Dave Babb wrote:
Pretty dangerous is the answer.
I don't think that the figures make good reading.
Something like 1-2% of the traffic, 20-25% of the fatalities.

How many of those had an accident while riding in a manner that
contributed to the risk compared to people riding in the right

The single most common accident involving motorcyclists is a car pulling
out of a junction across the path of the bike.

position within the speed limit and at the speed suitable for the
conditions I don't know (but would like to)

Approx 40% of accidents adjudged the motorcyclists fault, but that's
highly averaged, each accident is unique. Speed isn't the big issue,
motorcyclists are more likely to stick to limits than other drivers in
an urban environment where the overwhelming majority of accidents occur,
less likely to obey limits on country roads. Motorcyclists are more
likely to be involved in a single vehicle accident in a country
environment than a car is and when they do, it's more likely to be
fatal. Inexperienced riders misjudging corners and their own skill is
the doozie.

In terms of numbers of accidents per mile, experienced motorcyclists are
about half as likely to be involved in an accident as an experienced car
driver. The problem is that we are 50 times more likely to be killed or
seriously injured when we do smack into something. Inexperienced
motorcyclists (L plates) on the other hand are damned near suicidal
according to the stats, the ones who survive learn to be safe.

Still got a bike though before anyone thinks I'm slagging
motorcyclists off.

Motorcyclists are aware of and simply accept the risks. The second most
dangerous form of transport in the UK. Only horses are more dangerous.

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