Well at the end of the day, everyone has to decide to do what they think is 'right' under the circumstances and in line with the governments advice. For me that is quite simple: I'm not an essential worker; I don't need to make my way into the workplace via any form of transport; I don't wish to add any further, albeit potential burden, to the NHS team, by making unnecessary journeys; I absolutely love riding my Ducati, BUT, I won't be just finding or creating a reason to get out and ride my bike! No I'm not trying to be a killjoy here, as with the weather we have been having over the last 4-6 weeks or so, the temptation to ride has been massive. That said, I felt it wasn't right for me......
If your bike is your only form of transport, then its legitimate use is not in question, nor in my mind was this ever the case. There is little doubt, that when riding a motorcycle, the risks associated with crashing and injury are probably higher, which would be likely to result in greater pressure on the NHS to deal with, if such an unfortunate event were to occur. If avoidable, this is something they could obviously do without. That to me is the key point here! Generally when I have and need to get somewhere, say to go shopping for food, which I limit to every 2-weeks, I'll use my car. If I could realistically do the same task using my Ducati, then I could convince myself to do so, however, it would almost certainly take me 5-6 trips. Enough said.....
i have a company car and work from home, if you do not use your company car through the lockdown you dont have to pay the benefit in kind tax, all good. Now my only means of transport is my bike; i needed to go to the office the other day for files and used the bike, wasnt a made up reason and it was essential. clearly if you need to use it then use it. i didnt go nuts....but i did go the longer way back home
It’s very quiet in A&E in our local hospital so feel free to take a tumble near Salisbury the Southampton 101 office is working shorter hours than normal as the number of calls has dropped so much the MRI scanner is idling & you can get a next day appointment so no more threat of amputation rather than operation . Oh and no Covid deaths in Salisbury for over a week Other hospitals are available
I think the conversation will always turn into a heated one when people on here start to suggest that a bike isn't a legitimate form of transport based on danger, when they ride motorbikes themselves? Surely if we feel disproportionately at risk on every bike journey then not riding regardless of covid is probably wise. I was taught to ride as if I was going to be knocked off at every junction and to anticipate, that's what I did on my 17 mile ride yesterday to get milk. If I was riding my bike to work I would also ride absolutely with that attitude, however I completely agree that leathering up and going for a blast on your fave twisty road as if you are qualifying for the WSBK grid is only going to end one way and for the moment, taking that amount of risk is absolutely not acceptable. The OP though, from my personal opinion can absolutely hold his head high should he decide to use his bike, as long as his mindset is perhaps to add another liberal dash of common sense.
Just to throw another argument in the ring. I heard on the news today that cycle sales have gone through the roof. It would be interesting to know how many folks have ended up in A&E lately with broken collar bones or bruised bollocks etc Its like the tour de Yorkshire around here!
I sort of fancied a short bimble on my motorbike. But having got back from my pushbike ride and seeing lots of motorbikes out in the peaks, some of them in groups of three, I decided to do the right thing and stay at home.
Went for an essential journey today.....with some roundabout surfing.... I just wanted to hear the Termi system under duress.....
I was thinking of the NHS, that’s why I short shifted and kept within sensible speeds, unlike others today. ;-) I must have seen 30 bikes out in 90 minutes....
Whew! 2 red bins... one with a Black top... I can barely type... BUT Back on topic. With all of the less traffic isnt this the safest time to ride the bike? Also WTF is wrong with the NHS? Are you actually short on Ambulances? If you have symptoms, do you have to call an ambulance? Does your wife/SO just kick you outside to wait? They don't drive you? Shouldn't/aren't they supposed to then be tested too? Are there really that many actual Covid emergencies? Here the testing is expanding, they have asked that you DO NOT just show up anywhere... call first, your doctor please for advice. Do you go to the emergency room from the ambulance when they know your are probably Covid and being delivered? didn't they create a policy for this over there yet? Seriously. what's up. There have been stay at home things here, and warnings that hospitals are getting full. But Nobody has said stay home because your accidental injuries will overwhelm the system. Just stay home so it does not spread. Rex
I use my bike, Moto Guzzi V7 as my daily transport, I’m a key worker so go to work and visit my elderly parents also popping to the shops for them on it The Ducati Stays in the garage as it my as they say Sunday bike. I feel it would be morally wrong do otherwise even though I could take it for a spin and probably justify it.
Today I caught up with a BMW1200GS rider, he was bimbling along so I followed, watching his lines. A good rider, smooth which we know is key for safe road riding. He then turned off 5 minutes later, he waved, I said toddle pip. Today, the roads were just heavenly with conditions perfect.
I like bikes, I commuted everyday on one until shutdown. Working from home since. There's no mx racing which I love, and haven't went for sneeky practice. Sounding self rightious, but I really don't have a problem being asked to do only essential travel. If you've a bike and it's essential, use away at it, no matter what kind of bike. Definitely miss the adrenaline rush and the bumps and bruises and sore joints, but I'm happy to sit tight, walk the dogs, and cycle local country roads.
If that’s bad then there are loads of baddies in Greece, locals ride around with no helmets too and wearing nothing but shorts and flip flops, all good, carry on.....
