h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Why is it that when individuals do daring things (such as riding motorcycles) they are called stupid, but when others do stupid things (such as deliberately jumping out of a perfectly good aeroplane) they are called daring?

I ride a motorcycle because I love it. If you've never tried it, you just won't understand why! The drudgery of driving a car dulls the senses and muffles the mind. I stopped at traffic lights next to a smiling man in a convertible sports car, soaking up the sun with the top down. He wasn't covered in leather, with a plastic shell on his head. He was strapped into his comfort zone, comfortably (and fashionably) attired in short sleeved shirt and cotton trousers.

I made eye contact and lifted my visor. "Nice Car!" I said. "Yes it is, thank you." Then I hit him below the belt. "I bet it's not as much fun as riding a bike?" The grin dropped. He looked my 22-year old machine over and sighed. "You are SO right!" The traffic lights changed and ended of the conversation - and that conversation ended the argument in my mind.

Yes, people get killed on motorcycles. Yes, most of the motorcycle accidents are caused by motor cars negligently riding into the path of the motorcyclist. Yes, most motorists don't even look out for the odd motorcycle. Will that stop me riding? NEVER! I WILL get in their face by riding with my lights on highbeam and I WILL get in their rear-view mirrors. I WILL hoot at them if they try to change to change lanes and push me over and I WILL swear at them and use fingers when I ride past such motorists.

But I will also dip my lights when I can see they have seen me. I will wave 'Thank you' when they ease over to let me pass. I will also let them change lanes in front of me if they indicate. After all, motorists are human too!

PS: We want a smiley NOW!

Bikes are only dangerous in three areas:

1. Other road users will attempt to drive straight at you.

2. Some people do think that when they get on two wheels, they get this invisible shield to protect them and they do silly things.

3. something goes wrong with the bike and it throws you.


If any one else would like to comment or take a particular point further, please do.

VV

Attitude says it all.
1. I did buy the road when I paid my licence fee...
2. I haven't fallen off yet, so I don't need to take care...
3. I haven't fallen off yet, so I know I can take this corner this fast!

WR

Excellent reply WR. a perfect sentiment.

It amazes me how car drivers get licences these days and the state of some of the older drivers out there amazes me also. Every time ive nearly had an accident its been a car driver pulling out on me! Particularly green volvos for some reason?

When i was a 'l' Plate pilot, on my old KH100, i was circling the island in the centre of bristol, a yuppie in a range rover on his mobile phone pulled into m lane hitting me and my bike. I kept it upright, i banged on his window-nothing. I then pulled my disc lock from my left pocked and put his window through. He then looked down to see me being squashed against the kurb.

Well he moved off and i pulled over, rather distraught. He pulled over, walked up to me and said " you smashed my window !!??" i replied " You $%^^& u nearly killed me, you can shove your window up your arse."(with much feeling). The idiot didnt even realise what he was doing, and i sure he'd have squashed me if i hadnt got his attention.