Attitude towards bikers

[ManDownUnder]

Why is it that so many people look at bikes as being dangerous like that?

Because they listen to what others have said, and didn't take the time to form a qualified opinion of their own.

It's common enough.

Like Jim said - point out the links between underarm and breast cancer. Have them give that up if risk is an issue. Crossing the road is clearly out of the question. Don't over cook meat (burned meat equals free radicals - that's any BBQ off the menu)... etc

Or you could entertain a little risk in your life an enjoy it.

It's a common enough complaint, and one based in concern for you (that's agood thing... flattering in a way)... but don't let it be limiting. Be realistic - motorcycling is more dangerous, so ride accordingly.
I think that's it.
MDU

[scracha]

Why is it that so many people look at bikes as being dangerous like that?

Probably something to do with the myoptic drivers and relative lack of driver education in NZ.

[Jimmy B]

Hey JR sorry to hear that you are taking a bit of heat but it will pass. I used to tell Mum that I took the bus to work, she saw my XJ750....Thats the "bus" Mum.


Anyway lots has been said but bikes are dangerous, no question and perhaps this is part of the attraction. They are challenging to ride and this for me provideds an opportunity to expand my capabilities which is very rewarding.

Rather than glossing over the riding experience as a safe enjoyable passtime, try to identify as many dangers out there as possible and formulate strategies as to how you will deal with each when you meet it, I promise you that this will take forever and add another dimension to your riding enjoyment

[Toaster]

Riding bikes is bloody dangerous..! Read an article the other day about a guy who died choking on his morning coffee. Fark the poor bastard missed out on his toast. Should have stayed in bed, safer that way.

If I was there I would have eaten his toast.

[Toaster]

Just tell ya Mrs that the vibration turns you on, she might like that.

[KoroJ]

When I got back on a bike my co-workers gave me all the drama, ie Temporary Kiwi...You'll kill yourself etc.

I just replied that at least I'd die with a smile on my face and they left me alone.

Now they see how much fun I'm having, their attitudes have changed and they actually ask where we went etc.

It's all just about what perceptions you've been brainwashed with.

[ceebie13]

How long have you guys been in NZ?

Three years and 19 days, Jim. And in that time, I haven't had any adverse criticism of my chosen mode of transport. Must be my aftershave!

[SixPackBack]

Right, so personally I've never been one of the people who had a problem with bikers out on the road, however... having just recently sat my bike licence and now riding relativly regularly, of course the parents and girlfriend found out. I'm 21. My girlfriends words "If you wanted to kill your self, why not just go jump off a bridge" and my mother said something to equally the same effect. Why is it that so many people look at bikes as being dangerous like that? Obviously if in an accident you could get hurt more, but this attitude that Im planning on getting my bike licence just to kill myself is so damn annoying!

Tell your family to fuck off and get another G/freind, its easier in the long run

[Steam]

When I went to the Accident and Emergency to get patched up after I fell off my bike, they were all very nice and non-judgemental.
The nurse who saw me first had a good chat, she had a Kawasaki litre-bike and her kids were just getting their bike licenses, and the doctor who put on my cast used to have a 400 back in Germany.
Tell them even doctors and nurses at A&E departments ride bikes!

[James Deuce]

You were very lucky there Steam. Very lucky. My wife has been a Nurse for 20 years, in all sorts of areas, and not one medical professional I've met has anything but scorn for motorcyclists, ranging from friendly needling to ice cold silent treatment.

[RT527]

I`m Lucky ....The local cop knows better than to give a lecture to Me!.

Well not really but like most things some will respect your wishes , others will love you and worry for you, others will think only for themselves ...But only you can do what you know you can do.

Listen to advice tho whether its against or for....Advice is free , its often the listening that we have to pay for....Hindsight is 20/20.

Best of all enjoy your bike. It wont argue with you!!!

[Dave_G]

Mate, I've been riding since I was a kid, and I'm not that young anymore. My old man's been riding since the 30's and at 77 still rides an SV650 and covers around 20000 a year. Bikes are dangerous, but only in the hands of idiots, if you recognise the dangers, and ride accordingly, then you are a long way down the road to enjoyong one of life's great pass times, for a long time. If you like it, keep doing it is my motto.

[LXS]

Life is too short dude, you can spend your life worrying about what people think or you can just go out & do it.

Bikes kill people, plastic bags do too.

Ask the do-gooders, Don't you want me to be happy?

[Swoop]

Ask those naysayers if they would prefer you jumped off a bridge and, if so, why.

Having jumped off the Auckland Harbour Bridge... the answer is "for FUN"!!!

[McJim]

Back in the UK bikes are really dangerous. Because of the mandatory legal requirment that every motor vehicle be insured motorcycles are the preserve of the incredibly wealthy. you can therefore be sure that if you cause a biker to bin his ride then your great great great grandchildren will still be paying off your lawsuit.

Tell them that all the best Lawyers, Doctors and Accountants ride motorbikes and that you have aspirations.