Safety (Other Motorcycles...)

Member Name: shelleyzie

Product:	Other Motorcycles...
Date:	05/01/01 (74 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: You won't get hurt

Disadvantages: You like pain and wheelchairs?

Jeff writes:

There's huge debates over safety and bikes, and I thought I'd throw in my experiences...

On top of other road users as a potential hazard - particularly the ones who think they can read the paper whilst driving (A406 EVERY morning), or those using mobile phones, and diesel on the roads, the other big hazard is road conditions.

So, even if you're riding in day-glo gear, with loud cans and full lamps on during the day, you're still in danger of getting a tarmac spanking because:

1) speed pillows (the ones that make you and car drivers swerve) are so badly designed,
2) there are potholes are all over the place,
3) lazy contractors' overlaid road-markings that catch tyre edges everywhere, and,
4) metal manhole covers worn smooth, usually at a bend apex, or positioned at a point where you have to start braking...

So - what can we do about it? You can and should report this to the local council - if everyone does it, something'll get done. It's downright dangerous and irresponsible for councils to allow this to happen.

Even so, it's good to ALWAYS wear protective gear - decent armoured leathers are essential, as are really good boots and gloves. These items may make the difference between walking away from a spill, or ending up in a wheelchair - or worse.

Last time I got knocked off whilst wearing jeans, I thought I got off lightly with just a graze. It was raining, and drains were overflowing. Guess what? I ended up in hospital with viral blood poisoning. Probably wouldn't have happened if I was wearing my leathers.

Ride safe.

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