Why is it?

following an accident people (mostly aimed at non-bikers) ask you the question:

"Has it put you off now then?"

You reply "No, ill be getting on again when I can" they give you a look as if to say "Have you not learnt your lesson?"

If I was to turn to them after they had been in a car accident and say "so you wont be driving anymore then" would they consider it any different?

Ive been out and about since the accident and random strangers have been asking me what happened and once they hear about it being a bike accident, they all seem to assume the same roll of the eyes no sympathy look and then proceed to lecture you about the dangers. Ive resorted now to shrugging my shoulders and hobbling off once they start to get on the soapbox. Some of the older folk are the worst, going on about how I could be dead etc when I havent even told them how it happened!

I know, annoying isn't it! I have had two major offs, both resulting in multiple fractures and one leaving me with a dodgy ankle and a permanent limp. None of the accidents have put me off, and after both I went through rehab with the intention of getting back on two wheels.

If people have never experienced two wheels then what right do they have to judge us for wanting to return to motorcycling!!!

I didn't want to get back on after my smaller of my two offs, it was because later that day I had a highside that spat me outta the seat but never threw me off, scared the crap outta me! Never gave up though

Originally Posted by Dangerous Dave

If people have never experienced two wheels then what right do they have to judge us for wanting to return to motorcycling!!!

Yeah,ive had a few offs in my time(one a near fatality)and people have said exactly the same to me.

I guess what they don't know(have'nt experienced)they don't understand

[Stu]

But it's a leisure activity. So completely different from driving a car which is a necessity. Even if you are commuting it is a lifestyle choice compared with say taking the train which is a necessity. So it is an obvious question.

Knowing the statistics as we all do, riding a motorcycle isn't sensibly, safe or logical (unless you use it coz of traffic).

These people are not daft, it you/us that is daft

If I saw a druggie die after an overdose, I would think 'so what' or 'well he was asking for that' ... I'd not be sympathetic ... he knew the risks of drugs, but it don't stop him ...same as us with bikes ... we know the risks, but ignore them for the 'high' ...

[dizzyblonde]

Im Indoors is just about to get a hip replacement, that happened from a bike accident ten years ago age 19. When he was able to, after the huge squash that he got.....he got back on two wheels. Theres not a day goes by when he isn't in pain, but it doesn't stop him from getting on a bike. I think he'd go insane of he didn't have the choice anymore.
Even after bouncing down the m62 in the fast lane, from being thrown from a pillion seat a few yrs back didn't stop him, nor various other mishaps.
AND, I very much doubt when he gets chance for the new hip to calm, will it stop him from getting on.

Its in him, I'm afraid, and me nor anyone else will stop him

whoa I dont agree with the points of Addicted or Blue. No-one knows that at the time I was partaking in a leisure activity, for all they know I could have been commuting. DOes that mean car drivers dont ever use their cars for pleasure? There are probably just as many people who have accidents through using their bikes for a purpose rather than a pastime and they do so because of the logistics of riding.

Blue, you simply cannot link motorcycling risks with those of drug use, it is ridiculous to do so. Everyday life has its risks, hell a woman was killed crossing the road just down from where I live. People have accidents skiing but I dont think I would ever say the same thing to them. Life in general is a risk and if we dont take those risks, then you are simply existing not living.

Originally Posted by robchester

Blue, you simply cannot link motorcycling risks with those of drug use

Er, it's an analogy!!!

[dizzyblonde]

Originally Posted by Blue_SV650S

Knowing the statistics as we all do, riding a motorcycle isn't sensibly, safe or logical (unless you use it coz of traffic).

These people are not daft, it you/us that is daft

If I saw a druggie die after an overdose, I would think 'so what' or 'well he was asking for that' ... I'd not be sympathetic ... he knew the risks of drugs, but it don't stop him ...same as us with bikes ... we know the risks, but ignore them for the 'high' ...

I can asssure you it wasn't for the 'high' that Im Indoors suffered for the rest of his life, a woman smashed into him from a junction at 40mph, when he was bimbling on a main road at 30, minding his own business....not only did she not see him, but she did not use her highway code when she came out of said junction, and was speeding......she was down right out of order.....I could argue with you all day about this subject and the pros, cons, risks of biking.........but in the issue of being daft and it being your fault......you won't win that arguement in this case, but that doesn't mean I wouldn't agree with you in others