Why do motorcyclists ride so dangerously?

Please join me on the A12 from Romford to Wanstead each working morning where you will witness some of the worst motorcycle riding; the constant high speed weaving in and out of cars, going through lights on red and then pulling up at lights whilst red to discuss with another biker what a great time they are having. One enterprising biker has his rear number plate on Velcro. As he goes through the speed cameras he leans round and rips it off only to put it back on when clear of them. I think sometimes the overhead displays should say, “Bikers Think”.

Asked on 26 October 2013 by MU, Romford

Answered by Honest John

As you have observed, most motorbikes on UK roads are used for getting to and from work. Many of them are the owners’ only means of transport. So instead of driving around in a 1500kg tin box, they ride a vehicle less than a quarter that size that emits less, gets from A to B faster and relieves congestion. But car and van drivers are still killing them because they don't 'Think Bike'. And a loud exhaust at least gives a biker a chance of being heard, then seen. Check out this video of driving in Bangkok which clearly shows how the noise of an approaching motorcycle exhaust alerts the driver: www.youtube.com/watch?v=THksLID3DcI

Tags: noise motorbikes

Similar questions

Motorcycles should be noisy to alert car drivers to their presence.

The noise from motorbikes is annoying, but we have to tolerate the noise on safety grounds. You may be interested to know that the Velocette motorcycle company of Plumstead, South London, invented a very...

Maybe cyclists should create some noise to alert car drivers, like motorcyclists?

With regard to the millions of pounds to be spent on safer cycling infrastructure, is there any truth in the rumour that cyclists are to be required by law to install a speaker system with a looped recording...

Motorcycles need to make a lot of noise to make car drivers aware of their presence.

Your reply about motorcycle exhaust noise was spot on. Motorcyclists need to do everything they can to make car drivers aware of their presence, from day-glo vests and daytime running lights to blipping...