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| Why Are Over 45 Men In Love With Motorcycles?
Posted: 9/24/2009 11:13:52 AM | Ok then! let's talk facts.
Motorcycle safety numbers as stated on
http://trafficsafety.org/safety/sharing/motorcycle/motor-facts/motor-injuries-fatalities:
the numbers come from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
1) Motorcycles are the most dangerous type of motor vehicle to drive. These vehicles are involved in fatal crashes at a rate of 35.0 per 100 million miles of travel, compared with a rate of 1.7 per 100 million miles of travel for passenger cars.
2)Motorcyclists were 35 times more likely than passenger car occupants to die in a crash in 2006, per vehicle mile traveled, and 8 times more likely to be injured.
3) Although motorcycles account for only 2% of vehicles on the road, they make up more than 10% of all crashes.
4) Approximately 80% of motorcycle crashes injure or kill a motorcycle rider, while only 20% of passenger car crashes injure or kill a driver or passenger in their vehicle.
5) Data show that in 2006, 47 percent of motorcycle riders killed in crashes were age 40 or over, compared with 30 percent ten years earlier. Crashes among the 50-plus age group have gone up 400 percent in the last decade.
In contrast, fatalities among young motorcycle riders have declined in the past 10 years, relative to other age groups. In 2006, fatalities in the under 30-year old group dropped to 32 percent, from 45 percent in 1996. Fatalities among motorcyclists in the 30- to 39-year old group fell to 21 percent in 2006, from 26 percent ten years
It goes on and on. None of the numbers are good. These are huge risk factors and are clearly not attributable to age. The notion of being protected from injury or death by clothing or helmets is not well supported. Yes people die in car accidents far more frequently, that's because vastly more miles are driven in cars than motorcycles.
The clear fact is that riding motorcycles is dangerous. You are more likely to get in an accident, and if you do get in an accident you are more likely to die. It may be a lifestyle choice, and it may be fun but please do not try to convince yourself or others that it is not dangerous. Seriously dangerous.
Cheers,
Steve | |
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| Why Are Over 45 Men In Love With Motorcycles?
Posted: 9/24/2009 11:25:03 AM | One statistic you left out is that inexperience is a major killer....
Many of these older folks jump on these shiny new toys without a clue in the world as to what they are doing.... just sayin.... | |
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| Why Are Over 45 Men In Love With Motorcycles?
Posted: 9/25/2009 6:28:06 PM | Gee, Steve, You're just a ray of sunshine. 
I know the numbers but I really don't care. I've also taken a rider training course even though I already had my endorsement for years. Studies have shown that taking a rider training course significantly improves crash avoidance. Sadly there are still too many self/friend/family taught riders out there who could benefit from additional skills training and the statistics reflect that. What cannot be demonstrated by your quoted statistics are the number of drivers of other vehicles who cause crashes due to "not seeing" the motorcycle and violate the motorcyclist's right of way.
I have a simple plea, keep an eye out for us. Note your blind spots and really look and realize how quickly a small vehicle can completely disappear into them. Whether you like motorcycles or not or whether you're impressed by them or not, "Look twice. Motorcycles are everywhere." "I didn't see him" is not a valid excuse. | |
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| Why Are Over 45 Men In Love With Motorcycles?
Posted: 9/26/2009 2:35:55 PM |
IGee, Steve, You're just a ray of sunshine.
know the numbers but I really don't care.
that's fine so long as you have good medical and life insurance. my point was to respond to people who claimed or implied that riding motorcycles isn't all that dangerous.
Studies have shown that taking a rider training course significantly improves crash avoidance. Sadly there are still too many self/friend/family taught riders out there who could benefit from additional skills training and the statistics reflect that. What cannot be demonstrated by your quoted statistics are the number of drivers of other vehicles who cause crashes due to "not seeing" the motorcycle and violate the motorcyclist's right of way.
This may be true (the not seeing bit) but to me seems besides the point if the question is how safe is it to ride a motorcycle. I bicycle a lot and understand what you mean very well.
What I hear from motorcyclists is a lot of denial: it's young guys, it's old guy's, it's the newbies, it's the drunk guys, it's the car's fault. I don't think the numbers can be confined like that, but have not seen any real data other than on alcohol, and as with cars it plays a significant role.
[quote\"I didn't see him" is not a valid excuse.
Ain't that the truth.
Just call me Ray.
Steve | |
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| Why Are Over 45 Men In Love With Motorcycles?
Posted: 9/26/2009 2:44:50 PM | It's been stated quite often that,,,
"the kids are grown"
meaning that they feel they have done their part and feel no particular need to be as cautious as they once were to insure the children not be fatherless (this is applying to this issue only please),,,
To quote stats basically means little as they are aware that "it's not AS safe as a car",,,
OK?
When they claim it's not that dangerous, let's face it, these are grown men who most likely are not popping wheelies,,, burning out tires,,, acting a damned fool,,, drunk while riding,,,
We know where to ride to make it "not as dangerous"
We know when to ride to make it "not as dangerous"
We know how to ride to make it "not as dangerous"
We know why to ride to make it "not as dangerous"
We know who to ride to make it "not as dangerous"
oops,,, please ignore the last one,,,
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| Why Are Over 45 Men In Love With Motorcycles?
Posted: 9/26/2009 4:55:46 PM | Men who are in love with their bikes???? Perhaps they enjoy it like
a great hobby......not as much love as you say.
I have a harly and yest I do love my bike...like people love going to
the gym. However I am not IN LOVE with it. | |
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| Why Are Over 45 Men In Love With Motorcycles?
Posted: 9/26/2009 5:47:50 PM | | You go girl... These women don't know what their missing... riding is so much fun.. and I've never met so many nice people... I enjoy it and never ever plan to give it up.. My problem now though is.. can't really date a guy that doesn't ride... after all it's a commitment.. not like going to play a round of golf.. or a couple games of tennis.. usually rides are an all day event.. I feel bad for the woman on here that seem so insecure..... they need to get off their butts and join in the fun.. As far as posting photos of your bike.. most riders are very proud of their bikes and how they take care of them... Of course those that don't ride are usually oblivious to the financial investment. Lots of bikes cost more than a car... you can bet a guy, or girl, with a clean bike is kind of a window to how they handle everything else they own... they take care of it.. | |
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| Why Are Over 45 Men In Love With Motorcycles?
Posted: 9/26/2009 5:51:59 PM | Get over it Steve..... it's your choice NOT to ride... it's other choice too ride. Everything we do has a level of danger involved... crossing the street, riding a bike.. skate boards... skiing, boating.. etc etc...
Don't go quoting stats... I'm a veteran rider... I know the stats all too well. One big stat..Automobile drivers... need to be more alert to other forms of transportation on the road. With gas prices rising.. and people tightening their belts.. other more economical forms of transportation will be on the road. So, put down your cell phones, stop fixing your make up, stop playing your IPods.. and pay attention..
If your were really up on your stats.. you'd know, most accidents occur due to an automobile drivers lack of paying attention.... preach on that for a bit.. | |
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| Why Are Over 45 Men In Love With Motorcycles?
Posted: 9/26/2009 6:20:02 PM |
Get over it Steve..... it's your choice NOT to ride... it's other choice too ride. Everything we do has a level of danger involved... crossing the street, riding a bike.. skate boards... skiing, boating.. etc etc...
Absolutely, there is risk in everything. The question is how much and relative to what. Motorcycles dont fair too well in that context.
Don't go quoting stats
Um.. why not? I did so because a previous poster made incorrect statements and said he wished other people would check their facts before posting. So I did, and posted some objective information. That's all. Another poster suggested that the risk of a car accident and cycle accident were similar, clearly not true. So I just thought it was worth getting some accurate information out there. That's all.
If your were really up on your stats.. you'd know, most accidents occur due to an automobile drivers lack of paying attention.... preach on that for a bit
This is an interesting point, but as i said before, if the question is how safe is it to ride a motorcycle, then it is really beside the point. Dead is dead. As I said, I bicycle a lot and am very aware of the hazards of dealing with cars. But that being said, the article i was quoting numbers from stated that 45% of cycle fatalities involve a cycle and a stationary object, not another vehicle.
OK, i have said my piece. The facts are out there. People can explain them away, lay blame elsewhere or convince themselves that they are not at risk. But the facts are still the facts.
Enjoy your weekend,
Steve | |
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| Why Are Over 45 Men In Love With Motorcycles?
Posted: 9/26/2009 6:27:36 PM | | The danger that is far greater than death by motorcycle is that of living without being able to ride one, if that can truly be called living. I don't think it can. Being stuck unable to ride would be to miss out on what there is to live for. If this can seem like a metaphor, so be it. There are critters great and small whose lives are shackled to safety, their every step carefully limited to prevent tripping and the stubbing of toes. Plodding along, perhaps they are comforted by the lesser risk. | |
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| Why Are Over 45 Men In Love With Motorcycles?
Posted: 9/26/2009 6:32:36 PM | Well, if I were to not do an activity because it held some element of danger I may as well sit in my house all day and night and never do anything. I prefer to go out and enjoy myself and be in the world instead of an observer of life through a closed window. There's no doubt that riding motorcycles isn't absolutely safe. Neither is mowing your lawn.
I do both on a regular basis.
You can quote all the stats you want and go on about head traumas and everything else. You know what? It won't stop me from doing something I love to do. I've been riding for nearly 40 years and see no point in stopping now just because it's more dangerous than sitting on the sofa staring at the idiot box. | |
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| Why Are Over 45 Men In Love With Motorcycles?
Posted: 9/26/2009 6:48:31 PM | | As a lifetime rider, it seems to me these days trends are what drives the newbie rider. Also could it be the mid life crisis that has set in on the unfortunate soul. Rebels they are not. Today it's lawyers, dentists, doctors, ect..... Definite NEWBIE | |
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| Why Are Over 45 Men In Love With Motorcycles?
Posted: 9/26/2009 8:01:06 PM | Statistics do not tell the whole story. Bikers that pass a motorcycle safety class are far less likely to be involved in an accident then those that don't. The majority of fatalities in motorcycle accidents are young men. in their early 20's. Most of them are on very high performance machines they they think they can handle at very high rates of speed. Many of those riding Harley's and other Cruiser style bikes get almost as much joy out of customizing their rides as they do riding them.
Riding can be dangerous There is no doubt about that.
We all choose what risk we will take and what is we will avoid. To be frank more people in the over 45 year old group take a much bigger risk being a couch potato. Smoking, a poor diet and lack of physical activity are the leading resulting in death in the US. I would rather be Riding a motorcycle or my mountain Bike, or skiing or Sailing or just about anything other then sitting in front of the TV watching sports while eating potato chips with dip then having a big burger for dinner. Followed by more TV. | |
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| Why Are Over 45 Men In Love With Motorcycles?
Posted: 9/26/2009 8:13:04 PM | OMG! I log onto this site every few days and it amazes me that this is the most active thread on this whole d#***m site!
Bottom line is this! People who love to ride Harley's, Honda's, Indian's, Yamaha's, etc. etc. - love to ride and are hoping to find someone that wants to share the experience!
Those of us who are not into to the bugs in our teeth and all of the other wonderfulllllllllllllll benefits that accompany a well decked out hog would also love to find someone who wants to share our lives and interests!
The question then becomes - can someone who wouldn't swing an ankle over the saddle really connect with someone who wants to feel the wind in their hair?
As for me, I would be more than happy to meet you in Astoria, but don't choose to put my life and limb at risk! So - the question then becomes - are guys who are totally into their bikes willing sacrifice a relationship with a totally awesome person who just isn't into bikes>>>>>>>>>>>> | |
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| Why Are Over 45 Men In Love With Motorcycles?
Posted: 9/26/2009 8:53:16 PM | | As Long as she didn't start with you need to sell the Bike. Then again any woman that was attracted to me would most likely also have an adventurous spirit. | |
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| Why Are Over 45 Men In Love With Motorcycles?
Posted: 9/27/2009 12:31:40 AM | Just to help the ladies along in regards to wondering if the men /ladies would sacrafise a relationship because of a motercycle. Cmon people , we all have a 4 wheeled form of transportation as well so the date can be picked up in that vehicle instead of the bike. You would know the relationship from the get go involves a bike and if there are no feelings then not a problem and if you do happen to click then you would be adults and work around the issue now wouldnt you.  | |
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| Why Are Over 45 Men In Love With Motorcycles?
Posted: 9/27/2009 1:47:04 AM | The danger that is far greater than death by motorcycle is that of living without being able to ride one, if that can truly be called living. ..... There are critters great and small whose lives are shackled to safety, their every step carefully limited to prevent tripping and the stubbing of toes. Plodding along, perhaps they are comforted by the lesser risk. There are other avenues along which people travel to living a full life, not necessarily the safest either. If someone isn't into motocycles, doesn't mean they don't have a full life or aren't risk takers. | |
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| Why Are Over 45 Men In Love With Motorcycles?
Posted: 9/27/2009 2:00:24 AM | | I bought a bike when I was 17 - it was a Honda 250 road bike. I rode it until I went overseas when I was 21. It was the closest experience to flying I've ever had. I just loved it. And I loved the biker community..lol..if I broke down in the middle of the road, a biker would always stop and help me. And everyone always gave a little salute - I really felt like I was part of a biker world (minus the initiation rites). | |
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| Why Are Over 45 Men In Love With Motorcycles?
Posted: 9/27/2009 3:58:40 AM | I am in almost complete agreement with everything itsathought says. Also, the posters that talk about experience and taking a safety course which I did last year and I've been riding 40 years. I recently had an accident with a deer, see post a few pages back, which I at first walked away from, well limped away. That was just after dusk. I kept my bike upright and brought it to a stop. Most people would have been thrown off or laid the bike down and with 2 cars behind me - experience, riding alone (not in a group with other bikes too close), and keeping distance (from the cars ahead and the ones behind). And obeying the rules - within speed limit, don't panic, don't apply the brakes wrongly, know how to swerve, and keep 2 wheels on the ground. Sure, I may be out for a while but I'm not scared and I will be back out there as soon as the leg heels.
As for agsdad this is from his profile: "books birds cooking
wine canoeing nature
environment roller derby travel
fishing "
Also he said he's made a trip to Alaska.
As a big guy who is 6 foot and appears to be at least 260 pounds why does he think a bike is more dangerous than roller derby, or maybe he's just watching the girls on TV? Canoeing? Damn, that can be extremely dangerous. The last time I was out my dog jumped out of the canoe and nearly turned us over out in the middle of the lake. Both this summer and last summer canoers have died in the river just a few blocks from my house because it has a very swift under current. And Alaska? All those Kodiak, grizzly and polar bears. Being 6 foot won't help you much. You were fishing for salmon? A bear's favorite food. So you are into statistics; why not do a search on the number of salmon anglers and bear attacks. I would be willing to bet that the percentages are worse than those for bikers and accidents. Finally, if you don't like bikes hey, don't get on one. But when you are in that big SUV of yours keep your frickin hands off the cell phone, stop at the line at stop signs and red lights. Look both ways right and left when making turns, don't tail gate bikes because they can stop much more quickly than you can and often slow down using their gears, and give signals before making turns being sure to turn right if you used a right signal and left if left. Oh, you do all of that? Well, good because my experience in 40 years of riding is that most people don't especially SUV drivers.
BTW I keep tabs on bike accidents around here and every one in recent memory between a bike and a cage has been the fault of the cage driver - running stop signs, making sudden turns in front of an oncoming bike, rear ending, and using that bloody cell phone. There have also been 2 accidents where cell phone drivers ran over people in cross walks. There were also 2 accidents involving illegal aliens but that's another story. | |
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| Why Are Over 45 Men In Love With Motorcycles?
Posted: 9/27/2009 2:41:50 PM | | what wrong with enjoying riding a motorcycle I think women are taking this too serious. If this is what he like to do so what let him have some fun . I grew up with a dad & brother who always had a bike dont take away all their freedom its important to them. | |
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| Why Are Over 45 Men In Love With Motorcycles?
Posted: 9/28/2009 6:53:18 PM | Excellent guy makes a good point, several actually and I have to agree. My first "car" was a street bike Honda 350...been riding over 40 years (began as soon as I could walk). I've ridden dirt bikes and was asked to be on Team Yamaha when I was 20. When I got married, I had a 650 and my ex had a 750. As soon as we got married, he tore the wires out of my bike and said I couldn't ride anymore. divorce seemed like the right way to go...LOL. I recently bought a Heritage Softail Classic (2002) and now am looking for others to ride with. I began when women didn't ride...now I love that more and more women are riding and experiencing the FUN that used to be only for men.
I have been riding horses all my life also, and honestly, the horse is WAY more dangerous than the bike. I've been bucked off horses several times, and broken bones. I've had close calls with the bike, but usually because someone else was riding up my rear or cut me off, or was just not paying attention. I ride defensively...and the ones who get hurt the most ride offense. Not a wise idea when confronting a vehicle weighing several tons. Ride to Live...Live to ride! | |
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| Why Are Over 45 Men In Love With Motorcycles?
Posted: 9/28/2009 7:56:19 PM | | i am a new poster..i did not read all 30 pages so scuse me if this is redundant. im 57 and ridden since i was 14.I will make a comment on the original post.Men post their bike pictures for same reasons women post their grankids, telling you what is important to THEM.What is the original poster implying with their question? That there is something wrong with being into bikes? oh, maybe we should grow up, like the old ladies with cabinets full of dusty porcelain knic knacs, or ten cats that are just SO PRECIOUS. Now, I am not here to start fights. I think the original poster wants everyone to feel like she does. And she posed the question, and made it insulting by simply asking it. If you are into cats, or collecting knic knacs, its your choice and I defend your right to do so. And if I still love the music of my vtwin as I catch third gear, thats my right as well. love and respect to everyone! | |
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