re: How dangerous are motorcycles for those of you who have them?

I have owned quite a few bikes in my lifetime. I am a physician and know the risks are higher than driving a car.

But I “lessen” the risks.

I grew up riding dirt bikes with my dad. I practice on the dirt 1-2 times each month. It teaches me the limits of my bike.

I took a basic and advanced motorcycle safety and accident avoidance class. Each lasted a weekend and were done in a classroom and then out on our bikes.

I never ride on an interstate or a major highway. I ride on dirt trails, logging trails, in my neighborhood, and on 55 mph roads or less.

If traffic picks up suddenly or weather is bad, I pull in a gas station and wait it out.

I never ride when I am sick or tired or in the night.

I know it’s a risk but there is nothing like the freedom you feel on a motorcycle. The sights, the smells, the power and the control/handling, etc. I love it.

Now the thing I don’t understand is why people ride scooters (same risk but less fun) or bicycles (much more risk) on the roads.