Should yummy mummies ride?

[Chickadee]

I've been thinking about us Mummies of kids under age 5 - whether we should be out there on bikes.

If you're a good/safe rider then I don't see much problem in it, accidents can happen whether you are in a car or whether you're on a bike. I think the only difference is that bikers tend to fare worse in the injury stakes because we're not protected by a cage. It's a break from the realities of life, but is it a good passtime for parents of small children?

Feeling mixed emotions about the issue, I know a friend won't let his wife get her learners (kids similar ages to my two) ride, he rides but doesn't want to have her out there in harms way. What are your thoughts on this issue?

[Colapop]

Should Yummy Mummy's ride?

OH HELL YES!!

You go girl!

[DEATH_INC.]

Yeh, nothing wrong wif it, just gotta take a little more care, and that means new dads too, not just mums...you have a responsibility now...

[James Deuce]

Dads are not required in NZ society. Mums are. It is infinitely more easy for a Solo Mum to negotiate life than a Solo Dad.

[NighthawkNZ:Me]

Should yummy mummies ride?

yes...









We are talking about bikes aren't we... either way yes Ride Baby Ride

[slowpoke]

The mum or dad is the one who could possibly get hurt, not the kids, so they can do whatever the hell they like. What are you going to do teach your kids to live in fear?

[Usarka]

Good call slowpoke. I was gunna say that if your raising your kids a certain way then they'd expect you to keep riding and take your chances as long as you were sensible and reduced risk. You cant teach your kids something and practise the opposite.....


but at the end of the day its your decision, not a bunch of hairy bikers. 'Cause you know what they're going to say dont ya.

[justsomeguy]

Yeh, nothing wrong wif it, just gotta take a little more care, and that means new dads too, not just mums...you have a responsibility now...

As the one wheeled wonder says.

Well, I had a conversation with a friends family as we were in a cage, about a friend who rides, this guy is a racer and middle aged with a family.

The people I were with in the car (all very safe conservative types) were shocked that a man with young children would put himself in a position where he could be in danger while having a young family, this extended to any recreational pursuits with an increased risk component. They said such a person is very selfish and should think about his family first.

That is one perspective.

Some people shouldn't think of riding period, people with poor driving sense, the types with lots of dents on their cars caused by their negligence.

However if you are only looking to ride on nice days or simply commute with care then I don't see the problem. I have seen you ride and you strike me as someone with a safe and well balanced attitude towards safety and riding.

So you on a bike is not something that should concern anyone. However by extending this to all younger mum's you are in danger of including those ladies that emulate the "crazy women driver" stereotype, the same applies to men too.

[James Deuce]

The mum or dad is the one who could possibly get hurt, not the kids, so they can do whatever the hell they like. What are you going to do teach your kids to live in fear?

Depends. Like it or not, you have a responsibility to your kids to make sure you do the best job of raising them you can.

Parenting is one of those jobs where nothing is about you.

Personally I think it is massively irresponsible for both Mum & Dad to be riding or for either one to pillion the other parent.

There seems to be a total Goldfish mentality to the repercussions of getting it wrong on a bike on KB. Every time their is a motorcycling related death out there in the real world, there's this big outpouring of false grief (And it is false. If you're not a friend or relative, it's just another sack of water and DNA that won't be in the queue at the checkout) and everyone who rode like a fucking idiot before that person died keeps on riding like a fucking idiot after. Road deaths are an accepted and acceptable norm within our society.

It's many times more dangerous to ride a motorcycle. It isn't safe, you can't ride safe, and you are less likely to be killed or maimed in a car accident than you are in a bike accident. Car accidents get more and more survivable all the time, thanks to things like the NCAP safety programme. You can wear all the gear or none. Hitting a truck dead on is literally that.

But don't let the facts get in the way. I sure as hell don't, but at least be open and accepting of the risk and manage that risk the best you can.

Kids with two dead parents, generally don't do well in life. It's really selfish if you both undertake a dangerous hobby at the same time and suck a Kumara. You've let your kids know that you died doing what you wanted to do, irrespective of how it hurts them if it goes wrong. They're not midget adults, they won't rationalise it or accept it the way you would, and you're not around to tell them any different.

[Steam]

Ride yer heart out. As long as you and your partner are prepared to live with the consequences. If you are the carer for your child or the breadwinner, comprehensive health insurance and life insurance might be a good idea.

[justsomeguy]

Depends. Like it or not, you have a responsibility to your kids to make sure you do the best job of raising them you can.

Parenting is one of those jobs where nothing is about you.

Personally I think it is massively irresponsible for both Mum & Dad to be riding or for either one to pillion the other parent.

There seems to be a total Goldfish mentality to the repercussions of getting it wrong on a bike on KB. Every time their is a motorcycling related death out there in the real world, there's this big outpouring of false grief (And it is false. If you're not a friend or relative, it's just another sack of water and DNA that won't be in the queue at the checkout) and everyone who rode like a fucking idiot before that person died keeps on riding like a fucking idiot after. Road deaths are an accepted and acceptable norm within our society.

It's many times more dangerous to ride a motorcycle. It isn't safe, you can't ride safe, and you are less likely to be killed or maimed in a car accident than you are in a bike accident. Car accidents get more and more survivable all the time, thanks to things like the NCAP safety programme. You can wear all the gear or none. Hitting a truck dead on is literally that.

But don't let the facts get in the way. I sure as hell don't, but at least be open and accepting of the risk and manage that risk the best you can.

Kids with two dead parents, generally don't do well in life. It's really selfish if you both undertake a dangerous hobby at the same time and suck a Kumara. You've let your kids know that you died doing what you wanted to do, irrespective of how it hurts them if it goes wrong. They're not midget adults, they won't rationalise it or accept it the way you would, and you're not around to tell them any different.

Very well said. Spoken like someone with a lot of love for thier kids. It's hard when the world doesn't revolve around us isn't it? Oh wait, it never does, ah....... there's my train pass......wish I had a bike.....

[McJim]

She asked me the same question this afternoon.

I'll bet you can guess what I replied eh?

She obviously didn't like what I said hence this thread. Heigh ho.

[Cache Wraith]

However if you are only looking to ride on nice days or simply commute with care then I don't see the problem. I have seen you ride and you strike me as someone with a safe and well balanced attitude towards safety and riding.

There's another argument that says people who ride on nice days only or are weekend riders are at a greater risk. Less practice and honing of skills.

I say ride on. If you understand how the universe works you know that each day is a (your) creation not a discovery. Take care riding. Wear the gear. Take refresher courses and KNOW that you are safe.

[karla]

I have seen you ride and you strike me as someone with a safe and well balanced attitude towards safety and riding.

So you on a bike is not something that should concern anyone. However by extending this to all younger mum's you are in danger of including those ladies that emulate the "crazy women driver" stereotype, the same applies to men too.

My son is still young, and I've just started riding with the knowledge of the judgement and the weight of thoughts of "am I being self-centred" etc. I think it's important that those of us with children set out on each ride praying to the biker gods to safely return us to them. I won't stop riding, but I will do it with as much care as I can, and hope that others on the road take some care and watch out for me.

How many young parents smoke, drink and indulge in other ways that endanger them and will eventually bring them grief, without so much as a thought for their kids. At least we ride with the awareness that we might not return. Lately I've been thinking that life insurance would be a good idea.

Anyway - I voted "No, mums should go back to the kitchen". I wouldn't recommend to any young mum to ride - how full of contradiction I am! Do as I say, not as I do.

[Ixion]

Is the risk of Mum and Dad , riding at the same time but on different bikes, being simultaneously taken out, any greater than the risk of Mum and Dad, travelling in the same car, both being taken out ? The latter has happened.

One or other riding (ie only one at a time) , I'd think is overall better odds than the both in the same car scenario. Which is of course so common as to excite no comment.

Mum and Dad on the same bike is maybe trusting too much to the Biker Gods. They can be sadistic bastards at times.