Yeah, plus infinity on not drinking even one drink.

BTW, when you explore all the side roads, you must be exposed to the risk/challenge of road debris more than most other riders. Watching for
rocks, pieces of wood, potholes, ridges, cracks, unexpected slippery sections, etc while riding and trying to observe nature…
Doing that on a machine with 12″ wheels and suspension not really meant for “offroading” must be double suspenseful, no?

Perhaps the “everyone is out to get you” is just an exaggeration hoping to keep a person focused on the potential risk. I know people aren’t out there saying to themselves, “Wonder if I can knock off a scooter on the way to work today?” but I do know that distraction or error could accomplish it with no ill will. So is the riding approach really any different? Like you say — awareness and common sense — that’s the ticket.

And don’t drink. Not even one drink. The data shows a strong connection between alcohol and crashes in the moto world. That alone goes a long way in reducing rish…

Thank you for the kind words about this post on risk. It’s a subject that I try and keep near the surface each time I go for a ride. A lofty goal that I can’t alway meet. But I’m working on it.

Your comment about cutting back on the frequency and duration of riding due to responsibilities at home. I understand that. I think it’s something many with dependents at home struggle with. It raises all sorts of difficult questions.

Be safe on your bicycle and scooter. I’ve looked at my bicycle and wondered about it’s safety. Reading of poor Nicky Hayden’s untimely death on his bicycle left me wondering if there’s anything safe…

I’ve been riding little scooters for ten years, mostly in the rural areas. I moved back to the burbs (not by choice) five years ago and I still head eastward to ride in the rural areas.
Recently my riding pattern has changed and now I only ride to the grocery store or on short rides out into the local countryside.

I have cut back on the frequency and duration of rides and now focus more on riding bicycles on a local rail trail system away from traffic completely. The scoot still brings joy, but the use of it now is very selective.

Why? Because now I am a 24/7 caregiver for my disabled partner and I absolutely will not risk anything happening to me. Also, oftentimes I am physically or emotionally tired or distracted, know it, and won’t touch the scooter.

I thought of giving up scooter riding completely, but decided to stick with the small ones and ride it like a bicycle. The way I started out riding ten years ago.

People need to think seriously about what they are doing when they throw a leg over. Your article sifts down to the basic need for self-awareness and calculation of risk that most people don’t think of when they set out. The checklist is comprehensive and very helpful. Thank you~

Thanks for stopping by John. I owe you a letter!

I think it’s important to understand that before getting on a motorcycle. Helps a person make informed decisions.s

Your trip sounds great. Nearly four hundred miles of backroads on a Vespa is a great vacation.

There are lots of reasons to stay within our riding limits — the precious cargo on the back is a strong reminder. I’ve seen enough examples though of where it doesn’t seem to matter — helmet-less young women on the back of a sportbike in short pants and flip flops screaming down the highway.

Your brother’s advice is an excellent way to think about the road.

Keep riding for the magic!

There’s certainly a gap in perception among riders regarding risk — especially around helmets and gear — the battle between those embracing the fashion style of the cruiser community versus those who firmly believe ATGATT is the only road to the promised land. The notion of risk versus freedom of choice can be at odds when talking about management. It’s a conversation I seldom engage. I shudder a bit when I see someone riding without a helmet but don’t feel any compulsion to say anything about it save for the times I climb on my soapbox here.

Gear may help minimize some injuries but nothing will save a rider from a blunt force impact. I look at the gear I wear mostly as a way to not immediately have my flesh torn off my body as it slides along pavement. Haven’t had anyone get angry at me yet about not agreeing with them. I tend to approach those inquiries with, “Hey, look over there, is that a Norton motorcycle?”