metal vs. flesh

[greenfoot]

I've been a huge fan of bikes my entire life, helped my brother work on his when I was a kid *still am one, compared to most but hey*, and have plans to get one soon. I have every intention of taking things slow, getting a smaller low power bike, and attending the safety courses, etc.

But some of these stories scare me almost to the point of turning my back on motocycling. My mother was a nurse, so I heard a lot of these stories, etc, when my brother had his bike way back when, but they didn't phase me as much when I was younger. I love the sport, love the bikes, and can't wait to be able to just cruise, but it terrifies me to think that there is a bumper out there with my name on it

[speediva]

Originally posted by greenfoot
I've been a huge fan of bikes my entire life, helped my brother work on his when I was a kid *still am one, compared to most but hey*, and have plans to get one soon. I have every intention of taking things slow, getting a smaller low power bike, and attending the safety courses, etc.

But some of these stories scare me almost to the point of turning my back on motocycling. My mother was a nurse, so I heard a lot of these stories, etc, when my brother had his bike way back when, but they didn't phase me as much when I was younger. I love the sport, love the bikes, and can't wait to be able to just cruise, but it terrifies me to think that there is a bumper out there with my name on it

You sound VERY grounded, which is a HUGE relief I must say. Just remember your basics. Take the MSF if you can. Much of it focuses on how to keep yourself OUT of trouble for as much as you humanly can. Best of luck!

[R1-rider]

Originally posted by greenfoot
I've been a huge fan of bikes my entire life, helped my brother work on his when I was a kid *still am one, compared to most but hey*, and have plans to get one soon. I have every intention of taking things slow, getting a smaller low power bike, and attending the safety courses, etc.

But some of these stories scare me almost to the point of turning my back on motocycling. My mother was a nurse, so I heard a lot of these stories, etc, when my brother had his bike way back when, but they didn't phase me as much when I was younger. I love the sport, love the bikes, and can't wait to be able to just cruise, but it terrifies me to think that there is a bumper out there with my name on it

I Dont want to try to scare you at all, but the truth is accidents are very common occurences for motorcycles. There is an old saying for riders "there are those that have been in crashes, and those that are going to" and it is the truth, the only thing you can do is wear gear (helmet jacket pants) and you will more then likely walk away with nothing more then some bruisers. Don't let stories like ours turn you away, you could die the second you walk out your door everyday, don't let it influence your decisions. Just watch out for dem damn cagers!!

[bvia]

99% of the time, a rider who is aware, focused and riding within his abilities will not make the mistake of allowing someone to pull out in front of them. The old Hurt report found that most of the motorcycle vs. car accidents were cages turning left infront of/into the bike (who had the right of way). Anticipate, focus and expect everyone to do the most stupid thing they possibly could do and 99% of the time you'll be able to stop in time, flip them off and ride home shaking from the adreneline ;-)>
hth,
Bill:bandit:

[goin2fast52]

I have a really bad story. It didn't happen to me, but my science teacher a while ago.
He was riding home one night(late) on his motorcycle, when this drunk driver coming the other way starts drifting over to his(my teacher's) side of the road. So the thinks, "Oh, my god. That guy is gonna hit me." He had two choices: hit a tree at 50 on a motorcycle or try to avoid the guy. He chose the latter and tried to avoid the drunk. But he wasn't quick enough, and the drunk t-boned him and shattered his leg. My teacher went flying through the air, and landed quite a distance aways. Luckily, someone saw it happen, and called an ambulance. If that person hadn't called, he would be dead. So he went to a hospital, and had major leg almost-reatatchment surgery, and had to stay in the hospital for over a month. He now has one leg a little shorter than the other, but other than that, is thankfully ok. He's also the coolest teacher ever

[fortyoz2eric]

Originally posted by saturntangerine
At any rate, PA law states that you have to have protective eye-gear at all times...

lets say you had the shield up but had sunglasses on - would that be legal? (i live in pa and just bought a bike)

[speediva]

Originally posted by fortyoz2eric


lets say you had the shield up but had sunglasses on - would that be legal? (i live in pa and just bought a bike)

In the fine-print, no, but the cops will usually let you get away with sunglasses or eye glasses. The eyegear is really supposed to be "shatter-proof" or "resistant" but the Hardley Ableson guys can wear beanie brain buckets with sunglasses, so why can't everyone else?