and expect the same in return.

Not too much to ask for I believe!

Yes, I totally agree! Z

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

And I was right about some kind of trick question relating back to the bike issue, not stupid you know!

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By *ushroom7Man over a year ago

Bradford

Kin hell, i know stylii can be dangerous but's no reason not to change the record.

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

My ex used to ride a motorbike. I felt sick when he was out on it till he came home & I knew he wasn't dead. But that was his thing and the look on his face of pure thrill....just a shame I never felt like that when I rode him

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By (user no longer on site) OP over a year ago

"My ex used to ride a motorbike. I felt sick when he was out on it till he came home & I knew he wasn't dead. But that was his thing and the look on his face of pure thrill....just a shame I never felt like that when I rode him

PMSL have to admit that I (Diane) love that one

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

It is sad when someone young is killed whetehr it is on a bike or on a car but lets look at the root causes ive read all the replies here and yes there are valid reasons why etc.

I spent 5 years as a qualified motorcycle instructor and even though we gave all the advice and insured that the trainees came up to the required standards and satisifed us that they were competent enough to obtain there cbt certificates we often saw some of them especailly the younger ones i might add acting the fool and showing off the usual youngester mentallity as its the same wihtthe younger car drivers i might add. To obtain a full motorcycle licence now requires 4 tests

1. cbt 2. theory test 3. off road skills test 4. on road test. then if the candidate has reached the required standard he or she will be given there licence of which there are prestently 2

the first is a restricted licence which limits the rider to a machine that does not exceed 33bhp for 2 years then after that time they can upgrade to a full power licence the second way is to do direct access but in order to gain thos you have to be trained on a large motorcycle and be 21 years old . Lets see what does a car driver do learns with an instructor in a small car at low speed takes a theroy test then the road test is he or she limited nope they can walk into a delaer ship or bye private any power car they want in theory they could buy a ferrari and what speed can they do. Oks wheres my point here it is any driver or rider is only as fast as he or she wants to go the downside on a bike is theres no protective shell only a helmet which is the only legal requirement for safety gear so in theroy again naked and a helmet is acceptable ?. I myself have had 2 major accidents the first was a tractor that pulled out in front of me i walked away from that the second was a volvo estate again pulled out in front of me was again lucky although my bike wasnt so lucky was it young drivers the first no he was 60 plus the second was a young lad driving his fathers car and not insured. Has it put me off riding no! I would personally like to see younger car drivers have the same restrictions as bike riders or the age for obtaing any licence increased too 21 prehaps that would reduce the accident levels and fatalities amongst the younger age groups. Sorry for the rant lol

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By *WLondonMixMan over a year ago

Willsden/DollisHill

"i stoped racing after a bad crash, over 40 broken bones, however it was my choice to race and i loved it, take away freedom of choice and you are left in a world im not sure i would like to be in

in regards to 1984, if you have not read it strongly recommend you do. Is an eye opener and raises a lot of questions and has unbelievable relevance to todays society.

Personally only time I ever got on a motorbike was when my ex used to drive a vespa. I know not very powerful but at 40-60 anything you hit still hits you hard. Well back to the point, she was an amazingly careful driver and always stayed behind cars never undertook and drove in middle of lane so others wouldn't over take her. Wouldn't drive too slow or to fast. She picked me up from work one time and she was ironically telling me the road we were on was one she took her test on. Driving at 30 she never realised due to a lapse in concentration and went straight onto a usualy busy intersection which double decker bus's tend to frequent often.(When there not striking) and car t-boned us going at 40. I went flying over 15 meters narrowly missing a lamppost and landing hip on the curb and she sumhow landed under the bike on the pavement. Other than a seriously bruised hip and few cuts and her with bruised leg we came off incredibly lucky. . . All it takes is a slight error of judgement, other drivers , your own skill or even plain bad luck and you could be finished. But same applies to pedestrians and cars, its all part of life. Cavemen had to worry about running into a t-rex we got to watch out for a car running into us.

Also those that have done extreme sports and have died from it, do not always pity them as they passed away doing something they loved at least. And all the dangers and risks associated with such sports as motogp cagefighting skateboarding and mountaineering are known by the participants and if any anything enhance the enjoyment of it due to risk factor...

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By *eclan_and_AimeeCouple over a year ago

dunblane, stirling

"Banning bikes is a bit draconian, and it's already been said above about knowing the risks when participating in motorsport.

My particular bug-bear are the TV ads that say, "Think Bike!" but there isn't a corresponding ad for bikers that says, "Stop being a complete wanker."

There have been a few adverts directed at the biker - one that showed road signs and people holding posters up telling the rider what was round the corner (a tractor, an oil spill) explaining that this does not happen in real life - and the most recent one was a rider blaming the road conditions and other drivers then it showed a crash and the rider said something like - maybe there wasn't anyone else to blame.

In my experience, when we're out on the bike I get more nervous sitting behind a car when you can see them watching you in the mirror because they're then not watching the road in front! Seen a few near misses because of this - when the car in front of them has stopped and they didnt notice because they were too busy watching us!

xAx

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By *ushroom7Man over a year ago

Bradford

Don't encroach on the recommended stopping distances?

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By *eclan_and_AimeeCouple over a year ago

dunblane, stirling

Don't encroach on the recommended stopping distances?"

We weren't too close, in fact we were at crawling pace in a que of traffic.

My point was although car drivers get a lot of stick for not watching bikes, most have to realise that sensible riders will not take unreasonable risks and by trying to watch a bike behind them is only putting people at risk!

but I do think it would benefit everyone if all drivers/riders were made to take the hazard perception test periodically throughout their driving years as it's now a required test to get a driving licence

xAx

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

It's a sad subject, I personally don't ride bikes after an accident years ago, I see the attraction of a bike but it's too risky to ride with other idiots on the road!

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

Banning motorcycles is an interesting proposal. The next step would be cars as they cause deaths, then maybe metal kitchen knifes etc. What is wrong with people making a personal choice on their mode of transport.

After all for a single commuter a motorcycle is more environmentally friendly than a car.

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