| Andy's point might be that observation and planning (on the part of the motorcyclist) is key to avoiding getting tangled up with an accident. Observation of hazards is crucial - planning for things ranging from gravel on the bend up ahead to the posting of a t-junction sign notifying you that there maybe traffic pulling out just around the corner. These are hazards you can plan for. Naturally, there are hazards that can defeat any strategy on the part of the biker, but you do what you can.
However, as a member of one of the more vulnerable group of road users, bikers also need to plan for poor driving by other road users. Has that car driver seen me? You should be planning for the possibility that someone hasn't seen you, or hasn't sufficiently taken into account the speed you are going.
I don't feel that it is entirely the motorcyclist's responsibility to make the roads safer for his own use. Driving awareness and standards need to be raised far above what they are currently. But, until that day comes, if ever, it is the motorcyclist's responsibility to do all he can to ensure his own safety. This is achieved through planning, observation and hazard awareness (hazards in all their forms).
I am not morally opposed to speeding (with respect to legal speed limits), but I do oppose inappropriate speeding, where you are not giving yourself a safety margin with regard to reaction times, or your ability (or your bike's capacity) to negotiate a hazard.  |