Safe Speed Forums

As a car driver and biker, and former bike racer, I've long believed in the concept of safe speed. Having had points for speeding more than once, in perfectly safe conditions, I'm irate when I see people getting away with excess speeds in unsafe conditions - 60mph down Hammersmith High St, for instance.

I've noticed a trend - which is the glorification of extremely unsafe motorcycling in films and music videos - and seen plenty of young, inexperienced, fearless lads riding very powerful motorbikes very dangerously (and plenty of 16 year olds on fast scooters too).

Is this an issue on the increase? Are there any trends in the stats on increased motorcycle fatalities? Again - I say this as someone who loves riding fast bikes - but with the experience to know how dangerous they are (whether it be down to the rider or other road users)

[RANT]I remember when i had a scooter a few years ago, it was only capable of 30mph at most yet the amount of times people had a go at me for doing 60mph down the street, etc... even now on a 125, i have people looking at me as though i'm a nutter and yet i look at my speed and it's rarely over 30mph... in fact it's usually around 25mph... and i'm getting more annoyed as i hear about bikes "speeding"

People need to understand that just because a bike appears to be revving high doesn't mean it's automaticlly doing 60+ or when a bike's leaning to around a corner... people's opionion is usually biased by the sound of the engine![/RANT OVER]

Having said that, there are a number of people on bikes that spoil it for the rest... but then at the end of the day you have the same problem with bad car drivers, van drivers, etc...

I still favour better training, as you've said there are times it is perfectly safe to exceed the speed limit... and think it's time everyone responsible should stop focusing on "speed" and start looking at training and that goes for both cars and bikes, i personally can't see why more advanced style training can't be incorperated into the test, especially looking ahead... any idiot can pass the test, how many can actually spot a potential accident ahead? hazard perception isn't going to make any differance, anyone can watch a video knowing something is going to happen... anyway i could go on but my fingers are killing, lol