Moped and quad bike warning for UK tourists - BBC News
Discussion
Interesting.
I must admit, it's always amazed me how people with no experience of riding jump on bikes in their flip flops and shorts and set off to navigate a completely new country...
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-45053807
I must admit, it's always amazed me how people with no experience of riding jump on bikes in their flip flops and shorts and set off to navigate a completely new country...
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-45053807
Pothole said:
It's been happening since motorcycles were invented and isn't a huge problem. I've not watched the video but I imagine it 's the usual hand-wringing, sensationalist scaremongering. Is it not?
Mostly.The article seems to be along the lines of thinking that if holiday makers stick to hiring cars then they won't be involved in accidents..
The country and the vehicle are largely irrelevant. It's entirely down to the individual.
If I were to get drunk and then go for a ride/drive of any vehicle wearing just shorts and flip flops and had an accident, I wouldn't then look to blame the rental company or the country that I was in..
It's quite simple really. If you want to hire any sort of vehicle whilst abroad, treat it with respect and you'll likely be completely fine.
I accept that accidents do happen though. Perhaps the chap who wrote this sensationalised article should consider doing likewise.
People leave their inhibitions at home when on holiday. This extends to transport. Many wouldn't dream of swinging a leg over a bike in the UK but are happy to when overseas, often on chaotic roads, and often while under the influence of alcohol and other substances. In many countries, particularly in parts of SE Asia good hospitals are few and far between.
My brother lived in Cambodia for a few years. A guy he knew out there had a nasty bike accident, which involved the death of a local on another bike. This guy needed serious medical treatment and lost an eye. The hospitals wouldn't carry out the procedures without first being paid in cash (by my brother) several thousands of dollars. The guy was lucky to survive (and probably would not have without someone to pay the bills!).
I have rented the odd bike (and some very odd bikes) while overseas, even riding across Fiji which is pretty remote, but the whole time I had the mental brakes on and was fully aware of the lack of decent medical facilities that we take for granted in the West.
It should be common sense really, but as we know, common sense is not that common.
My brother lived in Cambodia for a few years. A guy he knew out there had a nasty bike accident, which involved the death of a local on another bike. This guy needed serious medical treatment and lost an eye. The hospitals wouldn't carry out the procedures without first being paid in cash (by my brother) several thousands of dollars. The guy was lucky to survive (and probably would not have without someone to pay the bills!).
I have rented the odd bike (and some very odd bikes) while overseas, even riding across Fiji which is pretty remote, but the whole time I had the mental brakes on and was fully aware of the lack of decent medical facilities that we take for granted in the West.
It should be common sense really, but as we know, common sense is not that common.
LimaDelta said:
People leave their inhibitions at home when on holiday. This extends to transport. Many wouldn't dream of swinging a leg over a bike in the UK but are happy to when overseas, often on chaotic roads, and often while under the influence of alcohol and other substances. In many countries, particularly in parts of SE Asia good hospitals are few and far between.
My brother lived in Cambodia for a few years. A guy he knew out there had a nasty bike accident, which involved the death of a local on another bike. This guy needed serious medical treatment and lost an eye. The hospitals wouldn't carry out the procedures without first being paid in cash (by my brother) several thousands of dollars. The guy was lucky to survive (and probably would not have without someone to pay the bills!).
I have rented the odd bike (and some very odd bikes) while overseas, even riding across Fiji which is pretty remote, but the whole time I had the mental brakes on and was fully aware of the lack of decent medical facilities that we take for granted in the West.
It should be common sense really, but as we know, common sense is not that common.
You hit the nail on the head there! I've connections to Thailand and lived there for a few months in 2011 in/around Phuket tourist area, general standard of scooter riding from the tourists (during the day and most likely more sober) was shockingly bad, add in some beer/booze to that holiday spirit and no surprises on the results. My brother lived in Cambodia for a few years. A guy he knew out there had a nasty bike accident, which involved the death of a local on another bike. This guy needed serious medical treatment and lost an eye. The hospitals wouldn't carry out the procedures without first being paid in cash (by my brother) several thousands of dollars. The guy was lucky to survive (and probably would not have without someone to pay the bills!).
I have rented the odd bike (and some very odd bikes) while overseas, even riding across Fiji which is pretty remote, but the whole time I had the mental brakes on and was fully aware of the lack of decent medical facilities that we take for granted in the West.
It should be common sense really, but as we know, common sense is not that common.
Pothole said:
Really?
Your original comment was that the video had a 'hand-wringing' journo and you asked if you were wrong, you were. In reality it was a video of a bloke who had just lost his pregnant partner.I think it's a worthwhile article. If we can report informing holiday makers to stand away from balconies on holidays - we can and should be advising people not to ride motorbikes without the proper preparation
I don't think the average person has any idea of the handling limitations of a quad bike - these are probably more appealing to non-bikers as they have the perceived safety of four wheels despite the fact that if you corner a biit enthusiastically they are likely to spit you off. Personally I think they're lethal.
julian64 said:
benjobanjo said:
Pothole said:
It's been happening since motorcycles were invented and isn't a huge problem. I've not watched the video but I imagine it 's the usual hand-wringing, sensationalist scaremongering. Is it not?
No, it's notDog Star said:
I don't think the average person has any idea of the handling limitations of a quad bike - these are probably more appealing to non-bikers as they have the perceived safety of four wheels despite the fact that if you corner a biit enthusiastically they are likely to spit you off. Personally I think they're lethal.
Bloody good fun to get muddy etc, but I don't see the point in using them in an urban setting.As you say, bloody lethal at the edge of lateral grip.
sjtscott said:
You hit the nail on the head there! I've connections to Thailand and lived there for a few months in 2011 in/around Phuket tourist area, general standard of scooter riding from the tourists (during the day and most likely more sober) was shockingly bad, add in some beer/booze to that holiday spirit and no surprises on the results.
When I hired a bike in Thailand this year, the hirer asked if I'd ridden a bike before, and when I said yes, he looked so surprised it was probably the first time any customer had said yes to the question.Gassing Station | Biker Banter | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff