Is it selfish to ride pillion on a bike with DH?

[Fifi1010]

My DH has a new motorcycle he wants me to ride pillion I have all the correct safety gear. I feel selfish though as we have a 10YO DD. I know it's likely to not happen but the thought she could be left an orphan. I do like going on motorcycles I find it really fun. Would you do it or are my days of motorcycling over and leave it just DH?

There is nothing inherently selfish about doing the things you enjoy when you are a parent. Parents are still people too

I ride my own and I am a single parent, so I say go for it. My kids are teenagers though. I have my financial cushions, will and emergency contacts in place. I also don't ride like a lunatic. You've got to trust your rider if you ride a pillion.

Well … yeah.

People are still allowed to actually live their lives even after they become parents. Or do you expect people to give up what makes them happy?

But as a responsible parent you minimise the potential impact on your kids by making sure they are still looked after if something happens to you, so life insurance, a will naming guardians (who are prepped in advance), and ideally only one parent at significant risk at a time.

Get your own bike OP.

Blimey, I'm surprised some people on here ever leave the house once they become parents the way they worry.

Yes, riding a motorbike is dangerous, but so are 101 other activities that we all do on a daily basis. Being a parent doesn't mean you have to stop doing the things you love.

OP - if you still want to do it, do it, but it sounds a bit like you're no longer enjoying it anymore, which is absolutely okay too.

Where do you draw the line?

What if the motorbike is his only form of transport?

I am also amazed - do people stop using pushbikes or walking? Stop riding horses?

Good grief, I don't know how some people every leave the house!

It's a puzzle isn't it.

Life is full of risks, and whilst riding a motor cycle is not the safest mode of transport it's hardly akin to a suicide mission every time you go out on one.

I used to drive quite often in central London and to see the way people on bicycles weave in and out of the dog-eat-dog traffic was terrifying. Far more dangerous than a motorcycle. And all most of them generally had between their bodies, the other traffic and the road surface was a tight lycra top and shorts and a bicycle helmet.

What about people who do extreme sports or have dangerous jobs should they never procreate according to MN in case they die and leave children behind.

So don't go on an aeroplane, don't go in a car, and whatever you do, don't for god's sake ever cross the road, you just never know who might be coming around the corner on a motorcycle.

I'll give up my horses and sailing then. No more fun now I'm a parent

Enjoy your ride, people are being super bizarre here.

I have friends, married couple with three kids who when they go on holiday without the kids take separate flights in case the plane crashes. I think it's odd to live I. Such a state a fear but each to their own.

This.

My OH is very careful and doesn't speed / filter etc so I feel very safe with him. DD also goes out with him and has since she was about 11. We have all the gear and more.

Yes, because learning to drive, buying and insuring a car doesn't cost a single penny!

Good grief 🙄

A motorbike was my only form of transport for years. I rode in all weathers.
It was cheaper than a car, more economical, and my commute time was tiny compared to going by bus.

OP - get on your own bike :) I miss ride outs with friends. A nice scenic route with an all day breakfast along the way.

The chance of both parents being wiped out in a motorcycle accident is still quite low, yes higher than crossing the road but its still low.

Are they the Windsors?

Depends on your definition of unnecessary.

I bet you do plenty of things on a daily basis that other people would consider risky and unnecessary.