Motorbikes are Dangerous - Bullshit

**McJim** · 21st July 2006, 16:32

Why do we constantly hear about Motorcycles being dangerous? Stop for a moment and ponder this - how many car drivers are killed by motorcyclists each year? I'd be surprised if it's any (and I mean killed by the incident not by a kicking they might receive after making someone bin their ride!) compared to how many motorcyclists are killed by cars (Remuera Tractor type armoured tanks in particular)? Shouldn't the phrase be "Cars are dangerous, cars kill people - but if you're on a bike you've more chance of being killed by an idiot driving a car". If more people rode bikes then less people would drive cars and less cars would kill bikers. Hence bikes would become safer. (This Rant may be a repeat of someone elses - if it does I apologise but I did search the forums using the words "bike" and "dangerous" before posting.) I'm just sick of people saying "Why do you ride a bike? It's too dangerous". I'd be keen to know other logical put-downs for that kind of negative comment.

Cheers

**BeakerRAT** · 21st July 2006, 16:37

I hear ya Big McJim, but the masses don't. Facts are the only thing that'll settle this one. May be best if we stay away from the facts though .... mmmm. I'm not sure either way.

Facts anyone???

**Ozzie** · 21st July 2006, 16:43

It's the same as crossing the road....

I know, it is a lame thing to say, everyones heard it, "You are statistically more likely to get killed crossing the road".

But, to add a different spin.

Riding is dangerous if you do not pay attention, and you don't ride defensively (ok, there are some obvious exceptions, but we are talking generally).

Imagine closing your eyes and crossing Queen St in Auckland, you'd be f'kd for sure, same as not paying attention on a bike.

I said to my mum, when I got my first bike, "you trust me to walk across the road with my eyes open, you trust me to drive a car with my eyes open, now you can trust me riding a bike with my eyes open, there is very little difference.

**flyingscotsman** · 21st July 2006, 16:44

The media don't let the facts get in the way of a good story. Best we all just keep quiet lest the fun police catch us !!

**ManDownUnder** · 21st July 2006, 16:44

Maybe they're right - and maybe that's a good thing.

Bikes are also more fun, more versatile, cheaper to run, easier to park... and if people want to avoid danger - don't buy a motorbike.

... and don't cross the road, or eat pre-cooked chicken.. etc

Life is too short to worry about all the dangers that worry others.

Quickest way to stop an argument it to agree with the other side. "Yes - they are dangerous, and I ride them because I enjoy it"

**skelstar** · 21st July 2006, 16:46

Forums for car drivers dont have posts about oil spills in the Takas and adverse weather conditions. Im far more likely to have an accident (and have) on my bike than in a car.

Therefore: riding a bike is more dangerous than driving a car (for me at least)...and almost all of you too Id imagine (with appropriate licences/skills).

**ManDownUnder** · 21st July 2006, 16:47

Originally Posted by skelstar

Forums for car drivers dont have posts about oil spills in the Takas and adverse weather conditions. Im far more likely to have an accident (and have) on my bike than in a car.

Therefore: riding a bike is more dangerous than driving a car (for me at least)...and almost all of you too Id imagine (with appropriate licences/skills).

yep - agreed

**sunhuntin** · 21st July 2006, 16:48

MDU, thats usually how i end an argument...same as the the ones who go on about how cold it is, and why dont i get a car. cos if im out in the weather, im living more than if i was in a car.

yeh, bikes are dangerous...so are cat scratches and wood splinters and the handles on trolleys. if we avoided everything that can hurt us or make us sick, we may as well put a bullet in our heads now.

**The Pastor** · 21st July 2006, 16:50

Originally Posted by sunhuntin

yeh, bikes are dangerous...so are cat scratches and wood splinters and the handles on trolleys. if we avoided everything that can hurt us or make us sick

Welcome to the men-tall-ity of osh + the labour gvt. Its ingrained in us. Soon it will be come law. "the no fun bill" that will make us all renegades.

**Squeak the Rat** · 21st July 2006, 16:51

Chances of car not seeing you are higher.

Seriousness of impact likely to be higher for a bike.

However, good riders are much more alert than the average car driver, so maybe that evens itself out somewhat.....

**McJim** · 21st July 2006, 16:54

Okay, here's another slant on this - if a car crashes badly it can take out up to 10 people (2 cars - head on for example) and if a bike only poses a real danger to the rider then surely, by that argument the car is the more dangerous vehicle (here comes the cool but gross exaggeration) in much the same way as a nuclear missile is more dangerous than a .45 bullet.

**Squeak the Rat** · 21st July 2006, 16:55

Originally Posted by sunhuntin

if we avoided everything that can hurt us or make us sick, we may as well put a bullet in our heads now.

Woooa, thats a paradox. You couldn't use the gun because it's dangerous and you'd have to avoid it! But then because you have to avoid it you need to use the gun

**98tls** · 21st July 2006, 16:56

Originally Posted by Big McJim

Why do we constantly hear about Motorcycles being dangerous?

Cheers

Because they are.....sure you can do things to minimize the danger but alot of the time we are at the mercy of cars/trucks etc...if they fuck up then its us that come off worse....i think its quite healthy to remember just how dangerous bikes are and stay on your toes.

**BeakerRAT** · 21st July 2006, 16:56

Originally Posted by Squeak the Rat

Woooa, thats a paradox. You couldn't use the gun because it's dangerous and you'd have to avoid it! But then because you have to avoid it you need to use the gun

My head hurts.