2 most common causes for bike accidents

[Shellywoozle]

I was reading this issue of BIKE mag and read that the 2 most common causes of bike accidents are

1) due to lack of confidence in corners causing riders to run wide and ultimately run off road or hit oncoming traffic

2) Poor overtakes

It has a nice image of a rider sliding across the road....not !

The write up on what commonly happens on corners is spot on, it bought back my "off" (back in Aug) as it says word for word what I did and I realised how common a mistake it can be. I am now doubting if I will ever ride again, I don't know why it has put the panic back in me, maybe it was looking at the photo and seeing me on the road. I even went out in my car last night on some windy roads which I usualy nail and I was so slow (I am an advanced driver too).

I have not been able to get back on my bike due to physical issues and wont be able to for maybe another 6 months but am worried they will turn into mental issues. Anyone had these problems and overcome them?

Its natural to be apprehensive about riding after an off. The key is to just go out and push through it. When i think about my last crash i still feel slightly physically sick. You move on though.....

Pick a nice day and go out for a bimble by yourself.

I've been there myself...Sheared all the ribs off my spine on the left side / collapsed lung / broken shoulder.
Once your completely healed just take your time getting back into it. Take a short trip to the store and back, or just a 5 minute cruise on a familiar road. Hesitation and panic are certainly your enemy just before an accident, and can be a huge hurdle to overcome afterward. Everyone has their respective pace on getting back into the "groove". Find yours...relax....breathe...and carry my best wishes along with you

Shelly, when (not if I hope) you're back on a bike, ride with another person (or two) and learn from the lines that they take round bends. Think what you're doing whilst riding and not just following them which is so easilly done. Also consider one of the Bike Safe courses run by the Police. None of us stop learning.

Practice and it'll start to click into place. It did for me anyway.

Had a bad off years ago(broken neck,arm,hand)the vicar even read the last rites over me as they thought i was a goner,then when i pulled through they did'nt know if i'd walk again.
Eventually after many month's it all came good and through some of the darkest times i questioned myself if i would ride again.As soon as i was half fit again i gt straight on my dad's bike (mine was still trashed)and rode,basically i did this because i knew the longer i left it the harder it might be.Iwas brought up with bike's so it has always been in the blood to ride..yes it took a bit of time to get full confidence back but i knew it's what i wanted to do.

I'm sure if it's something you enjoy you will be back on(i hope)just start steady and get your confidence back in yourself and the bike and all will be well.hth

Good luck.

[Shellywoozle]

thanks guys .... i know it makes sense just gotta get over the feeling sick stage.

I am going to go out with a mate who does Bikesafe, he will show me where I am going wrong. It's not my road position or reading the limit point, as a police driver I got taught that as basics, it's learning not to decelerate in a bend and having the confidence in getting round.

I will conquer it

You could maybe consider getting a cheapo 125 to ease you back in. It'll be much lighter to handle, so it's unlikely to make you feel like it's draggin you around and more likely to make you feel like you really are the one in control.
Just an idea.

Originally Posted by Shellywoozle

Anyone had these problems and overcome them?

Me.

As most know. I crashed into a barrier causing rather massive injuries. When it was time to get back on the bike again (about 6 months), I was very nervous. To the point that I felt physically sick. I was lucky in that I had a very good experienced friend with me on that day. For the next few months after getting back on the bike I rode round like a novice.

I even nearly crashed again at a roundabout which my granny never having ridden a bike before could have got round. It got close to the point where I thought about giving up the game. I was obviously not going to get my confidence back. I gave it until a couple of months more, waiting for the good weather before making my final decision to stop riding. Over those two months I started riding better. The weather started to improve and my confidence grew.

I now don't look back. But I do still carry injury, and every time I get 'enthusiastic' and a little bit wild, I remember how much it hurts and how much I was very nearly not here any more. That keeps me in check and my riding at a more sensible level.

give it some time, and get someone you trust to come with you for a while. Stick with it a while and see how you get on. The weather at the moment does not do much for confidence building. See what your like when the good warm and dry weather arrives.

I'm sure you'll be fine by then.

I hope you get into it ok. I was lucky-ish in that my accident wasnt really my fault so I wasnt too nervous about my ability, though I still get a little apprehensive before a ride...

Best thing imo is to get out there and ride. If you dont soon you never will. Once you are out on the bike again then you will start to ease back in and should gain a little confidence.

Yes try not to lose speed in corners, If you must dont hit the brakes hard, try not to use the front mid corner, puts too much pressure on the front.

Just get out even if you have to ride like a girl

Hi Shelley. I gues many of us have dark memories.Perhaps this helps in some way.Late last year I came back to biking having not ridden for some 20 years, the memories of my serious accident makes me a causious if not nervous rider. But now I enjoy the thrill of motorcycling once more. and so will you. Little by little you will rebuild your confidence,It is possible, most people who have had a big off understand exatley how you are feeling. Just do it your way . On your own or with friends. Only you will know your comfort level and if that means just sitting on a bike again then thats a start. Help is there if you want it there are some great folks in the 'org'.Things can only get better. Best of luck sweetheart stay posative you will get there hope to see you out n about soon.