Dear 2 wheel Folks
- Thread starter 97snakebite
- Start date
I'm sure it did somewhere but the pdf was longer than I realized and I didn't want to spend all day reading it. The 5% figure stood out because I was surprised it was that low...that's why I remembered it.
Ha ha. I get a kick out of how many different answers there are out there. I am not doubting your stats or sources. When I looked at the article that I came across it said 25% of accidents were rear enders. This was slightly over half (25/44)of the 44% of accidents that involved multiple vehicles. The rest (56%) were said to be single vehicle (driver error) which I didn't think should be included.
Fake news strikes again, depending on which source a guy chooses. Apologies if I picked wrong.
All the best.
odd...
The worst riders I've ever seen was in ATL with this dude wearing sparkly skinny jeans riding new R1's with his girl.
I want to ride again, but the dumb is too strong in S. FL especially during season. I lost official count, but over 6 people I knew at meets have died, either from their stupidity or the car drivers stupidity. Either way they are dead.
Just not worth it right now for me.
Idiot bikers down here give the sane riders a bad rap, and old/idiot car drivers either blow through lights/no signals or just don't look.
Brother got a new ZX-10R, which made me strongly consider getting one again...
I want to ride again, but the dumb is too strong in S. FL especially during season. I lost official count, but over 6 people I knew at meets have died, either from their stupidity or the car drivers stupidity. Either way they are dead.
Just not worth it right now for me.
Idiot bikers down here give the sane riders a bad rap, and old/idiot car drivers either blow through lights/no signals or just don't look.
Brother got a new ZX-10R, which made me strongly consider getting one again...
Cliffs?
The only thing I've gotten is there are only 2 or 3 bad motor cycle drivers and millions of bad car drivers and that lane splitting is totally cool and legal at high rates of speed. /Sarcasm
Being in Chicago, I constantly see bikes tailgating cars, lane splitting at speeds of upwards of 50 MPH, riding the shoulders to pass cars on the highway, etc. Even a lot of the Cruiser and Harley guys drive like a-holes.
I also see a lot of people texting on phones which makes me want to run them off of the road. However, what really pisses me off is when this adorable biker thinks by tailgating a 5,000LB+ truck, he is going to make me move. Or, when he stops and he is within a foot of my bumper at a stop light.
Bike vs. car - Rider always loses. You guys can go ridiculously fast, and can also maneuver a lot quicker than a car can. Don't expect cars to always see you when you're hauling ass. If a human can cover 21 feet on foot in under 3 seconds, imagine what a motorcycle can do traveling at a high rate of speeds. Food for thought.
The only thing I've gotten is there are only 2 or 3 bad motor cycle drivers and millions of bad car drivers and that lane splitting is totally cool and legal at high rates of speed. /Sarcasm
Being in Chicago, I constantly see bikes tailgating cars, lane splitting at speeds of upwards of 50 MPH, riding the shoulders to pass cars on the highway, etc. Even a lot of the Cruiser and Harley guys drive like a-holes.
I also see a lot of people texting on phones which makes me want to run them off of the road. However, what really pisses me off is when this adorable biker thinks by tailgating a 5,000LB+ truck, he is going to make me move. Or, when he stops and he is within a foot of my bumper at a stop light.
Bike vs. car - Rider always loses. You guys can go ridiculously fast, and can also maneuver a lot quicker than a car can. Don't expect cars to always see you when you're hauling ass. If a human can cover 21 feet on foot in under 3 seconds, imagine what a motorcycle can do traveling at a high rate of speeds. Food for thought.
I watched a guy get killed on a motorcycle back in September, car turned right in front of him and he didn't have a chance. He was in full gear also. I had to use my dash cam footage as evidence.
My ex father in law was coming up over a hill when a dumbass biker came screaming at him in HIS lane. Stupid kid hit him square in the front center. Came in through the cab of the truck. Kid lost both legs, his hand and split his head open. He had no insurance and was wearing no gear. Last I heard he was still in a coma living off our tax dollars
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Sent from my SM-G950U1 using Tapatalk
The worst riders I've ever seen was in ATL with this dude wearing sparkly skinny jeans riding new R1's with his girl.
I want to ride again, but the dumb is too strong in S. FL especially during season. I lost official count, but over 6 people I knew at meets have died, either from their stupidity or the car drivers stupidity. Either way they are dead.
Just not worth it right now for me.
Idiot bikers down here give the sane riders a bad rap, and old/idiot car drivers either blow through lights/no signals or just don't look.
Brother got a new ZX-10R, which made me strongly consider getting one again...
jeeeeeesus lolololol I"M HIT
MEDIC
MEDIC!!!!!!!!
More stories like this!
I was a pretty safe rider when I had my bike.
In 2 years of riding I split a lane once, and it was because I was almost hit by the same lady twice. I thought she was after me but I think she was just a dumb ass.
Lost a buddy in college, who I will admit was a very dangerous rider, but in this instance he was on his way to pick up his girlfriend (a good friend of mine) and a car ran a red light and killed him.
I know A LOT of guys who have gone down with minimal injuries, it's definitely a "when" situation, not "if" if you continue riding.
I wreck almost every time I get on a dirt bike but I was extremely fortunate to never have gone down on the street. Only once was it terrifyingly close but I saved it.
In 2 years of riding I split a lane once, and it was because I was almost hit by the same lady twice. I thought she was after me but I think she was just a dumb ass.
Lost a buddy in college, who I will admit was a very dangerous rider, but in this instance he was on his way to pick up his girlfriend (a good friend of mine) and a car ran a red light and killed him.
I know A LOT of guys who have gone down with minimal injuries, it's definitely a "when" situation, not "if" if you continue riding.
I wreck almost every time I get on a dirt bike but I was extremely fortunate to never have gone down on the street. Only once was it terrifyingly close but I saved it.
Horse shit. What happened to "drive defensively"? Motorcyclists are some of the most irresponsible mofos I've ever seen on the road. Why can't they get it through their thick skulls that PEOPLE CAN'T SEE YOU?? They're on a vehicle with the head-on profile of somebody walking down the street, yet they expect people in cars and SUVs to look for and be able to see them in all the chaos. Why does it never click in motorcyclists' heads that THEY have the better vantage point with an unobstructed view all around them AND their heads are higher off the ground than people in cars??? People in cars have to look around the body panels of their cars just to see other cars! Yet motorcyclists expect to be seen on a vehicle that can easily be obstructed by something as small as the A-pillar on a car or the side view mirror on a truck/SUV.
What kind of euphoric trance does a motorcycle put on the rider where they think they're on a magic carpet floating above traffic? The majority of motorcycle accidents I've seen have either been the rider plowing into the side of a car or laying it down in a curve and skidding. Most motorcycle:car accidents could be avoided if the motorcyclist paid better attention and actually drove defensively. So-called "cagers" CAN'T SEE YOU!!! Take some actual self accountability. The roads are not your personal playgrounds where you can just throw caution to the wind.
Have you ever ridden for an extended period of time? I rode with the assumption that no cars could see me and would pull out in front of me or change lanes into me at all times. Just like you say its hard for a car to see motorcycles with all of whats happening around them its hard for a motorcyclist to predict the movements of every car around them while still paying attention to their responsibilities.
The vast majority of people that I rode with had this same mindset. The few that didn't would constantly have problems with cars but luckily I never saw any of them get seriously hurt. There's shitty riders and shitty drivers. The stakes are much higher on a motorcycle though.
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You've obviously either never ridden a day in your life, or you the dumbest ****ing rider I've ever heard of. It's not a riders' job to make sure cagers can see them, beyond perhaps wearing brightly colored leathers, riding with their high beam on, maybe getting one of the oscillating headlights, and not hiding in their blind spots.
When I was riding, I was well aware some people couldn't see me. I assumed as much, and always had my hands over the brake, and clutch. That wouldn't have made it my fault if they had pulled out in front of me. It's called right of way. Maybe you should look it up.
Yes, I DO expect drivers to look for, and be able to see motorcycles. We all share the road with all manner of vehicles. If they aren't able to see well enough to see a motorcycle, maybe it's time to turn in the keys. How about this: If you can't see what might be where you're trying to go, DON'T ****ING GO THERE UNTIL YOU CAN! If you choose to go anyhow, that's an assumed risk on YOUR part, and YOU are responsible for whatever happens as a result.
And no, I won't take responsibility for a driver texting, talking on the phone, or otherwise not paying attention to the point that they can't see, or don't know what's going on around them.
Riding defensively is the worst thing you can do, just like driving defensively is. You need to ride offensively. Don't wait for dangerous circumstances around you to resolve themselves. Use your maneuverability and acceleration to extricate yourself from them.
I have a 117 v on my big dog, ridged mounted motor. It has the same effect, in all RPM range. It’s a very nice side effect!
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100% Greg.
I'm NEVER just 'hanging out' in a lane next to cars when I'm on 2 wheels. Either I'm behind them, or i'm WAY out in ****ing front. This whole 'but I didn't see you' is such a ****ing cop out.
If a person is paying 100% attention, they'll ****ing see. However, now is the day and age of doing 253 things while driving ; eating, putting on makeup, texting, facebook, watching movies, getting dressed, what have you. Distracted driving.
Its rather hard to be distracted on a motorcycle, as operating one literally takes all 4 appendages....
and I"m going to bet homie hasn't ridden a day in his life.
My daughters best friend just got her drivers license had it for a week and she was on the way home from gymnastics after dropping off a friend, well she had all her windows up and it was night time and when she pulled out a motorcycle hit her right on the side of her car. The motorcycle guy was wearing his helmet and he had a gopro on and that did not save him he flew dam far, after the police looked at the gopro, he did not have his lights on and was doing 40 over the speed limit and he is dead now. So it was all on the motorcycle guy since he was over the limit and no lights, where she turned onto the street there was a hill so she could not see him or hear him. Sad he died and sad after a week of having your license you get to deal with the death of someone cause they were not obeying the law.
man what a shitty situation. 100% NOT her fault though. What kind of guy rides at night with no headlights...…? Jesus.
I've been riding for 20 years. I live in the Chicagoland area. Perhaps some of the most aggressive drivers in the country (aside from maybe Houston). lol. I've also lived in SoCal and road out there a lot. Splitting lanes as needed. In IL I do not split lanes. As it's against the law. And there are too many assholes who would spitefully cut you off if they could.
Here is my philosophy on street riding:
First and foremost; wear your damn gear. Leather jacket, leather motorcycle gloves, leather boots that cover ankles, helmet, at a minimum sturdy jeans (while not perfect, it is better than shorts).
Be aware of your surroundings at all times (Front, rear, left, right). Know if there is an unsafe/aggressive driver navigating traffic behind you so can you set the chessboard to ensure your highest chances of survival.
While one should assume that it is other's responsibility to see you on a motorcycle; the fact is, it is ultimately the guy on two-wheels who is responsible for their own skin. I never EVER trust anyone when I'm on a bike. Ride defensively in all situations.
Don't ride in blind spots. Ever.
Go 5 MPH faster than ambient traffic to always be ahead of or behind vehicles.
Always double/triple check intersections regardless of right-of-way. I usually try to latch onto a car as I travel through intersections to avoid the dreaded left-turn scenario. The car will become my battering ram if required.
Never pop your bike into neutral at a stop light as you wait for the light to turn green. Always have an exit planned and you are ready to launch if required. Pay attention to rear view mirrors when at stoplights or stop signs. Constantly.
Milliseconds in reaction time mean feet in distance traveled. Cover your (front & rear) brake and clutch at all times. It could literally save your life.
Never take an aggressive approach with other drivers. Even if it means eating crow. If someone cuts me off, I back down. My riding skills can never overcome physics.
We watch a lot of YouTube fail videos of motorcyclist. It is shocking at the lack of skill and riding strategy that contribute to almost all accidents. While the car may have been technically at fault, the motorcyclist often put themselves into that position by not taking an active approach in protecting their space. It's great that these motorists get ticketed for failure to yield, etc., etc, but that doesn't make skin grow back any quicker. This isn't an argument about right-ness or wrong-ness. It's about survival and who's responsibility it is to ensure survive-ability in as many scenarios as you can. Riding motorcycles is an exercise in risk management. Everyday when I ride I do everything I can, by practicing the street riding strategies I've developed over 20 years, to manage the risk. You must accept this risk when on two wheels. It is impossible to eliminate but we can effectively reduce it. It boils down, literally, to two words: PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY.
Here is my philosophy on street riding:
First and foremost; wear your damn gear. Leather jacket, leather motorcycle gloves, leather boots that cover ankles, helmet, at a minimum sturdy jeans (while not perfect, it is better than shorts).
Be aware of your surroundings at all times (Front, rear, left, right). Know if there is an unsafe/aggressive driver navigating traffic behind you so can you set the chessboard to ensure your highest chances of survival.
While one should assume that it is other's responsibility to see you on a motorcycle; the fact is, it is ultimately the guy on two-wheels who is responsible for their own skin. I never EVER trust anyone when I'm on a bike. Ride defensively in all situations.
Don't ride in blind spots. Ever.
Go 5 MPH faster than ambient traffic to always be ahead of or behind vehicles.
Always double/triple check intersections regardless of right-of-way. I usually try to latch onto a car as I travel through intersections to avoid the dreaded left-turn scenario. The car will become my battering ram if required.
Never pop your bike into neutral at a stop light as you wait for the light to turn green. Always have an exit planned and you are ready to launch if required. Pay attention to rear view mirrors when at stoplights or stop signs. Constantly.
Milliseconds in reaction time mean feet in distance traveled. Cover your (front & rear) brake and clutch at all times. It could literally save your life.
Never take an aggressive approach with other drivers. Even if it means eating crow. If someone cuts me off, I back down. My riding skills can never overcome physics.
We watch a lot of YouTube fail videos of motorcyclist. It is shocking at the lack of skill and riding strategy that contribute to almost all accidents. While the car may have been technically at fault, the motorcyclist often put themselves into that position by not taking an active approach in protecting their space. It's great that these motorists get ticketed for failure to yield, etc., etc, but that doesn't make skin grow back any quicker. This isn't an argument about right-ness or wrong-ness. It's about survival and who's responsibility it is to ensure survive-ability in as many scenarios as you can. Riding motorcycles is an exercise in risk management. Everyday when I ride I do everything I can, by practicing the street riding strategies I've developed over 20 years, to manage the risk. You must accept this risk when on two wheels. It is impossible to eliminate but we can effectively reduce it. It boils down, literally, to two words: PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY.
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I literally stopped reading after that. That is quite possibly one of the dumbest statements I've ever seen with regards to traffic safety. That's like somebody saying it's not a pedestrian's responsibility to make sure he doesn't walk out in front of a bus from between parked cars.
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