Older motorcyclists 'more likely to be injured' suggests US study

**Bob** · 8th February 2013, 01:33

Bikers aged 60 and over are three times more likely to be hospitalised after a crash than younger bikers, a US study suggests. Chest and rib cage injuries are common.

The report – compiled from accident data from 2001 to 2008 from the US National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (which gathers information from 100 US hospitals) – suggests reduced bone strength may play a part.

The authors said "The greater severity of injuries among older adults may be due to the physiological changes that occur as the body ages, bone strength decreases, fat distribution may change and there is a decrease in the elasticity of the chest wall.”

The authors also suggested delayed action time, altered balance and worsening vision may be factors.

**Brian d marge** · 8th February 2013, 02:58

as well as the fact they are American ,

Stephen

**Bob** · 8th February 2013, 04:47

Originally Posted by Brian d marge

as well as the fact they are American ,

Stephen

Funny you should mention that... as the man from one of our (UK) major bike lobbying organisations pointed out, the figures for the US are much worse than the UK - which he put down to training schemes in the US being rather erratic in terms of quality and quantity.

In the UK you have to jump through an (ever increasing; they've now added another practical test to go from roughyl 250cc to unrestricted licence (so you now have a basic test to show you can wobble home, then a practical test to go from 125cc to 250cc and another practical test to go from 250cc to unrestricted) series of tests and training to ride a bike. US? "Got a car licence buddy? Hell go out there any buy (and ride home) the most powerful bike you can see in the store"! Well not quite, but what you need can be scarily low in terms of qualifications to ride.

**Haggis2** · 8th February 2013, 06:54

what you need can be scarily low in terms of qualifications to breathe

**ellipsis** · 8th February 2013, 07:10

...nationality or riding skills have fuck all to do with the fact that us older bodies dont bounce like we did 20 years ago...simple...

**ducatilover** · 8th February 2013, 07:26

The longer you stay on the road the higher the chances of something happening?

**Brian d marge** · 8th February 2013, 14:07

Originally Posted by ellipsis

...nationality or riding skills have fuck all to do with the fact that us older bodies dont bounce like we did 20 years ago...simple...

no the American , and now the chinese have are perfecting the art of stupidity , esp on motorcycles

Stephen

**Road kill** · 8th February 2013, 16:38

Originally Posted by ellipsis

...nationality or riding skills have fuck all to do with the fact that us older bodies dont bounce like we did 20 years ago...simple...

I was wondering how long it would be before somebody actually read past the heading.

Being a non bouncer myself,,,,,I could of told them that for far less than they probably paid some researcher.

**caspernz** · 8th February 2013, 17:38

Hardly rocket science is it? Bit like being surprised at the wifeys' disgust when she finds you in the spa pool with the nanny...when you don't have kids

**pete-blen** · 8th February 2013, 20:42

Thats a no brainer....

I know if I come off now..The chances are I won't be getting up
dusting myself off & carry on like once I could as if nothing happened..

I find I ride with that in the back of my mined these days...
old age is a cruel joke.... in some ways...

**MIXONE** · 8th February 2013, 21:08

Originally Posted by pete-blen

old age is a cruel joke.... in some ways...

Sure as fuck beats the alternative though.

Betty White says "Growing old aint for pussies".

**Berries** · 9th February 2013, 23:15

Funnily enough older car drivers are more likely to be injured in a crash as well. And pedestrians.

Take a piece of celery and bend it until it snaps. That's the same noise a 75 year old femur makes that is.

**Akzle** · 10th February 2013, 07:08

Originally Posted by Berries

Take a piece of celery and bend it until it snaps. That's the same noise a 75 year old femur makes that is.

more nitrogen and trace elements in the soil will help you with that.

**YellowDog** · 10th February 2013, 07:24

I would hope that by the fact that a rider has reached their 60s or 70s, by that stage they are a great deal more careful and responsible in their riding styles.

So yes, when they do come off they do suffer worse injuries, however less of them should be coming off

**bluninja** · 10th February 2013, 07:35

Originally Posted by Berries

Funnily enough older car drivers are more likely to be injured in a crash as well. And pedestrians.

Take a piece of celery and bend it until it snaps. That's the same noise a 75 year old femur makes that is.

Tried but the celery is too limp to snap...I'm sure that relates to getting older too