In the news today is the story that yet another biker has lost his
life on the UK's roads. My condolences go out to those he leaves behind, and to those who were unfortunate
enough to witness the incident.
Although most bikers know the risks of riding, it would appear from several sources on the net, the cause of his death is one that most do not feel the need to take into account. Apparantly this rider was gunned down, it is not the first time it's happened with a similar incident not long after the Bulldog Bash.
This appears to be a cold hearted case of murder, and I sincerely hope that the perpetrators are brought to justice.
Many of us regularly asses the risks of riding, and research into this case has led to me reading a (fairly lengthy) thread written by someone who had just witnessed the death of another biker. For him it borught things into sharp perspective, and made him reconsider his decision to own a motorcycle. There are a great number of risks that you can control, but you will never be able to control all these risks. It is a very personal decision to make, but for those who do not understand the decision to continue to ride, below is my table of pro's and cons of riding.
Although I am sure many won't understand my choice, it is the final item in the Pro's column that really influences my decision. Personally I feel that I will never know what life is going to chuck at me, and when I go I want to be happy in the knowledge that I have lived my life to the fullest. If I die on my bike then I will at least have died happy, although I do not wish to leave those close to me in that position.
I have no desire to end my life early, however I do not wish to live my life thinking "what if?", a position I know many other bikers share.
All those who have died in biking accidents will be sorely missed, and I offer my condolences to each and everyone of their families. Hopefully I will never become another of those statistics, but if I do I will have died doing something I hugely enjoy.
Although most bikers know the risks of riding, it would appear from several sources on the net, the cause of his death is one that most do not feel the need to take into account. Apparantly this rider was gunned down, it is not the first time it's happened with a similar incident not long after the Bulldog Bash.
This appears to be a cold hearted case of murder, and I sincerely hope that the perpetrators are brought to justice.
Many of us regularly asses the risks of riding, and research into this case has led to me reading a (fairly lengthy) thread written by someone who had just witnessed the death of another biker. For him it borught things into sharp perspective, and made him reconsider his decision to own a motorcycle. There are a great number of risks that you can control, but you will never be able to control all these risks. It is a very personal decision to make, but for those who do not understand the decision to continue to ride, below is my table of pro's and cons of riding.
It is a cheap (compared to a car) method of transport. There is a feeling of brotherhood with other riders I enjoy the freedom of transport it allows me I just love riding. | Parts can be very expensive. I could be Paralysed I could be seriously injured I could lose limbs I could be killed Car drivers show no respect to other road users |
Although I am sure many won't understand my choice, it is the final item in the Pro's column that really influences my decision. Personally I feel that I will never know what life is going to chuck at me, and when I go I want to be happy in the knowledge that I have lived my life to the fullest. If I die on my bike then I will at least have died happy, although I do not wish to leave those close to me in that position.
I have no desire to end my life early, however I do not wish to live my life thinking "what if?", a position I know many other bikers share.
All those who have died in biking accidents will be sorely missed, and I offer my condolences to each and everyone of their families. Hopefully I will never become another of those statistics, but if I do I will have died doing something I hugely enjoy.
