Is motorcycling getting safer?
#31
01-08-2015 | 12:16 PM
Tourer
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 465
Likes: 3
From: North Shore of Massachusetts
I found the MC brakes are a lot better after a long time out of the saddle. But; the real risk always was and remains the 4 wheel passenger vehicles. And that seems much worse and getting worser (is that right) all the time.
IMHO, No1 is not distracted drivers it is crushing volume of traffic. I dont know the stats but if we are lucky we got 10% more roads and 1000% more cars - say last 40 years. Some are distracted for sure. I do see a lot less after hours DWI n the cars). That DWI sat night was almost like playing pacman. But the sheer volume and number of distractions are way up and my reaction time is down. I bet, just a WAG, that bikers under the influence driving is also down. That used to be a life style for some.
Around here gravel roads all but gone and forgotten, which is also good. Nice smooth RR crossings. Remember those!
IMHO, No1 is not distracted drivers it is crushing volume of traffic. I dont know the stats but if we are lucky we got 10% more roads and 1000% more cars - say last 40 years. Some are distracted for sure. I do see a lot less after hours DWI n the cars). That DWI sat night was almost like playing pacman. But the sheer volume and number of distractions are way up and my reaction time is down. I bet, just a WAG, that bikers under the influence driving is also down. That used to be a life style for some.
Around here gravel roads all but gone and forgotten, which is also good. Nice smooth RR crossings. Remember those!
Yes I do remember enginesludge . There are a lot more people and cars than 30-40 years ago . Around here you would get heavy traffic at "rush hour " , now it's " rush 24 hour/seven days a week" . There has been a culture change regarding drinking . When I was young a lot of people would not drive Friday or Saturday night because of all the DWI and it was just accepted as "the way it is ". Road conditions were sketchy and RR crossings were a major concern . .I guess every generation of riders has challenges .
Last edited by TheBig-O; 01-08-2015 at 12:19 PM.
#32
08-10-2015 | 01:22 PM
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#33
08-10-2015 | 03:47 PM
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#34
08-10-2015 | 05:01 PM
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#35
08-10-2015 | 05:14 PM
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#37
08-10-2015 | 08:57 PM
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#39
08-10-2015 | 10:41 PM
Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 141
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From: Illinois
I have been riding on road for a year now. Took a riding class took my test on a Yamaha 250. Bought a wide glide for its stability, power, and price. I don't wear a helmet neither does my wife. We don't drink and ride. We don't wear leather with armor in it. Or leather at all unless it's cold. Most of our time spent riding is with at least one moor bike or 2. Usually a older cupple that has been riding longer. I consider myself a safe rider but not the safest
I will say this, there are times I leave the house and within the first 5 miles I have a heard of deer jump in front of me. 2 cars pull out in front of me and see people swerving cause they are distracted by either cell phones other drivers or whatever else. I just wana turn around and go home cause I won't be able to enjoy the rest of the ride cause I will be paranoid
I will say this, there are times I leave the house and within the first 5 miles I have a heard of deer jump in front of me. 2 cars pull out in front of me and see people swerving cause they are distracted by either cell phones other drivers or whatever else. I just wana turn around and go home cause I won't be able to enjoy the rest of the ride cause I will be paranoid
#40
08-11-2015 | 08:59 AM
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From: Huntington Beach, CA