Quote:
Originally posted by gestalt1
i'm a non-biker but with the cost of gas and my long commute i've been thinking about taking lessons and getting a bike. my big problem is the safty factor. many of my biker friends either don't want to think about it or tell stories of all there close calls - making me feel this is not worth it. i know many here are also bikers, any one with input? i think there is a huge difference between the typical kid on sportbike w/ no helmet and a responsible biker without the big ego. but how much do you feel is an accident caused by stupidity or by circumstances beyond your control?
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My wife and I have gone over this many times over the years. She has always wanted a bike for ocassional two-up rides. I have always wanted a bike for fun... Well, after I bought the SC, my wife went out and bought a mid-sized non-harley cruiser. Although I have ridden bikes many times in my younger days, we are both taking a Basic Safety and Liscensing course this fall and becomming liscensed.
Regarding safety: I am worried about it to be honest. My Uncle is a retired Fire Chief and Paramedic who has many stories of using shovels to scoop cyclists 'goop' from the roadway. Graphic but sobering. I believe that there are a few issues to deal with, especially in our rural area. Many do not wear helmets or body protection (we will), many bar-hop and are running from town to town at dusk risking deer strikes, drunk driving, etc... None of which we will do... Lastly, I am pulled out on by careless drivers so often it's sickening. In my car it's annoying and dangerous. On a bike that would be scary and may be deadly. Defensive driving is of the utmost importance.
For reference: My daughters boyfriend has been a rider for over 10 years with many many miles under his belt. He rides a Yamaha R1? or R6... Always wears a helmet, jacket, boots, etc. Has never been in an accident. Good guy and rides 'responsibly'. My older neighbor Randy commuted on his BMW 9 months of the year for most of the 70K plus miles on the bike with only one accident. He was at a stop sign and our schoolbus driver pulled too tight around the corner and ran over Randy's bike with the rear wheels. Randy just jumped off the bike and watched the slow-motion carnage take place... Ouch!
Eric
Eric
