Opinions on Bikers?

[Lost 1,410]

So, as someone who rides a motorcycle it seems as though most people who i am introduced to as someone who rides a motorcycle have some story to tell me about how i shouldn't ride and that its far too dangerous and impractical, or they just seem to look at me with a look of mild disgust. 

 

As a more open group of people, what do all of you think about bikers?

[Troblems 5,617]

Before my best friend started riding a motorcycle, I was among those who would sneer and quote impracticality. However, knowing her to be a sensible person, and knowing her reasons for buying a bike over a vehicle I've grown to have a much healthier respect for riders.

 

What really caught my eye recently were the actual statistics for motorcycles from 2009 in the United States:

• More than half of motorcyclist deaths involved at least one other vehicle.

• 42 percent of two-vehicle fatal motorcycle crashes involved a vehicle turning left while the motorcycle was going straight, passing, or overtaking the vehicle.

• A little less than half of all motorcycle driver deaths involved no other vehicle.

• Of the 1,791 motorcycle deaths that involved only the motorcyclist

• 1. 48 percent were speeding.
  2. 42 percent had blood alcohol concentrations of 0.08 percent or higher.

• 655,000 motorcycles were purchased, a decrease from 1.1 million in 2008.

All that said, bikers need to be more aware of other drivers than any other vehicle. The longer you ride, the less likely you are to be in an accident. Always wear a helmet, and don't do drugs/drink while driving (this being the case for any vehicle) and for the most part you'll be okay. Like almost every other endeavor in life, it's a calculated risk, and if you're smart about your actions, you're less likely to check out early.

[GeekySonic 1,150]

Nothing wrong with bikers. They're just people. My grandpa, who is a biker, took me to Sturgis one year. It wasn't exactly a blast for me, but I met a lot of cool people. They seem like hardasses (a lot of them are), but most bikers I've met are decent, chill folks. It shouldn't be something that surprises people.

Edited September 7, 2015 by GeekySonic

[-Octavia- 1,176]

"Impractical". My ISTP senses are tingling.

 

The only thing I hate about bikers is how obnoxious some can be, trying to rev their engines in an echoing alleyway at 12:00 AM.

 

I believe what most do not realize is that most cycling accidents are from one primary cause: user error. Most fatal accidents are, statistically, preventable through external awareness and the simplicity of wearing a helmet.

[SquipyCheetah 449]

I am fine with bikers and actually find them and motorcycles to be badass despite never have ridden one.

[Lost 1,410]

I think that motor cycles are badass.

I want one.

 

 

Get one then!

 

 

*fun stats here*

 

 

All that said, bikers need to be more aware of other drivers than any other vehicle. The longer you ride, the less likely you are to be in an accident. Always wear a helmet, and don't do drugs/drink while driving (this being the case for any vehicle) and for the most part you'll be okay. Like almost every other endeavor in life, it's a calculated risk, and if you're smart about your actions, you're less likely to check out early.

 

Interesting stats, while i agree that bikers should be aware of other drivers more than usual, it would be nice if car drivers would pay more attention to bikers, ALL of the people i know who have had major accidents have been as a result of car drivers not paying attention, most recently someone from one of my bike groups lost their life in the city the other day as a car driver didnt pay attention and jumped a red light. I've personally had a crash inwhich the woman who hit me stated "I saw him coming, i couldnt work out how fast he was going so i pulled out anyway" which is not the correct attitude to take, regardless of if its a biker or a car coming, the difference being that a car driver would be unharmed, a biker wouldnt.

 

 

"Impractical". My ISTP senses are tingling.

 

The only thing I hate about bikers is how obnoxious some can be, trying to rev their engines in an echoing alleyway at 12:00 AM.

 

I believe what most do not realize is that most cycling accidents are from one primary cause: user error. Most fatal accidents are, statistically, preventable through external awareness and the simplicity of wearing a helmet.

 

Some can be obnoxious, its actually an offense here in England to produce too much noise between certain hours (i believe its between 10pm and 7am), The majority of bikers use their loud exhausts to warn car drivers that they are there, they are much louder than our horns so thats how we tend to use them, the motto "Loud pipes save lives" floats around alot.

 

Its also a legal requirement to wear an approved helmet here.

I am fine with bikers and actually find them and motorcycles to be badass despite never have ridden one.

 

Get yourself booked in to ride one then!

[Troblems 5,617]

-snip-

I couldn't agree more. Particularly in places that allow lane splitting (like California) non-motorcyclists do need to be more aware of bikers around them. It's pretty stupid that someone saw you coming and decided to hit you anyways. Being aware isn't hugely helpful if you decide to make idiotically bad choices anyways.

[Lost 1,410]

I couldn't agree more. Particularly in places that allow lane splitting (like California) non-motorcyclists do need to be more aware of bikers around them. It's pretty stupid that someone saw you coming and decided to hit you anyways. Being aware isn't hugely helpful if you decide to make idiotically bad choices anyways.

 

Lane splitting is legal all across the UK, which is fine until someone gets on a bike with no experience and tries it, suddenly finding themselves trapped between moving cars paying no attention to them. A big part of being safe on a bike is definitely knowing your limits and not trying to be too clever.

[Blaze Bronson 343]

I had a guy in my class who died in a motorcycle crash. He drove recklessly and miscalculated his speed in a turn.

 

Still I don't think there is anything wrong with driving a motorcycle, I'd like to myself! I just can't afford it at this time

 

The only thing I hate about bikers is how obnoxious some can be, trying to rev their engines in an echoing alleyway at 12:00 AM.
 

This is the only stupid thing about motorcycles. People actually do this.

[Biggybrony 244]

Nothing against them as long as they're considerate. Same rules apply as with everyone else, don't be a dick.

[GuyNamedEarl 1,332]

I always wanted one but I'm worried I'll lay it down on the interstate and get killed.

[Lost 1,410]

I always wanted one but I'm worried I'll lay it down on the interstate and get killed.

 

You could die at any moment from anything! Live in fear!

 

... Or get a bike and live life at 100mph!

or 70mph, depending on your speed limits

[GuyNamedEarl 1,332]

You could die at any moment from anything! Live in fear!

 

... Or get a bike and live life at 100mph!

or 70mph, depending on your speed limits

I know, I'm just a really shitty driver xD Edited September 7, 2015 by GuyNamedEarl

[Lunar Echo 10,335]

I think it's dangerous but also very cool.

[Lost 1,410]

I think it's dangerous but also very cool.

 

Some things are worth the risk, i consider riding to be one of these things.

[s.slug 218]

Motorcyclists rule.  I'd wouldn't mind having one, but meh, I'll stick with a car.  There's a zillion bikers around here, about half of them look like santa claus.  I like seeing how some of them decorate their bikes with random stuff.

I know a lot of people that think they're annoying because they're loud and like to posture to one another, but that's just "their thing".  I'd do it too if I had a bike.

[ARagY 1,152]

The only thing I can say I honestly dislike is those goddamn engine revvers late at night or when there's no one around. They tell you not to honk your horn when behind a motorcyclist as it might scare them and cause them to have an accident, well revving your engine when you're right behind me is not that funny either. Please stop. I know some motorcyclists defend it saying that it helps people be aware, but I know more people who want to promptly run them over than feel relieved that they were greeted with thine presence.

[An Unknown Pony. 370]

I'm fine with bikers,as long as they don't disrupt traffic or do stunts just to show off on public roads(or be a idiot),which makes the roads more dangerous for fellow bikers and motorists

[Wyzecat 350]

I honestly don't mind bikers, EXCEPT when they modify their bikes' exhaust to be about as loud as a machine gun.

 

Then they're unbearable.

[Rawzy 1,302]

Just recently actually around the area that I live in here in Australia, we have had multiple biker problems. People have even reported that a burglary had taken place in my area (The Gold Coast region). I have multiple views on this.

Some can be good, some can be full of pure evil. The good bikers ussually just go out often for a sunday ride or something with their mates. Then there are the no so appealing ones that will be happy enough to break into you're house. so yea....  

[IcyHaze 594]

Both my parents drive Fazers, Dad has a 1000cc, Mam has a 600cc. Two close friends of mine recently got bikes, one has a 125cc Varadero, and the other has a Harley Sportster. I'm planning on getting a 250 Honda Hornet next year.

 

I still don't agree with the 1% gangs . . . they don't bother me when I see them, and I know people in them, but I still think you can have all the fun of bikes without going into that sort of thing.

[simba86 1,541]

they look cool, but i would never ride one, there are to many crazy people on the road who can't even stay in there own lane,i have almost been hit head on countless times by people talking on cellphones. if i'm going down the road at 55 MPH i want to be wrapped in a couple tons of steel not on a turbocharged bicycle LOL

i know a couple of people who used to ride but don't anymore because of all the times they get ran off the road or almost get hit in the face with someones side mirror

[PROJECT: Simon 3,954]

I don't like them.. -.- One time my father and I laughed when someone was riding a big motorcycle while he was too small for it xD. And most importantly.. Earth is getting sick.. ;~;