OK
So two pillocks got the inevitable outcome of their actions. Doesn't mean we all act like that. It'd be like saying all gays are like Peter Mandelson. Regards the safety, well its our choice. No different to extreme sports really.
I live on a road in the peak district very popular with bikes. Most are OK, but we do suffer the plastic rocket cretins who think it is a racetrack. From about now til autumn there's usually an accident every weekend. Pisses me off that those of us who try to be safe and sensible get tarred with the same brush. (As a handy guide, a 50cc twist n go ped or a plastic covered race replica plus matching power ranger suit usually indicate a complete nob).
( Greenbat, Fri 23 Apr 2010, 22:32, 1 reply)

My uncle's won countless trophies in motorbike trials, motorcross and the like
His entire life has been motorbike-related, he's ridden his all the way across Europe and beyond and when I was a kid he used to pick me up, put me on the petrol tank and pull wheelies the length of the field while my mum had heart palpitations. In short, he's the most experienced and capable rider I know, yet it only took one car to pull out when he wasn't expecting it and he spent a year in traction with steel pins through all of his leg bones.

I'm not saying that all motorbike riders are irresponsible or whatever, I'm just trying to point out that what would be a minor bump in a "tin box" is a devastating and life-threatening disaster on a motorbike. I used to ride a Yamaha TY175 back in the day, but now I've seen enough accidents that nothing would tempt me back on it. It's not a question of an individual's "skill" on a bike, it's the fact that there's no accounting for other drivers who can and will put your life at risk.

So don't get me wrong - I'm not saying bikers are reckless, I'm just saying that bikes are deathtraps, which statistically, they are.
( emvee cruor deo cruoris, Tue 27 Apr 2010, 11:49, closed)