One survival strategy that's helped me across my 11 years on two wheels is that no matter what happens on the road, my mood stays the same. I don't get impatient, frustrated or coarse. To make it to your destination safely you often have to forgive others for their mistakes and no matter how stupid they are, you never indulge in street justice, even if it is tempting. Stay in control of your emotions, don't give in to adrenalin and sit back and think. The twats that cause problems for you are going to get themselves in trouble with the law sooner or later - better them than you.
When I started riding in the 70s nobody had ABS, traction control, riding modes, halogen lights, excellent tires, or any other high tech safety gear. But it was much safer riding back then for one reason: Cell phones. When you're sitting near the center line waiting to turn you never had to worry about some douche nozzle running you over because they were busy sending a friggin text or a tweet or whatever. In my opinion texting while driving should have the same penalty as drunk driving.
It's not that simple. Back in the 1960s the number of fatal motorcycle accidents was many times higher than it is now. You could buy a 250 cc bike, put on L-plates, and ride without taking the test until the law changed. The need for more training started when the two part test was introduced: riders had off road instruction to pass part one, which meant that they had some instruction in use of the brakes, and in low speed control. The tests nowadays are far more stringent, and, of course, there are also age restrictions.
According to the HURT report, in 92 percent of motocycle accidents, the rider had no formal motorcycle training. 40 percent of fatalities from not wearing a helmet. Between 30 and 50 percent (differing figures/sources) had blood alcohol over the legal limit. Short version - get trained, don't drink, and always wear a helmet, even on short trips as this is where lots of accidents happen. Cars turning left across intersection is a big one (I assume it would be cars turning right in the UK). It's not a pretty topic but I thank you for taking the time to do this; It's a big help to a lot of people.
The report is an American one as in some states its legal to ride without a helmet on. In this country its some 8% of motorcycle casualties that have suffered a serious head injury. Again in America it was found that a large % of dead motorcyclists had consumed some amount of alcohol. Certainly enough to affect their cognitive abilities on a bike. As with the UK one of the main causes of accidents or what we now call collisions is the smidsy at road junctions in urban [ town ]areas. Some 2/3rds of all collisions occur in urban areas but they are only responsible for 1/3rd of all fatalities. Many motorcyclists suffering less serious injuries. However on country roads some 1/3rd of all collisions occur but are responsible for the remaining 2/3rds of motorcycling deaths and most of the serious and life changing injuries. Those are on bends and inappropriate overtakes and with inappropriate speeds [ not necessarily being over the speed limit] Whilst there are some 4.5 to 5 thousand deaths annually in the USA the average annual total of deaths of motorcyclists in the UK is about one a day ie 365. For the last 10 years or so the totals have not varied. Before then [ when we had loads of working speed cameras ]the totals were coming down year by year but with less monies to spend on road safety that decline has now stopped. As regards to training apart from the necessity [ lawful requirement ]to have a CBT there is no or little training requirement to ride a twv. and so I would agree that over 90% of twv riders having no safety training at all.
@@judgedredd49 I'm from the US and I agree that most US motorcycle accidents are due to 1) consumption of alcohol before riding, 2) very little or no motorcycle training required to get an M license, and 3) lack of protective gear, especially helmets. If you fall at even 25 mph, you will slide and lose some skin. But if you slide headfirst into the concrete curb at the edge of the pavement without a helmet (or even with an open faced helmet), you are all done. The fatalities in the UK countryside I believe are attributable to your roadway design. The pavement looks to be only 18 to 20 feet wide, with stone walls, hedgerows and cornfields only a couple of feet away. Poor sight distance and cars pull out in front of you. Narrow pavement and cars come over onto your side. In the US, most country roadways are 66 feet wide with 24 foot wide pavements and 4 foot shoulders, and grass beyond. Walls, fences, trees and tall vegetation (crops) are therefore 21 feet away from the edge of the pavement. This gives you time to react to any perceived danger. I have had one serious accident. Blind, sharp right-hand corner with gravel all over the pavement. No warning sign about the curve. (the nearby farmer told me that a snowplow had knocked the sign down the winter before and they hadn't been around to put up a new sign yet). BSA got scraped up. I ended up with a broken thumb but my helmet had deep gravel scrapes along one side. It would have been very bad if I had not worn a helmet that day. Although I could not have known about the gravel, the truth is I was traveling too fast on an unfamiliar road. The accident was 44 years ago and I promised my Dad from my hospital bed that I wouldn't ride bikes anymore. And I haven't. But my Dad has passed on now and I am retired and the Triumph Street Twin sure looks sweet. I know I would ride more carefully now at 68 than I did when I was 24. We'll see.
@@jamesdarnell8568 Thanks Jame I hope you do get your leg over again. A bike I mean of course. I am 71 years of age and have been riding motorcycles since i was under 10 years old tho at that age not on the roads. Take it easy, get a not too powerful a bike and something that weight wise you can manage out of your garage. whats vitaly important is that you can get both feet down planted firmly on the concrete or tarmac. Have fun but be safe and watch what you and others do. Get on a course or two and those specialise in town work with some country work thrown in. Nothing that smacks of racing on track days as its nothing like the real thing riding out on the pavement.
I agree no one looks out for bikes on the road. So many riders get hit because the drivers are just looking for cars. I ride to be seen and I make sure I do.
Buddy's Insight What do you do to make sure drivers see you? I'm riding with my high-beams (only during the day) and still get cut off by cars. I have a hole in my exhaust pipe which i won't fix because the other drivers are more aware of me.
Thats the thing. When riding a bike you are the least protected person on the road (not counting cyclist), so the risk of you getting hurt is equal to the probability of any driver around you (including you) doing a mistake. This could be said about cars too, but when you crash in a car, you are protected whereas on the bike you have only your gear (gloves, helmet...).
I work as a nurse on a trauma critical care and see the consequences of a accidents on a daily basis. As you say in your video is about realaizing the risk is there and keeping it uppermost in your mind. I wouldn't give up riding my triumph tiger explorer it gives me so much pleasure. Another great video, thanks!
Thank you Stephanie - amazing job you guys do, would be really interesting to talk to you about what you see sometime (for education purposes not morbid curiosity). Interesting that although you see the results of our fun you still choose to do it...all about risk:reward I guess....personally I draw a line at bunjee jumping....
I’ve been riding since 1978 (43 years as we speak!) having commuted weekly from Kent to Central London for a few years, riden in the mountains of Spain and Cyprus and the open roads across the U.K. and have NEVER been off or had an accident. A bit of luck, lots of concentration and road awareness, keeping within my skill level and watching my speed has all contributed to accident free biker experience. Stay safe out there boys and girls and enjoy!
Great video. I think, Motorcycle Safety Training is a must for every rider. Proper training, safety gear, properly maintained bike, pre-determining your route, avoiding the morning and evening rush hour craziness are a few things I can think of. Cheers and Safe Rides.
Another great video. Having nearly reached 60 riding motorcycles I believe as you get 'more mature' you are able to spot problems on the road before they cause you a problem. In my humble opinion riding motorcycles leads to better car driving.
I completely agree Bob, although having said that, even being aware of bikes, when I'm driving I've also been guilty of not seeing bikes or having bikes coming from seemingly nowhere....
Me too, I have an article written by an ex Tornado pilot, in which it describes the mechanics behind how our vision works and how sometimes we fail to see objects.
@@TheMissendenFlyer Yes. On a bike we're danger-scanning; in a car we're not. It's a different mindset. A good biker will be a better driver, for many reasons, but in a car they can easily have the same shortcomings as a driver who doesn't bike.
Hunter S Thompson's quote neatly encapsulates my views on Motorcycling and lifestyle choices : “Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well-preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming “Wow! What a Ride!”
i wonder how it stacks up on cycling? no one seems to bat an eyelid but im sure its more dangerous. i've cycled for years and none of my friends and family batted an eyelid, but when i got my first motobike they thought i was a bit of a loony. i always felt vunerable on a road bike knowing every bit of traffic would try and overtake me as soon as they got the chance, but on a motobike i dont have to worry about it.
Yes my instinct tells me you are probably right, I guess the issue is that on a motorcycle increased speeds mean generally more serious injuries or death when the unexpected does happen - would be interesting to see comparative stats though....might have to look into that. Thanks for watching - TMF
In my neck of the woods, cyclists are the biggest group of victims of traffic accidents, and we're talking about a nation which is probably the leading authority in cyclist infrastructure leading to the traffic safety board to push even more legislation on motorists, but only putting up ads when the darker days approach for cyclists to have working lights because going against traffic, turning without putting their hand out, coming off the sidewalk on the road at speed, being too busy with their phones, paying absolutely ZERO attention to any other participants in traffic, etc, has no bearing on their victimization I guess
I'd argue that a sensibly ridden motorcycle in 30MPH town centre areas is much safer than a pedal cycle. You can keep up with the traffic, and thus most car drivers don't usually have a need to do dangerous overtake manoeuvres . At higher speeds, the motorcycle almost certainly becomes more dangerous. The racing pedal cyclists doing 30MPH well from my experience of pedal bikes, their brakes are no where as good as a motorbike doing 30MPH, plus there is less reluctance for a motorcyclist to brake, because well they don't have to pedal to get back up to speed ! I've only managed to get up to 30MPH going down hill on a pedal bike, and they're blimin hard to stop ! The faster pedal cyclists up London just don't seem to want to brake , they'd rather swerve. Their tyres can't cope with bad road surface as well as larger motorcycle tyres.
This was a great one. Especially when you mentioned don't go out in bed weather, just watching this while in quarantine and thinking that I've been commuting twice a week between London and Bristol between November and March. On one occasion I even had fog freezing on my jacket and countless times was leaving London at -4 degrees at 6am in November and December, not to mention the brutal winds or some serious rainy evenings.
When I had my first bike in the late 80s/early 90s, I rode like a pillock. If I had continued riding and got something bigger than 100cc I seriously doubt I'd be here today. Now I'm, let's just say older, my respect for life means I ride with everyone and everything else uppermost in my mind. I cringe when I see youngsters in shorts, T shirt and trainers (sometimes no helmet) zooming along but it's pointless trying to stop them being young. Who didn't think they were as indestructible as Action man as teenagers? my friends 18 year old son is still in a coma more than 6 months after crashing with no helmet. I can't imagine riding with no skid lid. Right i'm off to buy some micromorts on Amazon. Cool vid. Cheers.
Same. Don't know how I survived my Yamaha RD350LC (aged 22). Lucky it was stolen or I don't think I'd have made it past 23. We were all indestructible in our teen/20's (that's why they sent the platoons of 18 year olds first up the beaches at Normandy in 1944 because the guys in their 30's and 40's would have said $%^& that!). Now I'm in my 50's and coming back to bikes. Thanks TMF for awesome reviews... Really sorry to hear about your mates son - hope he makes it through against the odds - all the best.
I didn't ride a bike like an idiot when I was younger, however my car driving probably left something to be "desired". Like all youngsters, I believed I was going to LIVE FOREVER, and had a magical force field around me keeping me safe. It was probably more luck than judgement nothing bad happened. I think I'll leave it at that !
Great commentary. One thing that you can do to improve safety is to increase your bike’s visible width. The big difference between bikes and cars is the change in perspective that enables others to assess the approach speed of the oncoming vehicle. The key reference points are the headlight clusters. It’s a natural reference for humans as we also use similar horizontal references such as eyes to gauge the proximity of other humans for example. Bikes are narrow and their approach speed is much more difficult to interpret. Adding fog lights is good, but put them as wide as possible on the crash bars. Even better fit LEDs to handguards. These are available with running lights and turn repeaters for a few pounds on Ebay and are a life saver. Obviously sports bikes may have neither option, but if you can bear to fit some small, racy handguards on a Panigale (and can put up with your mates asking when you’re changing to knobbliest) and fit some LEDs you’d be much safer.
One of the best pieces of advice given to me when I started was given to me by my instructor, who told me (quite correctly in my case) that sooner or later you will crash your bike and when you do, no matter how slowly you're going or how good your gear is, it will HURT! I kinda feel that if you remember that and have a healthy amount of respect for the danger you're far more likely to survive than the "it'll never happen to me" crowd.
Glad my first crash hurt. Definitely a better rider now for it. I split lanes now at a much slower speed... and actually dont mind the extra five mins on my commute for the satisfaction i get from riding properly.
It's more risky but none of these studies talk about quality of life. Dying sucks butt, but the thought of it happening at work, bored, passionless, and wasting life away is terrifying and depressing.
Isn't that funny Same thing with those people complaining that if you didn't smoke, you could have bought a Ferrari Most of those complainers don't smoke and can't afford a Ferrari
Hi. Bit background first; only passed my DAS in July 2019 having never even sat on a motorcycle before. Being so new to motorcycling I have an awful lot to learn, which is why I've watched dozens of your UA-cam videos ... learning a lot ... thank you. I've only just got round to watching this video - may I suggest it's possibly worth a follow-on/update. I've been a bicyclist for many years but always wanted to ride a motorcycle but was put off by the dangerous reputation until I looked at the UK stats; - Bicycle circa 100 deaths 3k serious injuries per annum - Motorcycling circa 300 deaths 5k serious injuries per annum On the face of it motorcycling far more dangerous. However, almost all bicycle related incidents involved another motor vehicle whereas less than 30% of motorcycling incidents involved another vehicle. So an interpretation of the stats could be; - Continued training (RoSPA, IAM, etc) will make you a better/safer rider (my local RoSPA group of which I'm undertaking training said that only around 1% motorcyclists undertake advanced training) - Motorcyclist are more in control of their destiny than a bicyclist (I feel far less vulnerable my motorcycle) - Other factors such as if you only ride in good weather, only ride in daylight, don't commute on your bike, etc come into play. Not suggesting that motorcycling is safe. And not disagreeing with any of the points you made. Maybe if you're stuck for a video one day consider doing a follow-up to this one?. Sorry for the long message but thought it was relevant ... thanks again for great channel!
food for thought. what I have noticed on bike fail vids..is 80% of crashes are speed or showing off related incidents. And I would agree that upright bikes do give you a false sense of confidence. I'm glad I've found your channel. ride safe everyone.
I found it interesting that people with dirt riding experience were “significantly underrepresented “ in the HURT study. I ride a dirt bike at work (a farm) almost everyday and feel quite comfortable while at it. I just bought my first road bike, however, and am worried about riding it in traffic. Your video helped me focus on the most relevant risks. Thanks! I’m 64 years old, by the way.
I always wonder why motorcycling is compared to other “modes of transport”, when in fact for most of us it’s a leisure pursuit. Horse riding, skiing, paragliding, scuba diving and many other leisure activities carry a much higher risk of injury and/or death. When I took up motorcycling again this year in my sixties, after a 30 year gap, nearly all my friends and family took pains to point out the dangers. Yet no-one seems to do likewise when these same people take their families skiing, or when they decide to try hang-gliding or skiing in retirement. In fact, they seem to gain some prestige for doing so. In my opinion, it all comes down to perceived social class. Horse-riding, skiing et al are regarded as respectable activities favoured by the upper classes, and it would be so uncool to talk about risks. I mean, the Royal Family are fans! Whereas biking is seen as working class, open to ridicule and uncool. Celebrities who admit to owning bikes generally describe it as a guilty pleasure. Why don’t they have the same attitude to skiing? If Michael Schumacher had ended up in a coma after falling off his motorbike, many would have said that he should have known better, but his skiing accident is just regarded as bad luck. Anyway, rant over, I love your thought-provoking videos!
I like that UA-cam is now offering up some of your older content, would just like to say your ideas for your videos and your work ethic in putting it all together is really brilliant. It’s inspiring to be honest from this sort of video to your monthly mcn news, really quality content love your stuff. Wish you many more years safe riding and content creating!
Can I add for your consideration my own rules for avoiding accidents? These are things I NEVER do, some of which cause puzzlement amongst my fellow bikers. But I’ve seen and had too many near misses to make the risks worthwhile. 1. NEVER filter between lanes of traffic 2. NEVER use a hatched area in the middle of the road as a “motorcycle overtaking lane” 3. NEVER use bus lanes open to motorcycles to “undertake” other traffic 4. NEVER assume that a car indicator, whether flashing or not, means what it says 5. NEVER get angry Cheers!
All good advice Charles if you want to stay as safe as possible - but some of the benefits of being on a motorbike depend on some of those things (filtering for example means we don't get stuck in traffic jams). We all need to be aware of the risks and decide which level we as adults are willing to accept if we are to ride a motorcycle....
@@adnan_honest_jihadist5775 Him and me aren't friends, and if I get the chance to go through the pearly gates by accepting God in my life, I'll pass and take the elevator down by choice I'd rethink that, only if he decides to spread all suffering equally instead of singling a few specific people out and putting them through hell on earth
Just in the past two weeks have I run across your reviews and the ones I have seen are spot on for me. I am a fifth generation Texan that now lives in PNW which means we can spot good and bad so called experts(BS) and you are one of the best, thank you.
Hi TMF another good subject. I have been a motorcyclist for 53 years and most of the close shaves I have had were down to car drivers. You really got to concentrate on what's going on around you. I find sometimes the road surfaces can be just as big a hazard. If you ride a lot in large towns there is a lot to be said for the saying Loud Pipes Saves lives. Ride safe.
I was a bike courier in London. Apparently at the time it was statistically more dangerous then a deep sea diver on the oil rigs. Never had an accident. Saw lots (no fault of mine) the Queen went past once. Que sera. What will be will be.
If I was asked to give THE most important aspect of motorcycle riding and safety I'd have to say observation, of everything. You could run up a list of hazards as long as your arm but if you see or anticipate them you've reduced the risks significantly. I feel much more at ease on my 200mph road bike than I do riding the dirt bike home on cold damp roads after a day out trail riding. Went down twice last Winter, no warning, nothing. I've had a few spills over the years but it's kind of ironic that my worst was while cycling to work one morning and coming off on black ice at around 15mph, ending up hospitalised with two large screws holding my hip together! Ride safe everyone.
Cheers for that TMF, if I could give any advice from experience it would be, sign up for an advanced riding course. I've been riding from age 9 mostly off road stuff. Then road bikes from 09, did my advanced in 2013. I thought I could ride but believe me, the knowledge & skills I learned from the advanced course make riding much safer & more enjoyable. Look up local IAM groups etc, my local group are doing courses £99 .... cheers Karl.
Must agree . Late to riding so went straight to IAM then 2 Bikesafe days feed back great . ride in groups and many guys blame the car drivers . LOOK at what your contribution was to the incident It may be UUUUU
Sobering stuff TMF, but brilliantly explained. Really impressed with how you've broken down the stats into useable, understandable information. I've worked in the U.K. tv industry for over 20 years (BBC, ITV, Sky) and have come across many main stream producers that couldn't have done that any better.
Great video! While I am really annoyed by those telling me that I'll kill myself immediately by riding a motorcycle (eg my parents) I have to think that most of us bikers do not seem to have any understanding of the risks and their own skills (or lack of skills). Many people seriously doubt the necessity of rider aids like ABS or traction control and even say that these reduce fun, create other risks and are patronising. We still have more then enough bikers dying from avoidable accidents and systems like ABS already have proven to be a huge help in difficult situations, reducing the risk of severe injury significantly. The same type of rider usually seems fearless (or brainless?!) when overtaking and does not even think of encountering unpleasant surprises like a tractor pulling out of a country lane somewhere... it is alarming to see how many bikers have no clue about choosing a line and often lean into oncoming traffic. IMO riding style and being foresightful has great influence on one's personal risk. That does not mean that one should never go a little quicker, but be aware that there are roads, situations and conditions where it is highly inappropriate to do so.
really interesting as usual and thought provoking. As you say stats can be made to say almost anything. One thing to have in mind is that average stats do not say how likely an individual is to have an accident. Young people are more likely to have accidents except for born again bikers with the money to buy super bikes. Might have been nice to focus a bit more on what we can do to mitigate the likely hood of having an accident. Sadly the road is full of people doing stupid things so accidents are random to some extent but even then can be reduced by defensive riding. I have been riding for 46 years and had 3 accidents (all the other persons fault including a double decker bus)plus a few scary moments. But I am now of to do a course. Thanks again for another great video.
Safe m/c operation is not about hand eye coordination or even feel for the machine although those are important. Safety is about a mental attitude and ability to anticipate hazards. If you don't have the aforementioned you are hanging out huge.
Not a realistic solution, but I've always thought that if every car driver had to do their bike license too, the road would be safer for bikers. I would have to admit that I only became properly aware of bikes while driving after I started riding myself. You just think a little differently after having spent some time on a bike. Wishful thinking though 😁! But very Interesting stats. I need more micromorts!!!
I'm (re) doing my training as a driving instructor and after a chat with somebody at the local rider training school I think I might get my pupils to go out on pillion with one of the instructors as one of their lessons. Hopefully make them more aware of bikes on the road but also to raise their observation skills while on the road. If I lose a few pupils to the glory of riding well I'm ok with that :).
I agree. A possible easier to implement solution is to make road riding on a pedal bike part of the car test (unless the person has a disability that stops them from riding a bike). If you don't appreciate what riding a pedal cycle is like in urban areas, then maybe you shouldn't be allowed to drive a car or bigger vehicle.
Great video and thanks for attempting to 'clear the fog' about risks. I passed my DAS a year or two ago and having been a car driver for a long time thought I knew it all. RoSPA/IAM do an advanced rider training course that is run by volunteers and costs next to nothing (just time and fuel). I completed mine earlier this year and it has transformed my riding. Much safer and gives you the confidence to enjoy the ride more.
Good stuff Andy, I meant to mention the various ongoing training but forgot - I'm also a huge fan of the Police Bike-Safe scheme. Thanks for watching and for stopping by - TMF
Yes, I would be interested to see the comparison between cycling and motorcycling... As a life long bicycle rider, I was knocked off by a car four times in 10 years: First time knocked off on a roundabout - I broke my knee - still not right now 20+ years later). Second time another roundabout - just bruising. Third time I was riding down a street in town, in good weather with an otherwise empty road with no junctions and a car turned across my path (without indicating) to park in his driveway after working a nightshift! Nothing I could have done about that... He had the cheek to ask who was going to pay for the damage to his car!?! I had the satisfaction of riding down the same road for 6 months and seeing the dent in his front wing caused by knee :-). 4th time landed on my head after going over a car bonnet (fortunately had a bike helmet on) and suffered no major damage although it did compress my spine a bit. In the last year I have been hit “lightly” by two more cars, but managed to get my foot down and not actually fall off. After all this, I now want to get a motorbike - with my track record... You could say I’ve been unlucky, but I think I’ve been lucky none of them were worse... my experience on the bicycle will hopefully help me with a motorcycle. Stay safe everyone!
We ride motorcycles because they're deeply exhilirating. The ticking clock of our inexorably approaching death may tick quicker when we're on a motorcycle, but it feels just the opposite. It feels like it slows down and stops for an afternoon. I'll bet motorcycles actually add to life expectancy for those who survive the riding itself. That said, we need to respect the risks. You give a nice summary of situational awareness needed.
Thanks Andrew and I entirely agree - it's activities like this that make life worth living! Sounds dramatic I know but it is true...as you say, does us no harm to be aware of the risks though...
This was a surprisingly good video. I suggest that we use the term 'risk' instead of 'danger' and ask if motorcycling is a risky activity instead of a dangerous one. Risk means a chance of the occurrence of an adverse event, and we can control risk up to a point through our behavior, e.g., not riding in bad weather that reduces visibility and traction, not riding with excessive speed, not riding in a manner that reduces our ability to react appropriately to unforeseen events or behavior by others, etc. I'd add another: not riding at night if possible, and if doing so slowing down significantly. Time and space give us the ability to address risk... the time to evade an oncoming driver who turns in front of us, the space to avoid an obstacle in the road that falls from a vehicle in front of us or to adjust our line in our lane in a curve. We get hurt when we hit something or when something separates the rider from the motorcycle during movement and we end up slamming into something. Therefore we should ride in a manner that allows us to make that curve, avoid that obstacle, maintain control at all times... in short, in a manner that preserves time and space. We are individuals, not an average or a statistic. Let others choose to push the average risk higher, let us ride in a way that dramatically reduces our risk.
I have been riding bikes since I was 17, I'm now retired, and got rid of my last bike a few years ago. I did my advanced riding, and I'm sure it helped me to survive. I still love bikes and am considering getting another, (GS Rally). Safe riding really depends on common sense, and appreciation of other road users. Whether they are right or wrong is really immaterial, as it is the biker who generally comes off worst. We all do stupid things occasionally, but I like to think that when I do, I take a calculated risk, fortunately I've got away with it so far. As one of your correspondents said, just sitting on the sofa all day and night is far more dangerous. If you enjoy your bikes, carry on riding.
...well I'm not sure sitting on the sofa is more dangerous, but it's certainly less fun and that's the balance I think you have to get right...well done on incident free riding to date - long may it continue.....TMF
TheMissendenFlyer . I didn't say I was accident free, I broke my collar bone when I was a teenager, but since then, I have had a couple, though none too serious, though I did scratch my paintwork.
Brilliant video and thanks for the research. I almost got wiped out by a car on the M25 this morning changing lanes without mirrors or signal then 6 hours later a car from the the opposite direction decided to overtake so a another close call. Scary moments.
It is amazing how many "scary moments" you have when you're minding your own business on your bike compared with when you're doing the same in your car isn't it! Keep your whit's about you out there!
having rode motorcycles on the road for nearly 15 years myself, i wasn't sure if this video would be of any interest, but it was. great video - thanks for sharing.
Always enjoy your vids. This was a very balanced appraisal of the dangers. When talking to people who don't understand our love of biking, I tell them that motorcycling is inherently perfectly safe... People are dangerous. Keep up the great work.
Riding dirt bikes in the Arizona desert back in the day was far less scary than taking city street , with cars. They just don’t look. Thank you for the research.
I think riders themselves make it more dangerous by drinking or smoking as you mentioned, not wearing appropriate protective equipment, riding with a dangerous speed, not having a road strategy and paying better attention while riding, lacking the experience. Riding sure is dangerous by there are ways to make it safer !
You're right. One rider, 26, lost an arm flying through a hedge on a bend, a pretty easy bend. Turns out he had a couple of pints. Only passed his test 2 months prior. Ah well!
Nice video @theMissendenFlyer. Acknowledging the risks, wearing the right gear, improving hazard perception and improving riding skills go a long way in keeping motorcycling and motorcyclists alive. I watched hundreds of hours of accident videos on youtube to speed up on the hazard perception and agree on the list of top 10 hazards you presented.
Another great video:) It's hard to avoid bad weather when you commute every day though rain or shine. It does make you appreciate good weather though :) I advise people watch lots of bike crash vids on you tube. They keep it real and grounded
Yes I agree Richard, it can be a bit depressing but learning from others mistakes is a good idea...thanks for watching and for commenting - all the best - TMF
Excellent! Comprehensive brief on major points of 'hurt' to a biker. Being a 'newby' myself (even after riding motocross and driving for 30+ years), this is still good advice - thank you.
Glad you found it of interest professorclown, when you ride a bike you always have to be thinking "what could kill me next" much more than you do in a car....welcome to biking and stay safe!
So the last time I rode a bike was in 1981 (the first twin cam Honda 750) purchased brand new in 1979. I have to admit back then I was nuts on a bike and paid the price with several smaller accidents. But the big one that got me wasn’t my fault (a coach turning right failed to see me on a country A road). Survived it and kissed motorcycles goodbye for ever or so I thought, and I’m now on the lookout for a bike again before it’s too late. The other thing I used to indulge in was smoking and even though I packed in the smokes 20 years ago, I now have severe COPD with 40% lung function. It’s killing me slowly, so I figure why not have some serious fun back on a bike, and if the worst happens it will probably be quick. I fancy a Yamaha tracer 900 GT, and I do know that returning bikers of my vintage are in a high risk group so maybe some refresher training either way keep up the reviews they’ve got my attention👍
The stats chart was great! Excellent graphics! More impactive than some computer based graph anyway. The risks involved with biking can't be disputed because the consequences can be high, even from a minor spill. As you covered, there's lots we can do to mitigate the risks and still enjoy biking. 20+ years later, I've never had bump, but avoided plenty!
I think the two most important /forgotten / unknown things we forget when riding / driving fast( let's face it we all go fast sometimes ) 1 the thinking distance stays the same ( or gets longer with age ) no matter how good the brakes / tyres are. 2 highway code rule 126: drive at a speed that will allow you to stop well within the distance you can see to be clear.( so if you go round a blind corner you *must * be able to stop whatever is round that corner!) how many people can say they do that ? Your video is all good to me. Tks
Thank you Rob - and agreed, I had a reminder of that only today coming around a corner on my CRF and meeting an unsuspecting horse! I'm always assuming something is coming around the corner and it's surprising how many times I have been proved right! Thanks for your kind comments - all the best - TMF
I am curious as to what kind of numpty pushes the thumbs down button on this video..I think you give great advice and have helped me no end in my choice of bike as well as riding style and awareness ...keep up the great work !
Great video TMF. When riding I always think 'what is that driver up too' to the extent of watching body movements for lane changes etc:. Not full proof but cannot hurt. Being very alert and non complacent is key.
Hi! The way I see it, riding a bike is not replaceable with anything else. Last weekend we were driving lots of gravel roads and it was a great fun. Comparing that with flying a regular jet just doesn’t make sence. It’s not even an alternative. Commuting on a bike and comparing that with a car might be relevant but not in such general terms. That’s the way I see it. Thanks for all your videos, you rock!!
hi. i got sent a video of yours doing the northern frace trip... (one a few friends and i are planning to do next summer) i am now hooked on your reviews and videos! keep up the good work and well done for the content material! (signed:Mark and my restored 1989 ZXR 750H1)
Yet another great video by TMF... your 'common sense' approach to motorcycles is SPOT ON! Yes, bikes are meant to be enjoyed and driven...very therapeutic I might add... but, ALWAYS expect the unexpected when riding. EYES WIDE OPEN my fellow bikers! Thanks TMF for your views on every aspect of the motorbike experience! SPLENDID! -Steve-
Thanks Adrian, the GS always gets a thorough clean after a damp outing...will be getting a super deep one next week as it's that ACF 50 time of the year!
Yeh man, my first thought has already been mentioned below, "it's as risky as the us the riders make it." So on this side, if we ride within our talent, the bikes, roads and laws limit we should be fine. The scary part really is the risk we have no control over, which is the trust we have to put in other road users. All we can do there is be aware and ATGATT. Great vid man. Tcrs✊
I think you can quote statistics to prove motorcycling can be perfectly safe also. For example: "Almost half of the fatal accidents show alcohol involvement." "More than ½ of the accident-involved motorcycle riders had less than 5 months experience on the accident motorcycle" "Motorcycle riders between the ages of 16 and 24 are significantly overrepresented in accidents" Therefore, if you don't drink, are over a certain age and have lots of experience you will be at less risk of an accident, so much so that motorcycling becomes less risky than being a pedestrian.
Yes that may well be the case Antonio, in the end you have to do your own research and thinking and make your own choice - clearly you and I don't think it's tooo dangerous....as you say, statistics can be made to support any argument...
You can ride as defensively as possible and take other precautions but if someone is gonna knock you off it's going to happen no matter what, just gotta stay on the ball and look out for and predict what might happen and steer clear of it
Thanks for this video. I'm a fairly new older rider and heading to Europe and gaining loads of insight on various issues as I commence me preparation for the three week tour! Bernie in sydney
Advanced riding course some 36+ years ago put me in good stead and still does. Clearly it won't eliminate all risks but does reduce rider errors and compensates for those other road users who are not bike aware....
The really interesting thing to look for in the stats would be to see how many accidents are entirely not the fault of the rider. Its always the way with such stats, x percent down to lack of training, y percent going way to fast for the conditions etc. etc. The real concern is what is the risk leftover that if I do everything correct but still end up wiped out by an idiot.
Very interesting comparison. Borrowing from stock market terminology, I view the risk in terms of the systematic (the risk presented by environmental factors - road, weather, other road users) and the unsystematic (the risk presented by the bike and the rider). The more control I exercise over the latter, the more time I have to mitigate the former. Ultimately, though, you have to accept that however much you mitigate risk in motorcycling, the consequences of risk crystallisation are likely to be of greater magnitude than with walking, taking the bus, or driving your car.
Good point, though you should have said 'systemic' rather than 'systematic'. Systemic describes something that happens or exists inherently throughout a whole system. Systematic describes something that was thorough and intentional, methodical, or implemented according to a plan.
I was borrowing the term "systematic risk" (not to be confused with "systemic risk", which relates to a system) used in stock and financial markets to describe risk in relation to any investment that is impossible to completely mitigate or avoid, also called in that context "market risk" or "undiversifiable risk". But I don't want to be precious about the distinction; the important thing is that we all understand there is only so much you can do to mitigate the inherent risk of climbing aboard the machine and putting it on the road. Cheers and ride safe.
I think the safest time to ride a motorcycle is when retired. You can go out any time any day, when the weather's better, not in traffic jams, not commuting, not stressed, and NOT A WEEKENDS. Well that's my tuppence worth, happy days.
I have been riding motorcycles since I was 16 I am now 64 years old 65 in July when I first started I came off a few times because I was new to it. It's been well over 40 years since I last came off my bike you must always ride within your limits. Bikes have been my only transport in all weather my only way to get to work . I tell you now if you think you are going to die you should not be riding I can say I always feel 100 percent confident on my bike don't forget you take up a lot less room on the road so it's easy to avoid over vehicles .i see to many know it all's on you tube talking rubbish been on a bike 5min, and know it all. like your channel man keep up the good work
Have to say... your channel is really top notch. Best subscription I can remember making - great content! Slowly working my way through your back catalogue... ha ha
This video has a good perspective on motorcycling but the one thing I'd say is that up to the point of people crashing their own bikes, it's cars that are dangerous (to others). The problem with the stats as well is you can't account for random erratic mentally deranged inner city drivers but nevertheless a great video!
Watching this 3 and half years after you made it and whilst I agree with everything you said I have the following observations and questions. I have never owned or ridden a motorbike in the UK but I have done both in Thailand. I am a fair weather rider and hope to retire to Thailand on the next few years and resume riding. Anyway, back to my observations. Some of your points are about experience riding and/or driving. Looking down the road and noticing cars waiting at junctions, people in a position to open their car doors, what is going on ahead of you generally....that comes with experience. I do appreciate that riding a bike you need to be aware of different risks. Have motorbikes got safer since you made this video? I know most mishaps are the riders fault but have newer bikes got better helping the rider? Have we as a nation become more motorbike aware, perhaps because of the growing number of cyclists? A few of my immediate thoughts.
I really enjoyed your video & I love the concept of micromorts- I try to do everything to skew the odds my way when I undertake "dangerous" activities such as climbing on one of my bikes. Ilike your list of dangerous factors for the rider to consider and I think you set exactly the right tone for this important topic.
Intrinsically dangerous form of getting from A to B. But great fun. British roads are so busy, and full of people who have never experienced motor bikes and often treat them with contentiousness.
I so want a bike but am torn between the enjoying biking and risk of serious injury. But i plan to ride purely for pleasure either past midnight or early morning hours when the roads are quiet
I always head out with a tentative anxiety when I ride. I always think this keeps me alert, and always wear my ATGATT (all the gear, all the time). Alert and Aware and Anticipate.
You made a passing comment about running out of micromorts as we get older. I'm 67 and have been back on a bike agter a long gap for about 5 months. I'm not likely to do anything stupid and throw my life away and have always known the risks. I started at 16 in the UK and rode year round because that was all I could afford as an apprentice. I did summer and winter for four years, then because of girls I got a car! I now have an MT10 and it is the best thing I ever bought, bang for buck it's out of this world. I live in sunny hot Australia so no ice and snow now. Just motorists and other motorcycles to avoid. I know the dangers. Access the risk against the benefits as you have rightly said. Keep the vids coming mate!
I'm in the States in the St. Louis, MO area. I've been riding since about 84' and chances are you're going to lay it down if you ride for any length of time. My accident was a car on my right..turned left right in front of me. I already had my hand covering the front brake... just missed hitting the car.. went off the road and laid it down in grass at around 40 mph. I was lucky not to get hurt. My experience.. wear protective gear.. be aware of everything around you! It has saved me many times being aware. Riding fast increases your risk! Pick your time and place carefully when riding fast!
100% agree Rob - of course we all like the feeling of acceleration and speed you can get on a bike, but there is a time and a place for it (in the main that's on the race track). Caution is the name of the game when riding on the road! Thanks for stopping by - TMF
I started riding a motorbike to commute to work, so I rode a 125 on L plates for 3 solid years in all weather conditions, day and night, spring, summer, autumn and winter. I rode in 50+ mile/hr winds, torrential rain during the day, torrential rain at night, heavy sleet, deep snow, and black ice. Only after 3 years of riding in this way I finally decided to get a full licence and buy a bigger bike.
I'm an ambivalent rider, and I don't think we can compare smoking to riding a motorcycle, dying on a motorcycle can take you two seconds, dying from smoking takes 50 years. Still very good video, I think it's an important and difficult subject, but comparing it to other motor vehicles is an accurate and representative figure so that was very interesting. Still I'm thinking about riding only track, because I will not accept the risk of dying, and I find it highly uncomfortable riding on the highway, but I don't know if anyone at all investigates track injuries, as they seem to happen daily and depend on the maniacs you ride with
Your videos are excellent and really well made. My only criticism of this one is that it would have been a great chance to really stress the benefits of advanced training (IAM, ROSPA etc). If you're going to ride bikes like the Panigale and others, to not at least dip your toe into this world or at least buy a copy of 'Motorcycle Roadcraft' is in my opinion to really miss something very important indeed, or quite possibly life saving... But keep up the great work.
Good point Alex (and I have read Motorcycle Roadcraft from cover to cover) - I've not taken any "advanced" courses but I should have mentioned them and the Police ride safe scheme, none of which can do any harm can they....thanks for watching and for your kind comments - TMF
Risk is misunderstood. For example, driving in fog. If fog is dangerous to drive through, you don’t slow down and double the exposure time...no, no! You drive twice as fast to halve the amount of time you’re exposed to that risk! You’re welcome society. 🧐👍
Brilliant analyses on the risks of riding. No doubt every biker must take time to think about it. What's nice is more and more people are riding responsibly...
I have yet to see a UA-cam video maker paying no attention to traffic or riding without safety gear. Sure every one's talking about accidentally dropping their bike once or twice in the lifetime. Back in India - there is total disregard for human lives and no culture of safety. I've decided to take time and absorb as many videos as I can before I start riding.
I ride. I'm in US. I ride a Triumph Street Triple. Riding is really dangerous. Realizing and/or admitting this is the first step to protecting yourself from getting killed. Study road dynamics and know where to put the bike on the road to see and be seen. I love to open up that Triple but you just have to know when and where to do it.
I've been riding motorcycles for 46 years, some of which was as a courier clocking up 2000 miles a week. As a rough conservative estimate 3/4 of million miles over that time. Based on your chart, I should be dead! Your tips are all good sound advice. A few I would add, make sure your bike is in good condition and do your pre-flight checks, so to speak. On the road, if anyone looks dodgy or drives in an unpredictable way give them a wide birth. If they are tailgating you, get past the next vehicle and let them deal with the nutter. If necessary let them go past, so they can go kill themselves somewhere else without involving you. Wear clothing that aids your visibility, especially when conditions aren't ideal. Bright yellow waterproofs may make you may look like a twit but you'll be a live twit. Finally, the UK Police have a very nice book called "Motorcycle Roadcraft. The Police Rider's Handbook". The copy I've got came with a job lot of bikers stuff off eBay. It has 260 pages of information, pictures and tests that even an old git like me can learn from. It is available from Amazon and old copies can be bought for as little as a 1p. Get one, you have nothing to lose but your life.
Good advice, I'm thinking of getting back into motorcycling after a 20 years in a car. I have a full licence, so could just go out and at some 150 hp monster. But I've started CBT course, and will build up slowly on a second hand 125, then buy a 150 hp touring bike. I remember a TV programme about risks a few years ago. Apparently about 20 people die each year coming down the stairs in the morning and 8 people die putting on their socks (suddenly blood clot to the brain)
@@TheMissendenFlyer Absolutely, The programme (I wish I would remember the name) also pointed out that New York police officers, were something like 4 times more likely to have a car accident, same as racing drivers, the argument being that they are over familiar with driving and take more risks. In the 90's on my VFR 750 I was hit two two drivers (side swiped) within a month of each other on the same stretch of road. I'm trying to manage my fear of getting back on a bike. My colleagues and family telling me I'm crazy, too old etc (62). Yet I look at your channel you've got me hooked on the R1250gs, a wonderful bike it seems. Thank you fro a brilliant channel.
One survival strategy that's helped me across my 11 years on two wheels is that no matter what happens on the road, my mood stays the same. I don't get impatient, frustrated or coarse. To make it to your destination safely you often have to forgive others for their mistakes and no matter how stupid they are, you never indulge in street justice, even if it is tempting. Stay in control of your emotions, don't give in to adrenalin and sit back and think. The twats that cause problems for you are going to get themselves in trouble with the law sooner or later - better them than you.
I think that’s good advice for life in general! Thanks for watching and for stopping by - TMF
When I started riding in the 70s nobody had ABS, traction control, riding modes, halogen lights, excellent tires, or any other high tech safety gear. But it was much safer riding back then for one reason: Cell phones. When you're sitting near the center line waiting to turn you never had to worry about some douche nozzle running you over because they were busy sending a friggin text or a tweet or whatever. In my opinion texting while driving should have the same penalty as drunk driving.
Reason number two, there was only about a tenth of the traffic there is today
It's not that simple. Back in the 1960s the number of fatal motorcycle accidents was many times higher than it is now. You could buy a 250 cc bike, put on L-plates, and ride without taking the test until the law changed. The need for more training started when the two part test was introduced: riders had off road instruction to pass part one, which meant that they had some instruction in use of the brakes, and in low speed control. The tests nowadays are far more stringent, and, of course, there are also age restrictions.
I'll quickly wipe this vid from my play list, in case the Mrs sees it. She doesn't need more ammunition to keep me off bikes.
According to the HURT report, in 92 percent of motocycle accidents, the rider had no formal motorcycle training. 40 percent of fatalities from not wearing a helmet. Between 30 and 50 percent (differing figures/sources) had blood alcohol over the legal limit. Short version - get trained, don't drink, and always wear a helmet, even on short trips as this is where lots of accidents happen. Cars turning left across intersection is a big one (I assume it would be cars turning right in the UK). It's not a pretty topic but I thank you for taking the time to do this; It's a big help to a lot of people.
Thank you for watching and for stopping by Shaun.....ride safe! TMF
The report is an American one as in some states its legal to ride without a helmet on. In this country its some 8% of motorcycle casualties that have suffered a serious head injury. Again in America it was found that a large % of dead motorcyclists had consumed some amount of alcohol. Certainly enough to affect their cognitive abilities on a bike. As with the UK one of the main causes of accidents or what we now call collisions is the smidsy at road junctions in urban [ town ]areas. Some 2/3rds of all collisions occur in urban areas but they are only responsible for 1/3rd of all fatalities. Many motorcyclists suffering less serious injuries. However on country roads some 1/3rd of all collisions occur but are responsible for the remaining 2/3rds of motorcycling deaths and most of the serious and life changing injuries. Those are on bends and inappropriate overtakes and with inappropriate speeds [ not necessarily being over the speed limit] Whilst there are some 4.5 to 5 thousand deaths annually in the USA the average annual total of deaths of motorcyclists in the UK is about one a day ie 365. For the last 10 years or so the totals have not varied. Before then [ when we had loads of working speed cameras ]the totals were coming down year by year but with less monies to spend on road safety that decline has now stopped.
As regards to training apart from the necessity [ lawful requirement ]to have a CBT there is no or little training requirement to ride a twv. and so I would agree that over 90% of twv riders having no safety training at all.
@@judgedredd49 I'm from the US and I agree that most US motorcycle accidents are due to 1) consumption of alcohol before riding, 2) very little or no motorcycle training required to get an M license, and 3) lack of protective gear, especially helmets. If you fall at even 25 mph, you will slide and lose some skin. But if you slide headfirst into the concrete curb at the edge of the pavement without a helmet (or even with an open faced helmet), you are all done.
The fatalities in the UK countryside I believe are attributable to your roadway design. The pavement looks to be only 18 to 20 feet wide, with stone walls, hedgerows and cornfields only a couple of feet away. Poor sight distance and cars pull out in front of you. Narrow pavement and cars come over onto your side. In the US, most country roadways are 66 feet wide with 24 foot wide pavements and 4 foot shoulders, and grass beyond. Walls, fences, trees and tall vegetation (crops) are therefore 21 feet away from the edge of the pavement. This gives you time to react to any perceived danger.
I have had one serious accident. Blind, sharp right-hand corner with gravel all over the pavement. No warning sign about the curve. (the nearby farmer told me that a snowplow had knocked the sign down the winter before and they hadn't been around to put up a new sign yet). BSA got scraped up. I ended up with a broken thumb but my helmet had deep gravel scrapes along one side. It would have been very bad if I had not worn a helmet that day. Although I could not have known about the gravel, the truth is I was traveling too fast on an unfamiliar road. The accident was 44 years ago and I promised my Dad from my hospital bed that I wouldn't ride bikes anymore. And I haven't. But my Dad has passed on now and I am retired and the Triumph Street Twin sure looks sweet. I know I would ride more carefully now at 68 than I did when I was 24. We'll see.
@@jamesdarnell8568 Thanks Jame I hope you do get your leg over again. A bike I mean of course. I am 71 years of age and have been riding motorcycles since i was under 10 years old tho at that age not on the roads. Take it easy, get a not too powerful a bike and something that weight wise you can manage out of your garage. whats vitaly important is that you can get both feet down planted firmly on the concrete or tarmac. Have fun but be safe and watch what you and others do. Get on a course or two and those specialise in town work with some country work thrown in. Nothing that smacks of racing on track days as its nothing like the real thing riding out on the pavement.
TMF, riding a motorcycle is as dangerous as the rider makes it.
Very good point....
not really it's much more as many crashes are due to people not seen the bikers and things like that
I agree no one looks out for bikes on the road. So many riders get hit because the drivers are just looking for cars. I ride to be seen and I make sure I do.
Buddy's Insight What do you do to make sure drivers see you? I'm riding with my high-beams (only during the day) and still get cut off by cars. I have a hole in my exhaust pipe which i won't fix because the other drivers are more aware of me.
Thats the thing. When riding a bike you are the least protected person on the road (not counting cyclist), so the risk of you getting hurt is equal to the probability of any driver around you (including you) doing a mistake. This could be said about cars too, but when you crash in a car, you are protected whereas on the bike you have only your gear (gloves, helmet...).
I work as a nurse on a trauma critical care and see the consequences of a accidents on a daily basis. As you say in your video is about realaizing the risk is there and keeping it uppermost in your mind.
I wouldn't give up riding my triumph tiger explorer it gives me so much pleasure. Another great video, thanks!
Thank you Stephanie - amazing job you guys do, would be really interesting to talk to you about what you see sometime (for education purposes not morbid curiosity). Interesting that although you see the results of our fun you still choose to do it...all about risk:reward I guess....personally I draw a line at bunjee jumping....
I’ve been riding since 1978 (43 years as we speak!) having commuted weekly from Kent to Central London for a few years, riden in the mountains of Spain and Cyprus and the open roads across the U.K. and have NEVER been off or had an accident. A bit of luck, lots of concentration and road awareness, keeping within my skill level and watching my speed has all contributed to accident free biker experience. Stay safe out there boys and girls and enjoy!
Great video. I think, Motorcycle Safety Training is a must for every rider. Proper training, safety gear, properly maintained bike, pre-determining your route, avoiding the morning and evening rush hour craziness are a few things I can think of. Cheers and Safe Rides.
Thanks Becker - good points all and would have made a good summary to my video! Thanks for watching and for stopping by - all the best - TMF
IF you drive like a noob its dangerous, if you drive like a ymynoob its very dangerous.........
I think It would be helpful to teach riders systematic risk management's skills much like it is done in general aviation.
I'm a new rider but need to ride during rush hour as I commute on my bike 😬
Another great video. Having nearly reached 60 riding motorcycles I believe as you get 'more mature' you are able to spot problems on the road before they cause you a problem. In my humble opinion riding motorcycles leads to better car driving.
I completely agree Bob, although having said that, even being aware of bikes, when I'm driving I've also been guilty of not seeing bikes or having bikes coming from seemingly nowhere....
Me too, I have an article written by an ex Tornado pilot, in which it describes the mechanics behind how our vision works and how sometimes we fail to see objects.
@@TheMissendenFlyer Yes. On a bike we're danger-scanning; in a car we're not. It's a different mindset. A good biker will be a better driver, for many reasons, but in a car they can easily have the same shortcomings as a driver who doesn't bike.
Hunter S Thompson's quote neatly encapsulates my views on Motorcycling and lifestyle choices :
“Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well-preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming “Wow! What a Ride!”
Couldn't agree more!
i wonder how it stacks up on cycling? no one seems to bat an eyelid but im sure its more dangerous. i've cycled for years and none of my friends and family batted an eyelid, but when i got my first motobike they thought i was a bit of a loony. i always felt vunerable on a road bike knowing every bit of traffic would try and overtake me as soon as they got the chance, but on a motobike i dont have to worry about it.
Yes my instinct tells me you are probably right, I guess the issue is that on a motorcycle increased speeds mean generally more serious injuries or death when the unexpected does happen - would be interesting to see comparative stats though....might have to look into that. Thanks for watching - TMF
In my neck of the woods, cyclists are the biggest group of victims of traffic accidents, and we're talking about a nation which is probably the leading authority in cyclist infrastructure
leading to the traffic safety board to push even more legislation on motorists, but only putting up ads when the darker days approach for cyclists to have working lights
because going against traffic, turning without putting their hand out, coming off the sidewalk on the road at speed, being too busy with their phones,
paying absolutely ZERO attention to any other participants in traffic, etc, has no bearing on their victimization I guess
I'd argue that a sensibly ridden motorcycle in 30MPH town centre areas is much safer than a pedal cycle. You can keep up with the traffic, and thus most car drivers don't usually have a need to do dangerous overtake manoeuvres . At higher speeds, the motorcycle almost certainly becomes more dangerous.
The racing pedal cyclists doing 30MPH well from my experience of pedal bikes, their brakes are no where as good as a motorbike doing 30MPH, plus there is less reluctance for a motorcyclist to brake, because well they don't have to pedal to get back up to speed ! I've only managed to get up to 30MPH going down hill on a pedal bike, and they're blimin hard to stop !
The faster pedal cyclists up London just don't seem to want to brake , they'd rather swerve. Their tyres can't cope with bad road surface as well as larger motorcycle tyres.
Agreed, nobody cared when I was riding my 10 speed in traffic.
My commute to work is actually safer on a motorbike than on a pushbike, 14mile round trip, rural roads.
This was a great one. Especially when you mentioned don't go out in bed weather, just watching this while in quarantine and thinking that I've been commuting twice a week between London and Bristol between November and March. On one occasion I even had fog freezing on my jacket and countless times was leaving London at -4 degrees at 6am in November and December, not to mention the brutal winds or some serious rainy evenings.
When I had my first bike in the late 80s/early 90s, I rode like a pillock. If I had continued riding and got something bigger than 100cc I seriously doubt I'd be here today. Now I'm, let's just say older, my respect for life means I ride with everyone and everything else uppermost in my mind. I cringe when I see youngsters in shorts, T shirt and trainers (sometimes no helmet) zooming along but it's pointless trying to stop them being young. Who didn't think they were as indestructible as Action man as teenagers? my friends 18 year old son is still in a coma more than 6 months after crashing with no helmet. I can't imagine riding with no skid lid. Right i'm off to buy some micromorts on Amazon. Cool vid. Cheers.
Yeah I'm with you Vine - and put me down for a couple a thousand more micromorts will you?
Same. Don't know how I survived my Yamaha RD350LC (aged 22). Lucky it was stolen or I don't think I'd have made it past 23. We were all indestructible in our teen/20's (that's why they sent the platoons of 18 year olds first up the beaches at Normandy in 1944 because the guys in their 30's and 40's would have said $%^& that!).
Now I'm in my 50's and coming back to bikes. Thanks TMF for awesome reviews...
Really sorry to hear about your mates son - hope he makes it through against the odds - all the best.
I didn't ride a bike like an idiot when I was younger, however my car driving probably left something to be "desired". Like all youngsters, I believed I was going to LIVE FOREVER, and had a magical force field around me keeping me safe. It was probably more luck than judgement nothing bad happened. I think I'll leave it at that !
Great commentary. One thing that you can do to improve safety is to increase your bike’s visible width. The big difference between bikes and cars is the change in perspective that enables others to assess the approach speed of the oncoming vehicle. The key reference points are the headlight clusters. It’s a natural reference for humans as we also use similar horizontal references such as eyes to gauge the proximity of other humans for example. Bikes are narrow and their approach speed is much more difficult to interpret. Adding fog lights is good, but put them as wide as possible on the crash bars. Even better fit LEDs to handguards. These are available with running lights and turn repeaters for a few pounds on Ebay and are a life saver. Obviously sports bikes may have neither option, but if you can bear to fit some small, racy handguards on a Panigale (and can put up with your mates asking when you’re changing to knobbliest) and fit some LEDs you’d be much safer.
Thanks for watching and for stopping by! All the best - TMF
One of the best pieces of advice given to me when I started was given to me by my instructor, who told me (quite correctly in my case) that sooner or later you will crash your bike and when you do, no matter how slowly you're going or how good your gear is, it will HURT! I kinda feel that if you remember that and have a healthy amount of respect for the danger you're far more likely to survive than the "it'll never happen to me" crowd.
Agreed - no room for complacency in this game...
Rob S --> Excellent post... ✔
Glad my first crash hurt. Definitely a better rider now for it. I split lanes now at a much slower speed... and actually dont mind the extra five mins on my commute for the satisfaction i get from riding properly.
It's more risky but none of these studies talk about quality of life. Dying sucks butt, but the thought of it happening at work, bored, passionless, and wasting life away is terrifying and depressing.
so if you live on a jet then you become immortal?
Give it a go and find out :0)
maybe later on in life when I need the immortality. I prefer 2 wheels for now :)
Naah, the radiation from the Sun is much worse at 33,000 feet. So you'll either get cancer or turn into a Ninja Mutant Turtle !
Isn't that funny
Same thing with those people complaining that if you didn't smoke, you could have bought a Ferrari
Most of those complainers don't smoke and can't afford a Ferrari
Hi.
Bit background first; only passed my DAS in July 2019 having never even sat on a motorcycle before. Being so new to motorcycling I have an awful lot to learn, which is why I've watched dozens of your UA-cam videos ... learning a lot ... thank you.
I've only just got round to watching this video - may I suggest it's possibly worth a follow-on/update. I've been a bicyclist for many years but always wanted to ride a motorcycle but was put off by the dangerous reputation until I looked at the UK stats;
- Bicycle circa 100 deaths 3k serious injuries per annum
- Motorcycling circa 300 deaths 5k serious injuries per annum
On the face of it motorcycling far more dangerous. However, almost all bicycle related incidents involved another motor vehicle whereas less than 30% of motorcycling incidents involved another vehicle.
So an interpretation of the stats could be;
- Continued training (RoSPA, IAM, etc) will make you a better/safer rider (my local RoSPA group of which I'm undertaking training said that only around 1% motorcyclists undertake advanced training)
- Motorcyclist are more in control of their destiny than a bicyclist (I feel far less vulnerable my motorcycle)
- Other factors such as if you only ride in good weather, only ride in daylight, don't commute on your bike, etc come into play.
Not suggesting that motorcycling is safe. And not disagreeing with any of the points you made. Maybe if you're stuck for a video one day consider doing a follow-up to this one?.
Sorry for the long message but thought it was relevant ... thanks again for great channel!
Cheers Chris - all good points you make and welcome to motorcycling!
food for thought. what I have noticed on bike fail vids..is 80% of crashes are speed or showing off related incidents. And I would agree that upright bikes do give you a false sense of confidence. I'm glad I've found your channel. ride safe everyone.
I'm glad you found it too - welcome along!
I found it interesting that people with dirt riding experience were “significantly underrepresented “ in the HURT study. I ride a dirt bike at work (a farm) almost everyday and feel quite comfortable while at it. I just bought my first road bike, however, and am worried about riding it in traffic. Your video helped me focus on the most relevant risks. Thanks! I’m 64 years old, by the way.
Thanks for watching and for stopping by! All the best - TMF
I always wonder why motorcycling is compared to other “modes of transport”, when in fact for most of us it’s a leisure pursuit. Horse riding, skiing, paragliding, scuba diving and many other leisure activities carry a much higher risk of injury and/or death. When I took up motorcycling again this year in my sixties, after a 30 year gap, nearly all my friends and family took pains to point out the dangers. Yet no-one seems to do likewise when these same people take their families skiing, or when they decide to try hang-gliding or skiing in retirement. In fact, they seem to gain some prestige for doing so.
In my opinion, it all comes down to perceived social class. Horse-riding, skiing et al are regarded as respectable activities favoured by the upper classes, and it would be so uncool to talk about risks. I mean, the Royal Family are fans! Whereas biking is seen as working class, open to ridicule and uncool. Celebrities who admit to owning bikes generally describe it as a guilty pleasure. Why don’t they have the same attitude to skiing? If Michael Schumacher had ended up in a coma after falling off his motorbike, many would have said that he should have known better, but his skiing accident is just regarded as bad luck.
Anyway, rant over, I love your thought-provoking videos!
As someone who flies light aircraft and is a regular skier as well as a biker I could not agree more Charles!
I like that UA-cam is now offering up some of your older content, would just like to say your ideas for your videos and your work ethic in putting it all together is really brilliant. It’s inspiring to be honest from this sort of video to your monthly mcn news, really quality content love your stuff. Wish you many more years safe riding and content creating!
Wow thank you very much! I had noticed I've started to get more comments on older videos, I wonder if UA-cam have changed something....
Can I add for your consideration my own rules for avoiding accidents? These are things I NEVER do, some of which cause puzzlement amongst my fellow bikers. But I’ve seen and had too many near misses to make the risks worthwhile.
1. NEVER filter between lanes of traffic
2. NEVER use a hatched area in the middle of the road as a “motorcycle overtaking lane”
3. NEVER use bus lanes open to motorcycles to “undertake” other traffic
4. NEVER assume that a car indicator, whether flashing or not, means what it says
5. NEVER get angry
Cheers!
All good advice Charles if you want to stay as safe as possible - but some of the benefits of being on a motorbike depend on some of those things (filtering for example means we don't get stuck in traffic jams). We all need to be aware of the risks and decide which level we as adults are willing to accept if we are to ride a motorcycle....
So I ride a bike, smoke, don't watch my diet and don't do sport
Statistically,... I should have been dead 7 years ago ;-)
Well done you!
God helps you than
Haha! Me too bro. Fuck it, I still like a beer, a spliff n a line at 69 !
Not while riding obviously,,,
too bloody windy....
@@adnan_honest_jihadist5775
Him and me aren't friends, and if I get the chance to go through the pearly gates by accepting God in my life, I'll pass and take the elevator down by choice
I'd rethink that, only if he decides to spread all suffering equally instead of singling a few specific people out and putting them through hell on earth
Nightdare you still alive?
Just in the past two weeks have I run across your reviews and the ones I have seen are spot on for me. I am a fifth generation Texan that now lives in PNW which means we can spot good and bad so called experts(BS) and you are one of the best, thank you.
+Terry Boaz Wow, thank you Terry, very kind of you and welcome along!
Hi TMF another good subject. I have been a motorcyclist for 53 years and most of the close shaves I have had were down to car drivers. You really got to concentrate on what's going on around you. I find sometimes the road surfaces can be just as big a hazard. If you ride a lot in large towns there is a lot to be said for the saying Loud Pipes Saves lives. Ride safe.
Thank you TMF i've watched this a few times now and recommend every rider watch at least every couple years .. a fan from Atlanta
I was a bike courier in London. Apparently at the time it was statistically more dangerous then a deep sea diver on the oil rigs.
Never had an accident. Saw lots (no fault of mine) the Queen went past once. Que sera. What will be will be.
Nice one - well done on your survival! ....and thanks for watching...
If I was asked to give THE most important aspect of motorcycle riding and safety I'd have to say observation, of everything. You could run up a list of hazards as long as your arm but if you see or anticipate them you've reduced the risks significantly. I feel much more at ease on my 200mph road bike than I do riding the dirt bike home on cold damp roads after a day out trail riding. Went down twice last Winter, no warning, nothing. I've had a few spills over the years but it's kind of ironic that my worst was while cycling to work one morning and coming off on black ice at around 15mph, ending up hospitalised with two large screws holding my hip together!
Ride safe everyone.
Ouch!
Cheers for that TMF, if I could give any advice from experience it would be, sign up for an advanced riding course. I've been riding from age 9 mostly off road stuff. Then road bikes from 09, did my advanced in 2013. I thought I could ride but believe me, the knowledge & skills I learned from the advanced course make riding much safer & more enjoyable. Look up local IAM groups etc, my local group are doing courses £99 .... cheers Karl.
Good point Karl, we never stop learning and more training can never be a bad thing I reckon - cheers - TMF
Must agree . Late to riding so went straight to IAM then 2 Bikesafe days feed back great . ride in groups and many guys blame the car drivers . LOOK at what your contribution was to the incident It may be UUUUU
Sobering stuff TMF, but brilliantly explained.
Really impressed with how you've broken down the stats into useable, understandable information. I've worked in the U.K.
tv industry for over 20 years (BBC, ITV, Sky) and have come across many main stream producers that couldn't have done that any better.
Well that's very kind of you to say David, much appreciated!
Great video! While I am really annoyed by those telling me that I'll kill myself immediately by riding a motorcycle (eg my parents) I have to think that most of us bikers do not seem to have any understanding of the risks and their own skills (or lack of skills). Many people seriously doubt the necessity of rider aids like ABS or traction control and even say that these reduce fun, create other risks and are patronising. We still have more then enough bikers dying from avoidable accidents and systems like ABS already have proven to be a huge help in difficult situations, reducing the risk of severe injury significantly. The same type of rider usually seems fearless (or brainless?!) when overtaking and does not even think of encountering unpleasant surprises like a tractor pulling out of a country lane somewhere... it is alarming to see how many bikers have no clue about choosing a line and often lean into oncoming traffic.
IMO riding style and being foresightful has great influence on one's personal risk. That does not mean that one should never go a little quicker, but be aware that there are roads, situations and conditions where it is highly inappropriate to do so.
Have to agree with you on all of that Federstahl - thanks for watching and for stopping by. All the best - TMF
really interesting as usual and thought provoking. As you say stats can be made to say almost anything. One thing to have in mind is that average stats do not say how likely an individual is to have an accident. Young people are more likely to have accidents except for born again bikers with the money to buy super bikes. Might have been nice to focus a bit more on what we can do to mitigate the likely hood of having an accident. Sadly the road is full of people doing stupid things so accidents are random to some extent but even then can be reduced by defensive riding. I have been riding for 46 years and had 3 accidents (all the other persons fault including a double decker bus)plus a few scary moments. But I am now of to do a course.
Thanks again for another great video.
Thank you John, and well done on your 46 year record....I hope you can carry on in a similar vein...what course you taking btw??
Safe m/c operation is not about hand eye coordination or even feel for the machine although those are important. Safety is about a mental attitude and ability to anticipate hazards. If you don't have the aforementioned you are hanging out huge.
Yep, completely agree with that Jeff....thanks for stopping by - TMF
Not a realistic solution, but I've always thought that if every car driver had to do their bike license too, the road would be safer for bikers. I would have to admit that I only became properly aware of bikes while driving after I started riding myself. You just think a little differently after having spent some time on a bike. Wishful thinking though 😁! But very Interesting stats. I need more micromorts!!!
I completely agree - I reckon even a CBT as part of the car licencing process would help (and get more people on bikes!)...
Yes, absolutely. CBT is a great idea, build awareness AND potentially more bikers, less traffic etc etc. Like it. 👍
We should start a campaign!
I'm (re) doing my training as a driving instructor and after a chat with somebody at the local rider training school I think I might get my pupils to go out on pillion with one of the instructors as one of their lessons. Hopefully make them more aware of bikes on the road but also to raise their observation skills while on the road.
If I lose a few pupils to the glory of riding well I'm ok with that :).
I agree. A possible easier to implement solution is to make road riding on a pedal bike part of the car test (unless the person has a disability that stops them from riding a bike). If you don't appreciate what riding a pedal cycle is like in urban areas, then maybe you shouldn't be allowed to drive a car or bigger vehicle.
Great video and thanks for attempting to 'clear the fog' about risks. I passed my DAS a year or two ago and having been a car driver for a long time thought I knew it all. RoSPA/IAM do an advanced rider training course that is run by volunteers and costs next to nothing (just time and fuel). I completed mine earlier this year and it has transformed my riding. Much safer and gives you the confidence to enjoy the ride more.
Good stuff Andy, I meant to mention the various ongoing training but forgot - I'm also a huge fan of the Police Bike-Safe scheme. Thanks for watching and for stopping by - TMF
Yes, I would be interested to see the comparison between cycling and motorcycling... As a life long bicycle rider, I was knocked off by a car four times in 10 years:
First time knocked off on a roundabout - I broke my knee - still not right now 20+ years later).
Second time another roundabout - just bruising.
Third time I was riding down a street in town, in good weather with an otherwise empty road with no junctions and a car turned across my path (without indicating) to park in his driveway after working a nightshift! Nothing I could have done about that... He had the cheek to ask who was going to pay for the damage to his car!?! I had the satisfaction of riding down the same road for 6 months and seeing the dent in his front wing caused by knee :-).
4th time landed on my head after going over a car bonnet (fortunately had a bike helmet on) and suffered no major damage although it did compress my spine a bit.
In the last year I have been hit “lightly” by two more cars, but managed to get my foot down and not actually fall off.
After all this, I now want to get a motorbike - with my track record...
You could say I’ve been unlucky, but I think I’ve been lucky none of them were worse... my experience on the bicycle will hopefully help me with a motorcycle. Stay safe everyone!
Crikey - be careful out there Martin!
Well 4 accidents in 10 years and then nothing of note for 10 years, so it's going in the right direction...
Well 4 accidents in 10 years and then nothing of note for 10 years, so it's going in the right direction...
Thanks for all the fantastic reviews. I've watched about 20 now. Brilliant. Best channel I've found.... Keep up the awesome work!
Thank you Ian - you've still got some catching up to do!
We ride motorcycles because they're deeply exhilirating. The ticking clock of our inexorably approaching death may tick quicker when we're on a motorcycle, but it feels just the opposite. It feels like it slows down and stops for an afternoon. I'll bet motorcycles actually add to life expectancy for those who survive the riding itself. That said, we need to respect the risks. You give a nice summary of situational awareness needed.
Thanks Andrew and I entirely agree - it's activities like this that make life worth living! Sounds dramatic I know but it is true...as you say, does us no harm to be aware of the risks though...
I saw a report in the US a few years back that fishing from a power boat was the leading dangerous recreational activity.
What, worse than sword swallowing whilst sky-diving?
This was a surprisingly good video.
I suggest that we use the term 'risk' instead of 'danger' and ask if motorcycling is a risky activity instead of a dangerous one. Risk means a chance of the occurrence of an adverse event, and we can control risk up to a point through our behavior, e.g., not riding in bad weather that reduces visibility and traction, not riding with excessive speed, not riding in a manner that reduces our ability to react appropriately to unforeseen events or behavior by others, etc. I'd add another: not riding at night if possible, and if doing so slowing down significantly.
Time and space give us the ability to address risk... the time to evade an oncoming driver who turns in front of us, the space to avoid an obstacle in the road that falls from a vehicle in front of us or to adjust our line in our lane in a curve. We get hurt when we hit something or when something separates the rider from the motorcycle during movement and we end up slamming into something. Therefore we should ride in a manner that allows us to make that curve, avoid that obstacle, maintain control at all times... in short, in a manner that preserves time and space.
We are individuals, not an average or a statistic. Let others choose to push the average risk higher, let us ride in a way that dramatically reduces our risk.
Surprisingly good? Thanks...!
I meant this in the context of UA-cam... enjoy your videos and found them useful in helping me decide between the RT, GS, and GSA.
No worries matey - only joking with you ;0)
@@TheMissendenFlyer Hahahahaha !
I have been riding bikes since I was 17, I'm now retired, and got rid of my last bike a few years ago. I did my advanced riding, and I'm sure it helped me to survive. I still love bikes and am considering getting another, (GS Rally). Safe riding really depends on common sense, and appreciation of other road users. Whether they are right or wrong is really immaterial, as it is the biker who generally comes off worst. We all do stupid things occasionally, but I like to think that when I do, I take a calculated risk, fortunately I've got away with it so far. As one of your correspondents said, just sitting on the sofa all day and night is far more dangerous. If you enjoy your bikes, carry on riding.
...well I'm not sure sitting on the sofa is more dangerous, but it's certainly less fun and that's the balance I think you have to get right...well done on incident free riding to date - long may it continue.....TMF
TheMissendenFlyer . I didn't say I was accident free, I broke my collar bone when I was a teenager, but since then, I have had a couple, though none too serious, though I did scratch my paintwork.
Motorcycling is probably the most dangerous form of land transportation ever invented. This video is so informative that I actually viewed it twice!
Excellent!
Brilliant video and thanks for the research. I almost got wiped out by a car on the M25 this morning changing lanes without mirrors or signal then 6 hours later a car from the the opposite direction decided to overtake so a another close call. Scary moments.
It is amazing how many "scary moments" you have when you're minding your own business on your bike compared with when you're doing the same in your car isn't it! Keep your whit's about you out there!
having rode motorcycles on the road for nearly 15 years myself, i wasn't sure if this video would be of any interest, but it was. great video - thanks for sharing.
Great - I aim to please, thanks for the kind comment :0)
Always enjoy your vids. This was a very balanced appraisal of the dangers. When talking to people who don't understand our love of biking, I tell them that motorcycling is inherently perfectly safe... People are dangerous. Keep up the great work.
Yes good answer Dave...and will do! All the best - TMF
Riding dirt bikes in the Arizona desert back in the day was far less scary than taking city street , with cars. They just don’t look.
Thank you for the research.
I think riders themselves make it more dangerous by drinking or smoking as you mentioned, not wearing appropriate protective equipment, riding with a dangerous speed, not having a road strategy and paying better attention while riding, lacking the experience.
Riding sure is dangerous by there are ways to make it safer !
You're right. One rider, 26, lost an arm flying through a hedge on a bend, a pretty easy bend. Turns out he had a couple of pints. Only passed his test 2 months prior. Ah well!
Nice video @theMissendenFlyer. Acknowledging the risks, wearing the right gear, improving hazard perception and improving riding skills go a long way in keeping motorcycling and motorcyclists alive. I watched hundreds of hours of accident videos on youtube to speed up on the hazard perception and agree on the list of top 10 hazards you presented.
Another great video:) It's hard to avoid bad weather when you commute every day though rain or shine. It does make you appreciate good weather though :) I advise people watch lots of bike crash vids on you tube. They keep it real and grounded
Yes I agree Richard, it can be a bit depressing but learning from others mistakes is a good idea...thanks for watching and for commenting - all the best - TMF
What's the risk of dying of boredom ? Especially when stuck in a car in a traffic jam ?
Fairly low I imagine but I take your point!
Excellent! Comprehensive brief on major points of 'hurt' to a biker. Being a 'newby' myself (even after riding motocross and driving for 30+ years), this is still good advice - thank you.
Glad you found it of interest professorclown, when you ride a bike you always have to be thinking "what could kill me next" much more than you do in a car....welcome to biking and stay safe!
So the last time I rode a bike was in 1981 (the first twin cam Honda 750) purchased brand new in 1979. I have to admit back then I was nuts on a bike and paid the price with several smaller accidents. But the big one that got me wasn’t my fault (a coach turning right failed to see me on a country A road). Survived it and kissed motorcycles goodbye for ever or so I thought, and I’m now on the lookout for a bike again before it’s too late. The other thing I used to indulge in was smoking and even though I packed in the smokes 20 years ago, I now have severe COPD with 40% lung function. It’s killing me slowly, so I figure why not have some serious fun back on a bike, and if the worst happens it will probably be quick. I fancy a Yamaha tracer 900 GT, and I do know that returning bikers of my vintage are in a high risk group so maybe some refresher training either way keep up the reviews they’ve got my attention👍
You’ll be fine Andy - you’re older and wiser now....go for it!
Interesting data. I enjoy your videos very much. And I'm in awe of your well organized and clean garage!
The stats chart was great! Excellent graphics! More impactive than some computer based graph anyway. The risks involved with biking can't be disputed because the consequences can be high, even from a minor spill. As you covered, there's lots we can do to mitigate the risks and still enjoy biking. 20+ years later, I've never had bump, but avoided plenty!
Thanks mars0030, particularly pleased you liked my old school graphics :0)
I think the two most important /forgotten / unknown things we forget when riding / driving fast( let's face it we all go fast sometimes ) 1 the thinking distance stays the same ( or gets longer with age ) no matter how good the brakes / tyres are. 2 highway code rule 126: drive at a speed that will allow you to stop well within the distance you can see to be clear.( so if you go round a blind corner you *must * be able to stop whatever is round that corner!) how many people can say they do that ? Your video is all good to me. Tks
Thank you Rob - and agreed, I had a reminder of that only today coming around a corner on my CRF and meeting an unsuspecting horse! I'm always assuming something is coming around the corner and it's surprising how many times I have been proved right! Thanks for your kind comments - all the best - TMF
Tks for reply,looks like you got loads of good videos .
I try my best :0)
I am curious as to what kind of numpty pushes the thumbs down button on this video..I think you give great advice and have helped me no end in my choice of bike as well as riding style and awareness ...keep up the great work !
Thank you Paul - appreciated!
Great video TMF. When riding I always think 'what is that driver up too' to the extent of watching body movements for lane changes etc:. Not full proof but cannot hurt. Being very alert and non complacent is key.
Completely agree Grant - Experience coupled with luck goes a long way too....
Hi!
The way I see it, riding a bike is not replaceable with anything else. Last weekend we were driving lots of gravel roads and it was a great fun.
Comparing that with flying a regular jet just doesn’t make sence. It’s not even an alternative.
Commuting on a bike and comparing that with a car might be relevant but not in such general terms.
That’s the way I see it.
Thanks for all your videos, you rock!!
hi. i got sent a video of yours doing the northern frace trip... (one a few friends and i are planning to do next summer) i am now hooked on your reviews and videos! keep up the good work and well done for the content material! (signed:Mark and my restored 1989 ZXR 750H1)
Thank you Mark - great to have you along (and your pal has great taste :0)
Yet another great video by TMF... your 'common sense' approach to motorcycles is SPOT ON! Yes, bikes are meant to be enjoyed and driven...very therapeutic I might add... but, ALWAYS expect the unexpected when riding. EYES WIDE OPEN my fellow bikers! Thanks TMF for your views on every aspect of the motorbike experience! SPLENDID! -Steve-
Thanks for the kind comments - much appreciated! All the best - TMF
As a squash player, I had a good grin at that early 90's racquet you've got hung up there in the garage ;)
Great video as always TMF!
Very impressive bit of racquet recognition!
WeNeedASaga did you also see the little girly dumbbells on the counter 😂
Brilliant video. I've forwarded it to my mother who worries constantly
Haha, good luck with that....
Given my milage, I'm in micromort overdraft territory
Very interesting , I'm also impressed with the cleanliness of the GS after your recent Norfolk trip!
Thanks Adrian, the GS always gets a thorough clean after a damp outing...will be getting a super deep one next week as it's that ACF 50 time of the year!
as a single child, my parents forbid me to ride a bike until I have kids because they think it is too dangerous
Yeh man, my first thought has already been mentioned below, "it's as risky as the us the riders make it." So on this side, if we ride within our talent, the bikes, roads and laws limit we should be fine. The scary part really is the risk we have no control over, which is the trust we have to put in other road users. All we can do there is be aware and ATGATT.
Great vid man.
Tcrs✊
Agreed and thanks (as ever)....
I think you can quote statistics to prove motorcycling can be perfectly safe also.
For example:
"Almost half of the fatal accidents show alcohol involvement."
"More than ½ of the accident-involved motorcycle riders had less than 5 months experience on the accident motorcycle"
"Motorcycle riders between the ages of 16 and 24 are significantly overrepresented in accidents"
Therefore, if you don't drink, are over a certain age and have lots of experience you will be at less risk of an accident, so much so that motorcycling becomes less risky than being a pedestrian.
Yes that may well be the case Antonio, in the end you have to do your own research and thinking and make your own choice - clearly you and I don't think it's tooo dangerous....as you say, statistics can be made to support any argument...
I don't think I've got a Micromort gauge on the Harley or the FJR but put me down for a few thousand, I'm off out for a ride :)
Thanks for taking out the time to make this wonderful video. Enjoyed it a lot.
Thank you Krish, glad you found it of interest....
I have always had it drummed in to me since my cbt "Ride like everyone is out to kill you/Ride like nobody is looking for you"
A good thing to bear in mind I find....
You can ride as defensively as possible and take other precautions but if someone is gonna knock you off it's going to happen no matter what, just gotta stay on the ball and look out for and predict what might happen and steer clear of it
Thanks for this video. I'm a fairly new older rider and heading to Europe and gaining loads of insight on various issues as I commence me preparation for the three week tour!
Bernie in sydney
Sounds like fun! ....glad you've found my efforts of interest - thanks for watching - TMF
how can it be so dangerous to walk, does it have anything to do with all the cars and motorcycles?
:0) probably!
Advanced riding course some 36+ years ago put me in good stead and still does. Clearly it won't eliminate all risks but does reduce rider errors and compensates for those other road users who are not bike aware....
Yes, you can never really argue against more training can you....good point.
The really interesting thing to look for in the stats would be to see how many accidents are entirely not the fault of the rider. Its always the way with such stats, x percent down to lack of training, y percent going way to fast for the conditions etc. etc. The real concern is what is the risk leftover that if I do everything correct but still end up wiped out by an idiot.
Very interesting comparison. Borrowing from stock market terminology, I view the risk in terms of the systematic (the risk presented by environmental factors - road, weather, other road users) and the unsystematic (the risk presented by the bike and the rider). The more control I exercise over the latter, the more time I have to mitigate the former. Ultimately, though, you have to accept that however much you mitigate risk in motorcycling, the consequences of risk crystallisation are likely to be of greater magnitude than with walking, taking the bus, or driving your car.
Agreed! (I think, you going all technical on us there....)
Good point, though you should have said 'systemic' rather than 'systematic'. Systemic describes something that happens or exists inherently throughout a whole system. Systematic describes something that was thorough and intentional, methodical, or implemented according to a plan.
I was borrowing the term "systematic risk" (not to be confused with "systemic risk", which relates to a system) used in stock and financial markets to describe risk in relation to any investment that is impossible to completely mitigate or avoid, also called in that context "market risk" or "undiversifiable risk". But I don't want to be precious about the distinction; the important thing is that we all understand there is only so much you can do to mitigate the inherent risk of climbing aboard the machine and putting it on the road. Cheers and ride safe.
It's all good! Cheers...
I think the safest time to ride a motorcycle is when retired. You can go out any time any day, when the weather's better, not in traffic jams, not commuting, not stressed, and NOT A WEEKENDS. Well that's my tuppence worth, happy days.
+tristram gordon Yep you may be right on that Tristram - cheers....TMF
I have been riding motorcycles since I was 16 I am now 64 years old 65 in July when I first started I came off a few times because I was new to it. It's been well over 40 years since I last came off my bike you must always ride within your limits. Bikes have been my only transport in all weather my only way to get to work . I tell you now if you think you are going to die you should not be riding I can say I always feel 100 percent confident on my bike don't forget you take up a lot less room on the road so it's easy to avoid over vehicles .i see to many know it all's on you tube talking rubbish been on a bike 5min, and know it all. like your channel man keep up the good work
Thank you Keith....and I agree 100%!
Have to say... your channel is really top notch. Best subscription I can remember making - great content! Slowly working my way through your back catalogue... ha ha
Brilliant - thanks Alex, appreciate your kind words...TMF
This video has a good perspective on motorcycling but the one thing I'd say is that up to the point of people crashing their own bikes, it's cars that are dangerous (to others). The problem with the stats as well is you can't account for random erratic mentally deranged inner city drivers but nevertheless a great video!
Very true! Thanks for watching and for stopping by!
I love listening to you talk. You're a natural. keep it up - regards from the UAE
Very kind, thank you....
Watching this 3 and half years after you made it and whilst I agree with everything you said I have the following observations and questions.
I have never owned or ridden a motorbike in the UK but I have done both in Thailand. I am a fair weather rider and hope to retire to Thailand on the next few years and resume riding. Anyway, back to my observations. Some of your points are about experience riding and/or driving. Looking down the road and noticing cars waiting at junctions, people in a position to open their car doors, what is going on ahead of you generally....that comes with experience. I do appreciate that riding a bike you need to be aware of different risks.
Have motorbikes got safer since you made this video? I know most mishaps are the riders fault but have newer bikes got better helping the rider?
Have we as a nation become more motorbike aware, perhaps because of the growing number of cyclists?
A few of my immediate thoughts.
I really enjoyed your video & I love the concept of micromorts- I try to do everything to skew the odds my way when I undertake "dangerous" activities such as climbing on one of my bikes. Ilike your list of dangerous factors for the rider to consider and I think you set exactly the right tone for this important topic.
Thank you Mac - appreciate the kind comments and glad you found the video of interest....all the best - TMF
Intrinsically dangerous form of getting from A to B. But great fun. British roads are so busy, and full of people who have never experienced motor bikes and often treat them with contentiousness.
I so want a bike but am torn between the enjoying biking and risk of serious injury. But i plan to ride purely for pleasure either past midnight or early morning hours when the roads are quiet
I always head out with a tentative anxiety when I ride. I always think this keeps me alert, and always wear my ATGATT (all the gear, all the time).
Alert and Aware and Anticipate.
I think that's a pretty healthy way to proceed Marc!
You made a passing comment about running out of micromorts as we get older. I'm 67 and have been back on a bike agter a long gap for about 5 months. I'm not likely to do anything stupid and throw my life away and have always known the risks. I started at 16 in the UK and rode year round because that was all I could afford as an apprentice. I did summer and winter for four years, then because of girls I got a car! I now have an MT10 and it is the best thing I ever bought, bang for buck it's out of this world. I live in sunny hot Australia so no ice and snow now. Just motorists and other motorcycles to avoid. I know the dangers. Access the risk against the benefits as you have rightly said. Keep the vids coming mate!
+Barry Roberts Yep with you on all that Barry, thanks for watching and for stopping by - TMF
Good video. I wonder what the incident statistics of riders who have had advanced rider training against riders who haven't?
Yes, now that would be interesting!
I'm in the States in the St. Louis, MO area. I've been riding since about 84' and chances are you're going to lay it down if you ride for any length of time. My accident was a car on my right..turned left right in front of me. I already had my hand covering the front brake... just missed hitting the car.. went off the road and laid it down in grass at around 40 mph. I was lucky not to get hurt. My experience.. wear protective gear.. be aware of everything around you! It has saved me many times being aware. Riding fast increases your risk! Pick your time and place carefully when riding fast!
100% agree Rob - of course we all like the feeling of acceleration and speed you can get on a bike, but there is a time and a place for it (in the main that's on the race track). Caution is the name of the game when riding on the road! Thanks for stopping by - TMF
Thank you for the time you spend helping people with motorcycle related things :)
I started riding a motorbike to commute to work, so I rode a 125 on L plates for 3 solid years in all weather conditions, day and night, spring, summer, autumn and winter. I rode in 50+ mile/hr winds, torrential rain during the day, torrential rain at night, heavy sleet, deep snow, and black ice. Only after 3 years of riding in this way I finally decided to get a full licence and buy a bigger bike.
I'm an ambivalent rider, and I don't think we can compare smoking to riding a motorcycle, dying on a motorcycle can take you two seconds, dying from smoking takes 50 years. Still very good video, I think it's an important and difficult subject, but comparing it to other motor vehicles is an accurate and representative figure so that was very interesting. Still I'm thinking about riding only track, because I will not accept the risk of dying, and I find it highly uncomfortable riding on the highway, but I don't know if anyone at all investigates track injuries, as they seem to happen daily and depend on the maniacs you ride with
Your videos are excellent and really well made. My only criticism of this one is that it would have been a great chance to really stress the benefits of advanced training (IAM, ROSPA etc). If you're going to ride bikes like the Panigale and others, to not at least dip your toe into this world or at least buy a copy of 'Motorcycle Roadcraft' is in my opinion to really miss something very important indeed, or quite possibly life saving... But keep up the great work.
Good point Alex (and I have read Motorcycle Roadcraft from cover to cover) - I've not taken any "advanced" courses but I should have mentioned them and the Police ride safe scheme, none of which can do any harm can they....thanks for watching and for your kind comments - TMF
Risk is misunderstood. For example, driving in fog.
If fog is dangerous to drive through, you don’t slow down and double the exposure time...no, no! You drive twice as fast to halve the amount of time you’re exposed to that risk!
You’re welcome society. 🧐👍
Brilliant analyses on the risks of riding. No doubt every biker must take time to think about it. What's nice is more and more people are riding responsibly...
What makes you say that??
I have yet to see a UA-cam video maker paying no attention to traffic or riding without safety gear. Sure every one's talking about accidentally dropping their bike once or twice in the lifetime. Back in India - there is total disregard for human lives and no culture of safety. I've decided to take time and absorb as many videos as I can before I start riding.
Trust me there's plenty of UA-cam video makers riding dangerously though!
I ride. I'm in US. I ride a Triumph Street Triple. Riding is really dangerous. Realizing and/or admitting this is the first step to protecting yourself from getting killed. Study road dynamics and know where to put the bike on the road to see and be seen.
I love to open up that Triple but you just have to know when and where to do it.
Fully agree....
Well done for tackling this emotive subject.
Thank you Chris...
Riding solo, halves the statistics. Don't ride in the rain halves it again, so there you have it no risk riding.
I like the way you're thinking Frank! Good advice indeed :0).....
I've been riding motorcycles for 46 years, some of which was as a courier clocking up 2000 miles a week. As a rough conservative estimate 3/4 of million miles over that time. Based on your chart, I should be dead! Your tips are all good sound advice. A few I would add, make sure your bike is in good condition and do your pre-flight checks, so to speak. On the road, if anyone looks dodgy or drives in an unpredictable way give them a wide birth. If they are tailgating you, get past the next vehicle and let them deal with the nutter. If necessary let them go past, so they can go kill themselves somewhere else without involving you. Wear clothing that aids your visibility, especially when conditions aren't ideal. Bright yellow waterproofs may make you may look like a twit but you'll be a live twit. Finally, the UK Police have a very nice book called "Motorcycle Roadcraft. The Police Rider's Handbook". The copy I've got came with a job lot of bikers stuff off eBay. It has 260 pages of information, pictures and tests that even an old git like me can learn from. It is available from Amazon and old copies can be bought for as little as a 1p. Get one, you have nothing to lose but your life.
All good advice Geoff - cheers!
@@TheMissendenFlyer Yep, I always
tell the biking naysayers "If they were that dangerous I don't think the police would ride them."
"At virtually No Expense" classic...Great video. Hope my wife doesn't see this. She hate the fact that I ride.
Yeah I recorded this when the Mrs was at work....I'm pretty sure she never watches You Tube so I should be safe....
Good advice, I'm thinking of getting back into motorcycling after a 20 years in a car. I have a full licence, so could just go out and at some 150 hp monster. But I've started CBT course, and will build up slowly on a second hand 125, then buy a 150 hp touring bike. I remember a TV programme about risks a few years ago. Apparently about 20 people die each year coming down the stairs in the morning and 8 people die putting on their socks (suddenly blood clot to the brain)
Indeed - but many many more people come down the stairs and put their socks on than ride motorcycles....
@@TheMissendenFlyer Absolutely, The programme (I wish I would remember the name) also pointed out that New York police officers, were something like 4 times more likely to have a car accident, same as racing drivers, the argument being that they are over familiar with driving and take more risks. In the 90's on my VFR 750 I was hit two two drivers (side swiped) within a month of each other on the same stretch of road. I'm trying to manage my fear of getting back on a bike. My colleagues and family telling me I'm crazy, too old etc (62). Yet I look at your channel you've got me hooked on the R1250gs, a wonderful bike it seems. Thank you fro a brilliant channel.