mynetdude wrote: I had one small mishap when riding my little 49cc beemer/scooter, I have been wanting a full face helmet for the reasons stated but I couldn't get one and I do plan to get one but I need one big enough to go over my hearing aids but not so big that it doesn't fit correctly that it won't be as effective.
recently I've been seeing motorcyclists riding without helmets at all, maybe a bandanna! And I could hardly believe my eyes! I thought it was illegal to not ride without a helmet anywhere. I've never seen anyone ride without one in Oregon, my first time seeing lots of people without them in Idaho.
Iowa and Illinois no helmet required. Then there are lots of states like Idaho if you are over 18 you don't have to wear one. Some like Colorado, the driver doesn't have to wear one over 18 years of age, but the passenger does, no matter what age. Then like Texas, required by law if you are under 21 years of age, but don't have to wear one over 21 if you have successfully completed a motorcycle safety course or have $10,000 in medical insurance. I can go on but you get the idea.
Nolan and JoAnn
2000 Kenworth T600. (The Little Blue Truck)
2004 NuWa Hitchhiker Champagne 33LKTG
2009 Toyota Matrix The blog.
Accidents aside, what if you are cruising along at highway speed headed north on the parkway and you meet a big fat June bug, or such, cruising south on the parkway?
WindsorJ wrote: Accidents aside, what if you are cruising along at highway speed headed north on the parkway and you meet a big fat June bug, or such, cruising south on the parkway?
Scary watching a June bug heading toward your face. Then seeing it bounce off your full face shield. Always rode with a full face shield, shoes, long pants and sleeves. Luckily the two times I had to dump the bike was a very slow speed.
SRT
2000 32' HR Vacationer with Banks
1998 Subaru Outback Ltd. 5 spd
Brake Buddy & Blue Ox Aventa II tow bar
FMCA #266040 HRRVC #84109
wa8yxm wrote: Have not spent much time on Motorcycles but used to not have any motor vehicle, I road a 3-speed Huffy to work (Biclcye) I usually wore a windbraker that was tri-color, White, Yellow and Orange, all "Florcesent" and very bright.
Once I had enough time to use the brakes to avoid hitting a car that pulled off a side street in front of me and was able to chase the driver down and ask him why he did that.. he said he did not see me (Well he did pull into a doctor's office, I suggested he see the eye doc)
The other time I had to lay it down. Thankfully at bicycle speeds it's not as dramatic but I was sure glad I wore full length clothing that day.
its not easy to see bicyclists, people say its not easy to see motorcycles but so far I have had no trouble seeing them, they have headlights so not a problem.
Also, its not so easy to spot bicyclists that aren't following what they should be doing (riding on the wrong side of the road for example)
'01 F350SD
'03 35' Victory Lane TH
'07 50cc Sym JetEuro moped/scooter
'10 Giant Cypress Bicycle
Isabel- my dog
mynetdude wrote: I had one small mishap when riding my little 49cc beemer/scooter, I have been wanting a full face helmet for the reasons stated but I couldn't get one and I do plan to get one but I need one big enough to go over my hearing aids but not so big that it doesn't fit correctly that it won't be as effective.
recently I've been seeing motorcyclists riding without helmets at all, maybe a bandanna! And I could hardly believe my eyes! I thought it was illegal to not ride without a helmet anywhere. I've never seen anyone ride without one in Oregon, my first time seeing lots of people without them in Idaho.
Iowa and Illinois no helmet required. Then there are lots of states like Idaho if you are over 18 you don't have to wear one. Some like Colorado, the driver doesn't have to wear one over 18 years of age, but the passenger does, no matter what age. Then like Texas, required by law if you are under 21 years of age, but don't have to wear one over 21 if you have successfully completed a motorcycle safety course or have $10,000 in medical insurance. I can go on but you get the idea.
LOL $10k? If you get into an accident that requires putting your head back on (provided you LIVE!) it will be a LOT more than $10k!
interesting, didn't know some states still allow no helmets
WindsorJ wrote: Accidents aside, what if you are cruising along at highway speed headed north on the parkway and you meet a big fat June bug, or such, cruising south on the parkway?
Scary watching a June bug heading toward your face. Then seeing it bounce off your full face shield. Always rode with a full face shield, shoes, long pants and sleeves. Luckily the two times I had to dump the bike was a very slow speed.
them hitting your helmet isn't the issue, hitting you elsewhere would be and those aren't the only things you gotta worry about hitting... try deer.
WindsorJ wrote: Accidents aside, what if you are cruising along at highway speed headed north on the parkway and you meet a big fat June bug, or such, cruising south on the parkway?
If you are wearing a CHiPs style helmet, with military driving goggles, and the bug hits you on the forehead BETWEEN the helmet and the goggles, IT HURTS, that's what happens!
It was one of those huge flying beetles you find on Oahu.
I did not crash, but I did have to pull over and stop for a few minutes.
CM1, USN (RET)
2002 Fleetwood Southwind 32V, Ford V10
Toad: 2006 Jeep Rubicon LJ
Other toad: '06 PT Cruiser, Kar Kaddy dolly
Toy: 1977 Dodge W100 CC SWB, 3/4 ton axles & springs
"When seconds count, help is only minutes away!"
mowermech wrote: I am well aware that cycles are inherently unsafe
What a ridiculous statement.
I don't agree, what protection does the motorcycle have to offer that a car can do?
Yes if the rider is skilled & smart they will minimize the risks, motorcycles are far more riskier (which is why you need a motorcycle endorsement)
Sure, nothing is "inherently unsafe", right?
how about the three-wheelers that became outlawed because they were "unsafe"?
How about 4 wheel ATVs licensed for road use?
Sorry, but I stand by my statement. In fact, ALL two-wheelers are inherently unsafe.
In almost 50 years of riding, I kept myself well aware that any two wheeler can jump out from under me at the slightest excuse (a slick spot, a wet leaf, a rock, a railroad track, a bridge expansion joint, etc.), throw me into a guard rail or a lamp post, or whatever is there.
I always believed that if and when I got secure enough to think that I could handle anything that bike dished out, it was time to park it and dispose of it. I taught my kids the same thing.
I got rid of my last one because of too many aches and pains. I didn't ride it enough to justify having it.
I have said it before, and I will keep saying it: Situational awareness and attention to detail will prevent accidents.
Even on a two wheeler.
They are out there. It is up to US, the drivers of huge vehicles, to SEE them!
But do you really think they would listen to us, any more than you listened when you were younger?
I know, its so sad and so very dangerous; well, it CAN be very dangerous. But what most will probably say is that when the weather is so stinking hot you can barely breathe under the full face helmet, the open face is much friendlier.
I am so sorry for that young woman. I hope it all goes well for her; whatever that means. Terrible thing to have happen.
I am sorry you and yours had to witness it too.
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