Biking risks - hyped or not?
Discussion
I'm looking to get a learner bike having recently done my CBT. I figure I'll get comfortable on a 125 then move on and do a DAS course, ending up a tourer/commuter machine after getting a full license. However, non-biking friends and relatives consider me to be signing a death wish.
As I see it, in the event of an accident where you get hit you are more vulnerable on a bike than a car. However, I'd be interested in opionions of the real risk if you don't ride like a prat, wear the right clothing and ride defensively with appropriate observation and positioning etc. Is there that much risk which you honestly have no control over? Also, any anecdotes for easing the concerns of relatives would be useful!
Nothing is zero risk and riding has so many good aspects but certain death always seems to be the first instinct for those that don't. ta.
As I see it, in the event of an accident where you get hit you are more vulnerable on a bike than a car. However, I'd be interested in opionions of the real risk if you don't ride like a prat, wear the right clothing and ride defensively with appropriate observation and positioning etc. Is there that much risk which you honestly have no control over? Also, any anecdotes for easing the concerns of relatives would be useful!
Nothing is zero risk and riding has so many good aspects but certain death always seems to be the first instinct for those that don't. ta.
Riding "aware" and having all the gear, is an obvious must. However, this won't protect you from the thousands of wallies out there on the road, who will, without warning, stich you up. All you can do is minimise the risks by riding safe, taking advanced lessons and having all the right gear. I'm sure there's loads of people out there who have never even come close to a spill....... A bit of luck helps as well!
It's still worth it though.
It's still worth it though.
Most of the crashes you read about on here start with "I was going too fast...", but are due to unforseen circumstances, such as gravel or diesel on the road. Due to the performance of bikes it is very easy to go too fast or just be tempted to "let rip".
For example last weekend, I saw a biker crash. He had been riding well, not making risky overtakes etc, but the reason for his crash was that as he came over the crest of a hill, he had to swerve to avoid a car which had pulled across the road - he locked up the rear wheel as it went over a change in road surface, causing the back end to slide. He was ok (bike wasn't), but it just goes to show no matter how well you ride there are always things beyond your control.
Yes you can ride defensively and assume everyone is out to kill you but its still risky no matter how much training you do.
HTH
For example last weekend, I saw a biker crash. He had been riding well, not making risky overtakes etc, but the reason for his crash was that as he came over the crest of a hill, he had to swerve to avoid a car which had pulled across the road - he locked up the rear wheel as it went over a change in road surface, causing the back end to slide. He was ok (bike wasn't), but it just goes to show no matter how well you ride there are always things beyond your control.
Yes you can ride defensively and assume everyone is out to kill you but its still risky no matter how much training you do.
HTH
Good question!
The risks in biking are pretty obvious, if you come off or get in a crash you are exposed and subject to injury but I really believe that the dangers are a bit over hyped.
I've only got my expereince to go on and I've not been riding that long in time terms - just over 2 years. But in that time I reckon I have covered about 50-60,000 miles and ridded all over the world in all types of road conditions.
I have never, touch everything, had a crash. I have fallen off a few times off roading and I have dropped a stationary bike twice but on the road I have never crashed and hope not too. That said I would think a number of people on this site would think I'm miss daisy. I think if you treat the road as a race track and get obsessed with knee down etc then the risks increase.
Also, I ride everyday in all weathers - when I passed my test I sold my car. Riding all year round in all weathers certainly increases your skills. I would be really interested to see what the accident stats would be like if the sunday only sun only riders were taken out of them...
The risks are there but I think if you ride sensibly, defensively, often and with respect for other road users the risks can be reduced. People still will get killed in accidents but that happens in cars as well...
The risks in biking are pretty obvious, if you come off or get in a crash you are exposed and subject to injury but I really believe that the dangers are a bit over hyped.
I've only got my expereince to go on and I've not been riding that long in time terms - just over 2 years. But in that time I reckon I have covered about 50-60,000 miles and ridded all over the world in all types of road conditions.
I have never, touch everything, had a crash. I have fallen off a few times off roading and I have dropped a stationary bike twice but on the road I have never crashed and hope not too. That said I would think a number of people on this site would think I'm miss daisy. I think if you treat the road as a race track and get obsessed with knee down etc then the risks increase.
Also, I ride everyday in all weathers - when I passed my test I sold my car. Riding all year round in all weathers certainly increases your skills. I would be really interested to see what the accident stats would be like if the sunday only sun only riders were taken out of them...
The risks are there but I think if you ride sensibly, defensively, often and with respect for other road users the risks can be reduced. People still will get killed in accidents but that happens in cars as well...
Nobody can argue that the repercussions of having a bike accident are likely to be far more serious than the repercussions of having a car accident. However, I don't accept that riding a bike means that you are axiomatically more likely to have an accident in the first place. There are many benefits to biking, beyond the obvious pleasure it brings. If you are the sort of person who shies away from risk or denies yourself pleasure or advantage because of arbitrary concerns of things that will almost certainly never happen, you are probably better off sticking to a car. If you are the sort of person who prizes personal choice, freedom and individuality, you are embarking on something that will become special to you for the rest of your life.
Has anyone out there never had an accident? I have to say most people I have talked to have at some point, though usually not their fault directly. That's not to say an incident couldn't have been avoided if riding with better awareness etc. Nobody's perfect however. Judgement and anticipation is another skill to develop... As mentioned above, staying within your limits is a big part of staying safe I feel.
flamingm0 said:
Has anyone out there never had an accident?
Not yet (touch wood). I have been riding all year round for the last year and I tend to shy away from overtaking in areas that cars can turn right into and try to wear visible reflective clothing at night and so on. You can do a lot to minimise the chances of an accident but by definition you can't remove them entirely. I don't mind people taking the piss out of my chicken strips and I'll continue to ride in a fashion that increases my chances of staying alive for as long as I enjoy riding.
Regards,
Mark
flamingm0 said:
Has anyone out there never had an accident?
I've not yet (touch wood), and I've been riding for 10 years now.Had a few close ones, some down to me getting it wrong, most from car's doing things that they shouldn't (I'm 10ft away and they start to pull out, when there was 200 ft of clear road in front of me) and one or two slides I can only put down to Diesel.
I'm generally a fair weather rider, although a significant proportion of miles in the last 2 years have been in Europe. Car driver's in France tend to be a hell of a lot more observant than in the UK!
Great question. I did the same.. started off on a 50cc scooter with no training, then did the CBT on a 125 and realised training is a must! Then did 2 x Das's to get used to 500cc bike, then when i passed i bought a new 600cc Yamaha FZ6.
Had a few close ones. Too busy anticipating what traffic will do ahead, not seeing the car immediatley infront slamming his breaks on. Doh.. luckilly i missed him.
Just got to play your own game. There are some very good bikers on the roads, and there are usually some complete idiots. Usually on a 50cc / 125, with Polish number plates.
Your friends will naturally be concerned, but don't let that put you off. Be careful.
Had a few close ones. Too busy anticipating what traffic will do ahead, not seeing the car immediatley infront slamming his breaks on. Doh.. luckilly i missed him.
Just got to play your own game. There are some very good bikers on the roads, and there are usually some complete idiots. Usually on a 50cc / 125, with Polish number plates.
Your friends will naturally be concerned, but don't let that put you off. Be careful.
flamingm0 said:
Has anyone out there never had an accident?
Many years ago now, in NZ. Not my fault at all. Got hit side on by a drunk driver who ran a red light. Got off lightly with 6 fractures in left leg, but a totally unavoidable accident, I would've been better off if I was in a car, but then I wouldn't have flown like Superman across the intersection!
Seriously though, riding is one of those calculated risks we consciously decide to take on a daily basis. As mentioned above, treat all drivers as if they can't see you, and that they will swerve out at the last minute. Experience will then allow you to identify drivers who are about to make a rash move, and ride accordingly. But there will always be the unavoidable incident - the choice is yours, and it looks like you've already made it!
Good luck and happy riding!
flamingm0 said:
Has anyone out there never had an accident?
Had my first one 2 weeks ago after 3 years of riding. I think i hit diesel or something because the back just went. All i can say is that it
ing hurts.... www.pistonheads.co.uk/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&t=282803
Includes pics if you are intrested.
I will be getting back on the bike though!!! Got an operation on my broken shoulder on Monday to sort it out, it could have been allot worse but i really want to get back up on the bike, even if i use it for a while then say no more, i make the decision not the bike!
D
I lost 2" out of a leg in a bike crash when I was 19.
A mate has a leg missing and a stiff elbow.
Another mate has a bit of a finger missing.
Another mate has a wrist that doesn't bend properly.
Another mate has most of his spleen missing.
I still ride these days but a little more cautiously
Get a bike if you want, but don't become blind to the fact that you can get hurt very badly. Sure, you might ride for years without injury but if it all goes wrong riders are much more squishy than the things they tend to hit.
A mate has a leg missing and a stiff elbow.
Another mate has a bit of a finger missing.
Another mate has a wrist that doesn't bend properly.
Another mate has most of his spleen missing.
I still ride these days but a little more cautiously
Get a bike if you want, but don't become blind to the fact that you can get hurt very badly. Sure, you might ride for years without injury but if it all goes wrong riders are much more squishy than the things they tend to hit.
I think the point about how you ride is worth taking into account. Your general Sunday rider will push as hard as he/she can on that day, then loose some of that knowledge gained through not continuosly riding. They will also be trying to get as bigger buzz as possible there and then, knowing that they wont get to ride for another week. Its no bad thing, but it must increase the risk.
I've ridden almost everyday for 2 years now and have managed to keep upright. Doing more hours on a bike in varied conditions alerts you to far more risks than purely riding for pleasure. This is mainly due to the fact that you'll usually be riding slower when commuting so you'll see the dangers before its to late. Riding in heavy rain, cold icy roads also makes your riding alot smoother.
I'm doing a free course that’s associated with www.bikesafe.co.uk on Sunday. All experience is good experience in my book.
I've ridden almost everyday for 2 years now and have managed to keep upright. Doing more hours on a bike in varied conditions alerts you to far more risks than purely riding for pleasure. This is mainly due to the fact that you'll usually be riding slower when commuting so you'll see the dangers before its to late. Riding in heavy rain, cold icy roads also makes your riding alot smoother.
I'm doing a free course that’s associated with www.bikesafe.co.uk on Sunday. All experience is good experience in my book.
We all know that it can be dangerous.
Sadly, it isn't often down to factors that you can control but, having said that, riding defensively and keeping yourslef visible to other road users can help alot. Good protective helmet and clothing helps to minimise the injuries should you come off.
Personnally, I ride in almost all weather conditions throughout the year, except ice and snow,because I enjoy it so much and because I believe that it makes you a better rider.
Of course it can be risky but so can walking across the road.
It's not what you ride, it's how you choose to ride it.
Enjoy it!
Sadly, it isn't often down to factors that you can control but, having said that, riding defensively and keeping yourslef visible to other road users can help alot. Good protective helmet and clothing helps to minimise the injuries should you come off.
Personnally, I ride in almost all weather conditions throughout the year, except ice and snow,because I enjoy it so much and because I believe that it makes you a better rider.
Of course it can be risky but so can walking across the road.
It's not what you ride, it's how you choose to ride it.
Enjoy it!
Edited by Davel on Thursday 13th July 16:35
flamingm0 said:
Has anyone out there never had an accident? .
I had my only one this time last year, and it co-incided with being the only time that I realised I was riding like a tw*t and kept on pushing harder (I got carried away with the speed, power etc of a new Triumph Rocket III). I remember thinking (about 2 miles before hitting the deck) that if I keep this up I'll come off, but I kept going.
Luckily I didn't get badly hurt at all due to good protective clothing, but the bike was a mess, and I learnt a lesson that if you think you're going too fast you probably are !! I now ride within my limits.
S..
Scraggles said:
recall reading something along the lines that bikers make up 1% of the road users and have 25% of the deaths, although over 50% of accidents are due to cars hitting them. One reason why i like cars and not bikes any longer.
Life is a terminal illness. You can't eliminate risk. What's the point of denying yourself something that you truly love out of fear for something that probably won't happen?I hope to God that I don't regret saying this - tempting fate and all that, but I had 3 offs on my very first bike about 22 years ago. 1 on black ice outside college (thankfully I was late so the college girls weren't there to see it 
) 2 more through riding like a tw@t. All before I'd even taken my part 1 test. You didn't have to have any training back then - and I hadn't. I bought it, rode it like a total idiot, crashed it - no surprise really.
I've had several bikes since and happily no off's - haven't even dropped one, although I've had a few very close calls, which could have been very nasty.
Basically, you need to pick your moments to have some fun. Do it in the right place at the right time. You don't have to ride slowly but you do have to have very good observation. Assume every car/van/truck driver either hasn't seen you / is out to get you / is an utter tosser behind the wheel - having read some of the posts in "General Gassing" you probably won't be wrong either
) 2 more through riding like a tw@t. All before I'd even taken my part 1 test. You didn't have to have any training back then - and I hadn't. I bought it, rode it like a total idiot, crashed it - no surprise really. I've had several bikes since and happily no off's - haven't even dropped one, although I've had a few very close calls, which could have been very nasty.
Basically, you need to pick your moments to have some fun. Do it in the right place at the right time. You don't have to ride slowly but you do have to have very good observation. Assume every car/van/truck driver either hasn't seen you / is out to get you / is an utter tosser behind the wheel - having read some of the posts in "General Gassing" you probably won't be wrong either
Edited by yellowvette on Saturday 15th July 12:38
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