I agree with all points raised and firmly believe that if ALL drivers were to ride motorcycles, they would be better drivers overall as a result. Being more vulnerable as we riders are, teaches the kind of respect and awareness that is so obviously lacking among the motoring public. And no matter how many years of experience or miles totaled, every ride is still a learning experience. Just reacting properly to a bad situation isn't enough. We must be able to anticipate how things could go wrong in any given situation. All of these things are simply not part of the daily routine of car drivers. Too much attention is given to their cell phones, stereos, lattes, and God knows what else instead of good driving habits. To stay healthy, we riders have to mix our enjoyment of what we do with a judicious amount of paranoia.

 

Just so you guys know, Cages aren't just Stupid around bikes. You would be AMAZED at the things they do around Big Trucks. At least 3 or 4 times a day they will cut in front of me on the freeway to within 1/2 a car length at 70 MPH and cause me to have to slow down to get some distance between us. If they had to make a panic stop I would be on top of them before the wheels on my truck even began to lock up. I could go on and on but won't.
My message is NEVER let your guard down and ride as if they all want to kill you.

 

I agree with most of ther original post. But, after 35 years of riding, I no longer hold the attitude that cagers suck. They are just "there," and are but one more thing you need to pay attention to in your travels. I'm surprised that in this day and age, it is even a topic anymore, beyond the idea of reminding one another to pay attention. Cars cut us (and each other) off all the time. It is all in a days ride to me.

Glad you had a good first year.

 

+1 and an amen! They seem to get real stupid around big trucks!!!

 

Something I learned when I was starting to ride on roads:

Don't smile on the highway.