I just saw this on Twitter.

Not to get into a "cars vs bikers - who's the biggest a-hole?" debate, but speaking as somebody who has been there and done both in the past (and know WAY too many people that have ended up sliding down the road, including one who is now paralysed from the waist down), I think this picture serves as a reminder that bikes, as a form of travel, are far more vulnerable and dangerous than cars.

It doesn't always matter who is to blame. Accidents are exactly that, because people DO make mistakes be it through stupidity or ignorance or complacency, or even for no reason at all.

Oww thats one lucky guy

definately a lucky fellow (I truly hope he survived and is relatively uninjured!)

But yes, that is a stark reminder!

totally agree that they are vulnerable - to the point where learners are taught to do so many observations that they might as well just stay looking behind them!

..but im not sure if that helmet is real? looks too perfect to have happened in an accident

Whether it's real or not doesn't particularly matter. The point is, a crash helmet is pretty much all a rider has got to save their life.

Personally I think ALL drivers should have to pass a motorcycle test of some kind as well (disabilities excepted). Until you've been on a bike and seen the road from that perspective, you just don't understand.

Also annoying is a car theory test does not include bikes. There are rules such as filtering through traffic that unless a car driver realises it can be quite scary.

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fair comments guys!

Also bear in mind how vulnerable cyclists and horse riders are... Esp. horses who, bless 'em, are bonkers creatures.

;)

Essentially, anyone on the road who isn't in a wheeled tin box is vulnerable. Keep any eye out for them, be careful, be sensible, be patient.

Personally I think ALL drivers should have to pass a motorcycle test of some kind as well (disabilities excepted).  Until you've been on a bike and seen the road from that perspective, you just don't understand.

I agree. My ex (a biker) hammered that into my skull on a regular basis. He taught me a LOT about how bikers read the road and how drivers read the road: the gulf is HUGE!!

I've done a pre-CBT in the past, loved riding a bike but there is no way in HELL that I would ride a motorbike out on the road. No way. I am FAR too nervous.

:D

Iv been cycling about 6 years and passed my bike test last summer.

I do think it would be great for drivers to have to experience what its like, but its not possible.

I passed the full bike licence with just 1 minor, but i still don't feel experienced in the slightest from it.

Its the same as how you say that you dont learn to drive till after you pass

When you're a learner the instructor is always riding behind you in such a defensive position that you can pretty much forget anything happening behind.

Things can be improved - bit the vulnerable road users will always be vulnerable ..it tends to be a passion though, so it won't stop them :)

..

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