Age and Safety: When Does Motorcycling Become Risky?

Riding a motorcycle is a thrilling experience that can bring back youthful feelings regardless of your age. However, at what point does motorcycling start to become dangerous with increasing age? This article explores the relationship between age and safety in motorcycling, drawing from the experiences and insights of an experienced rider of 50 years.

Both Young and Old Riders Can Be at Risk

The idea that an age limit exists for motorcycling is a common one. However, it's important to note that it varies greatly among individual riders. For example, the author, who is 72, continues to ride most days weather permitting, primarily from April through November, with an average of 7-8000 miles per year. This is a significant decrease from the 15,000 miles ridden in earlier years. While the long interstate miles and bike camping are less of a priority now, the author finds that motorcycling keeps him mentally sharp and young. He believes that he is, in fact, a safer rider at this age than he was in his youth, as he is more experienced and less invincible. The author acknowledges that there will come a day when giving up motorcycling becomes necessary, but he remains positive until that time.

Reflexes and Experience Determine Your Riding Safety

According to the author, the age at which riding a motorcycle becomes dangerous is also determined by your reflexes and experience. When you feel that your reflexes are inadequate or when a close encounter with a vehicle haunts you in your dreams, it may be time to reassess your suitability for riding. Despite this, it's worth noting that many riders perform better as they age. Older riders can often be more cautious and experienced, which may mitigate some of the risks associated with age.

Several factors can influence when a rider decides to stop riding. For instance, losing limbs due to an accident might be a clear signal to stop. However, a head injury might also prompt a rider to give up motorcycling, especially if it affects their reflexes. Interestingly, the age at which someone decides to stop riding can be quite young, such as 16, if the accident is particularly severe. Alternatively, it can occur much later in life, such as at 68, when the rider realizes their reflexes are no longer as quick as they once were.

The Role of Experience in Motorcycling Safety

The author emphasizes that riding a motorcycle is inherently dangerous, but there are additional factors that contribute to this danger. Lack of experience is a significant factor. According to the article, statistics show that the less experienced a rider is, the more dangerous it is to be on a motorcycle. It makes sense that someone just starting out is more likely to take risks and mishandle situations that an experienced rider would avoid. In countries where motorcycles are primarily used for leisure purposes, such as the United States, younger riders, often fueled by testosterone, are at the greatest risk. Conversely, older men who buy their first bike as part of a mid-life crisis may also be at risk. Many of these riders had never encountered a clutch before, which can lead to mistakes while riding.

In conclusion, while age can play a role in determining when motorcycling starts to become risky, it is ultimately the individual rider's experience, reflexes, and personal judgment that should guide their decision to continue or stop riding. Safety should always be the top priority, and regular self-assessment is key to staying safe on the road.