Gearing Up. How much is too much and how much is not enough

[randyo]

. I think we can all agree that our hobby is statistically more dangerous than most..

maybe a hobby for you, transportation for me, and certainly more more dangerous than my hobbies, or work,  my #1 risk is Lyme disease,  had it 4 times, even with preventative measures, and side effects that will stay with me the rest of my life

too much fear mongering amongst 2 wheelers about the danger, maybe some people want to believe they are doing something dangerous, it's not, unless you ride dangerously, following too close, speeding, weaving in and out of traffic....

[Iahawk]

um, yes, I think riding a motorcycle or scooter is a little more dangerous than playing golf or fishing...and to say there's no danger in riding is silly.

Too many stories of very safe riders doing everything right and still getting destroyed by a car so safety isn't 100% dependent on your own riding, unfortunately.

[Super Dirt Dud]

I dress for how I plan to ride . Aggressive ride full gear , commuting full gear , riding local full gear . Once in a while no helmet no gear and really take and enjoy the risk . Read Proficient Motorcycling really a great book .

[Neil955i]

Too many stories of very safe riders doing everything right and still getting destroyed by a car so safety isn't 100% dependent on your own riding, unfortunately.

The statistics here in the UK demonstrate quite convincingly that rider RTCs (Road Traffic Collisions) are too often caused by SMIDSY* collisions at junctions.

Collisions at Junctions

Junctions are a common location for motorcyclist crashes, with around 30 motorcyclists being killed or injured in collisions each day. The majority of these collisions happen at T-junctions, when drivers pull into the path of an oncoming motorcyclist, particularly at times of peak traffic flow. However, these accidents are not restricted to T-junctions in urban areas. Motorcyclists are involved in more crashes at all junction types compared to other road users. These accidents are more likely to be the fault of drivers, who fail to see the rider, despite them being in full view.

The following is interesting, if sobering reading:

https://www.rospa.com/rospaweb/docs/advice-services/road-safety/motorcyclists/common-motorcycle-crash-causes.pdf

* SMIDSY - an acronym now in common use this side of the pond and means "Sorry Mate, I Didn't See You"!

[monkeybongos]

I've only been scootering for 16 months and m/c riding for 8 months, but that's after 35 yrs of cycling (transportation and recreation).  Was wary about the higher speeds involved, but in many ways that makes it safer than pedaling. I'm surprised at how safe 2 wheel motoring feels. Much safer than it looks.

There is no substitute for situational awareness and anticipation.  And visibility! Would never tell anyone not to wear protective gear, however I'm perfectly comfortable w ¾ helmet, gloves, sneakers and regular pants and shirt, white or bright colored. 

Using peripheral vision, especially at intersections, and regularly checking the rear view mirror goes a long way to preventing collisions. Got to know who's behind you to maximize anticipation.  Keeping your distance  (find the gap), expecting sudden stops and un-signaled turns/lane changes, and riding as though you're invisible has all helped in making me feel safe out there.  But that's probably obvious to all you seasoned riders.

[Viper254]

Had my worst accidents on small bikes at low speed, and each time been grateful of my boots. The one where I shattered the chin of my helmet on the road was also good fun.

[rdhood]

---Hiking boots not for real riders and usually have lug soles that allow you to track mud into just about everyplace you walk.....and these lugs can catch on foot pegs or even edge of scooter foot boards.

Hmm... guess that makes me an artificial/fake rider... "No, that is not a real rider on that Downtown, that Downtown is piloting itself!"

[randyo]

Real motorcycle boots are better than hiking boots!!  I find Aerostich Combat Lite very good---right kind of sole---minus not waterproof for multi day trips---Hiking boots not for real riders and usually have lug soles that allow you to track mud into just about everyplace you walk.....and these lugs can catch on foot pegs or even edge of scooter foot boards.

I wear Wolverine Durashocks, mostly, a work boot, but I especially like the because the don't have mud tracker soles, and the insulated version is not hot in summer, and offers plenty of ankle support and padding for protection, one downfall is laces,  but I put a wrap of duct tape over the laces when riding, and my GF likes em cause I don't track mud into the house

[Neil955i]

I do often wear Alt Berg Defender combat boots (I also have their purpose-made motorcycle boots) on both my bike and scooter. They offer all day comfort and an acceptable level of protection to feet & ankles. Does this make me less of a biker / scooterist? You decide. For me, it works.


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[Kansas kymco]

I ware Alico Guide hiking boots with lug soles or my Red Wing steel toe logger boots with lug soles. Since I don't tend to ride in wet weather mud is not a issue.  Company paid for a new set of steel toe boots every year so now I have a lifetime supply that I'm retired. The funny part is I was a controller sitting in front of a dozen computer screens in a limited access locked down room for 12 hours a shift.

[Neil955i]

I ware Alico Guide hiking boots with lug soles or my Red Wing steel toe logger boots with lug soles. Since I don't tend to ride in wet weather mud is not a issue.  Company paid for a new set of steel toe boots every year so now I have a lifetime supply that I'm retired. The funny part is I was a controller sitting in front of a dozen computer screens in a limited access locked down room for 12 hours a shift.

Well, “waste not, want not”!  (Is that expression used over there?)


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[Kansas kymco]

Neil that expression is used on this side of the pond as well.  I was taught to always live below your means as well.

[Neil955i]

Two good maxims to live by.


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