Bikers vs Drivers
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 5,294
Likes: 149
From: FL
I give the edge to drivers. They're more easily distracted by cell phones, texting, creature comforts in car, etc. We can't take this chance on two wheels.
Sportbike riders are a close second. The dumbest thing I've seen was a guy doing a standup wheelie in heavy urban traffic while someone in a car video taped him.
Sportbike riders are a close second. The dumbest thing I've seen was a guy doing a standup wheelie in heavy urban traffic while someone in a car video taped him.
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 799
Likes: 2
From: WyoBraska (Western Nebraska)
I didn't want to hijack another thread and decided to start a new one.
Who behaves worse while operating on the roads? My vote is a tie actually.
When reading a lot of threads about incidents, there is obviously a lot of angst for drivers. The dangers from other drivers is obviously a big concern and something real. A lot of people out there just don't give a shake and drive like they own the road, drive distracted, or just don't follow the rules.
However, if you look at percentages and not numbers, the truth is I see the same percentage of bikers riding irresponsibly and dangerously, without care for the rules of the road or the laws--basically, riding in the same irresponsible or aggressive way that often gets pinned on the bad drivers.
There are obviously more cars on the road so there are going to be more cases where we see the bad ones and these stand out. They also can do more damage due to their negligence. But if you look around, you will find no shortage of asshat bikers on the road.
Just yesterday, I saw four bikers on the way home from work and all but one of them was riding in what I would say showed a lack of courtesy to others on the road. This is in addition to not following the rules or laws.
One example--a guy on some chopper sped up to a yellow light in the right turn lane on a four lane Blvd. It turned red before he got to the intersection, he briefly slowed but. barreled through the turn anyways--no turn signal etc. There was actually a driver starting to turn left on the street at the intersection.
Another rider decked out in bandana and chaps, etc..was riding about three- feet from a guys bumper while getting on the highway. I was the third driver back. Once he got on the highway, he pretty much made a bee-line for the fast lane on the left without hesitation. He was then four cars up and started weaving around other cars to pass a guy in the fast lane.
It's not like these are rare occurences. When I see bikers on the road, I see this stuff all the time.
We complain a lot of about drivers but there are a lot of bad riders out there, as well. When I say bad rider, I am not referring to skill level or experience. I am referring to manners, safety, and while riding on the roads. When it comes down to it, that's what I see out there on the road--equal percentages of bad drivers and riders.
Anyone else agree or do you see things differently?
Who behaves worse while operating on the roads? My vote is a tie actually.
When reading a lot of threads about incidents, there is obviously a lot of angst for drivers. The dangers from other drivers is obviously a big concern and something real. A lot of people out there just don't give a shake and drive like they own the road, drive distracted, or just don't follow the rules.
However, if you look at percentages and not numbers, the truth is I see the same percentage of bikers riding irresponsibly and dangerously, without care for the rules of the road or the laws--basically, riding in the same irresponsible or aggressive way that often gets pinned on the bad drivers.
There are obviously more cars on the road so there are going to be more cases where we see the bad ones and these stand out. They also can do more damage due to their negligence. But if you look around, you will find no shortage of asshat bikers on the road.
Just yesterday, I saw four bikers on the way home from work and all but one of them was riding in what I would say showed a lack of courtesy to others on the road. This is in addition to not following the rules or laws.
One example--a guy on some chopper sped up to a yellow light in the right turn lane on a four lane Blvd. It turned red before he got to the intersection, he briefly slowed but. barreled through the turn anyways--no turn signal etc. There was actually a driver starting to turn left on the street at the intersection.
Another rider decked out in bandana and chaps, etc..was riding about three- feet from a guys bumper while getting on the highway. I was the third driver back. Once he got on the highway, he pretty much made a bee-line for the fast lane on the left without hesitation. He was then four cars up and started weaving around other cars to pass a guy in the fast lane.
It's not like these are rare occurences. When I see bikers on the road, I see this stuff all the time.
We complain a lot of about drivers but there are a lot of bad riders out there, as well. When I say bad rider, I am not referring to skill level or experience. I am referring to manners, safety, and while riding on the roads. When it comes down to it, that's what I see out there on the road--equal percentages of bad drivers and riders.
Anyone else agree or do you see things differently?
An azz hat is an azz hat regardless of what they are riding/driving: period.
PS: For those of use "visually challenged" (translate to OLD) please use a BIGGER font ! LOL !
Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 1,817
Likes: 116
From: Raleigh, NC
Yesterday I got a dose of both.
A rider was splitting lanes on I84 in absolutely no traffic. It was not rush hour so he had plenty of room to wait to pass.
On the other hand, as I was exiting I84 an SUV shot across from the fast lane onto the ramp in front of me. No traffic mind you.
So sadly, yes, I agree, they are both neck and neck...
A rider was splitting lanes on I84 in absolutely no traffic. It was not rush hour so he had plenty of room to wait to pass.
On the other hand, as I was exiting I84 an SUV shot across from the fast lane onto the ramp in front of me. No traffic mind you.
So sadly, yes, I agree, they are both neck and neck...
JK! LOL
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 3,524
Likes: 34
From: Maryland
Tough subject. Too many variables.
One thing I notice is that bikers are VERY aware of what they are doing and what everyone else is doing (we have to be). Whereas way too many cagers are NOT aware of what they are doing or what anyone else is doing. This is an important distinction. It typically makes an aggressive biker much safer than a majority of cagers. This of course excludes all the sport bike riders and their stunts. I personally would consider myself a bit aggressive at times, and I often speed, but I'm also one of the most courteous people you'll find on the road. Sure wish the rest of these a$$hats would take a cue from me.
One thing I notice is that bikers are VERY aware of what they are doing and what everyone else is doing (we have to be). Whereas way too many cagers are NOT aware of what they are doing or what anyone else is doing. This is an important distinction. It typically makes an aggressive biker much safer than a majority of cagers. This of course excludes all the sport bike riders and their stunts. I personally would consider myself a bit aggressive at times, and I often speed, but I'm also one of the most courteous people you'll find on the road. Sure wish the rest of these a$$hats would take a cue from me.
Road Captain
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 609
Likes: 3
I see riders, on all types of motorcycles, tailgating cars all the time... which is one of the stupidest things you can do on two wheels.
You can't see debris that might be in the road until it comes under that car and you don't have time to miss it.
Plus, lots of cagers don't have a clue what that turn signal is for, or when to hit it... I can't count the times I've seen a car slam on his brakes for a turn or a driveway, and THEN hit his turn signal. A bit late, there, Bub.
You can't see debris that might be in the road until it comes under that car and you don't have time to miss it.
Plus, lots of cagers don't have a clue what that turn signal is for, or when to hit it... I can't count the times I've seen a car slam on his brakes for a turn or a driveway, and THEN hit his turn signal. A bit late, there, Bub.
Moderatress
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 8,427
Likes: 29
From: Dutchess County, NY
No Worries - You grow a thick skin around these parts (no pun intended) - Thanks
That's for sure!
Club Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 145,895
Likes: 821
From: 40 miles Northeast of Indy..
Personally I know I am a better rider than most.
I also think I am a better diver than most others...
47 yrs of driving and riding and I've only had 1 wreck in a cager and 1 time I went off the road to avoid a wreck while riding a bike. also only 1 ticket 45 yrs ago for speeding.
.
I also think I am a better diver than most others...
47 yrs of driving and riding and I've only had 1 wreck in a cager and 1 time I went off the road to avoid a wreck while riding a bike. also only 1 ticket 45 yrs ago for speeding.
.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 100,455
Likes: 19,811
From: Centennial, CO
The LEOs around here would get far more $$$ busting people for not using their turn signals than the speed traps they set up. Just incredible the amount of stupid **** I see every day from cagers. And it's getting worse.
