View Full Version : motorcycles are dangerous and scooters not???
I'm in a reflective mood today...
Occurred to me how people always go on about how dangerous motorbikes are but no one ever really has a constant go at scooters in the same way. Considering a lot of crashes happen at fairly low speeds (one of the members here recently crashed at 35mph in London), someone else broke ribs doing 10mph at a roundabout etc makes no difference what you're riding.
You're actually very likely to be a lot worse off on a scooter since vast majority of scooter riders wear no protection whatsoever bar a helmet.
Riding around London makes no difference if you're on a scooter or a motorbike, if you crash the outcome will be exactly the same. Why do people seem to assume if you're on a scooter it's ok to ride in ballerina pumps and a skirt but as soon as you're on a motorbike you must be all geared up. The speed in town will be the same so if you crash...
yorkie_chris
23-07-12, 07:56 AM
Yeah it's one of the spastic little prejudices lots of people seem to have.
I think they should be considered completely separate since little chavvy w*nkers hurting themselves (which I'm all in favour of), makes the proper motorcycle crash statistics look bad.
Pedestrians are worse off I reckon.
daveyrach
23-07-12, 08:00 AM
Most scooter riders are teenagers young lads/girls who don't see the dangers and secondly these people who say bikes are dangerous see scooter/'proper' bikes as the same thing.
I had a lad on on a Peugeot scooter of Friday evening on my way home from work following me so close I couldn't see him in my mirrors although I could hear him, then at every junction/set of lights he would pull up and rev and rev and rev. Eventually I moved over and just let him go but he was undertaking just before junctions then swerving to the outside to overtake, all in 3/4 lengths and a t-shirt.
missyburd
23-07-12, 08:04 AM
Despite the fact you can have just as nasty an off at 20 mph (what scooters are capable of) as at 60mph (what motorbikes are capable of) the dangers are pretty equal. I'd go so far as to say cyclists are just as dangerous, what's skimpy lycra going to do when you get crunched by a car at 25 mph?
Mr Speirs
23-07-12, 08:05 AM
I wouldn't be surprised if these people that have a blanket 'motorbikes are dangerous' attitude wouldn't actually know the difference between a motorbike and a scooter. To them if its got two wheels it's a motorbike.
Pedestrians are worse off I reckon.
The was something on BBC news the other day about traffic accidents and they said the one that's actually gone up is the pedestrians
Most scooter riders are teenagers young lads/girls who don't see the dangers and secondly these people who say bikes are dangerous see scooter/'proper' bikes as the same thing.
I had a lad on on a Peugeot scooter of Friday evening on my way home from work following me so close I couldn't see him in my mirrors although I could hear him, then at every junction/set of lights he would pull up and rev and rev and rev. Eventually I moved over and just let him go but he was undertaking just before junctions then swerving to the outside to overtake, all in 3/4 lengths and a t-shirt.
I tend to just let them get on with it too. They are ignorant fools
Despite the fact you can have just as nasty an off at 20 mph (what scooters are capable of) as at 60mph (what motorbikes are capable of) the dangers are pretty equal. I'd go so far as to say cyclists are just as dangerous, what's skimpy lycra going to do when you get crunched by a car at 25 mph?
This reminds me when I first ever turned up to do CBT, never been on a motorbike in my life, knew nothing about them... I turned up on my Bianchi, full cycle gear - lycra shorts.... :D :D :D
You have full permission to laugh! And I did manage to fall off (would have been alright but the person in front of me fell first, I was looking at her and followed down to the ground hahaha). Needless to say lycra didn't save me. Had a great big hole in my knee that took months to heal up :D
missyburd
23-07-12, 08:26 AM
This reminds me when I first ever turned up to do CBT, never been on a motorbike in my life, knew nothing about them... I turned up on my Bianchi, full cycle gear - lycra shorts.... :D :D :D
You have full permission to laugh! And I did manage to fall off (would have been alright but the person in front of me fell first, I was looking at her and followed down to the ground hahaha). Needless to say lycra didn't save me. Had a great big hole in my knee that took months to heal up :D
Oops! The instructors must have had trouble trying to keep straight faces as they gave the "safety firsts with gear" spiel :D
Apparently I wasn't the first...
Don't think I knew how easy it is to fall off a motorbike :D
I guess I thought it's like riding a bicycle but a lot faster LOL
tactcom7
23-07-12, 09:50 AM
I am surprised they even let you take part in lycra shorts, pretty irresponsible of them really.
not really. we weren't going outside at that point. it was just practicing in the grounds of the school.
Couple of points here.
For the purposes of accident statistics, motorcycles and scooters are lumped together, our little cross to bear along with the lotus drivers having their accident stats affected by corsas and such.
London has a slightly different demographic to most other places, a fair number of the scooters used in town are used in all weathers to get into work. If I'm being honest, my commute on a 250cc scooter would be at least as fast, and I'd use 1/2 the fuel. We have a fair number of 250, 400 & 500cc scooters in the capital, all of which mean that the person, rather than the bike dictates filtering speed. If someone wants to get past, let 'em go.
I've ridden a couple of these bigger scooters lately, they're not nearly as rubbish as I'd imagined, and for those thinking that it's all 16 year olds, have you seen the price of a new Yamaha T-Max?
Frankly for the reasons stated at the start of this thread i think people often under-dress on a scooter, and over-dress on a motorbike. I don't bother wearing my made to measure 2 piece leathers everyday on the bike in town, and I try not to ride wearing only a string vest. Plenty of other people stick pretty rigidly to the above extremes and will shout from the hill tops as soon as you're daring to get on a bike without being zipped in like Rossi, even if you're only going across town. The other corner is generally fought by someone in a pair of shorts, a t-shirt and almost always some kind of R1 or GSXR in race colours.
Jambo
tactcom7
23-07-12, 10:02 AM
not really. we weren't going outside at that point. it was just practicing in the grounds of the school.
And yet you still ended up with a hole in your knee that took months to heal...
I only mentioned it because the missus has been looking into doing her CBT and they seem pretty strict on clothing requirements for the course.
Dicky Ticker
23-07-12, 10:21 AM
Being of the elder generation I thought a scooter would be more beneficial,
as in easier to mount and dismount, but once you are accustomed to the instant throttle response and acceleration provided by a medium capacity motorbike which is a safety alternative in itself,a scooter with the lack of acceleration, twist------WAIT-----and go,less stability, it did not seem such a good idea.The outcome being that after about 400miles the scooter was put up for sale and I decided that I would much rather have my Sprint as it felt safer.
This was only my personal feelings but as youngsters have 50-125cc scooters I am sure most people would have a similar feeling once progressing to larger capacity two wheel modes.
P.S.I am not saying there is anything wrong with a scooter but apart from the benefits of cheap insurance,tax and MPG they are not for me thank you
I feel safer on my big bike than I used to on my 125. I can accelerate away from crazy drivers. My main moment was when I took my 125 to Cambridge... took about 10 minutes to get from 70-75 to overtake a car on the motorway.... then the speed started dropping too. even with the throttle fully open :D
SoulKiss
23-07-12, 10:30 AM
I don't bother wearing my made to measure 2 piece leathers everyday on the bike in town, and I try not to ride wearing only a string vest. Plenty of other people stick pretty rigidly to the above extremes and will shout from the hill tops as soon as you're daring to get on a bike without being zipped in like Rossi, even if you're only going across town. The other corner is generally fought by someone in a pair of shorts, a t-shirt and almost always some kind of R1 or GSXR in race colours.
Jambo
So I guess I was in the middle of the hills the other day when I jumped on the SV with just NORMAL jeans on.
Didn't even realise it until I was already where I was going.
It'll be shorts and sandals next...
I feel safer on my big bike than I used to on my 125. I can accelerate away from crazy drivers. My main moment was when I took my 125 to Cambridge... took about 10 minutes to get from 70-75 to overtake a car on the motorway.... then the speed started dropping too. even with the throttle fully open :D
Try a 650 Burgman, and a CG125...
So I guess I was in the middle of the hills the other day when I jumped on the SV with just NORMAL jeans on.
Didn't even realise it until I was already where I was going.
It'll be shorts and sandals next...
You sir, are a danger to yourself and society, a rebel without a cause, I'd never never never do that. Except for sometimes.
Jambo
Dicky Ticker
23-07-12, 10:36 AM
So where can we all buy this anti-abrasive skin spray?
I'm wearing normal jeans today and a light textile jacket (jacket with armour obviously but not jeans). But if I'm going further afield OR if it's raining (even if I'm not going far) I will wear my proper trousers. If I come off my bike my main thing is to have knee and hip armour and obviously taking my chances more in wet weather or on a long trip.
Incidentally I ordered lovely leather trousers the other day. size bigger than what I normally wear; can't even get them passed my knees!
Next I ordered kevlar jeans. In my size. So tight I wouldn't be able to get my leg over the bike. Not amused
yorkie_chris
23-07-12, 10:53 AM
OTOH if you do manage to get into them I bet not many people would overtake you on a rideout.
that's handy cos i'm quite slow and would otherwise be left behind :D
SoulKiss
23-07-12, 11:04 AM
You sir, are a danger to yourself and society, a rebel without a cause, I'd never never never do that. Except for sometimes.
Jambo
Bearing in mind which road I was on (A23) and the destination (within 20 miles of you) I think that given the History, even Chuck Norris would have thought twice about the decision :p
Spank86
23-07-12, 11:34 AM
So where can we all buy this anti-abrasive skin spray?
We used it all on Dave Preston.
Not sure its working. :D
missyburd
23-07-12, 02:40 PM
I'm wearing normal jeans today and a light textile jacket (jacket with armour obviously but not jeans). But if I'm going further afield OR if it's raining (even if I'm not going far) I will wear my proper trousers. If I come off my bike my main thing is to have knee and hip armour and obviously taking my chances more in wet weather or on a long trip.
Normal Jeans? Never worn them on the bike, I have a pair of Kevlar jeans that I wear occasionally but in general it's leather all the way, just because you're going on a shorter trip doesn't reduce the chances of a prat knocking you off.
Incidentally I ordered lovely leather trousers the other day. size bigger than what I normally wear; can't even get them passed my knees!
Next I ordered kevlar jeans. In my size. So tight I wouldn't be able to get my leg over the bike. Not amused
Know that feeling, there's so much variation between manufacturers and sizes, it's ridiculous. Now I've found what fits me I'll probably stick with the makes I'm happy with, too much trial and error buying off Ebay made for irritated me!
I'm wearing normal jeans today and a light textile jacket (jacket with armour obviously but not jeans). But if I'm going further afield OR if it's raining (even if I'm not going far) I will wear my proper trousers. If I come off my bike my main thing is to have knee and hip armour and obviously taking my chances more in wet weather or on a long trip.
Incidentally I ordered lovely leather trousers the other day. size bigger than what I normally wear; can't even get them passed my knees!
Next I ordered kevlar jeans. In my size. So tight I wouldn't be able to get my leg over the bike. Not amused
Go to a shop.
Clothes sizes are rubbish.
One mans 10 is another 14
femaleacid
23-07-12, 03:30 PM
I have a scooter AND bike. And i still wear my textile jacket, Frank Thomas boots and my jeans on the scooter or my motocross pants for the bike.
Its the same danger! Most scooter riders have the same excuses: 'im only nipping out' 'its not as fast as bigger bikes' and my favorite 'my legs are protected more'
Whoever says these deserve a slap!
You're on a two wheeled bike you're just as vulnerable as a bigger bike. Wearing vest tops and shorts on a scooter is fecking ridiculous. These people need just a tiny bit of gravel rash to teach them a bloody lesson.
Just seena fit girl on a scoot. Poly jacket thing (open)Leggings and then soft slipper pumps .
Zipped up the outside of the traffic not a care in the world..
Obviously invincible.
femaleacid
23-07-12, 04:00 PM
Just seena fit girl on a scoot. Poly jacket thing (open)Leggings and then soft slipper pumps .
Zipped up the outside of the traffic not a care in the world..
Obviously invincible.
All us young uns think we are invincible. I just realise since I've seen people have accidents that im close too.
Being safe comes first before looking good on a bike. Always.
Small Clanger
23-07-12, 04:16 PM
I think that this young lady should definately not be riding in those shoes.
She's a naughty girl and should go straight to my room.
femaleacid
23-07-12, 04:21 PM
I think that this young lady should definately not be riding in those shoes.
She's a naughty girl and should go straight to my room.
http://img.tapatalk.com/59f0edcd-7a12-6039.jpg
+1
Elliott
23-07-12, 04:31 PM
But when we were all kids, its was ok to hurtle about on our push bikes.
Im sure I quiet often went over 30mph down hill on those things, and yet id never dream of doing 15mph+ without at very least a jacket and gloves (helmet is the law)
Spank86
23-07-12, 05:25 PM
Kids bounce better.
I remember.
kiggles
23-07-12, 05:38 PM
because middle class people own scooters to get to work. and as they dont go very fast they must be safe. after all they do wear a helmit. even if its not full face. its still a helmit therefore they are safe.
not like those idiots on sports bikes who go fast.
Elliott
23-07-12, 05:39 PM
Ha you say that but in my younger days I didn't half make a mess of my legs and hands/wrists!
k1ngy SV
23-07-12, 05:40 PM
young lads/people on scooters are far more dangerous in my opinion then motorbiker's, they haven't had to do such road safety and tests as people who ride motorbikes, & i never see them with any armour on apart from helmet and the odd glove some days.. & they normally* de restrict there scooters for more speed so are constantly reving hell out of it trying to overtake without even improving the brakes, though i do believe that doing 31mph all the time sucks.. & is dangerous myself.
At the end of the day i think its just luck.. as you can run or walk and trip and bump your head and die :smt105 or even choke on a sweet or dinner ! maybe its just my approach but lifes all about luck.
Remember people we are the lucky ones that have made it into this world by are mums and daddys and there mummys and daddys before them so forth. :rolleyes:
chezvegas85
23-07-12, 05:41 PM
But when we were all kids, its was ok to hurtle about on our push bikes.
I used to undertake traffic at about 30-35mph (according to the probably unreliable speedo) on a straight road with nothing but a very starchy collar to protect me should i fall. still i was 13-16 and made of an invincible combination of steel and rubber.
Bit different these days, stubbed toe on the coffee table needs a 5 year recovery plan
Elliott
23-07-12, 05:51 PM
At the end of the day i think its just luck.. as you can run or walk and trip and bump your head and die :smt105 or even choke on a sweet or dinner ! maybe its just my approach but lifes all about luck.
Sadly I disagree. I've had a lot of crashes and it's never been based on luck. Either my stupidity or someone else's.
I ride down a road and it's not luck that will make that tractor pull out but the **** sat inside it.
This is obv only my opinion. Not right or wrong.
k1ngy SV
23-07-12, 06:08 PM
Sadly I disagree. I've had a lot of crashes and it's never been based on luck. Either my stupidity or someone else's.
I ride down a road and it's not luck that will make that tractor pull out but the **** sat inside it.
This is obv only my opinion. Not right or wrong.
What if he had a heart attack and he pulled forward and took you off? that would be unlucky surely?
or if his engine some how developed a fault and jult'd the tractor in front of you?
Elliott
23-07-12, 06:21 PM
Hmmm under those circumstances I may view the world a tad different but 99% of crashes are not like that.
Good point tho.
k1ngy SV
23-07-12, 06:59 PM
Hmmm under those circumstances I may view the world a tad different but 99% of crashes are not like that.
Good point tho.
yeah tad exstream, sorry
tactcom7
23-07-12, 07:03 PM
Ha you say that but in my younger days I didn't half make a mess of my legs and hands/wrists!
What you get up to in your own time is your business mate! ;)
Spank86
23-07-12, 07:24 PM
Just because it was his stupidity doesn't mean it wasn't your bad luck.
After all you could have been just past when he pulled out or even a few yards further away, giving time to brake.
Well today I'm wearing only lycra shorts and a vest!!! Too hot! Fear not! I'm off to work on my cyclist's tan :D
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