HOW DO YOU, PERSONALLY, DEAL WITH THE RISKS OF MOTORCYCLE RIDING?
Do you think it’s bad karma to talk about motorcycle crashes?
Do you even contemplate the possibility that you might get killed riding?
Or do you simply not think about it at all?
Yes, I have my own opinions on the matter, as you can experience in the video. But since this isn’t a topic I’ve spoken with many other riders about, I’m more interested in what goes on in your noggin regarding your own while-you’re-riding concept of motorcycle safety.
Please add your feedback below where it says “Leave a Reply” (scroll to the bottom).
237 Comments
Pat · August 6, 2012 at 8:03 am
A while back a friend remarked how stuck up I am while riding as she attempted to get my attention as I passed. I have been riding for over 40 years and commute daily over 60 miles one way into Orange County Ca. I ride like I trained in martial arts, with focus and discipline. I encounter cars who cut you off intentionally, distracted drivers (we just had a big push against cell use and I see many in use today including cops) and those who shouldn’t drive at all. We split lanes here and I actually feel safer between cars, as a rear end accident is more difficult (had an attempt about 3 months ago). I ride like everyone is out to kill me and still manage to enjoy myself. I have had 2 back surgeries and the bike gets me home sooner and I feel better even in these hot days than if I was in a car…
Carl · August 6, 2012 at 6:48 am
The video speaks of not riding if you are afraid of riding…I say to not ride if you are NOT AFRAID…I don’t mean a paralyzing fear , but a serious healthy respect for what COULD happen if things go wrong..and the likelyhood that they may…
Wear all the gear – all the time.. easy to say but only the real riders DO IT!
Never ride impaired – no substances that may cause a lack of attention, or other moment of poor judgement. Even 1 is too many, especially when all the cage drivers out there are trying to kill you.
Prepare your bike as if it needs to save your life! A poorly operating bike is just as dangerous as a poorly operating rider.
It is a good idea to discuss what happened with other riders when they can share valuable information of what went wrong for them. Be a lifelong learner when it comes to this hobby. Bu talking to other riders we can continue to develop our survival skills.
Practice – Practice – Practice – The moment you need to do an emergency manuver is not the moment to learn to maximum brake and swerve. These skills need to be instinctual and immediate. A brief second at 55 MPH is a long way down the road and could be the difference maker. Know how to max brake, to look where you want to go, and swerve.
If you are going to ride – you need to accept the risks and try to minimize them with preparation and education.
Car motorists get injured or die in acccidents, as do truck drivers, and pilots. It CAN happen, but it doesn’t mean it HAS too…
Sal Rosa Jr · August 6, 2012 at 5:11 am
I have been riding motorcycles all my life (including dirt bikes, quads and the ever questionalble 3 wheelers) I have also taught several people to ride over the years. The advise I give them is simple and has worked for me is, 1. “ride like your invisable”, I don’t assume that the other driver sees me, today everyone is so pre occupied with everything that they may not be paying attention at that very second and sometimes thats all it takes and 2. “don’t get yourself into situation you can’t get back out of”, you always have to be aware of everything around you, I watch ahead, look in my mirrors and try to identify problem drivers before I interact with them (we have all seen the drivers I’m refering to…lol), I try to make my self visable to drivers around me, don’t make sudden moves and the biggest thing is slow down…I’ve seen too many brother and sisters get killed riding and it could of been avoided if they were not speeding, Every time you get on your ride, there is a chance of being hurt or possibly killed, it’s a chance we take, I try not to think about it you have to respect your equipment and thru properly educating people on both sides of the issue (riders and drivers) you can cut the possibility of a mishap way down. Enjoy the ride my brothers and be safe!!
Troy Bass · August 6, 2012 at 4:54 am
The bible says it best and this is how I aproach this subject. “The horse is prepaired for the day of battle, but safety is of the Lord.” This means to try your best to be a safe and good rider but to depend on God to protect you.
Hope this dosen’t sound to preachy,
Troy
Christopher J. Beatty, MD · August 6, 2012 at 3:45 am
A very important and very well done video MCg. Prior to every ride, I always check my bike and mentally prepare myself for whatever could happen out there. I never ride impaired or in a hurry or preoccupied. I try to think ahead. What could happen up there and I don’t take any stupid chances. I recommend the Advanced Rider Training Course every two years and finally, whenever I read about an accident in my area of riding, I scrutenize the details to fine out what went wrong and sometimes I’ll even take a ride out to the site to see for myself what might have been done to prevent this accident. Ride safe and enjoy the ride!
Dave T · August 6, 2012 at 2:07 am
I think about falling al the time have not had any serious falls and don’t mind talking about it ,i always expect the unexpected try not to take risks and look way ahead assesing the situataion ! at 65 i am aware i may be losing awareness and reaction time but hopefully experiance and slowing up will get me through and being constantly elert which must help in everyday life as well as riding keeps you alert and aware of whats going on around you! get cocky and tired on a bike is askin for trouble the cagers win every time you lose !!
LuckyImnotdead · August 5, 2012 at 10:44 pm
I live in Los Angeles. I rode motorcycles more than 30 years ago. I almost died as a result of an accident; the car made a left turn in front of me. I wasn’t going fast, I just wasn’t using any safety gear back then. That was the time before any helmet laws. I sustained severe head and other injuries. My femur sheared in two. Enough said, it took me more than a year in therapy to function again. It took many more years to function normally. Now I’m not too sure about the latter part of functioning, because I just went back to riding motorcycles. I took the 15 hour basic course conducted by the California Motorcyclist Safety Program (ca-msp.org), obtained my M1 license and bought the motorcycle I was looking for, all in the same month. No regrets, and yes, no flashbacks either. I really have no recollection of the accident, but I do remember what I had to go through to get back to normal. I’m not the same carefree guy I was back then. I now use a helmet and all kinds of armor, pretty neat stuff. The one thing I learnt from driving is, staying aware of my surroundings. It’s not a nervous habit; it’s just a necessary trait one should develop, even if only driving cars. Having the ability to anticipate the next driver’s intentions is critical to survival on the streets. Most drivers telegraph their intentions long before they actually signal or make a move.
I’m not scared of riding motorcycles or getting back on one. My biggest fear is losing control when I’m riding. That’s one of the lessons I learnt at the riding school. As long as I am in control of the motorcycle I’m riding, I only have to worry about the other knuckleheads driving around me…
Pedro Cortes · August 5, 2012 at 10:28 pm
Fear and respect is a great thing but we can’t be morbid. If every time we get on a Plane
we think its going to fall then we would never go anywhere. I pray every time I get on my bike
That god will protect me from all the crazy drivers out there and I pray that my reflexes will be in tip top shape. I wear all the gear possible to protect myself just in case I go down. I love riding and I’m as careful as possible. Hey going to my high school in NYC in the 70’s was more dangerous than riding ,,,,,even getting on the subway in NYC in the 70’s could be life threatening. With that said I think we all know as adults the risks we take but please lets talk
about other aspects of riding so we call learn as much as possible and keep ourselves safe.
Linda hurlry · August 5, 2012 at 9:56 pm
The pleasure I get from riding out weighs the risk. That said, I’m not looking to die anytime soon. I have a respect for the road, riding and am very careful on the road.
Steve · August 5, 2012 at 9:15 pm
Rob has some sound advise on fear. My dad was a pilot and he told me good pilots are always practicing and always reviewing FFA reports on crashes. I think that is important to think ahead 12 seconds in front of you. i learned that in a rider safety course. I think that you should be aware of your surroundings and look for ways out to avoid going down. When I did go down in 2006 the nurses and doctors kept thanking me in the ER. I asked them why. They said,” it is because you wore your helmet and we don’t have to dig gravel out of your face.” I encourage you to wear good gear, look far a head of you, so you can try to predict what might happen. Oh yeah realize that everybody out on the road is out to get you. They got me when they crossed the yellow line in a hair pin turn and did not even stop to see if I was OK.
phil · August 5, 2012 at 7:32 pm
I’ve been down twice but. I wouldn’t. Quit riding for anything were else could you get such a total feeeling of freedom
steve griffin · August 5, 2012 at 7:12 pm
Great subject, one to consider each and every time one rides. Understanding how to avoid needless risk is the best way to begin each ride. Risk of injury or death is a reality with riding motorcycles. Risk is also with us in many other enjoyable activities.
To keep as safe as possible, consider that motorcycles are invisible. Auto drivers who can see us often try to kill, either by inattention or distraction or by design. To offset risk I wear protective gear, use bright colored garments and avoid situations by alert analyses. “Don’t be frightened, don’t be scared. Be prepared.”
Eric · August 5, 2012 at 7:10 pm
No its not bad karma. We be be constantly discussing our issues and concerns. We can learn from one another
allen l gibson · August 5, 2012 at 6:43 pm
I only ride with helmet ,florsent vest, boots, gloves and the brightest head lights I can buy. Had safety course and run about 65mph . With all of this it is still very dangerous, but an’t it fun
Electrojake · August 5, 2012 at 6:42 pm
Dead Man Riding? Yes indeed, I’ve seen plenty of them.
One of the features I enjoy most about being a rider is that it is the type of activity that is self-cleansing.
If you are well prepared for the task at hand, you will be fine.
However, if you are ill prepared, (mentally, physically, temperament, etc…) you will soon be dead or injured to the point that you are no longer riding.
Hence, the sport cleanses itself of the weak.
What’s not to like. 🙂
Rita · August 5, 2012 at 6:29 pm
Took a safety class back in the 80’s as I started to ride. I have always had a fear before throwing my leg over the bike. I ask for special angels in my journey as I go. Thinking over the years there have been several time things could have ended differently, but being alert & higher Powered they were ok. Awareness of your surroundings & defensive driving has played a big part in my riding. That said I have changed a lot this year!
I have limited my riding to what I call saveish ares. I am no longer riding to work in a in the city. Got a late start waiting for a real hard to find batery to come in, & so many accident both car & bike because of this new idea, it’s ok to do anything behind the wheel instead of driving (mainly texting).
A few years back I started stopping farther back at traffic lights & keeping my eye on up coming traffic, & hitting my brake in threes to try & catch there attention. Also giving me a escape area if needed.
I did get a smaller & lighter bike as I get shorter, & hope to be on the bike for many years yet. (We took a refresher advance riding course a few years back & the instructor asked my age. She said she just wanted to know how long she could still ride). Awareness & change keep thing moving forward. Lets all put are phones away when in, or on anything that moves & enjoy the journey as we go. Not all wanderers are lost.
Brian · August 5, 2012 at 6:25 pm
Every time I throw my leg over my bike, I ASSUME some idiot is going to try to take me out. That makes me much more aware.
Tony O Flores · August 5, 2012 at 6:12 pm
This topic is timely as I just heard on our local Austin, TX news that a couple on a Harley were killed in nearby New Braunfels when they crossed the lane and got hit head-on by a vehicle traveling in the opposite direction.
It’s life, and for some, it’s death. If the detail is given, it can better help us understand what to avoid if confronted with similar circumstances (bad luck / karma / fate etc) and / or avoiding ignorance (stupidity) of some fundamental saffety rules.
More significantly, for those of us who have had to confront their own mortality (we’ll all be there sometime in the unforseeable future), the topic of death is ALWAYS real and there. You can’t turn away from it. Thus, your topic is right on. Keep it up.
Mark · August 5, 2012 at 6:05 pm
I use the following as guidelines.
Before riding on the road I always check my emotional attitude. If I am angry or upset I will get out of that space before riding.
I then apply 100% concentration to the task at hand, riding, enjoying it and and staying alive. (No headphones, no music, no looking around at the scenery, concentrating completely on the riding.
I ride a little (or sometimes a lot faster) than the prevailing traffic to avoid getting hit from behind or shunted off the road. (Again maintaining full concentration on cars around me)
Filter in between the traffic at the lights. Work my way to the front at red lights (avoids being rear ended). Take off first from the lights, get out in front and stay there.
Handle roundabouts with extreme caution. (Never assume that cars will give way just because they should).
On open access roads with cars, pedestrians etc having access to the road, proceed with extreme caution and avoid the right lane.
Keep aware of road surface, potholes can be a big problem. Scan ahead of my riding as far as possible to keep aware or conditions.
I keep in mind that I have to drive for myself and the cars as drivers often are less focused and less competent than they should be. Concentrate on avoiding cars.
This is extremely exciting especially at speed and I always find riding an extremely enjoyable if somewhat (exciting (scarey)) experience.. Love it..
Bill C · August 5, 2012 at 5:29 pm
I certainly don’t think about dying in a crash when I’m riding. That said, I am much more careful while riding now than I was thirty years ago. Funny how when you have your whole life in front of you, that’s when we’re prone to take to most risks which could cost us our lives.
Steve K. · August 5, 2012 at 5:06 pm
Hi, I made it a rule a # of years ago to take an advanced riders safety course every year, or 2. Been doing this for over 20+ years, been rding for over 40. I find it amazing @ how many bad habits I fall back into, like braking w/only 2 fingers on the front brake.
Back in Oct 2002 a riding bud & I took the local advanced riders course up in northern NV, used to live in the Sierra NV mountains. Nov 16th 2002 I was getting ready for my 5:45 AM 45 mile ride into work, it was 15 degrees out so I grabbed my fullface helmet. That helmet & the safety course from 2 weeks prior saved my life. That afternoon on my way home from workI was taken out by a u-turning tourist while I was making a pass, too bad he wasn’t using his blinkers.
My bike left a 76′ long 2 wheel controled skid mark before my Road King impacted the left rear wheel of his 2000Ford Expedition. Hit the Expedition hard enough to total it & push it 2′ sideways. Thanks to the safety course I used all 4 fingers on the brake & was able to slow from 80+ mph to around 50 mph (NVHP estimate) before impact.
Dec of 2007 I got a used cop bike another Road King. After lots of modifications to the bike I’ve been able to reteach myself how to ride with only 1 arm. The Drs had said if I lived I would probably be paralyzed from the waist down & be severely brain damaged.
Needless to say riding is a scary business, so I do everything I can to keep myself safe while riding. So if you ever run into, or see a left armed older guy riding a Sheriff green & cream Road King w/a a bright orange hack on it give a wave, it’s probably me.
Safety First, or you can die learning the hard way.
Keep the rubber side down,
Steve K.
dennis · August 5, 2012 at 4:39 pm
excellent point, being prepared is necessary and might improve the liability and consequences. You have to acquire as much knowledge as possible, because even thought i have been a rider for 48 years, there are people that count on me in family and coworkers. live to ride, ride to live DENNIS KRANES
Rodolfo · August 5, 2012 at 4:24 pm
Full and constant awareness of your surroundings: the weather, your machine, your visibility, the roads, your physical condition, as well as the proper use of adecuate and complete safety gear (ATGAT) are key to riding safely; but in my opinion and experience, the most important issue is to be conscious of your skill level and experience, never go beyond those two premises and by all means, chose carefully your riding partners, “hot dogs” idiots are extremely dangerous; those guys, we all know one or two, who do not think it is possible to run into a misshape are deadly, not only to them, but to others around. I personally try to follow all possible risk management rules, but first and foremost, I try to always keep with in my level and completely focus on the ride at hyper alertness. The risk its real and always present, so before every ride, no matter how long or short, right after checking all the basics, I offer a prayer to the Lord asking for his protection and forgiveness if checking out has to come.
Ride safe, be aware, full ATGAT, focus on the ride.
Ron · August 5, 2012 at 4:16 pm
PRAY! I have a relationship with GOD. HE has Saved my life many times. I am very thankful to be alive. I really enjoy riding my bike and I do hit the mountains of North Georgia a lot. I have ridden The Tail of The Dragon and love that type of riding very much. I do pay attention to GOD and I know some days I am not to get on my Bike. Bad things have happened to friends on those days I stay home. I also practice the Ride Like a Pro DVD’s. If you can do those maneuvers, then you are in the top 2% of riders in the World. That helps a lot too. I do the best I can and Trust GOD to protect me.
dave · August 5, 2012 at 4:02 pm
I told my family I WILL die while riding. It’s a certainty. And I told them I LIVE up to that very minute and that I feel free riding and every moment on a bike is better in LIFE than a moment not on a bike.
Having said that, i’m brc, atgatt (‘cept sometimes shorts), abs brakes depending on the bike i pick that day, about 4yrs steady riding (started at 13, of an on to 56 now), maybe 8-10K miles 95% in traffic, dirt bike skills, ride like i’m invisible, never drink and ride, and safety first but i do like to blow out of traffic congestion and stay in the empty lanes/areas.
We’ll see.
Good luck to all, enjoy life but dont be stupid- make a Will.
the force be with you,
Dave
Tim · August 5, 2012 at 3:40 pm
I DO NOT think about dying WHILE I am riding, but I do think about when I’m off the bike. That makes me start thinking about safety. Being aware of everything around me, making myself visible, trying to anticipate the actions of others around me, practicing my riding skills (panic stops, evasive riding, etc), and trying to keep a safe distance in front and behind me. I’m thinking about safety every time I ride.
Steve C · August 5, 2012 at 3:28 pm
Forgot to say I’m from the Gold Coast, Australia
Steve C · August 5, 2012 at 3:26 pm
There are regular motorcycle crashes & fatalities in my area so I am keenly aware of the possibility of injury or death when I ride. I learn what I can from others mistakes.
Pauline Petillon · August 5, 2012 at 3:24 pm
The best thing I did for myself when I decided to ride at age 65 (bucket list dream) was take the Basic Riders Class offered at Lakehurst Naval Station (NJ). The instructors were all well experienced, serious (although not without a sense of humor), straight-forward in both their approach & their verbal communications in the class. I read everything I could get my hands on, talked to as many bikers as possible, watched each biker I saw on the road (& followed them when I had time to observe), and read as many books on the subject as possible. Then I practiced and practiced until I laid my bike down on the parking lot pavement in a 25MPH gust of wind. Then I reassessed! All my efforts were being thwarted because I had a bike too heavy for me to handle. MISTAKE #1 – don’t buy a ‘deal’ … take an experienced biker with you and purchase a bike that fits, that you can handle. MISTAKE #2 – I was riding ALONE to practice. Get with a partner and learn the rules of the road WITH an experienced, educated (not arrogant/know-it-all) rider who can communicate to you with examples. BEST STEP: getting a well experienced and knowledgeable mechanic who loves to teach about bike maintenance and repair (upgrades, etc). He is a fount of blessing for us inexperienced novices. YES, YES, YES, I DO THINK I COULD GET KILLED but I could driving my car or crossing the street or flying to visit family. I respect the bike and the experience, I don’t ride at dusk(too many deer) or nighttime, and am shopping for a smaller bike. Here’s to biking into my 80’s and not letting life go by in a coffee clache or rocking chair. Enjoying the ride.
Husni · August 5, 2012 at 3:17 pm
Sorry about your friend Diane! Bad Karma or not I believe that recognizing the fact that one might get into an accident is surely appropriate. Proper risk assessment is paramount also, avoid hesitation while riding and never let fear set in, it will consume you,,,eventually!
I reckon that most of you guys and gals ride in the US where traffic laws are mostly respected, international riders need to adjust to different driving behaviors and this is when matters get tricky! I’ve ridden in Canada, USA, Italy, Austria, Germany, France, and most of the Middle East where riding is 10 times more dangerous. Picking the right timing is always wise, if the MC is your leisurely mean of transportation then avoid rush hour and late night week-end rides where you’re more likely to run into DUI drivers!
Ride safe!!
bluestardad · August 5, 2012 at 2:49 pm
This is a great topic for discussion and feedback MCG, I try to be as prepared as possible whether operating my motorcycle or my cage. Situational awareness by frequently scanning your mirrors and focusing on the task of operating a vehicle safely and responsibly are always on my mind. Those skills have helped me to avoid many close calls. Additionally, inspect your vehicle before departing. I developed a mental checklist that helps keep me prepare and focus on the task at hand.
1. My physical and mental condition?
2. Weather Conditions/Forecast/Visibility?
3. Tire condition/tread condition/proper inflation?
4. Vehicle engine running smoothly?
5. Brakes & Brake lights?
6. External lighting/reflectors/turn signals?
7. Instrument lighting?
8. PPE required for a safe ride/drive?
Repeat as necessary for each stop along the way.
Ride safe!
Jay Coffman · August 5, 2012 at 2:48 pm
This is an important topic and we should discuss it as there are things we can do to reduce the changes of an accident.
First, yes karma, luck, whatever you call it can play a part in it as there are times that there is nothing the rider can do to prevent an accident. However, even in those cases wearing all the equipment all the time, wearing good equipment and being as alert as possible will greatly improve your chances of survival or of a lesser injury in those times.
Then there are the preventable accidents. One thing we almost never talk about and the insurance companies seem to ignore is that, in my humble opinion, there is a huge difference in the risks riders take depending on age, type of bike, attitude toward riding, riding style, when and where we ride and how prepared we are. For instance, where I live (San Diego) almost a month never goes by without a motorcyclist being killed on our freeways or on our mountain roads. Almost, but not always, they are young riders on sport bikes with minimal equipment. Speed is often involved. This is true even when it appears the accident was one of just bad luck. Older riders on bigger or better prepared bikes have a lower incident of winding up as one of these statistics–although they do on occasion. So there are things we can do to reduce the chance of an accident and those things are worth discussing and pursuing.
NY Metalman · August 5, 2012 at 2:35 pm
It’s hyper awareness for me combined with reality. The times I get the cold sweat is when I lapse into being disconnected from my riding, the road and the surroundings. For that split second when I come back into the now, I realize I could have been a statistic. Today I found myself feeling naked with just my high viz vest on and no jacket and was probably more aware (and a little fearful) that if bike and I parted company, I was going to leave skin on the road. All that being said, be aware, be smart. A lttle stress makes us better at what we do.
Dave Parry · August 5, 2012 at 2:21 pm
I’ve always been very aware of how vulnerable I am on a motorcycle, I think that those who ride around thinkiing nothing bad will happen to them are missing something! Be as visible as possible (high vis clothing, high vis marking on fairings) and always try to position yourself to be seen by others. Also get all the advanced trainin possible, i’ve been riding for over 50 years and recently took my Advanced Motorcycle test and was quite amazed at how much I learned regarding positioning and “see and be seen” etc.
Dave.
Brian · August 5, 2012 at 2:21 pm
Fear is your enemy. It should be put on a shelf and leave it there. RESPECT for the bike and conditions should always replace fear. Lots of lights are good, High visibility apparel is good. Loud exhausts are good. BUT, you will always have that distracted driver out there that just did not see you!!! Be responsible for your space and ever vigilant for anyone or anything that might invade your space. Only you, the rider, can do that.
Parking lot practice is a good thing as well. Practice evasive maneuvers. Practice panic stops. Practice turning tight circles. Practice, Practice, Practice until these things are completely automatic. You never want to have to think about what to do in an emergency. It should be a completely natural response. THEN you increase your chances of survival.
All this sounds like work, I know. But, think of all the rewards you get for being able to ride many more days and miles.
Thanks for reading!
42 years of riding and still out there!
Charles · August 5, 2012 at 2:04 pm
Every time I start my Goldwing and begin a ride, I am aware that there is danger involved. Everyone time I start my car and put it in gear, I am aware I may be involved in an accident, even a fatal one. Neither situations discourage me from enjoying my ride, whether it be on 2 wheels or 4 wheels. An acute awareness of the danger and precautions to be as safe as I can be is always foremost in my thinking.
Gear Jammer · August 5, 2012 at 1:59 pm
Experience is a hard teacher,,,it gives you the test first, and the lesson after. We can overcome ignorance with education, stupidity is usually overcome through experience. Some don’t live long enough to learn the lesson being taught. While teaching Defensive Driving classes for traffic ticket dismissal, I made a statement to classes regarding MC riders,,,”there’s two kinds of people who ride motorcycles,,,those who’ve had crashes, and those who will” . I told them I was a member of the former group. A guy who had previously taken my class, came back several years later. He asked if I remembered him. I did. He commented that in the previous class he had wanted to take me to task about my MC rider statement, but didn’t want to seem argumentative and disruptive, so he refrained. But he told me that about a year after the class, while riding his bike in the mountains of Colorado he had been forced off the road by a car, and had gone over the edge of a cliff. He spent months in the hospital. He said he just wanted me to know he had a better appreciation for my MC rider statement from the previous class. He survived the “test” and learned a valuable lesson. He wasn’t at fault, there was nothing much he could have done to have prevented the incident, but he still almost died that day.
I think about the possibility of dying when I’m going to go ride. I don’t think much about it while riding. I try to stay focused on what I’m doing. I have lights all over my bike. I’ve got two sets of driving/ fog lights on lightbar and crashbars. A headlight modulator, brake light modulator, handlebar stop/ turn light above my mirrors, sequencing lights on my license tag frame, LED lights on my front fender rail, and inside the front fender reflecting off the chrome rotor covers and under the saddlebags reflecting off the exhaust pipes. And with all that I still avoid riding after dark when possible. Remember I belong to that “former” group? I hit a steer on a gravel road at 4am. Slow speed, but it still hurt. Me, not the steer.
I went to our areas “Ride for Kids” this year, and was talking with another rider. He asked about the videocam I had on my bike. I told him it was to record my death. He was caught a bit off guard I guess, as he just stared at me for several seconds. I guess he hadn’t really considered that possibility for himself, or thought it couldn’t happen to him. Denial is a strong factor in many of our actions. I guess we all have to make that primary decision of “How much risk am I willing to take?” Then we go out and ride within those parameters. Remember, they’re all out there trying to kill you.
John · August 5, 2012 at 1:44 pm
Well I don’t believe in karma, luck, etc. But being aware of the risks and having a strong survival instinct is super important. While I know there are cases where good safe riders are struck out of the blue, I believe most bike accidents can be avoided by being alert, keeping an eye on the other guy, and non-aggressive. Knowing how badly a biker does in a colision motivates me to stay out of trouble. Yeah, someday that maniac may cross the median and take me out assuming I don’t get struck by lightning first. If so, hope there are bikes in heaven.
Doug Danzeisen · August 5, 2012 at 1:40 pm
I approach motorcycling in much the same way I do life. Yep, I konw I will die one day- I already have died several times in fact with my heart stopping in the past. Living well is not about avoiding death, we all have that sentence. Rather, it is about minimizing your needless exposure to risk, while still doing the things that bring you joy,the ability to transcend yourself and grow. Riding is, for me, a transcendental thing. I try to become hyper aware of everything around me and paradoxically take my ego out of the equation. I have had close calls that very easily could have been fatal. I ride not out of denial of this, but because I choose not to be limited in refusing my joy due to my fear… In being aware, practicing my skills, and always being open to learn how to be better I hope to minimize my chance of serious injury or death. Keep the rubber side down and ride on!!
Tom Spencer · August 5, 2012 at 1:36 pm
Risk awareness and management are crucial. Ride like you are
invisible!
pompies · August 5, 2012 at 1:32 pm
michael steurer (the last one I can read) is 200% correct in my opinion.
When I ride I:
-always wear full clothing and protective gear, and Italy can be quite hot, believe you me.
-always assume the car drivers are out to get ME.
-never go faster than my ability to stop, very similar to what I do the few times I ride at night: my speed must allow me to stop before I get to the edge of my field of vision.
This I call defensive riding, which does NOT mean I ride slowly, actually… ehm, quite the opposite.
In short, since riders do have a much better awareness of road, traffic and speed, I believe we must use it, taking full responsibility for our SAFE enjoyment. More than 70% of bike accidents are due to car drivers, but… so what? Being right doesn’t make you any healthier… or less dead. Then if it does happen, well, you can’t win them all, but at least I enjoyed my riding while most other people spent their lives in cages. RIDE TO ENJOY!
michael steurer · August 5, 2012 at 6:39 am
absolutely perfect topic, your website is is not only a personal favorite, but required reading for my little group of student riders. the desire to read comments before commenting was just slightly overcome by a desire not to be distracted, and to respond to only one statement made in the video that i have a minor issue with.
the indication being, that there are times when the rider has zero control over a given situation, perhaps a lightning flash to the bars, a falling tree, or astroid to the helmet would be mutually agreed on as out of the scope of duty to the observation of the rider, for the most part we have a degree of control as to what happnes to us while on our machines.
i have no idea who first said my montra and my thought process while on my motorcycle, a harley ultra classic ltd. “your fault, my fault, no ones fault. it is my RESPONSIBILITY”.
As riders we must take ownership of everything in our domain, especially our focus. Ultimately the fault in a given situation is useless, other than in a court room or law suit. We are the ones who get hurt. We are the ones who walk with a hitch for the rest of our lives. Most horrible of all, the rider with a TBI. So not being at fault and in a hospital bed can make you right, but also make you dead right. I will take the ticket for taking evasive action, rather than react to or worry about a legality.
i am an all the gear all the time guy, which is a pain in the summer in the southern U S. it is what i teach, therefore it is what i do. i will for all of my riding life, continue my education in handling and riding schools. read anything and everything related to safety.. and like the video said, if you arent comfortable you arent safe. when it comes to parking lot practice, remember, practice doesnt make perfect, it make permenant..perfect practice makes a better rider..learn the proper proceedures, and practice practice practice.. our skills are perishable, use em or lose em…
Retired Army · August 2, 2012 at 8:30 am
The thing that separates good riders from average riders is the ability to manage risks. Keeping the mind on the task at hand and not on anything else goes a long way to keep risks at a minim. Stay focused on operating the vehicle until the kickstand is put down at the end of the ride.
Rick · August 2, 2012 at 8:20 am
After 42 years of riding I take the outlook that if people are looking at me as a target and I pay attention to the other vehicles around me and the proper training I’m less likely to get into an accident and that’s why I’ve looked at it this way for years. I think the article is spot on and people do need to address this, that yes it can happen to you sooner or later in the more you pay attention the better off you’ll be.
Diane · August 2, 2012 at 8:03 am
I have learned to listen to my gut !! Totally ! If it does not feel like a good day to ride I DON’T RIDE. Two months ago I had that feeling but didn’t stick to my guns and my best friend was killed ~ by a cager who was texting. I had even called my friend to tell her I didn’t want to ride but I let her talk me into it ! NEVER AGAIN !
Anirban · August 2, 2012 at 1:50 am
Riding throughout one’s life isn’t for the faint-hearted for sure !!
In some of the most hostile road conditions here in India, while majority still graduate from the eco-friendly bicycle to a motor-bike once they get a job, few continue it after enough revenue accumulated to get a “Cage”. Or simply if not enough in pocket to buy a cage, stay closer to work places then; or maybe take a public bus & hang on from the packed staircase for dear life, but; stop riding (at-least in real sense). Isn’t that DANGEROUS !!
In such a social scenario, we are the MAD MEN !!
Have a Family, child in college, have dependent parents, a good job position; why’r you STILL riding a Motorcycle Son ?
Papa, It’s my religion.
So, are you not AFRAID how that guy next door got his ticket to whatever that morning; rammed from the rear by a sand-loaded truck while waiting at the signal ?
Well, he was Unlucky; perhaps not keeping an eye on his rear view, I guess……
Arrogant !!
So how to deal with the risks ? Read; practise; stay visible; avoid the known dangers like plague; never underestimate that small person inside that cage nearby ( Away is another story altogether), wear something / anything that shall take the initial impact incase of an unlucky day, leave that BIG EGO at home & when that sudden rash-riding urge arrives, mildly succumb but remind yourself of your old mother (or girlfriend as the case may be) waiting at home, regain mind control & see that trailing cage through. Live to enjoy more miles of fresh air (or cage smoke); which silly bugger said that you ought to reach home first. Instead reach last & enjoy many more hours on the saddle.
Inspite of all these GOOD Practises that you have made your habit; next time you cross a Traffic Intersection ticking in its last few seconds, or stop on the road-side for a very urgent pause with all indicators on & eyes on mirror or feel that gap between two cages sufficient for you to pass-through as you twist the throttle; pray for a second !
I dont know whom I make ‘happy’ by doing that but if I can ride many many more miles over many more years thinking I made someone happy & he/she is looking over me, I don’t mind it really.
daveinozbikes · August 2, 2012 at 1:06 am
Oh Yeah……..Treat everyone else on the road as an idiot…most are.
This advice is from 52 years of biking……no hospital (fingers crossed) 🙂
Stripes Strydom · August 2, 2012 at 12:29 am
As daveinozbikes have said – visibility is very important.
and as Rob has said – Fear is important – Panic is a no-no.
Lets make it short – we all have to die, we just do not know when.
Therefor we ride in such a way as we deem safe to ensure it will not
happen on this trip, maybe a next but not this one.
daveinozbikes · August 1, 2012 at 10:29 pm
Once again no mention of being visible !!!!
You can be the best rider imaginable, but if you are invisible you”re on your own. “I didn”t see him/her.” HAVE A NICE FUNERAL……..make sure there are lots of lights….. but it”s probably too late then.
Rob · August 1, 2012 at 10:23 pm
Fear is a good thing, panic is not. Fear keeps you from riding beyond your abilities and taking stupid risks. Panic locks up your brain when you need it to perform the task of riding.
I think reading about motorcycle safety is something all riders should do. It has influenced my decision to purchase good quality protective gear and wear it. It has also influenced my riding by making me more aware of high risk situations like crossing an intersection or riding in someones blind spot. I am probably more vigilante when it comes to these things now than I would have been had I not done the reading I have done.