Yes, motorcyclists die. Still, I ride.
Dec. 28th, 2002 01:23 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
tugrikWhile browsing a journal belonging to the friend of an LJ friend (FOALJF?) I came across a discussion about motorcycle fatalities and the risks of riding. ![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
skorzy had the misfortune of driving past a particularly visceral and upsetting fatal motorcycle accident, which apparently shook him pretty good, as it did the readers of his journal.
I've seen this exact discussion more than once and in many different forums. These types of discussions take various tacks through the usual points: motorcycles being inherently more dangerous than cars, the concept of accepted risk, 'stop riding because we love you', squidly vs. all-the-gear-all-the-time, youthful feelings of invulnerability, lust for speed. Many are valid points. Many are reactionary.
Each time I see such a conversation, I feel like stepping up to the plate and stating my own feelings on it. I know it won't help, though; most all the opinions being spouted run deep. Those discussions tend to create a lot of anger and worry, but rarely change any side's opinion. Over time I've learned to just stay clear of them.
I ride because I enjoy it. I accept the risk that I stand four times the chance of death-by-vehicle-accident than do those who only drive cars. I wear the proper gear because it feels satisfying to do so, and keeps me more comfortable against the elements. While I know for a fact the gear won't save me in a serious crash, it will at least help lower the after-effects of a survivable crash (less road-rash is a good thing) should I be in one. I ride fast occasionally, but I attempt to be cautious. I maintain my bike well, service it regularly, and do my best to learn all about it and its parameters as best I can. I practice. I challenge myself in safe environments to learn the skills that I might need if I get caught out somewhere and get forced to ride in downright terrible conditions.
All I ask is that those who care for me or love me to understand that This Is Something I'm Going To Do until I decide not to. I appreciate the concern, and in fact am flattered for it. I dislike the accusations sometimes levelled at me for this choice, but like the risks of riding, I accept them as valid opinions others hold. I want to share my riding with others when I can, and actively try to expose those I care about to it in hopes they can find some of the same joy in riding that I have. I don't force it upon anybody, and take a "no thanks" with a smile and no worries.
I ride. It's part of what I currently am. If you want to tell me what you think of this fact I will always listen, though I might not always change.
skorzy had the misfortune of driving past a particularly visceral and upsetting fatal motorcycle accident, which apparently shook him pretty good, as it did the readers of his journal. I've seen this exact discussion more than once and in many different forums. These types of discussions take various tacks through the usual points: motorcycles being inherently more dangerous than cars, the concept of accepted risk, 'stop riding because we love you', squidly vs. all-the-gear-all-the-time, youthful feelings of invulnerability, lust for speed. Many are valid points. Many are reactionary.
Each time I see such a conversation, I feel like stepping up to the plate and stating my own feelings on it. I know it won't help, though; most all the opinions being spouted run deep. Those discussions tend to create a lot of anger and worry, but rarely change any side's opinion. Over time I've learned to just stay clear of them.
I ride because I enjoy it. I accept the risk that I stand four times the chance of death-by-vehicle-accident than do those who only drive cars. I wear the proper gear because it feels satisfying to do so, and keeps me more comfortable against the elements. While I know for a fact the gear won't save me in a serious crash, it will at least help lower the after-effects of a survivable crash (less road-rash is a good thing) should I be in one. I ride fast occasionally, but I attempt to be cautious. I maintain my bike well, service it regularly, and do my best to learn all about it and its parameters as best I can. I practice. I challenge myself in safe environments to learn the skills that I might need if I get caught out somewhere and get forced to ride in downright terrible conditions.
All I ask is that those who care for me or love me to understand that This Is Something I'm Going To Do until I decide not to. I appreciate the concern, and in fact am flattered for it. I dislike the accusations sometimes levelled at me for this choice, but like the risks of riding, I accept them as valid opinions others hold. I want to share my riding with others when I can, and actively try to expose those I care about to it in hopes they can find some of the same joy in riding that I have. I don't force it upon anybody, and take a "no thanks" with a smile and no worries.
I ride. It's part of what I currently am. If you want to tell me what you think of this fact I will always listen, though I might not always change.
