themole
FinHeaven VIP
Kinzua said:Well, looking at the bright side, this might get the jackarses in the PA legislature who voted to allow riding motorcycles without helmets about two or three years ago to rethink their stupidity. I have little doubt that more support for this stupidity came from Steelers territory than Eagles country.
I've owned and ridden motorcycles for 45 years. I own and ride one NOW. A BIG loud one. I do not, and will not, wear a helmet. I have never crashed any of my bikes.
I am of the belief that ALL accidents can be prevented. Big Ben Screwed up! It falls squarely on his shoulders. Riding a motorcycle is, to say the least, a dangerous thing to do if you don't adopt a few hard and fast rules.
1) There is no such thing as a biker having the right of way. Everyone in an automobile is out to run you down. Of course that's not reality, but it is the safe frame of mind to adopt. Murpheys Law.
2) You better not ever take your mind off the business of operating the bike in a safe manner. Do not allow anything to distract you.
3) Plan for an escape route by allowing plenty of distance between yourself and all other vehicles including those approaching from the rear. Know where you are at all times!
4) Last but not least. keep your bike in optimum operating condition.
I have worked around danger all my life as an FPL Lineman and Power Plant Electrician. I've caught rattlesnakes and alligators, spent hours on the bottom of the St. Johns River in scuba gear in the blackest of blackwater in search of Indian Artifacts. There are rules that must be followed to stay alive. Know them and understand them, you will live.
It should be left up to the individual whether they want to wear protective gear when they ride motorcycles, not some legislator in the State House.
The closest I have ever come to considering wearing a helmet is today when my daughter called and told me the news of Big Ben, and pleaded with me to start wearing one. That touched me and I will give it serious consideration.