14-05-13, 09:47 AM
I fall down a lot. Off motorcycles and bicycles. Got hit by a car while riding bicycle 4 times, once on a motorcycle.
I love riding without helmet and protective gear. But when I do, I ride accordingly. Never over 40 km/h. Like a bicycle. And carefully. Avoiding heavy traffic etc. I often ride more safe without helmet and gear for that reason. Heat doesn't bother me so I ride a lot slower in the summer when I'm not packed. When I put on leathers, I often catch myself going faster and faster.
Riding bicycle at 80 km/h (downhill of course) is a lot more scary and dangerous than riding motorcycle 100 km/h, and what protective leathers do you see cyclists wear? Helmet and gloves if really conscious.
Point is that everyone chooses for themselves and risk is a relative thing. 4 times hit by a car on a bicycle lane, green light - couldn't be "safer". Riding in the middle of a crowded car lane, I'm a lot more alert, adjust riding accordingly and never had any accidents. Figure that out?
Having said all this, whenever I DO fall, I wish I had ALL the possible gear on me, but the fact I ride safer and more carefully when just in shorts and fast goggles is true. So each to their own. Ride, enjoy life and help bikers when they need it - give advice on good equipment if you can, but don't judge people for not wearing full leathers.
I love riding without helmet and protective gear. But when I do, I ride accordingly. Never over 40 km/h. Like a bicycle. And carefully. Avoiding heavy traffic etc. I often ride more safe without helmet and gear for that reason. Heat doesn't bother me so I ride a lot slower in the summer when I'm not packed. When I put on leathers, I often catch myself going faster and faster.
Riding bicycle at 80 km/h (downhill of course) is a lot more scary and dangerous than riding motorcycle 100 km/h, and what protective leathers do you see cyclists wear? Helmet and gloves if really conscious.
Point is that everyone chooses for themselves and risk is a relative thing. 4 times hit by a car on a bicycle lane, green light - couldn't be "safer". Riding in the middle of a crowded car lane, I'm a lot more alert, adjust riding accordingly and never had any accidents. Figure that out?
Having said all this, whenever I DO fall, I wish I had ALL the possible gear on me, but the fact I ride safer and more carefully when just in shorts and fast goggles is true. So each to their own. Ride, enjoy life and help bikers when they need it - give advice on good equipment if you can, but don't judge people for not wearing full leathers.
Most things done in a hurry need to be done again - patiently.