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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

to be fed up of people telling me how dangerous......

300 replies

starshaker · 02/12/2017 17:40

riding a motorbike is. I am aware of the dangers and risks. I came off a few weeks ago during a lesson and i was ok because of the gear I wear. Since then all people tell me is how dangerous it is and how selfish I am when I have kids.

If finally found something I love to do and I bought a little 125 to gain experience and confidence before I go to try for my full license again.

I wrote my first car off and was told not to give up and the best thing I could do was get straight back out before the fear took hold. I hurt myself more in the car than I did on the bike

OP posts:
fricative · 03/12/2017 13:34

I love my bike and cars. I've raced IoM; that was dangerous.

Commuting; perhaps. As someone else said, it's a calculated risk.

TheOriginalMagratGarlik · 03/12/2017 15:32

yesthisisme there is always things that can be done. Mobile phone usage is just one. Encouraging drivers to take advanced training (of motorbike riders who take advanced training, approx 94% go on to take the advanced test, as opposed to approx 50% of car drivers who take any advanced training), discouraging the trend towards larger and larger cars would not only help the environment, but if you get hit by a 4x4 your outcome is likely to be significantly worse than if you are hit by an estate car, clamping down on people who fit bull-bars to their vehicles, removing distractions from vehicles and many other moves would all help. I ride approx 300 miles every week and the amount of distracted drivers I see on the roads is just staggering, mainly because people feel safe within their little cage and therefore will take larger risks.

MyLearnedFriend · 03/12/2017 16:07

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

readyforapummelling · 03/12/2017 16:45

My dads best friend died on a bike. He had been a biker for 30 years and there wasn't a thing he could have done to prevent it. A driver pulled out and he died on impact.
It is more of a risk but you are an adult and can make your own choices.

ZenasSuitcases · 03/12/2017 17:24

It sounds to me that there are people in your life who care about you and your family. I know someone who died recently in a motorcycle accident leaving 3 children and a widow behind. There lives are turned upside down. My husband used to have a bike but doesn’t ride now he has children. I think on a bike you’re very exposed and if another road user makes a mistake it can be fatal

Esspee · 03/12/2017 17:30

My son will live forever with the injuries he sustained before he had children. Hope you never have to do the same.

Esspee · 03/12/2017 17:36

Could I also mention that because I and my husband refused to allow him to have a motorbike when he lived at home he did it as soon as he left......and what we had dreaded happened. Now he (and his family) have to live with the consequences.

Esspee · 03/12/2017 17:37

....but you just rock on!

Lovingit81 · 03/12/2017 17:38

When I first read your post OP I wanted to call you a dick...no life insurance, no will and riding a bike fgs. But I have read through these comments and I feel for you. I appreciate that you sound like you have had a tough time and have finally found something that helps. However, I urge you to think long and hard about the risks vs how it helps you. Is there not anything else you could do that would help??? The risks you are taking are with your children's lives because let's face it they would be over if they lost you! Glad to hear you are sorting life insurance, please sort a will and please look back at these comments and think long and hard about your children. They need you!

FairfaxAikman · 03/12/2017 17:44

I think people who have never biked are always more horror filled at the idea.

I'm from a family of bikers (my Gran used to race Grin) and of it wasn't for the fact I'm doing a 90 mile round commute and the inability to fit three Labradors pillion, I'd definitely be swapping the car for a bike.

Personally I think a graduated licence (have to do so many miles on a pedal bike before being allowed on a motorbike, which you would have to ride for X miles before moving to a car etc) would make Car drivers more aware overall - it's very easy to get sucked into a sense of security in the protective bubble of a Car - the bikers I know drive a car differently to those who have never been on a bike.

Clandestino · 03/12/2017 17:46

One of my friends and a truly wonderful amazing man whose heart was pure gold smashed into a wall on a motorbike two years ago leaving behind four children and a grieving wife. My brother in law already broke few bones and one of his last accidents nearly cost him his leg. Yes, I would agree it’s dangerous too and would be vocal about it.

goingthruhell · 03/12/2017 17:53

You don’t have to explain yourself to any of the people on here.

If you want to ride your bike you ride it. Your just as much risk walking down a road.

I ride a bike and I know the freedom in your mind that it gives you.

JerryGiraffe · 03/12/2017 17:57

OP almost anything has the potential to be dangerous and there will always be idiots about regardless of what activity you are doing. Live your life, do what makes you happy and take the precautions that you can to make whatever you choose to do as safe as it can be. Life isn't about worrying yourself witless about everything or what everyone else thinks - enjoy it while you can

Katherine2626 · 03/12/2017 18:05

Motor bike riders form 1% of road users, and 25% of the fatalities.
It's your life, but if you have kids....

Allthebestnamesareused · 03/12/2017 18:06

I am glad you were ok when you came off. A friend of mine died when she came off (due to a gust of wind) and went under the wheels of a van in the other carriageway. she was 39 and left behind 2 sons aged 8 and 6 and a husband.

Funnyblastard · 03/12/2017 18:13

Would just like to point out, all people are saying is statistically this and statistically that....nobody ever stops and thinks that the people who make up these statistics are the ones overtaking cars on the back wheel, weaving in and out if traffic and just no regard for themselves or other road users. If they didn't go around like that it would bring down your chances of statistically crashing and dying. But not everybody that's ever been hurt on a bike is doing wreckless shit. I'm a biker myself and not stupid, defensive riding and planning for everybody to be an idiot is the way forward. Just saying

Whowhatwhy · 03/12/2017 18:20

My cousin died on his motorbike due to the error of a lorry driver. He left two young children without a dad and a wife who has never really got over it, despite 15 plus years passing. Motorbikes are dangerous. This is a fact.

Susieangel · 03/12/2017 18:27

50 people a year die in the Scottish highlands. There are risks everywhere. if we don't take some risks we will die at home, bored to death.

Dianag111 · 03/12/2017 18:28

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

MongerTruffle · 03/12/2017 18:32

I never eat solid food when home alone

But liquids could go down your trachea and you could drown! Xmas Grin

ChristinaParsons · 03/12/2017 18:40

Every year more people are killed falling off horses than motorbikes, and you are more likely to be killed by a cow than falling off a horse

danceswith · 03/12/2017 18:44

Hate motorbikes now but that's only because I came off and made me think having a young DD. Hubby still rides but is an advanced rider and tutors others but I still worry every time he goes out but I also still ride horses! Make sure you are visible to idiot car drivers and enjoy your hobby

Touchmybum · 03/12/2017 19:14

If you know that biking is dangerous, and you are fed up with people
you know telling you so, then why did you post a thread allowing random strangers to tell you the same thing!

Ohbehave1 · 03/12/2017 19:23

Myleanedfriend. Are you for real? You are the one that needs to grow up with comments like that.

alliburton · 03/12/2017 20:05

I used to love tearing all over the place on my motorbike, it had one of those little sidecars, which I'd fashioned from an old tin bath and a pram wheel.It was great for moving laundry about, but I could never get mum to have a go.Such is life.