Bikers vs Drivers
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 19,982
Likes: 6,110
From: Florida
Around here, it is SUV & pickup drivers that are the worst ********.
A close 2nd would be sportcrap douchebags.
I rarely see Harley riders doing anything stupid. They value their bikes too much, sometimes above their lives.
Back home (NYC) it was Oriental women with Jersey plates
A close 2nd would be sportcrap douchebags.
I rarely see Harley riders doing anything stupid. They value their bikes too much, sometimes above their lives.
Back home (NYC) it was Oriental women with Jersey plates
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 2,874
Likes: 8
From: Earth
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?
Cruiser
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 115
Likes: 0
From: michigan
I agree with the OP....and also with some of what others have said. Certainly/Obviously people in cars have more to get distracted with. However, I can get just as distracted with my thoughts. Ever get to where you're going and you think "I don't remember any of the trip here". Usually happens on the way to work. You just drive the same way as you have for however long you've been driving it, and it's second nature. Also, I think to some degree bikers are more reckless. I think that there is probably a 1:15+ of biker to driver. And Most of the bikes that I see riding are swerving in and out. Almost never signal. And ride extremely fast. I'm not just talking about the rockets either. Guys on cruisers ride just as fast. I'm talking 15+ over the limit. I usually stick around the limit (never under intentionally) because on my way to class, the lights are actually set so that you hit them on green. But this can only be done if you're going the speed limit of course. But at the end of the day, I would say that the lack of common courtesy...and really just the lack of being a decent human being is relatively equal between the two.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 3,863
Likes: 21
From: Kennewick, WA
Well this ought to start a **** storm but I'll do it anyway.........
I would edit that to read should be very aware. IF they were actually very aware there would be a lot less "near misses" reported on these forums.
Couldn't agree more! Once I started to actually pay attention to my surroundings I found I was able to spot trouble (2 or 4 wheels) and avoid it much better.
Yep and around here there are plenty on two wheels!
Yep and around here there are plenty on two wheels!
Banned
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 13,820
Likes: 6,615
From: Northern California
Let's see.
Dented fender?
Dented head?
When I see someone in a car riding like hell to keep from being killed by an incompetent motorcycle rider, then we can talk about level playing fields.
But right now you're comparing apples and oranges.
Dented fender?
Dented head?
When I see someone in a car riding like hell to keep from being killed by an incompetent motorcycle rider, then we can talk about level playing fields.
But right now you're comparing apples and oranges.
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 3,524
Likes: 34
From: Maryland
I actually agree with the rest of it. I like to think everybody in a cage is trying to kill me at all times. I like to remind others of that too. It is just a funny way of saying I am paying attention, spot trouble, and avoid it. If you are always prepared for the worst you can see an accident b4 it happens. In other words, if you act like everyone is trying to kill you then you can predict and avoid trouble.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 10,366
Likes: 406
From: Connecticut
There is no.comparison... When I am driving, I do not fear being killed by a bike...
When we ride, we are much more cautious, even when we stunt.
You must have never been hit by a car.
Again, no friggin comparison.
When we ride, we are much more cautious, even when we stunt.
You must have never been hit by a car.
Again, no friggin comparison.
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Oct 24, 2007 09:21 AM