Ducati Sporting Club UK > General > Idle Chat > Are our roads simply too dangerous for bikes?

[phillc]

I commute into central London everyday on my 750SS. This is where I do probably 90% of my riding (bit sad isn't it). I've also done a couple of track days, the odd club ride out and a good few weekends away on the bike. I also don't own a car.

Perhaps, because I'm only riding a 750SS, I don't have the superbike power problem.

The problems as I see them are, in no particular order:

1. The state of the roads. Potholes, bumps, spills, gravel etc. All been mentioned above.

2. Car drivers who either a) aren't paying attention because they are on their phone, applying lipstick, reading a map etc b) pull out of a side street to make a right hand turn and block on coming traffic as they wait for a gap c) run red lights and d) change lanes without indicating.

3. Pedestrians who think they can cross the road anywhere they like, especially if they think the traffic has stopped moving (look out for that bike lane splitting!), or think they can cross at lights when the little man is "red."

4. Riding with the red mist. Relax, slow down, use your own indicators. You'll still arrive a long time before your mate in their car or on public transport. There's no need to ride like a ****.

5. Wear your protective gear. OK, so I don't _always_ wear my leather trousers and boots. Helmet, gloves and jacket 100% of the time though. But the number of times I see scooter riders in a t-shirt, flip flops and or shorts is frankly frightening. Even saw a GSX-R rider up the high street without a shirt on at all on Sunday.

Now all that's not to say that I'm never at fault or never ride that little bit too quick. But quite often any one of the above mentioned items come into play and create the danger.

PhillC

P.S. Oh and use your horn, a lot.

[Fordie]

In truth, should the question read "Are our bikes to fast for our roads". There is nothing better than hearing the Termis on full chat on a ride out,far to easy to get to warp speed,far to easy to "over do it" far to easy to have fun. To ride a sports bike takes 110% concentration, trying to cram as much information the senses can muster and the brain can handle . No wonder we ( I am ) are knacked after a 200 mile blast. I guess Im one of the lucky ones with some decent roads and route to have fun on , but every time I go out, I no, Im a mark man and so try and ride accordingly . 4D

[KeefyB]

Right thats it then,I'm giving up road riding because there is too much traffic/cops/gatso's/gravel/potholes/etc.
Oh,and I'm giving up walking as I may get knocked down as I cross the road.
I'm giving up reading,as I may get a paper cut.
I'm giving up on my computer as I may hurt my finger bashing the buttons........................................... .................................................. .................................................. .................................................. ........................NO CHANCE!:P

[Jools]

Hey....I'm not giving up road riding either!!!

I can't afford to do too many trackdays (and fix the bike afterwards), so I have to ride on the road to satisfy my Ducati passion. And I enjoy it....a lot, and I'll keep riding on the road for as long as I'm able to.

Had some cracking days out and long may it continue.

[yeti]

Bog off Keefy, you know what I mean. It's ME what's the problem, riding at the speeds I'm doing now, it's only a matter of time afore Mr Plod or Mr God gets me, so I'm gonna quit while I'm ahead.

Flyin' is far safer...............ask Kwikbitch I didn't even slightly scare her or Rockhopper even with a Kai Tak approach into Popham!

[psychlist]

No!

[marko]

I just like Bikes and riding them thats all there is to it.

[NBs996]

There's dangers, sure, but that doesn't make them TOO dangerouse for their purpose. Each to their own of course, but I see the road to either use as a transport system, or just to go out and enjoy a gentle ride...

They are however, too dangerous to use for thrill seeking! I used to ride like a tit, and was pointing blame at someone or something else for almost killing me every time I went out... now I'm an old(er) git, and have taken up trackdays for the buzz, there's rarely any occassion where I feel my safety threatened.

So I'm happy that, for me, the roads are quite safe enough.

Now where'd that Harley brochure go.....?

[Edited on 8-9-2004 by NBs996]

[Albie]

Nick the harley brochure next to your loo remember. You ran out of toilet roll.

[kwikbitch]

...We went on a school trip to a lovely place called wonderland where the children are encouraged to run, climb, jump and basically run round like nutters...(as children should be allowed)
A little girl of 5 (not from our party I hasten to add) tripped over and hit her head running to another climbing frame...
She was killed outright...Sue the park did I hear you say?
NO!...It was an accident, a shocking one at that but...
You stand as much chance of dying by choking on a paracetemol as you do as riding a bike...
I adore it...I have missed out on years of practise...I know the risks...
I WILL NEVER GIVE UP!