The Statistics of Street Survival on a Motorcycle

[@RevZilla]

Read Jen's full story here rvz.la/48OKuhI Need a helmet? Check out our selection rvz.la/3OixE39

[@lostbassist18]

😊

[@John_Ridley]

"years of seat time" is not a good metric. When I took the MSF returning rider course a few years ago, over half the riders were HD club riders with 10, 20 or more years of riding. Most of them were HOPELESS in anything but going in a straight line and doing long sweeping turns. They all got MUCH better in the 5 hours of time we spent on the range. That indicates to me that a small amount of training is more constructive than years of sitting in a saddle going straight.

[@BlakesPipes]

i ride 365 days a year on two wheels. i see in the spring when everyone gets out the bike again the horrible riders that had not touched a bike in 4 months. they get the adrenalin rush the first month or so and settle in over May and June. i do not get the rush anymore when riding, its a form of transportation in my every day life. Well i do love going over high passes and seeing things with no obstructions to my view and smell the water while on the bridge while looking down at a kayaker that is enjoying his day below or a sail boat making its way out of a merina. but i will agree, during the summer, most cruiser folk are not good at riding when turns come up. there bikes have a different rake in the front and body posture is poor with legs out in front. i enjoy my torso to my feet directly under my head. knees on the tank.

[@ssc1348]

Quality vs quantity

[@michaelnishiguchi3176]

@@BlakesPipessmelling your environment is a super underrated part of biking. Riding past people’s home cooking, going past bakeries or going near water is incredible.

[@John_Ridley]

@@BlakesPipes Cruisers do have challenges, but just watch Doodle or some of the police training guys, they can do super tight turns if they know what they're doing. I owned a Honda cruiser for a few years. Hated it. For me anyway forward controls have NOTHING going for them. They're uncomfortable for anything more than a half hour of riding, and you can't lift your butt up if there's a bump coming so you take a lot of impact on your spine. Mid controls for me.

[@John_Ridley]

@@BlakesPipes I have the same experiences on bicycles and motorcycles. Being connected to the world versus being in a sealed box looking at it. I'll always choose 2 wheels if I can. I did have to buy a portable power washer to get the salt off my motorcycles in the winter, otherwise everything is corroding by spring.

[@ginogina4589]

I turn 75 in May and am hanging it up; been riding since I was 20. I got my endorsement as soon as I could. I retrained with the MSF intermediate course or equivalent every season. ATGATT and no alcohol. Ive ridden all over the UK, PA, the Southwest, Spain. My last trip 2 years ago was a 3600 mile cruise up the CA and OR coast and back to home in AZ. I ride twice a week with a group. I am ending my riding career with no major or serious crashes. Be smart.

[@R92-s7e]

Bravo)

[@jonahonyeuko9250]

The roads shall miss the friction of your tires sir.

[@hanzohattori9576]

Uhh... You say "be smart" as if you made the smart decision of hanging it up early. My guy, you rode from age 20 to 70. That's 50 years.

[@lukefish7562]

⁠​⁠@@hanzohattori9576I’ll help ya. He said “be smart” as that’s what allowed him to ride for 50 yrs with “no major crashes” . Not that it’s smart to hang it up. 😁 He’s older and there comes a time we have to or should at least give up a thing or two for self preservation. @gino-It’s a life of riding well done sir! 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽 I’ll be 47 on Wednesday and can only pray for the same before I hang up my AlpineStars decades from now. 🏍️💨

[@l.a.raustadt518]

That's awesome. At 69 soon 70 I just stay in shape, no booze and know my limits. Living well means living safe.

[@John_Ridley]

Egoless riding is important too. I see a lot of videos where people get mad then chase down drivers, yell, smash mirrors, escalate. What's the end game here? You're gonna lose if it goes that far. For me once the idiot is one foot past me, I'm done with him. I just want the idiocy as far away as possible. You can't convince people and trying just makes them mad. Being mad at a car driver for doing stupid stuff is like getting mad at water for making you wet. Stupid is just what car drivers do. The only way to avoid it is to never ride on roads.

[@seanbirtwistle649]

Pretending cars don't have people in them helps a lot

[@jozefrockatansky1588]

Same attitude here, I've had a few near misses or car drivers do stupid stuff thats put me in danger, but there is no point getting angry at people that will never learn. Sure, my bike could catch them or outrun them, but at the end of the day, riding motorcycles is dangerous enough and I have a family to think about and it is not worth getting turned into a smear on the tarmac over something that you can just let go and move on. No point, plus too many car drivers don't even think twice about using their car as a weapon to intimidate you...end of the day, it's just not worth getting angry over, better to stay in one piece too. If something happens, and me and my bike are still together and on our two feet and wheels, that is a win - win in my book.

[@Carlisho]

Just 3 days ago a car changed lane right next to me, I quickly accelerated in front of them while moving out of the way and all tht happened was a few highbeam flashes from the driver and a wave from me. Me moved on with our days. For as much shit that Florida drivers get, 9/10 times they prioritize me over them on the road, and I appreciate it and let them know with a wave as a go past them.

[@neiljones6725]

In my 28 years of riding as my only transport, i have kept my luck up by at first treating all cars that the driver is playing with dials and buttons and not watching the road. And now it has evolved to that all drivers have their face in their phone and not watching the road, either way treat every cager (and riders) as they dont know you are there.

[@TKettle]

Yup last year a guy was about to pass me on my right (big no no in most parts of Europe) and I just put on my turn signal so I could move over after he passed. He backed off and let me in so I thought that was the end of it. Well he pulls up on my left and is flapping his hands all over and yelling about something. Shoulda ignored him but I couldn't resist giving him the finger. This made him get in front and start brake checking me and trying to get me to pull over with him (presumably to try to kiss me or something). Twas a good reminder that some people just don't operate on logic and can completely lose all control of their emotions like children, so it's best to give them zero acknowledgement.

[@TheClarkenstein]

And to add - maintain your bike! Check those tire pressures before you head out!

[@MrTaliz]

Less tire pressure means more tire on the road = more grip Make sure you have good/fresh(not many years old) tires Id say... and a bike with ABS and use the front brake...

[@duroxkilo]

dude, pls stop commenting in this manner, no disrespect @@MrTaliz

[@cg1288]

Uhhm, no. You are incorrect. The only time you would use lower tire pressures is in off-road/ sandy situations. On the street, use proper mfr recommended tire pressures. ​@MrTaliz

[@Wil_Liam1]

​@cg1288 ummm no,the only time one would use more rec pressures is whenever one is approaching the tired max weight limit including rider,baggage,fuel,and any other time ad stated above a few lbs less air pressure =slightly wider contact patch,more traction,longer tire life due to not wearing out just the very center of the tread... Tire makers put rec pressures for weight and also to aid in wearing the tires quicker which means more sales which equals more profit which is the sole and only reason they're in business 🤔... I've been riding bikes over 50 years both off road and on(since 14 yrs of age) and have played with tire pressures on every bike I've ever owned for a length of time to find that sweet spot which gives maximum traction,maximum tire life and it always comes down to less than the mfr sug pressures...

[@cg1288]

@@Wil_Liam1 You never stated in your first post anything about a few lbs plus or minus like you are now. It read like a post from some 17 year old in mom's basement. I have been riding for 40 yrs myself and can tell when my pressures are low just by feel, especially low speed turns. The bike "scrubs" turns. The rest of your argument is conspiratorial at best. Tire manufacturers may want a person to buy as many tires as they can sell is true. But, they certainly don't do that by purposely putting a false recommended psi on the sidewall. The last thing they want is to be sued for millions of $$$ just so they sell you more tires by having tires fail because of false PSI recommendations. I have also driven a truck for 30 years and have hauled millions of pounds of supplies and materials to Goodyear; Michelin, Bridgestone, and Cooper tires. Different compounds and formulas for different performance. Also, after over 3 million miles on the road I will tell you that under-inflation is by far the biggest cause of premature tire wear and failure. Low PSI causes friction, which causes heat, which causes poor handling; wear, and failure.

[@robertp457]

People thinking they are better riders than they really are, is likely a cause of some of the single rider accidents. People thinking they are good at emergency braking when they've never practiced them.

[@weylins]

Yep. Just look at all the idiots who say "I'll never fall" while zipping around and 20 over the speed limit. Luck to date is not the same as skill in the brain.

[@someguyontheinternet7165]

I start every spring with a ride to an empty MSF course to run a few drills and practice emergency braking. Figured it’s a solid way to refresh the skills that might have faded over the winter. Told a couple of riding buddies with several years under their belts as well. They laughed at me when I told them. I convinced them to join me and the difference between our stopping distances was staggering. 😬

[@DmitriyAdv]

Unless someone has pushed the limit of traction they just mentally assume it's infinite. I instructed a bunch of car accident avoidance classes and it's amazing that people think their SUV will stop on a dime and corner like a Ferrari if they just apply the brakes hard enough, and turn that steering wheel a bit more. The same is true of motorcyclists - if people actually realized what the limits of their tires were most, they would ride slower and not follow cars so closely.

[@someguyontheinternet7165]

@@DmitriyAdv I’ve found that to be very true of new drivers/riders as well. Funny enough I’ve found many “experienced riders” (aka ridden for years but haven’t done any meaningful skill building) often have the opposite problem. They understand there’s a traction limit, but they’re overly terrified of going anywhere near it. Instead of locking it up, they ease in the pressure appropriately but then plateau at maybe 70% of what tire could actually handle.

[@duroxkilo]

i remember watching a friend ride his bicycle and thinking he shouldn't be riding a motorcycle... i believe a lot of riders have a false sense of comfort simply because motorcycles are inheritably stable. they don't understand the vital importance of constantly practicing slow and high speed maneuvers.

[@disekjoumoer]

I think, of all points, riding defensively is the most important. Distrusting other drivers and in fact even just roads will help you more than anything.

[@SWTrailsAndWheels]

Absolutely.

[@weylins]

Including distrusting other riders you don't know.

[@MrTaliz]

Yeah basically I imagine I'm invisible, saved me many times. Also I expect there may be gravel or oil in the next corner. Always ready to make an evasive maneuver.

[@weylins]

@MrTaliz when my dad taught me to ride a long time ago, we told me "don't ride in the now. You need to ride 5 seconds in the future. And ride like you don't know what's around the corner, cause you dont"

[@leftcoaster67]

As one motorcycle writer said. "Think squirrel, be vigilant."

[@matthewbrown7659]

You guys have assembled a phenomenal staff for putting out intelligent and informative motorcycling videos. Having people like Jen, Zack, Ari, and Spurgeon in the public eye as examples of responsible and intelligent motorcyclists is a great thing for the community. The content you produce is often objective and analytical and to me it creates an image of a professional motorcycling community that's courteous to other road users. The best riders I've ever seen weren't loud, fearless, adrenaline-pumped ego maniacs, they were thoughtful professionals. Sometimes quiet, sometimes goofy, but always self aware and trying to improve.

[@TheRamsberg]

Heavily seconded!

[@pcofranc]

Good explanation of these statistics and simple ways to stay safe on the road.

[@icmull]

My mates a bike guy Im a car guy. Ive been thinking of getting a bike. Im 1000x more likely thanks to him. He is super chilled. Telling me to get something small and easy take me to the carpark, etc. Absolutely 0 peer pressure to do anything stupid. We are in our 30s though.

[@Thirsty_Fox]

I think motorcycling can be reasonably safe if you commit yourself to making it so. For me, it means: 1. Being visible. White helmet, high-vis airbag vest, both white and orange lights on front, and a red bike. This alone has dropped being cut off from daily to once or twice per year. 2. Bike must have good ABS and good tires. When things go wrong, ABS absolutely can make the difference. 3. Wear good protective gear. Don't cheap out (low quality or old/damaged gear). Airbag vest is a great idea too. Full-face a must. 4. Promise yourself to keep your cool and not let bad drivers anger you. It's going to happen that people make mistakes or are jerks. Accept it ahead of time and focus on controlling the vehicle and getting home safe. 5. Practice emergency manoeveurs. You can't expect to get it perfect if you're rusty. Panic breaking, swerving, and absolutely train yourself to avoid target fixation. It's difficult to do but with regular training you can immediately recognize and correct for it. 6. Ride at reasonable speeds. I know we all like to have fun but there's both a time and place as well as a limit on public roads, especially ones you're unfamiliar with. 7. When riding with others, only do so when you're comfortable with the skills and habbits of the other riders. Trying to keep up with people who ride beyond your comfort limit is a recipe for disaster for you and others. 8. Recognize when riding is just not a good idea for you. Everyone has bad days, overly tired or unwell, for any number of reasons. It's okay to say today isn't a good day to ride. I feel like if you try to stick to ideas like this, riding can become reasonably safe. No doubt to some it will ruin the image or excitement, so you'll have to choose your own level of risk acceptance.

[@thegreenman2030]

All great points. I just picked up a brand new motorcycle today. It’s the 1st bike I have owned after an 18 year break in riding. At 46 my priorities are so different then they wer when I was 18 to 26. My last bike I didn’t even wear a helmet or any protection at all which I look back on and think WTF was I thinking? Now I have everything from Helmets with the highest rating, ADV boots, armor and the new Airbag backpack from Helite. I even went with a small displacement bike that I plan on staying on the backroads with. I want to enjoy this and rediscover my love for riding then get home safely to my family when I’m done.

[@Thirsty_Fox]

@@thegreenman2030 I can relate. I moved down to a lower power bike. I started on a little 250, then had a few 600cc inline-4s. I'm on my 5th bike now and it's only a 471cc twin Honda. Enough power to have some fun but keep me in check, plus much less expensive to run. It is a bit sad that my ABS requirement means no vintage bikes but it's the requirement I made myself commit to as I'd rather return home to my family. Safe riding my friend

[@leonidfro8302]

>> 3. Wear good protective gear. Don't cheap out (low quality or old/damaged gear). Airbag vest is a great idea too. Full-face a must. While helmet is a must-have and good gear too, those are often overrated. Very often cause of fatality is internal organ damage - no gear will protect you from that >> 5. Practice emergency manoeveurs. Extremely overrated, I would say it maybe harmful as it inspire overconfidence. Ride sober, keep following distance and you won't need it. >> 7. When riding with others, Just - don't do it. Group rides are inherently dangerous >> 8. Recognize when riding is just not a good idea for you Oh, you think riding is a sport or hobby? That's dangerous proposition to begin with. Public road is not a race track.

[@blabla9845]

I put a LED glow kit on mine because I ride a lot at night.

[@jeffreylonigro4081]

#2…maybe. It’s a tossup on hitting the magical 1G of braking force, which abs MAY allow you to do, versus being able to lock up your rear wheel and laying the bike down. When you have to lay it down, you have to do it: And that is when the choice is getting airborne or laying it down. If you get airborne, you most likely will die.

[@SWTrailsAndWheels]

Thanks for the courage to publish this detail in an honest manner. Some would think it could hurt sales but by the end I was more, not less, excited to ride and to do so responsibly.

[@h.d.h]

The inverse! Less risk-adverse individuals may see that many of the dangers are created by the rider's actions and that being less risk-adverse makes them a safer rider.

[@STho205]

It was a helmet ad. Revzilla is a major helmet dealer, probably the biggest in North America. Personal context here, I wear a full face, non modular helmet....live in a helmet state....got my motorcycle license as a teen in a helmet state. Live next to two helmet optional states. I would wear a helmet there too. However SC has a far lower fatal injury per rider quotient than GA, and almost 100% of fatal road crashes in GA the rider has a helmet (required by law). A helmet is great mitigation and a wise choice...but it isn't going to make you 66% more likely to avoid a fatal crash....that is BAD STATISTICAL interpretation. Notice she discussed missing data and undetected causes in other areas like rain or winter riding....then completely ignored that before the Helmet Ad.

[@au51emu]

​@@STho205the statistics in this video are atrocious. Zero effort made to understand them.

[@whazzat8015]

@@au51emu By whom? The riders?

[@au51emu]

@@whazzat8015 by the people who made the video. Atrocious. If you don't know how statistics work, just stick to reading the report, don't try to extrapolate.

[@BigRockMoto]

Thanks Jen and team for yet another well-researched, well-presented and genuinely informative video. I think it was Nick Ienatsch who said, motorcycles are not inherently dangerous, they are just extremely intolerant to mistakes and poor decisions by riders.

[@Slippinjimmy1221]

You should make a similar video at some point ian

[@au51emu]

The research was terrible. All the stats in their conclusion are wrong.

[@whazzat8015]

The joy comes in mastering an inherently unstable vehicle. If they were banned, I couldn't argue, especially given our history of legislated auto safety, over lesser threats. Moto's take 120% attention, nothing less will do. . Try not to be dumb, stupidity is a toxic drug. can kill with the first dose

[@zakialherz1201]

beside stats, maybe you can have an episode on attitude: we do not own the road, ride for fun not racing or zig zagging, master both bike and road skills, etc.

[@au51emu]

@@zakialherz1201 maybe get the stats right before you try anything more difficult

[@simplerider3159]

Words of wisdom. It took me 18 years and 4 accidents, including a knee surgery to learn this. I will only add that in two of those accidents it was the gear what saved me. Had not been for it I would have left my flesh and possibly my brains on the pavement. At a minimum my face would have been disfigured. But besides a bad knee I am fine.

[@nomadicwolf6132]

As an young man looking to get a motorcycle, I greatly appreciate this wisdom. Thank you.

[@rubyxfinity8634]

Take the MSF or similar safety course. Seriously, it will save your life. And it's amazing how much smarter it makes you as an overall driver. Frankly I think EVERY driver should be required to take it (on a motorcycle too!)

[@officialpanasonic6244]

@@rubyxfinity8634 I think every biker should take the MSF, but I don't know about making every driver in general take it

[@rubyxfinity8634]

@@officialpanasonic6244 Well, for us, it is shocking how much our auto driving improved after the MSF course. We literally SIPDE all the time and are hyper aware. You check your mirrors more, you head-turn before lane changes, and you don't take the risks (left hand turn, etc.) that you used to. I've taken regular driver safety courses after early tickets in my 20's and none of it had the same impact as MSF training. Maybe it's the increased vulnerability on an MC that opened our eyes? (Spouse and I both ride.)

[@davidbaldwin9830]

When I started I met guys who rode for years and they took an advanced rider course every five year to refresh their skills and get rid of the bad habits they had developed.

[@lavonnealexander6936]

This is something I would do, because I would definitely develop bad habits

[@Kingsoupturbo]

Here in Canada they banned right-hand drive vehicles in Quebec by stating that they were 50% more likely to be in a collision. The study was based on 3 - 300zx turbo's driven by teenagers. I just came from a vacation in Arizona, they got it all, sweatpants no helmet harley, two helmetless spandex-hoodie kids on a R6, but also full gear seniors on a Tenere 700\BMW RT (they get the thumbs up!) People can barley bring themselves to learn how to drive a car, and yet so many out on bikes. Great video!

[@jlrutube1312]

What is a right-hand drive vehicle?

[@Kingsoupturbo]

@@jlrutube1312 The steering wheel is on the other side of the car, you can get high quality low mileage imports from Japan like this, I've owned a bunch!

[@tren-y2m]

Ahh Canada, here in BC you can be given a noise ticket for driving a stock 911 and be forced to pay a hefty $200 inspection fee without even having the ability to fight it in court. Oh, and if you don't do the inspection within 30 days they can impound your car.

[@Kingsoupturbo]

@@tren-y2m They really need noise control for all the straight pipe truck guys\harleys, maybe stock 911's are loud as hell now, I know some stock mustangs over 4000rpm are rediculous (Mercs etc. too) They are out of control with mandatory impound in BC though, snuck that through to raise more funds, as if the cost of living wasn't high enough.

[@nolajoe580]

same thing with ppl wearing helmets if they don't want to... 39% fatality is LOWER than 61% so how she concluded that "wearing a helmet" lessens your chances at a fatal accident BY 61% !!!!! 1:00 her own data shows that 61% of FATAL accidents are WITH HELMETS!! I don't understand her math

[@WyDave]

Great video? Couldn't agree more with helmet use. I've ridden over 50 years and remember laying my bike down 3 times on city streets and 3 times on mtn trails. A couple of those resulted in serious deep scars on helmet. Saved my noggin! A good friend of mine hit a car broadside at about 65mph. His helmet had a big crack in it and almost sheared off the chin bar. He had a severe broken leg, but NO head injury!!!

[@WyDave]

Should be a ! Instead of ? after great video. Dang fat fingers...

[@bluezhawg2104]

To be clear you didn’t lay your bike down you crashed. To say otherwise is just a way to lie to yourself.

[@WyDave]

Crash, wreck, endover, highside...wordplay it however you want. Doesn't matter to me.

[@arturodelarosa4394]

It absolutely saves you from some injuries, unfortunately that is not what they claimed, they claimed lowered fatality by 61% which is just not what the data from the NHTSA says, the actual number the NHTSA shows on their site, (linked on their article) is under 12% which is surprisingly low.

[@andycole5957]

@@arturodelarosa4394 That's statistics for you! I think the 12% is the effect helmets would have on the percentage of total fatalities, where 61% is the increase in survivability just comparing having a helmet or not in 1 accident. Since the vast majority of people ride with a helmet, since most states require it, the effect on total accidents is smaller because most riders already do wear a helmet. If 100% of riders wore helmets, then the difference in total deaths would be 0; however, their presence would still make the rider 61% more likely to survive.

[@canadiot2735]

It blows my mind that there are still people who ride helmetless.

[@projectc.j.j3310]

You have a small mind

[@AlessandroTimmi]

To my surprise as an Italian, I learned that in Florida helmets are not compulsory!

[@advent35]

I've spent the last eight years Regretting wearing a helmet. I've rode motorcycles and flown airplanes my whole life. One beautiful November Day coming home from work a woman decided she was just going to punch it And crossed the road. I did everything right slowed down moved over to the opposite Lane and as since I got there she just punched it and drove into the side of my bike And my leg I don't have either anymore And I've been in constant pain every day since then I really wish I wasn't wearing a helmet.🦿🦿🦿🐕‍🦺🐕‍🦺🐕‍🦺People are stupid And no matter what you do they're going to try to kill you. Sometimes there's just nothing you can do. Wear a helmet wear a seat belt or don't Sometimes it just doesn't matter. Have fun Be safe And **** everything else. I'm back on my KX125 and KX500 When I can start my 500 One of these days I hope to get my RD 350 out Again.

[@kx8960]

@@AlessandroTimmi Buongiorno Paisan! Why does that surprise you "As an Italian"? Are helmets mandatory in Italy? In certain states here in the US they are.

[@AlessandroTimmi]

@@kx8960 ciao paesano! I was surprised because in Italy helmets have been compulsory for a long time. To see people riding big Harleys without helmets in Florida and learning they are not compulsory was a shock! Yes I heard the law is different across the various states in US.

[@aps-pictures9335]

In the UK they just did a comprehensive study. It found that the majority of motorbike crashes happen during summer months, on a weekend (Sunday 6pm is the worst). These are mostly fair-weather weekend warriors. I don’t think anyone is surprised by this.

[@NooBiker]

Hi I'm UK based. Do you have a link to the study? I'm interested in reading it 👍

[@steve00alt70]

I'm from the UK. I would say that there are more all year riders than fair weather riders in UK. Because the UK weather mostly rains so just doesnt make sense to buy a bike in that climate if your only going to ride it in Summer.

[@NooBiker]

@@steve00alt70 I know loads of UK riders who put their bikes away for the winter and only ride in the dry

[@aps-pictures9335]

@@steve00alt70 Here’s another with UK stats for you; particularly interesting read would be pages 15, 16 and 19. Anecdotally, I only know one other rider in my circle who is all-season like me. And even then, he only rides in winter when it’s dry and clear, and not often. Most people I’ve met have their bike in winter storage mode. It certainly is reflected in all the stats and surveys I’ve ever read.

[@h.d.h]

People who take riding seriously are safer riders than those who are weekend warriors.

[@rickconstant6106]

I passed my bike test 50 years ago in the UK and still ride all year round on most days as my everyday transport. I've always worn a helmet (even before they were compulsory here) and, after a few lucky escapes in my earlier years, wear decent protective gear as well. Knowing how to control your machine in all conditions is only the first step. The key to survival is continuous awareness of what's going on around you and risk management to avoid putting yourself in unnecessary danger.

[@Annon89]

You wear a helmet, take a riding course, drive speed limit and not drink alcohol before you ride. Your statistics instantly come on par with automobiles.

[@mvnorsel6354]

Have not ridden for 30 years, but my childhood dream came true, riding around Australia.

[@Abe-fp7ip]

Really like the fact that you put the majority of the responsibility rider! Thank you 😊

[@brentharrington9235]

If you are in a motorcycle crash, it's always 100% the bikers fault.

[@C0lon0]

​@@brentharrington9235in the US, maybe, here in Brazil the majority of crashes involving motorcycles occurs due to car drivers using the telephone or dont using the mirrors.

[@brentharrington9235]

@@C0lon0 It's still the motorcyclist fault. It's always the motorcyclist fault. If you crash on your bike it's because you have failed at the single most important rule of riding, which is assume everything is trying to kill you and don't hit anything. If you don't embrace this and ride with this mindset, you are riding blindfolded.

[@eucerin_perin]

@@brentharrington9235 shit my bad bro, shoulda seen into the future and known the car would run a stop sign

[@brentharrington9235]

@@eucerin_perin yes, you should have. I don't think you should be riding if you don't pay attention.

[@Undoing88]

As someone who delivers presentations for a living, I just want to compliment Jen on her awesome voice modulation skills! The whole video is well done, no doubt, but her delivery was particularly remarkable. Cheers.

[@tonyciriello6872]

With 55 years of riding I have found (the hard way) that you are invisible on a bike to cage drivers. Ride with that in mind and you have a better chance of not getting punted off the road. They are not "out to kill you" or we would all be done.They don't see you because they are not looking for motorcycles. Riding "at the speed limit" would make a big difference if the cars also did so but why bother to have an exiting motorcycle to crawl around. Same for cars. Just don't be stupid fast all the time everywhere. You are invisible !! (except to radar)

[@erickjanke735]

Well put!

[@Tartan1206]

Speed limit especially on the highway is dangerous. Don't be the slow guy that cars are running up on. Better to be passing them and in control vs having someone pass you and cut you off or rear end you.

[@tonyciriello6872]

@@Tartan1206 So true. Actively stay out of their way-respecfully.

[@Rudyelf1]

Exactly. They are in their own world, distracted. I don’t chalk up to malice what I can credit incompetence for.

[@tonyciriello6872]

​@@Rudyelf1That also means that motorcycle riders are better car drivers because we are self conditioned to pay more attention to the surroundings. The techniques of looking at which way the tires are pointing at an intersection and so on are also useful when driving a car.

[@beanwithbaconmegarocket]

Awesome video, Jen (and Revzilla)!!! I've been telling friends and family who worry about me on a motorcycle for years that if you wear the gear and ride maturely (i.e., defensively, within your limits, *close* to speed limit, etc.) it's not that dangerous. Michael Neeves said something years ago that stuck with me: the question in a motorcycle wreck is not who's at fault but was it preventable. I have to admit that *nearly* every motorcycle wreck or near-wreck I've ever been in has been due to my own poor skills (when a new rider) or irresponsible riding. It also helps a lot when you get the need for speed out of your system via track riding.

[@CanyonChasers]

What an awesome video Jen! I've been preaching this exact message for years - a few, pretty easy steps, and we can take some giant strides towards improving our chances!

[@JibsMotoVlog]

I don't know in the US, but in my country being in a motor club gave us extra education and techniques to protect ourselves from accident and also more respect to others on the road. In a motor club we have to protect ourselves with a proper helmets (and sometimes gears too) all the time Jen. But thanks for the video 🙏🙏🙏

[@pleasedontwatchthese9593]

we have a msf course which is just the basics, but outside of that they just dont want you to ride at all.

[@spartanx169x]

@@pleasedontwatchthese9593 No they expect you to be a grown adult about it and get further practice and training. If you want to play stupid games , you win stupid prizes. Owning a bike is no different than owning a firearm. Both can get you killed if you act stupid with them. Both can be a lot of fun when used responsibly. If a 16 yr old can drive a 3500lb car, then a person can just as well ride a bike. Its about being an adult and acting as such. Do you need .GOV to be your mommy?

[@trailrider1980]

In the US, a moto club can give you a higher insurance payment as more accidents happen in group rides.

[@kingnull2697]

@@pleasedontwatchthese9593 MSF also offers several levels of more intensive training, & if you're able/willing to pay & take time off of work (& get lucky) you can hit up a 2-week police training course as a random. .gov does have absolutely garbage policy in regards to anything with wheels, 2 wheels especially.

[@BurlyNerdGetsTheWorm]

The continual CTXP b-roll for "most riders don't ride in these conditions" cracked me up.

[@davidblack7528]

Been riding since I was 16 and I turn 70 this year. No highway accidents and no broken bones. All the things said in this video are true, especially speeding and alcohol. Motorcycle riding can be great therapy, especially riding alone and focusing on one thing, . . . .the ride.

[@peterbradshaw8177]

Great video. I’m taking a statistics course right now, and this is definitely worth sharing with my class. Correlation does not necessarily mean causation.

[@au51emu]

The statistics in this video are trash. Spot the absolute howlers at the end.

[@whazzat8015]

1)On a bike, it doesn't matter if you were right. 2) The plural of anecdote is not data.

[@GAVINCAMPBELL-zo2oo]

Jen is a fantastic addition to the team.

[@michaellemire4163]

Training and practice is essential to being a competent rider. I rode for almost 20 years, thought I was a great rider, pushed the limits of my ability on the streets... i then did a trackday and was humbled rather quickly by people riding slower bikes or with less years of riding experience because they had better training. It was then that I really started to learn how to ride and with that become more safe. Everyone on every type of bike should do trackdays to push the limits in a safe environment. You learn in days what most take years to learn. Great video Jen!

[@eucerin_perin]

but im broke?

[@michaellemire4163]

@altr_h123 save your pennies!

[@MarkLAdkins01]

Very good video - is motorcycle riding inherently dangerous? Yes. But we can make it much more safe by making smart choices. I ride every day and have to do a severe counter maneuvers to avoid an accident at least twice a week. Doing that drunk is a no go! Doing it at 100 mph is also a no go (but tempting 😂). We can do our best to have a long life of riding through some small and meaningful choices. 👍

[@MarkLAdkins01]

@@KurtFrederiksen Unless I am mistaken I think these points are the exact ones that the video is attempting to address.

[@Angry-Lynx]

twice a week? someone cuts me off almost everytime i go ride around city. fact that it happens often is good thing. It becomes part of experience, and im pretty much never suprised, because i EXPECT it to happen. I almost never get angry about it because i know its never intentional, were inherently less visible and move around faster

[@jeffruebens8355]

The old Hurt Report likely still applies. Best to start with a dirt bike, you learn more about looking for danger and get more crash avoidance practice from crashing on dirt instead of on sandpaper like pavement.

[@billreynolds2221]

Great presentation. Helpful reminders for those of us who've been riding 50 plus years. Every bit helps.

[@MrDavidHearn]

Thanks Jen, excellent use of facts and data to help us enjoy and survive a life of motorcycling!

[@falcodog2917]

I love Jen's videos. They are always entertaining and full of great advice. Training, practice, proper gear, no alcohol or drugs are all important. But, the most important aspect of safe riding is situational awareness. You need to constantly look for potential danger and escape paths to avoid being hit or going down at speed. Always remember where you are and what you are doing, plan ahead and go have fun.

[@gregorymarino1916]

Thank you for this video and article. The emphasis on the responsible and intelligent rider puts the focus where it belongs. Thank you!

[@keaixiaomeinv]

This is EXACTLY the kind of content we need to see more of. Hats off RevZilla.

[@battletoads22]

Another good tip is to practice invisibility training. Always assume they can't see you, wear high visibility gear or attention-grabbing colors (same goes for your bike--stay away from dark colors and blacked out parts [chrome is your friend]), and switch out your normal headlight for a daymaker. And don't be afraid of giving each intersection a little shimmy with your handlebars to make sure you can grab people's attention as you approach.

[@midnull6009]

That's why I have a pink helmet. It's an eye grabber to other male drivers...they think I'm a female, lol

[@BenIntentional]

@@midnull6009clever 😂

[@leslieaustin151]

Best defence of all is to get some ‘advanced’ riding instruction and practice. Here in UK it costs ‘peanuts’ to join a group like the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents or Advanced Drivers and Riders, and, if you avoid the lunatic-fringe within such groups you can really sort your riding and driving out to your advantage. Good video and it needed saying. I’d bet our UK figures are not hugely different. Thanks.

[@h.d.h]

The UK has roughly half the motorcyclist deaths per 100 million miles ridden than in the USA.

[@leslieaustin151]

@@h.d.h OK, but there are still too many. Some care, some practice and some SERIOUS instruction would go a long way to reducing those numbers. But… 100 Million miles?? Les

[@mdeerocks6792]

Thw UK figures are about half of the US.

[@Ch3mG33k]

I really appreciate revzilla putting this vid together. Would appreciate more vids on the subject of safe riding (if y'all's lawyers wouldn't be too afraid to do so haha).

[@sprezzatura8755]

I remember reading that lots of fatalities / serious injuries occur at intersections involving left turns. Either the motorcyclist is making a left turn and is struck by an oncoming car, or the motorcyclist is going through the intersection and a car makes a left turn in front of them. If you can get through your first year of riding without any serious incidents, you should be in pretty good shape. I think the European motorcycle licensing system makes a lot of sense: First year you can only ride up to 100 CCs, second year 250 CCs and so on. Something like that. I always thought it was nuts that any new rider can go and buy a motorcycle that canoutrun a Lamborghini.

[@nerychristian]

Seems easy to avoid. Motorcyclist should always assume that the other drivers are not watching for them, and they should slow down near intersections.

[@mdeerocks6792]

This is not how European motorcycle licencing works. It depends on age and categry of the licence you have.

[@bomberaustychunksbruv4119]

I am 54 and have ridden since I was 14. I was lucky to have had Defensive Rider Training from the beginning, I have had spills but limited the damage with knowledge. I will say though that there is the 2% that you can never prevent, and that is where luck comes in. I have been lucky twice and am still alive, others the luck swings the other way and they die. YOU decide to ride, you take the chance, good luck to you all. Matt

[@RichVal68]

🖖 Ride like you are invisible! ABS, has worked well for me over 20 yrs and 300,000 miles, definitely saved me some pain when I was not riding like I was invisible.

[@whazzat8015]

I ride like I am James Bond. EVERYBODY in the movie is trying to kill me.

[@Angry-Lynx]

abs is such a freaking lifesaver on bikes. it really triggers me when "old school" dudes say they dont need it, or that they can brake faster than abs.... completely missing the point :)

[@whazzat8015]

@@Angry-Lynx One of my memorable collisions was on my first ABS bike , K100. On first ride looked at flashing ABS dash light and rear ended a car. Risk reduction is relative.

[@Angry-Lynx]

@@whazzat8015 so you just admitted your not paying attention to the road caused accident. That still have nothing to do with abs

[@whazzat8015]

@@Angry-Lynx What it had to do with was the added complexity that added distraction and opportunity for failure. SYSTEMS need to work not parts. There are a lot of elegant parts out there in system failures. This vid is about safety, which is a total team sport where motorcycles have a long history of major failing, as their fatality/injury stats reveal

[@markb8474]

This is an excellent video that is a great service to the motorcycling public. As a rider for over 50 years (having raced with both Ari's and Zack's fathers), it is very frustrating to me to see boneheads on the street and in KZbin videos doing insane things that put us motorcyclists in a bad light, not to mention placing innocent people in danger. Sharpening your riding skills should be a life-long endeavor. After several years of roadracing and numerous trackdays, I still learn every time I'm on the track, and those skills are directly applicable to my street riding. Thank you, Jen (and Revzilla) for a great video.

[@tracythorleifson]

Outstanding video, Ms. Dunstan. Thank you and RevZilla for presenting it.

[@jims6614]

Really great video guys. Evidence based, analytic, and timely.

[@MikeGuzman-t6f]

I don’t care what anyone says. The most dangerous job out there in law enforcement is a police motorcycle officer. Think about it…. You are spending your work week on a motorcycle at work, commuting to and from work. You’ll rack up more miles in a month than most for an entire year. Great video.

[@DobroPlayer12]

It doesn't help that cops aren't very bright in the first place

[@Ac22768]

Just because you “don’t care what anyone says” doesn’t mean it’s true.

[@endangeredmarmot4518]

Excellent video - the motorcycle-specific parts are great, but this is also an important lesson in critical thinking. Thanks Jen and Revzilla!

[@1970cutlassS]

Always ride like they're gonna fu*k you. Just assume you're invisible because you basically are. Watch that cross traffic and those oncoming turn lanes into parking lots, especially when only one lane on your side is stopped. Don't just check out and listen to music. Keep your mind actively engaged in the changing traffic and play what-if the whole time.

[@scottboettcher]

Riding for over 50 years. Learned in the dirt. I often get more upset at other riders than cars these days, sans the ones on phones. Riding after ANY amount of alcohol/drugs is100% stupid. Proper gear and not being distracted by music, etc. helps tremendously WHEN you do have an issue - whether falling or being hit. I rode 20+ years before going down on Mulholland Drive after hitting spilt antifreeze in a blind corner. Gear saved my hide/head and the bike was fixable. Racing or otherwise acting a fool like lane splitting 40 MPH over the traffic will get you hurt or killed, and pisses off drivers. Riding tired and/or cold also is bad. If you like riding in cold months, and I do, get heated gear. Not only will you be happier, you'll be much safer too. I'll keep riding as long as I can, and at 62, I still love it! Ride Safe 🙏🏼

[@whazzat8015]

Stopped for the same reasons, after 30+ years and ~350K Roads are less safe and getting worse. To this day antifreeze terrifies me

[@pcprincipal2896]

Wow I don't drink and I wear a helmet so my chance to survive is >100% Bulletproof baby

[@Cjusmc28]

And statistically if you only ride in January, in the rain your odds are even better

[@arturodelarosa4394]

Revzilla screwd up the fatality rate decrease with helmets number too, lol. They said 61% and it should be more like 6% According to the data they linked in the article.

[@Rudyelf1]

@@Cjusmc28I did just that and almost died, of hypothermia,

[@1999zrx1100]

Back in the 80’s I read a paper called the Hurt Report, based on motorcycle accidents in California, reading that sure prepared me for a lifetime of riding. I’ve seen it on line and is an eye opener. I can safely say it saved me on a few occasions. Like they say…. Ride like you are a Ghost or you’ll become one. Another words, never assume the person in the car or truck sees you. 🤓

[@John_Ridley]

In Michigan, IMO there's no excuse for not getting the CY letters on your license. The state underwrites most of the cost of the course. You can take the returning rider course for $50, it's 5 hours on the range, an hour or two in the classroom, the instructors are very helpful and cool and if you're putting in the effort you will walk away with that slip. Then it's $15 at the state office and you're licenses. Be aware that in Michigan, riding without a license is a hefty fine, 6 month loss of license (for driving ANYTHING) and immediate roadside impoundment of your bike. Plus if you wreck and aren't licensed, the insurance company is within their rights to deny your claim.

[@thegreenman2030]

I just back into riding after an 18 year break. I have been trying to find a returning rider course within a 50 miles radius which spans three states and I can’t find anything which I find a little shocking. I’m going to keep looking but I wish dealerships sponsored these types of courses to keep their clients coming back.

[@geraldgoodiii6993]

@@thegreenman2030same here. Ridden 50k miles since I got back at it 3 years ago. I want that damn license. Even went over to the DMV and made it thru the course (they were closed.. went to practice.. Covid was going on and I kept getting “closed” or appt only… ok.. there a 0700 appt 100 miles away.. the 3 that are 10 miles from my house were damn near empty. I ride a road glide .. not the best bike for the IL test. They set the cones 4’ offset 10’ spacing. Good luck. I can do u turns and evading maneuvers, hard braking in all weather shit that has saved my bacon many times. I don’t speed much or drink. Do ride with an MC.. but I hate when I’m alone late at nite just waitijt for a cop to pull me over bc of my cut. Then be fucked. Riding keeps me sane. I ride year round all weather as long as not ice or snow on the road. Gonna see a homie got a little 250 to whip thru the course .. if they open I heard they back to appts. In WI they follow u on the road for the test with a headsets.. turn right here do a u turn there .. not a damn police rodeo

[@kawabungah20]

This is good information for ALL motorcyclists, regardless of what brand they ride. Never let your guard down, ATGATT, train and practice! We're are the privileged few who know the joy of two wheels. The best way to protect that privilege is to ride well. (Now off my rant and onto my machine.) Thank you RevZilla!!

[@FELiPES101]

Lets be real here...after getting my pilot's license which is controlled by the same government agency as getting a motorcycle license I can safely say that people driving anything on the road in the US do not get nearly enough training nor a harsh enough test to be on the road. Not to mention there isn't a follow up competency test ever. I imagine incidents would come way down with more strict requirements.

[@brianglendenning1632]

I also think the way aviation is approached is different to how riding a motorcycle is approached. From day 1 in aviation it was about understanding the risks and managing them, and structured training. I far more adept as a pilot 9 hours in (ready to solo) than I was on a motorcycle with the same hours, and I had decades of driving and cycling (racing) to draw on. I think aviation just has a better approach. The L and P plate system here on Australia for motorbikes is woefully inadequate. I am sure I am a safer motorcyclist because I applied some of the strategies to improving skills as I was taught in aviation.

[@AC-cg4be]

Completely agree. Too many Americans think driving is a right when it should be viewed as a privilege. I really wish there were random re-tests for driving abilities, and I really wish the penalties for violations were way harsher. The amount of people I see daily on my commute with their nose shoved in their phone while going 80MPH is too damned high!

[@brianglendenning1632]

@@AC-cg4be I have seen people reading a novel at 120 Kph on the M1 (a mostly three lane motorway between Newcastle and Sydney, NSW). In tight commuter traffic. 🥜

[@jeremycox8261]

This is a great conversation and we really should take this further. I recently had an accident where I broke several ribs and both wrists after a single beer at lunch. I’m not saying that the reason I fell was because I’ve been drinking, but I had been drinking.

[@jp7152]

Thks for the video, lots of information

[@rubyxfinity8634]

I'll never forget walking in to a Honda dealer many years ago wanting to buy a CBR600, mostly because it was actually the cheapest street bike they had. The salesman asked me my experience (zero) and refused to sell me a bike. He handed me a Motorcycle Safety Foundation card and said, "Take this, get your license, then come see me again." I was confused, was he not a salesperson? Yes, but he said he didn't want my death on his conscience. I was furious. After a few days decided to do what he said. BEST DECISION OF MY LIFE, and I told him (3 months later) that he probably DID save my life. I ended up buying a 750-V4 Magna instead. Still have it. Awesome bike. I took the advanced class later too. Again, more wisdom acquired. I see these idiots on CBR's and others riding in sneakers and T's doing wheelies on the highway and just shake my head. They will be donors for sure. But taking those safety classes not only made me a better motorcycle rider, it crossed into my CAR driving too. I'm doing SIPDE all the time. (Scan-Identify-Predict-Decide-Execute). It's saved me from a TON of car accidents, because you spot the idiots LONG before they perform their idiot moves. Glad Progressive gets it. (And they're much cheaper than GEICO.)

[@markboucher5776]

How many of these fatalities had loud pipes and only that mindset?

[@soujrnr]

Excellent video! The thing about sadistics, er, statistics, is that they are so subjective and can be skewed to favor either side. At the end of the day, proper training, proper gear, road skills, and road strategy will keep you alive MUCH longer than not heeding those items regardless of what number crunchers do with statistics. Great stuff!!

[@68orangecrate26]

Remember… You are INVISIBLE to every driver🏍

[@blipco5]

Nice job with the facts Jen D. I’ve long suspected it wasn’t always the car driver's fault.

[@max.fleming1045]

It would be interesting to take a deeper dive into helmets. Back in the summer of 2008 I was riding on a city/suburban street midday in beautiful sunshine. No visibility issues as sun was directly overhead. I was travelling speed limit at 30mph when a van pulled out in front of me. I grabbed all the breaks I had , no abs, & ended up laying the bike down which ended up under the van. I surprisingly walked away unscathed but my bike and my full face helmet were Wright offs. The worst damage on my helmet was actually the chin bar. I still to this day shudder to think about my fate wearing an open face helmet let alone no helmet?. In my humble opinion open face helmets are just another form of playing russian roulette.

[@cstreet1824]

Yeah, even on my mountain bike (bicycle) I went with a full face. All it takes is to go over the bars into a pile of rocks to end up eating all your meals through a straw for a while.

[@FreerunMediaService]

Very true, an open face helmet is a danger for yourself. It's looks nice when on a Harley but then when you go down, talking without a chin is a difficult task. Now for the breaking i know it's easy to hit the brakes full on but even in a situation you have to keep your head together. The most brakingforce is at the front brakes so when you hit it, you'll go down. Always keep an escaperoute in mind while riding so when the #%^&*@ hits the fan, you can swerve your way out and stil brake.

[@max.fleming1045]

@@FreerunMediaService he pulled out less than 20 yards ahead of me. I had less than time to react let alone find an escape route. You might imagine yourself being super human, but throughout history many a highly skilled & bravest of worriers have died in battle. I hope for their sake there is a Valhalla.

[@SilverScarletSpider]

thank u for writing this piece and presenting this video. the knowledge learned is very valuable and much appreciated jen

[@Anoldphotographer]

Excellent video, and after over 50 years of riding I only have one thing I might add. Ride with the knowledge that everyone driving a four-wheeled vehicle is out to kill you and you might just make it.

[@goldenageofdinosaurs7192]

I learned that at a young age, as a cyclist & I carried that over to my adult years. It has saved my skin on many occasions.

[@Ch3mG33k]

My MSF instructor said it's good to repeat a little mantra while you're getting ready to set off. "no one can see you, and everyone is trying to kill ya."

[@jameshisself9324]

There are a lot of people that will think this is unrealistic and paranoid, however if they spent a little time behind bars they would understand. These days it seems like every ride there is a driver willing to prove this to me.

[@Splintermill]

Agreed. Got in a pretty nasty wreck in my teens and stayed off the road until last year. Stayed on two wheels, just in the dirt. Last year I got the motocamping bug and bought my first dual sport. LOVED getting back out there, but admittedly nervous as hell at first. I’m still a bit on the fence about the whole thing, because in the 1000 ish miles I put on it last fall I had a few close calls that really made me question my decision. In my opinion, do what you feel comfortable doing, and develop your skills more than your wardrobe!!! I personally ride for the ability to “shutoff” for a while and enjoy the trail. On the road, even very rural backcountry pavement, I’m just too focused on watching out for everything and everyone else to truly enjoy the ride. Just my two cents, ride safe!!!!

[@blandrooker6541]

I disagree. 50 years of riding as well, but my retirement job is driving 10 hours a day for hundreds of miles a day 5 days a week as a non emergency medical transportation driver. The same dangers we face on a motorcycle, the same driver behaviors we look out for are not exclusive, I have to face the same things in a MINIVAN. What I've learned is to not have an adversarial relationship with other drivers, but to ride and drive WITH RESPECT TO traffic conditions. All of the safety lessons we apply on a motorcycle are no different in a car, people will still cut you off, turn left in front of you, change lanes without signaling, brake in front of you, all the same. Keeping a cool head and anticipating that people are going to make mistakes in an inherently chaotic system where every other driver on the road thinks that YOU are going to kill THEM keeps everyone alive.

[@jamesoconnell5974]

I think riding defensively and practicing emergency braking and situations. While riding your OWN Ride are extremely important. And also to take as much rider training as possible. When I did champ school I learned invaluable lessons more then 22yrs of riding taught me. Great video and article.

[@SquareHelmet]

Canada vs US perspective. I got my motorcycle license in the US (NYC) - it was so easy! The whole thing was fast, easy and in retrospect it looks like a joke from the safe riding point of view - a small paid formality before someone can get a license to possibly kill themselves. My test bike was 200cc and i got a full license (no engine size restriction). My first rental bike was HD road King 1,600 cc or so... I could have killed myself on it. It was very different from 200 cc for sure 😮 Moving to Canada (Quebec) they could transfer the auto license, but i had to pass motorcycle test from scratch. That was hard! They really drilled you on safe riding. It was way harder in comparison to the US and it took a lot of time and effort. And for the full license, the motorcycle has to be 400cc+ to make sure you know how to handle a bigger bike. They train you on various bikes too: standard, cruiser, sport bikes... Seemed like an overkill. But it all makes sense now: when i see a fellow motorcyclist here with local plates - i know how hard they had to work to get it and they are much safer drivers than the car drivers around us. And now they made it even more strict: you have to ride with a learner permit for a year before you can get your license. It makes you more skilled. And it also makes you feel like your license is a real privilege - you worked hard to get it so you may think twice before throwing it all away for drunk driving or some silly road racing. In general, more training = better. Always. If your license tests were not as rigorous, do yourself a favor and sign up for some riding courses - this may keep you from contributing to the statistics in this video.

[@WilliamWBG]

Canadians love to be told what they can and cannot do by their government. In America, we allow much more individual freedom. If someone is stupid enough to ride a 1600cc bike as their first bike, so be it. It’s not the governments position to tell you not to. Unfortunately we have a lot of people (mostly on the left) that love more government. Sometimes you need to allow stupidity to be allowed to get eliminated from the genetic gene pool in our population.

[@RG-500]

I have the exact opposite experience. Got my m/c license in Germany, then moved to Canada. I found the test quite easy compared to Germany. If the US test is even easier…good night, Marie. 😂

[@Xachremos]

I'm also from Quebec, and man getting my 6A was expensive and time consuming. But I do agree that it has made me a much better rider, and by extension driver, than I otherwise would have been, if it wasn't such a pain in the ass.

[@Xachremos]

@@RG-500 I have a buddy in the US, and he told me if he wanted it, its literally just a weekend course, and he takes a form saying he completed it to the DMV. Scary stuff. Also depends where in Canada you do it. Quebec by far has the strictest and hardest process.

[@Angry-Lynx]

it makes sense why so many US riders on youtube literally cant ride and you see them draggin feet for tens meters like some freaking todler sitting first time on bicycle😂

[@ljtowers5161]

I’ve been riding for two years which is not that much time. However, I took the MSF course which taught me some good habits and low speed maneuver techniques. Thankfully, I’ve never crashed or laid down the bike, I haven’t even been in a near crash either. I definitely do a lot of defensive riding when I go out and stay very far from cars plus practice my low speed techniques often as well as reaction time and braking distance. I take riding serious and so far it’s been a lot of fun, I love it.

[@pair_of_fins]

If you ride within your limits and without ego, you'll be just fine. The problem has always been egotistical riders who are pushing way past their personal limits

[@dergrizzlyreaper]

Yes I’ve seen plenty of riders who let their emotions take hold while riding and it gets them in trouble, but yes ego is a huge factor.

[@WilliamWBG]

Unfortunately there are hundreds / thousands of accidents every year that are NOT the fault of the motorcyclist. So less ego and riding within your limits does not mean you’ll always be “just fine” You’ve got to know how to ride defensively, with your head on a swivel constantly looking for the danger that can harm you and then have the skills to avoid it, but there are also times when there’s nothing the motorcyclist can do to avoid the accident. And that’s the same as with anything we do in life. Sometimes it’s just fate and unavoidable l.

[@aaronleverton4221]

@@WilliamWBG The accident may not have been your fault, but it was your choice not to wear a helmet, it was your choice not to wear steel-capped boots, knee-braces, armoured pants, a leather jacket, protected gloves etc. Just because someone else ran a red light doesn't mean you need to lose a limb, or the use of your legs, or your life.

[@jozefrockatansky1588]

@@aaronleverton4221 To be fair, I ride deffensively, wear all the gear, and still got badly injured in a crash that wasn't my fault, sometimes things just happen that are out of our hands unfortunately. It's not all about just wearing the gear and riding safely. And i'm far from a rider with an ego, I always joke that bikes come to me to retire and live forever in peace because I take such good care of them and ride within my limits regardless of the bike I'm on. Sometimes car drivers are just out to kill you! or try to anyway, she'll get me next time no doubt! 😂

[@aaronleverton4221]

@@jozefrockatansky1588 Badly injured isn't dead. Which is what you could have, or, if you weren't wearing all the gear, would have been. The point of my reply was that "Fate" is very avoidable. Evel Knievel died in his bed at 69.

[@paulbarr1804]

Outstanding video Jen and Revzilla. Short sharp and to the point 👏👏👏

[@basmca1]

Motorcycling is much more dangerous in the USA than in my home country of The Netherlands. About 4x as many deaths per 1.000.000km. Dispite the USA beeing much less densely populated, which would normally descrease risk. I see 5 main reasons for the higher death and injury rate in the USA. 1: Riding without a helmet. This just doesn't exist in The Netherlands. Helmets safe lives! 2: No proper motorcycle licences. In The Netherlands you need to pass 3 exams to get your licence. A theory exam which is specific for bikes. A pratical exam for controlling the bike(similar to MSF) and a 45-60 minute practical exam for riding a motorbike on public roads, where you have to show you know how motorcycling is different than driving a car a can apply this in day to day traffic. True 'beginner' riders doesn't exist here, because everyone with a licence has taking atleast 10 lessons and 3 exams. We also have the tiered A-A1-A2 system, which has reduced the risk of death for riders between age 18 and 22 by more than 50%. 3: Culture of road racing. This speaks for itself, this is much less of thing here. 4: Bad car drivers combined with excessively large vehicles. We all know the USA has generally lower standards for drivers, and also has insanly large vehicles for personal transport. E=MC2, physics are not on your side. 5: Bad road design and lack if traffic calming. Roads in the USA have basically 0 passive road safety design. Riders seem to be more likely to become a victim of this. (As well as pedestrians)

[@Luggruff]

"About 4x as many deaths per 1.000.000km" what? If it is 4x as many and not a specific number, the number of km is irrelevant. If it is 4x as many per 1.000.000 km then it is 4x as many per 100 km, or even 100.000.000 km.. 4x as many, is 4x as many. Other than that, I agree with your hypothesis. I live in Greece these days though, and while technically, it is the same demands for a license here, the mindset of the Greeks basically makes it feel like I could have been riding in the US. Unfortunately.

[@jonasvaccaro7606]

Same here in Norway. For A license you also need to be 24 years old

[@Xachremos]

In my province (Quebec) its a long and expensive process to get a motorcycle license. Takes about 13 months + ~$1200, if you don't fuck it up. First you need to sign up for a riding school, pay for a text book, to self study for a theory test to get a class 6R to be able to ride with the instructors. Then you have to do 30 hours of training spread over 1 month minimum, which is divided between 4 hours in class, 16 hours on a closed course, and 10 hours on the road. After that, you have to take a closed course exam to get your 6A learners permit, which you must hold for at least 11 months, gaining no more than 4 demerit points, + no passengers and riding between midnight and 5am. Then after the 11 months you can take the final road test, to get your full 6A license. It was a huge pain in the ass, but worth it. I believe we also have some of the lowest fatality numbers in north america because of this.

[@jlrutube1312]

@@Xachremos Yes, it is true. You can always exchange freedom for safety. Just keep doing that and eventually you will be the safest slave the world has ever seen.

[@linuswalden]

​@@LuggruffI agree that the 1.000.000 is unnecessary but the unit is helpful. Just providing a factor without a unit is worse.

[@shawnh.2334]

Great video. I go out riding, knowing something out of my control can happen. But I wear a helmet, never drink and drive, and I use caution.

[@kalhanratty1]

My helmet, coat, gloves, riding jeans, and boots saved my life when I t-boned a minivan that pulled out in front of me in 2021. Armor in the coat kept my shoulder from breaking and I ended up with only bruises and a cracked rib. Completed a 3,300 mile bike trip (on my "spare" bike) only weeks later. ATGATT

[@Arfonfree]

I thought the statistics for alcohol use would be even worse. It seems like every report I read about a local fatal motorcycle accident involves alcohol. (There is probably an element of reader bias in that.)

[@pleasedontwatchthese9593]

I think 3/4 is pretty bad odds lol

[@Savvynomad225]

You can ride sober with all the skills. It’s the drunk driving by others that creates a lot of risk. It only takes once.

[@l.a.raustadt518]

Very good info. To develop skills start off road only. That way if you want to hod that throttle on you can go to a racetrack!

[@_Makanko_]

If you're riding without a license or helmet .. I have little compassion. Not getting wasted seems like another obvious one

[@Stafford-h]

The music is spot on here. What an insanely great presentation. :)

[@JP-xd6fm]

I rode a bike from 14 to 24 and now I'm 38 and I bought another bike. After only 700km I decided is not as fun as I remembered, and there's too much traffic where I live. I wish I had roads like those at 5:18 to ride here with no cars,but nope, we have the roads but as I'm in a tourist place there's always too many cars and isn't fun at all be 100% of the time in deffense mode

[@hwobstj]

Good video. I exercise ALL of your recommendations. Unfortunately I got ambush T-boned 2 weeks ago on my GS by a motorist who ran a red light as I was legally proceeding through my green light at an intersection. He was out of view behind 2 other lanes of stopped traffic and was a lower profile car so when I was in the middle of the intersection, despite me having visually cleared both directions) he was invisible behind the second lane of cars on the road to the right when he continued (did not stop) through the red light and into me and my bike. Fortunately I only sustained body bruises and a concussion. As I ride, all of my highway/road close calls are due to unaware and/or distracted drivers. Motorcyclists are certainly to blame the way many ride as shown in your video. Thanks for posting.

[@StressKind]

I live in Switzerland and I dont recall ever seeing anyone running a red light except - maybe - misjudging the duration of the yellow light.

[@zero11010]

There are a TON of channels on KZbin dedicated to motorcycle crashes. It’s almost always the fault of the person on the bike. Solo crash failing to navigate a simple turn. Sometimes going dramatically faster than they should. But, very often just a person who doesn’t know what to do if it isn’t a straight line. When it comes to crashes involving other vehicles it’s almost always the rider just not paying attention. In a situation that was easily avoidable. Go watch an hour of these crash compilations. There are channels that release new videos with new GoPro footage every single week.

[@PeterR0035]

What are you, a car driver ??? Go watch the Moto Stars channel; 90% crashes of stupid car owners that turn into motorcycles... 😞

[@zero11010]

@@PeterR0035 in most of those crashes the motorcyclist still could have avoided the crash. You see the mentality a lot more with car drivers on car crash channels (like moto stars but for cars). People will be up in arms about a crash “it was the other person’s fault!” It’s fun to point fingers. Hey, maybe they have insurance. Maybe that insurance will cover some or most of the costs. Great! How does being in the hospital feel? Do you need to get a new bike now? How much work time did you miss? Would you rather have avoided that crash regardless of who was at fault in the first place? I think mature riders and drivers avoid the crash entirely. If you COULD have avoided the crash and you didn’t … that’s your fault. Doesn’t really matter who started the problem. If you’re on a freeway and the car next to you doesn’t see you and merges into your lane … do you let yourself get run over because it’s their fault, or do you lane split and ride between that car and whatever else is on the other side of you? Yeah? Someone is changing lanes in front of you …. could you anticipate it? Can you avoid the crash? Do you see the tires turn before the car moves? Could you see what may be space for a car to turn and anticipate that the car may try to go? Been riding 15 years in a major metropolitan area. Commuting. Day/night. Rain/shine. Heavy fog. Whatever. Never crashed. Never been down. And I ride extremely aggressively and lane split (legal in California). You have to see danger coming and do what you can to avoid it. Not possible always. That’s why I use terms like “almost always” and “most” in my original comment.

[@PeterR0035]

@@zero11010 For about 40 years now, I have a driving license for just about anything; I have driven freight trucks with 3 trailers in Australia, high speed emergency medical services in Europe and have had a 1000cc street bikes and a 600cc enduro bike since I was 18. All requires a very different riding style. It is only on my motorbike that other drivers "don't see me" or care less because I'm smaller than them. If all drivers, no matter what vehicle, would be as alert as the general motorcycle rider, we would have a lot less accidents! That is a sad fact.

[@joewwilliams]

I'm a rider and I think it's hilarious how frequently people talk about stuff like "cagers" on their phones. I've been shocked by the number of riders I've seen pull out their phones WHILE riding. We're all doing dumb, dangerous stuff (like taking a bike instead of a car in the first place). Just try to do the LEAST dumb, dangerous stuff you can and watch out for others doing dumb, dangerous stuff and get as far away from them as possible.

[@ElPanMexicano]

1:51 "...When motorcycle fatalities involve another vehicle, 43% of the time it is a car turning left into the path of the rider" The only accident I've ever had was when someone on the opposite side of the road turned left to get onto the freeway, causing me to hit the side of their car. I've had dozens of other near misses with similar situations in my ~4 years of riding. I swear, some people drive with their eyes closed.

[@geraldburrow3524]

Thank you for the video truly something to remember, I've been riding since I was 14 now 66 and I do wear a helmet.

[@GepieNL]

These are only US statistics? I would love to see a comparison to European motorcycle statistics.

[@w12a3d]

I have never seen someone riding a motorbike without a helmet here in Germany so I guess those numbers are just for the States

[@Ajbarili]

Much needed, humbling reminder that, generally, we could all be a little safer.

[@JK-tu1xx]

Cruiser bros need to get their stuff together..

[@pleasedontwatchthese9593]

but clippens

[@Tampa_tom]

Thanks for this video. It’s going to help me with family when they find out I’ve been hiding my bike in the neighbors garage

[@MrJeekz]

Let me sum the video up for you : wear a helmet and don't drink.

[@Grovreicraynth]

Love these productions. Jen presents them very well.

[@yorkshire_tea_innit8097]

If you have the need for speed and high lean angles, track days are essential. The road just sucks for speed.

[@bmwtravel1100]

been riding for over 55 years, took an MSF course course 20 years ago, didnt like it overall but I did learn the 'quick swerve' maneuver and still practice it to this day. on urban freeways, do not tailgate - garbage, lumber, carpets, sod are falling off vehicles and you need time to react.

[@glorious.warrior]

That was a genuinely good video. I’m going to take more advanced classes in the near future. Thanks for maybe saving my life. God bless

[@badger4361]

I was educated by the BMF (British Motorcycle Federation). I ride defensively, but I would say thats actually agressively defensively, there's a time to back off and there's a time to give it a fistful, it all revolves around positioning yourself and your machine away from other physical objects, I hope that makes sense to you.

[@nickb2496]

Years of response driving for the ambulance service has had the effect of calming me down as a road user, being in a hurry is often counterproductive and getting angry and irate at other road users will affect the decisions you make..always expect the unexpected from other drivers and conditions. A simple motto I live by is “loose vision loose speed”

[@joestafford6529]

Thanks so much for this excellent information! As an older rider it is good to know what factors work in favor of my ongoing survival and enjoyment of cycling.

[@bsmukler]

This is a great service, made even more important given Revzilla’s wide audience. I think part of the challenge and fun of riding are the necessity for education and practice as well as constant, distraction free observation, anticipation and decision making. Whether on the road or on track, riding can be exhilarating, and continuing training and practice makes it even more rewarding. As riders, we are in position to see how many drivers are either on their phones or embroiled in discussions with passengers, not to mention moving around, looking for objects on the floorboards (or, on one occasion, creeping along in traffic while reading a fully open newspaper propped against the steering wheel). It should be a reminder that anything that degrades our constant attention is literally dangerous.

[@urlauber2884]

Love the data you put together, but especially the victim blaming when cars are at fault. Great framing!

[@MitchellRoman97]

Thanks for this! Hopefully this helps keep some riders alive so we can keep growing as a community!

[@TheNeoCubest]

Very good video and there are a lot of good points here.