WFAA Channel 8 in Dallas did a short news segment (and a nearly verbatim article) on riders over 40 having a huge increase in accidents/injuries.  While I can definitely see that occurring with the numbers of folks who go out and buy the biggest piece of butt-jewelry they can (or maybe can't) afford and just hit the streets, I don't think it is indicative of the folks who've ridden for years and just happen to be over 40 now.  I think it only marginally applies to those of us who rode for years and, for various reasons, stopped riding for a while and came back to it.  At least for me, it's the realization that my body isn't the same as when I was in my 20's and early 30's.  However, I also have better judgment than I did back then and am far less likely to take unnecessary risks.  They completely left out the 30-40 age group from their stats.  Anyway, I think it's cool to do an article, to emphasize safety equipment, and to point out that there are a lot of "boomer bikers" - some of which are very inexperienced and riding very large bikes.  I just wish they'd made it more balanced.

BTW, if you have to log in for the article, just register.  It's free.

I think the MSF is a great idea.

I think wearing safety gear is essential.  Along with that, I think there are some good ideas out there for making yourself more noticeable to cagers - like taillight modulators, headlight modulators (or simply using your high-beam in daylight), etc.  I am beginning to agree with the "loud pipes save lives" folks myself too.  In general, anything that increases your awareness and most especially anything that increases others' awareness of your presence.

I think practicing regularly and as often as possible is crucial to developing and maintaining good habits and skills.  This includes everything from your visual scanning techniques to dodging obstacles, quick stops, etc.

I think understanding your limits and proficiencies is very helpful too.  To me, this includes such things as experience level (in various types of weather, traffic, and road surfaces), bike's weight/power vs wind, level of rest/exhaustion, etc.

There are a whole lot of other great ideas for improving your skills increasing your safety and maybe that's a good idea for a thread.  In fact, I'll start one to get input from others.  After a couple of weeks, I'll try to compile all of it and add it to the technical corner.

I'm one of them "new old farts" amd chose to forego the big machines for something more sensible and fun. I am cautious by nature and determined long ago that everyong on the road is out to get me personally, regardless of the vehicle I am in or on. I ride accordingly, within my limits, expecting the worst.
It's just a common sense thing, you're terribly vulnerable on a bike, and it's smart to do whatever you can to tilt the odds in your favor. I have a neon green/black JR jacket, white helmet, brights on always. May not be "totally cool", but I'm alive and riding.
Dave, 03 Savage, anout 700 miles aboard...

I'll bet if you really rode undressed they'd start to notice.

Paladin. wrote on 12/31/69 at 16:00:05:


Actually, I agree fully with riding like I'm naked on a freeway packed with Hummers driven by Helen Keller clones.  However, I use safety gear because I prefer to hedge my bets wherever possible.

We'll I just ordered a new leather riding jacket and chaps the other night.  I figure at my age the skin will take longer than I want to grow back.

sluggo wrote on 12/31/69 at 16:00:05:

ROFLMAO

Birthday Suit rider? Owch... all those little rocks, bugs... etc.. hitting at 50mph+.... no thanks!