My real concern is that each rider make an informed decision about their riding habits. With scooters in particular new riders often think they are not dangerous and ride without helmets and protective gear because they think they don’t need it. If they understand the risks and dangers and choose to ride without then that’s their decision to make.

You’re right about the amounts of unfunded medical expenses being in total higher for drivers than riders. The per incident cost though is much higher with riders because of the tendency for more catastrophic injury. All accidents are a financial burden to society and it is something that needs to be managed. The question is how…..

Thanks for your comments.

steve

The data on medical costs ending up in your pocket is skewed. The fact is that there are more people getting injured in car accidents than on motorcycle accidents. If you want to talk about the burden on public healthcare, let’s talk about making car drivers wear helmets.

Still, the problem is compounded, in my opinion, by the size of the vehicle. Riders can’t afford to be too aggressive in challenging other vehicles. Riding also takes a lot more attention no matter our personality. These things tend to either mellow us out or kill us.

In a car a driver can afford to be more distracted even though it isn’t too smart. A car is more insulating so a driver feels safer acting like a jerk. So I think a car naturally amplifies bad qualities with less cost to the driver.

On top of that, drivers just aren’t conditioned to look for bikes even if they are “nice” people.

Like has been well stated, we accept the risk. I don’t regard them as enemies, just potential hazards.

Dan

steve: The freedom vs legislation issue has always been a tough one for me and I tend to lean towards a more libertarian view. But then economic reality also sets in and some freedoms touch my pocket book and are they really a freedom or just a style issue? Helmets for instance. The data shows a lot of medical costs ending up in my pocket. I would rather not pay for that sort of freedom but you are right, who draws the line and where does it end…

Krysta: Riding gear is important in my opinion and I am glad you feel the same way. Thanks for bringing up the moto.donation site too.

Rob: I will try and keep a consistent focus on safety. No none should jump on a scooter or motorcycle without knowing all the facts. Thanks for maintaining ride2die, it is an important tool.

7500 hits a day! Wow. That is amazing and a testament to the power of your content. For some it is probably a rubbernecking experience but I bet for many it is a sobering one.

hrw115: I”ll check out moto-donations more closely and focus one of my blog entries on that sort of community action.

I find that fascinating – and wonderful! I was not aware that the community had such a support network to enable people to donate safety gear like that. When I got rid of my grandmother’s vehicle – I donated it to a similar cause. The vehicle was given to someone whom was unemployed in order that the person could find a job and continue to have meaningful transportation to and from their job. I would hope that places like moto-donation.com can help make motorcycles and other 2 wheeled modes of transportation more viable for people whom perhaps cannot afford gas, car insurance, a car, etc.

A wonderful thing to share. I hope other riders will keep it in mind as they cycle through their gear. 🙂

http//www.ride2die.com is my site. I have been riding for 35 years and have had more than serveral friends die on motorcycles. The site gets over 7,500 hits a day, check the comments page which is linked at the bottom of the site. Thanks for contibuting to motorcycle safety awareness. Rob

I’m responding to a comment of yours on another blog, about wearing jeans but wanting more protection.

I’m just getting back into riding and a) can’t afford spiffy stuff now (thank heavens for moto-donations.com!) and b) they don’t make gear for tall, rounded women! (grumble)

Anyway, I solved the problem by buying mens jeans that fit my hips and taking the waist in about a foot, then buying “replacement” pads from Aerostich and attaching them.

I have hip (soft) & knee (hard over soft) protection at a not-too-unreasonable price (I think it was about $45 for the set). Had to use fabric glue and buy extra velcro so I’d have more than one pair of riding jeans, but they work fine.

~ Krysta AT uwm DOT edu

PS – like the “bumblebee” jacket! When I get to buy a ‘Stich, it’s going to be high-vis w/ either orange or black ballistics.

There are many people who refuse to ride a two-wheeler because they see things in such a logical-perspective, that they think it’s stupid to ride in traffic. You and I see the freedom and enjoyment of riding, and take the risks.

The only way to get rid of idiot drivers, is to create a government that micromanages us to such a degree that there is no more freedom in riding and driving. In that sense, can you really blame government for inadequate safety laws?

I’d rather have the freedom and deal with the idiots.