|
|
Tourer
Posts: 599
New Mexico | So, I've been thinking, how old is too old to ride (or drive). Even though many children have the ability to drive before 16, we as a society decided 16 was the minimum age. Kids half that age could physically do it, but their mental state and reaction/decision making processes really don't support the complicated task of driving.
So why don't we, as a society, decide on a maximum age?
It just makes sense, and keeps the roads safer. Time after time I see in the paper about older folks having accidents directly related to their age. Everyday we all see the blue-hairs driving under the speed limit, not turning right on red lights, going wide on turns, etc The money we save on victims medical costs, body shop repairs, and insurance premiums could be used to provide free bus passes, free taxis, and free food/prescription delivery for our seniors.
I would propose that my reaction/decision making processes at 50 are much lower than they were 25 years ago, and will only continue to get worse. My hearing, eyesight, reflexes, decision making 'sharpness' - all worse. It's just a fact of life, like my gray hair.
Those being facts, I would propose that by 60 we should all have to undergo yearly drivers license testing that would always include vision exams.
Then by 68 add complete yearly physicals and mental tests.
Then an absolute maximum age of 75 for revocation of driving privileges.
Edited by Boots 2013-03-18 9:39 AM
|
|
| |
|
Iron Butt
Posts: 785
Mt. Vernon, WASH. | You can't measure everyone with one yardstick. Genetics and other factors enter into it. I have a very dear friend who's coming from Up state New York later this week who's 85, still flies an airplane and last Fall/Winter, except for contracting the cement pad work out, he built a three car garage with a shop by himself.
His mind and wit are still 'cut you in a second' razor sharp. On the other hand, I'm 65 and arthritus is overtaking me rapidly especially my lower back and hands making getting on/off the bike painful and difficult, so I'll decide after this Summer about continuing to ride next year or to put SYNSTR on the block and sell it. Since I'm retired, I didn't renew my CDL 2 and passenger endorsements as I don't drive transit anymore and couldn't justify the excessive money outlay for something I'll never use again, but kept the M3 endorsement.
It's a decision you need to make about yourself after giving it some long and serious thought.
Edited by SYNSTR 2013-03-18 9:58 AM
|
|
| |
|
Cruiser
Posts: 271
Belding Michigan | I would guess that you may be a younger rider but if not what would be movation for for this thread.
I have been riding since I was 19 years old and put on fom 10K to 50K per year and alto I appear to be over the hill per your defination I do not plan to stop riding anytime soon I will be 62 this year and will put my accident free status up againist any rider. I have never had an insurance claim I have not had a bike down and I stil ride multi times a week.
I may have jinxed myself but I have lived in this world for a while and I hate people putting constraints on me with no viable data to back it up. IF you want to have your skills tested every year be my guest but leave me and my riding alone.
The last thing we need is more laws to cause us to have to pay for the overhead. When you want to quit riding because you feel you or someone you ride with can't handle it be my guest. Archie |
|
| |
|
Tourer
Posts: 500
| As said above family history, genetics, how one takes care of their body, etc. etc. can have major/minor effects...I am 73, been riding for over 60 years and still enjoy my Vision...On the other hand my riding buddy of many years can no longer ride...He has back issues, Parkinson's disease and his spine is curving to one side really bad...He is only 69...My other friend rides a trike and is 77 and still going strong, even with 1/2 left lung gone from smoking...He uses oxygen and puts the tank between the windshield and bars buts works out with weights everyday.....I have been blessed, so far, with pretty good health even though I had Polio when I was 15 and have reduced strength and mobility with my left arm....I will continue to ride until I feel that I am danger to myself and those around me, which I hope is a few more years...... |
|
| |
|
Cruiser
Posts: 251
Mechanicsville, VA United States | SYNSTR, Have you heard of going gain free diet, I saw it on Dr.OZ show and I know someone personally that has gone gain free and no longer has Arthritis symptoms......just saying.
Back to the real question at hand.......when I no longer feel comfortable with my thinking and my ability to handle the bike or just lose interest in riding,
other then that I agree there should be test required but that would remove a lot of drivers on the roads today and that means less money for the Insurance guys and we know they want the money! |
|
| |
|
Cruiser
Posts: 108
Conneaut, OH | I know a guy that is in his early 90's and rides from Cheyenne, WY to Sturgis every year on a sportster. |
|
| |
|
Visionary
Posts: 2300
Georgia, west of Atlanta | When you can't pick it up off the kick stand............ |
|
| |
|
Tourer
Posts: 573
Central Illinois | Boots, you sound to me like someone trying to justify a helmet law. It must be the best choice since you don't happen to fall into the targeted minority population.
A person who is able to ride, both physically and mentally should be allowed to ride or drive. Where I live the state decides to road test older drivers at 75 years and I consider it a totally invasive and unwarranted invasion of my privacy. There are plenty of terrible riders and drivers that are only 30 or 40 years old who can get a license renewed with nothing more than a rules of the road test. There are even testosterone driven impatient drivers in their 20s who are even worse, but still have a license.
I have no idea what they will tell me in another 10 years when I show up for my annual road test on my bike, but I am always ready to challenge stupidity.
Edited by Oldman47 2013-03-18 3:45 PM
|
|
| |
|
Tourer
Posts: 416
Prairie City, IA United States | You sure like grabbing a tiger by the tail. Retired drivers aren't nesssarily poor drivers, they just aren't in a hurry. They have all day to get thing done. I consider drivers who think than can drive, text and eat something all at the same time while driving in the wrong lane at the wrong speed much more dangerous than a slower driver in the right lane paying attention to where he or she is going.
When I get to a point that I no longer trust myself (pre Alzhiemers) then I will hang up driving. If other people comment on my driving, then I would also search my soul to see what I find. |
|
| |
|
Iron Butt
Posts: 1066
Peru, IN | XRsteve - 2013-03-18 3:12 PM
When you can't pick it up off the kick stand............you buy a Can Am.
Fixed it for ya, Steve. |
|
| |
|
Visionary
Posts: 1340
Gainesville Fl Home of the Gators | Oooooopppppsss
Edited by kevinx 2013-03-18 6:00 PM
|
|
| |
|
Visionary
Posts: 1340
Gainesville Fl Home of the Gators | When I'm done riding.......I'm done
Edited by kevinx 2013-03-18 6:02 PM
|
|
| |
|
Tourer
Posts: 499
Chattanooga, TN | I would suppose that dead people probably shouldn't ride a motorcycle unless it has a sidecar. As a matter of fact, I think that is how I would like to have my last ride, before they put me in the cold damp earth to decompose. Other than that, if someone has their mental faculties and the physical ability to do the task, there is no age. No age at all! |
|
| |
|
Tourer
Posts: 494
Akron Ohio area |
You have to know your limitations. My Mom is 80, sharp as a tac mentally and drives a convertible in Oklahoma. My Dad is 81 and only drives very locally. No more than 2 miles from home. Soon, very soon I will have to insist that he stop driving as his skills are starting to deteriorate. At 60 years of age I know that there is only a year or two of riding my 900 pound Vision left for me. |
|
| |
|
Tourer
Posts: 599
New Mexico | I have to admit, I am impressed with most comments. A lot of common sense, and self monitoring.
I don't think we can all be trusted to know when to stop driving. Just like we all can't decide after a few drinks whether we are able to drive. Old age impairs our decision making, so would have to test. With adequate testing I would say a specific age limit wouldn't be needed.. I was using age because we already use it for the low end as the main criteria. As long as someone passed the mental faculties and physical tests that would work for me.
Some warning signs I am watching for myself:
Family/Friends mention problems with my driving
I become uncomfortable driving at night
I'm uncomfortable driving in the rain
I'm uncomfortable driving 5mph over the speed limit
More people honking and flipping me off
I can't decide whether I have the right-of-way
I am startled by emergency sirens
I'm physically unable to safely move the bike around
(just diagnosed with arthritis, so this one might be my ultimate demise)
Edited by Boots 2013-03-18 6:47 PM
|
|
| |
|
Iron Butt
Posts: 1109
| I'm 57 and can see myself riding well into my 70's and possibly beyond. One size fits all rules just don't work in this case. |
|
| |
|
Cruiser
Posts: 155
Stockton, California | I think it all depends on the person. I hope to ride as long as safely possible. Check out the story below a couple still riding. He is 87 and she is 84. A really neat story http://www.cbc.ca/landandsea/2013/02/frank-and-mary.html |
|
| |
|
Visionary
Posts: 2027
Brighton, TN | If you test our seasoned riders please test all ages cause i know a bunch younger who should have them revoked! Just something else to stand inline for and the government doesnt have enough money already. |
|
| |
|
New user
Posts: 2
| Thanks BreadmanRo, that was a great video to watch about Frank and Mary. I sure hope that I can be riding my VV into my 80's |
|
| |
|
Visionary
Posts: 2118
Pitt Meadows, BC Canada | For me - it's about 'averaging'.
I'm 69. Co-Pilot is 43. 69+43=109. Divided by 2 = 54 1/2.
So - when I am 90 - co-pilot is 65 = 155. Divided by 2 = 72 1/2 or so. Seems about right to me .... She starts her Pension - I go back to driving the car and mount the Vision over the fireplace.
'eh ? What's that???
Anyway, enjoy the Northern Lights this winter, or whatever .......
|
|
| |
|
Visionary
Posts: 2118
Pitt Meadows, BC Canada |
.... remember what I said about "after 9 PM "
|
|
| |
|
Puddle Jumper
Posts: 32
| bigfoot - 2013-03-18 6:23 PM
You have to know your limitations.? My Mom is 80, sharp as a tac mentally and drives a?convertible?in Oklahoma. ? My Dad is 81 and only drives very locally. ? No more than 2 miles from home. ? Soon, very soon I will have to insist that he stop driving as his skills are starting to deteriorate. ? At 60 years of age I know that there is only a year or two of riding my 900 pound Vision left for me. ? ?
Hey Bigfoot, just out of interest, why do you feel you'll have to give up the Vision at 61/62. I imagine with your avatar you're no 60lb weakling. I'm not trying to be a smart arse, I'm just interested as I am 61 (and also a big foot  )and feel no impending need to give up my 900lb motorcycle...
Pete |
|
| |
|
Visionary
Posts: 1365
Central Maryland | Flat footing the Vision around can be a chore; especially on slight inclines. Get's a little more difficult with age. One key is to stay in shape. A lot of us succumb to the couch potato syndrome; and then try to rely on a physical, youthful vigor that just ain't there anymore... |
|
| |
|
Tourer
Posts: 411
Dallas, Texas | 10 years older than me...whatever my age is at the time...lol |
|
| |
|
Visionary
Posts: 3204
Memphis | I'll quit riding when I get .......... uh, what was the question? |
|
| |
|
Tourer
Posts: 573
Central Illinois | Boots: I indeed read your last post. I am presently 65 and going on 66 but ride almost daily. I find your criteria not only poor but full of prejudices. There is no particular age at which judgement slows. You may come from a weak background, but my dad, at over 90 is still as sharp as a tack. He presently lives in Florida and his new wife is as sharp as he is. He does have a prejudice against me riding, at any age, but that is between him and me as I see it. He just thinks that riding is too dangerous for anyone to do it, he has had that attitude since I was 30. Stop trying to justify your campaign against older riders, you are simply wrong. A rider is or is not competent to ride based on their present mental and physical status, not some darned standard that you think is appropriate for someone with your personal family history of things like Alzheimers.
Edited by Oldman47 2013-03-19 5:42 PM
|
|
| |
|
Visionary
Posts: 3204
Memphis | Definitely no set age for everyone. As an Air Traffic Controller for the last 33 years I can tell that my neurons aren't firing like they used to. However, I'm as strong a Controller now as I have ever been. How can that be? The newest generation of controllers can run circles around me on the keyboards and trackballs. They can look up minutia that I forgot before they were even born. How can I hold a candle to these guys? Experience. I'm 30 minutes ahead of these guys when working traffic. I can predict what a pilot wants before he even asks the question. I can predict where weather will be throughout the day and plan accordingly. I don't get flustered with a student pilot who is flailing his way through his first solo cross country or practice IFR approach. (New guys have no patience for the unexpected.) Riding a motorcycle has been the same way for me. I survived being poor and not having the money to maintain a bike like it should be maintained. I survived the crotch-rocket and off-road phases. Even though my motor/mental skills aren't what they were at my peak, my experience and judgement more than make up for that drop off. I can afford a safer bike now. ABS, lighting, handling, comfort; all of these things give me a much larger margin of safety than what I was riding in my 20's and 30's. I buy the best riding gear I can afford. Maintenance is not optional. I am much more likely to say "No." to that little voice in my head that tempts me to do something stupid or even marginal. I'm much pickier about who I ride with. All of these things give me a huge advantage over a younger, less experienced guy who is at the top of his game mentally and physically but is cutting corners in other areas. The day it's not fun any more. That's the day for me. |
|
| |
|
Cruiser
Posts: 255
New Brunswick , Canada | +1 SongFan |
|
| |
|
Visionary
Posts: 2118
Pitt Meadows, BC Canada | Lojak - 2013-03-19 6:18 PM +1 SongFan + Me Too !!! Plus when I get tired of harassing some of you .....  |
|
| |
|
Cruiser
Posts: 169
Iowa | What data are you using to say there needs to be an old age limit? The low end age set was set by who? Our government? Well they get a lot of things right. Maybe it's time to review the low end again. |
|
| |
|
Visionary
Posts: 1308
Sand Rock, AL United States | I'm only 43 and I'm offended and angry that someone might want to set in concrete a magic age when I must stop riding. that's like telling me when I have to die.
Edited by jimtom 2013-03-20 8:00 AM
|
|
| |
|
Iron Butt
Posts: 691
Manchester, CT | Jimtom
No one. This link is hypothetically speaking. I guess the author was just pondering the question. |
|
| |
|
Visionary
Posts: 1308
Sand Rock, AL United States | I was just responding to the notion. THe notion is hyothetically offensive and infrenges on personal freedom and the "pursuit of happiness". |
|
| |
|
Visionary
Posts: 1632
Jasper, MO | jimtom - 2013-03-20 7:52 AM
I'm only 43 and I'm offended and angry that someone might want to set in concrete a magic age when I must stop riding. that's like telling me when I have to die.
I'm offended too. Too much Government intrusion in our lives already. Damn Socialists.
Read Obamacare. They are already telling you when you have to die (when care and medicines will be withheld, due to bureaucratic, not medical, decisions).
And now, some young whippersnapper wants to arbitrarily place a limit on the age at which I can ride. What's next? Soylent Green and nothing over a 16 ounce drink to wash it down?
Ronnie
|
|
| |
|
Visionary
Posts: 1308
Sand Rock, AL United States | SOYLENT GREEN! |
|
| |
|
Visionary
Posts: 1308
Sand Rock, AL United States | Amen Ronnie! |
|
| |
|
Tourer
Posts: 411
Dallas, Texas | jimtom - 2013-03-20 8:38 AM
SOYLENT GREEN!
Oh my...perhaps if you understand what that reference is, you might be getting too old to ride..lol |
|
| |
|
Visionary
Posts: 1308
Sand Rock, AL United States | I like classic movies |
|
| |
|
Visionary
Posts: 1632
Jasper, MO | iluvink - 2013-03-20 10:05 AM
jimtom - 2013-03-20 8:38 AM
SOYLENT GREEN!
Oh my...perhaps if you understand what that reference is, you might be getting too old to ride..lol
It IS almost 2022. And Nanny Bloomberg and company are "looking out for you". Of course, being one of the elite, he probably has his "furniture", and won't be assigned to "go Home" right away. 
I've only been riding for 48 years. That's not enough yet, and I'm not ready to "go Home".
Ronnie |
|
| |
|
Cruiser
Posts: 152
| How about we make a special age requirement for you say your current age! How do you feel now that we have taken away one of the things you have lived and worked for for your whole life? What you fail to realize is with age comes wisdom and a respect for the Road,the bike and your abilities, I know a 66 year old that speed skates 3 miles every morning and gets on his Vision and can leave the young punks on their sport bikes eating his dust, how you ask? Experience and an intimate knowledge of his machine and what it can do. His name is Wild Bill and I respect him and his ability more than any twenty something that barely is wet behind the ears. If you think age is limiting watch the movie The Worlds Fastest Indian
( the story of Burt Munroe) |
|
| |
|
Visionary
Posts: 1308
Sand Rock, AL United States | another instant classic movie! |
|
| |
|
Cruiser
Posts: 152
| By the way Boots you should really live by your quote from Ben Franklin that you use at the end of your post or drop it all together, it make you a hypocrite. |
|
| |
|
Visionary
Posts: 1308
Sand Rock, AL United States | I think it's funny that someone would even get on a Vision forum and make a discriminatory post about aging, I bet they would react similarly on a GW forum |
|
| |
|
Tourer
Posts: 599
New Mexico | bob5219 - 2013-03-20 11:42 AM
By the way Boots you should really live by your quote from Ben Franklin that you use at the end of your post or drop it all together, it make you a hypocrite.
Well, you could look at it that way. I would say, though, there are some 'freedoms' I give up to live in a society. Just like I don't think you should yell 'Fire' in a crowded movie theater, even though I admit it is a violation of my freedom of speech. Sometimes, very rarely (hopefully very VERY rarely), for the greater good, we have to restrict the behavior of individuals who can not restrict themselves. It seems most folks who have responded are willing to take a good look at themselves, and will make the right judgment when the time comes.
Others, however, are in denial of the facts of aging. They put themselves, other drivers, my kids, and my grandkids at risk by being pig-headed. Calling me prejudice, discriminatory, and being 'offended' instead of looking in the mirror and taking an honest assessment of what is looking back. Perhaps this is a wake-up call for some of them, and that can be a hard thing.
Old man time catches up with us all, my friends. I was recently diagnosed with Arthritis, which brings to stark reality the fact that someday I won't be able to ride. Made me wonder how long I have left in the saddle, how old are others when they choose to stop, how they come to that decision, what restrictions society should enact, etc. Hence this thread...
Edited by Boots 2013-03-20 2:03 PM
|
|
| |
|
Visionary
Posts: 1308
Sand Rock, AL United States | who is the one to determine that I am unable to restrict myself, That I am putting their "grandchildren" at harm? A little dramatic. I see younger/new drivers having accidents (turns out it's always someones children or grandchildren). So we should raise the driving age to 20,30? Aging is a variable , not the same for everyone. Some experience negligable degradation , why punish everyone because someone with dimentia gets on the road and has an accident, if it's good for one age group , it's good for all age groups that have accidents and statistics show that all age groups, ethnic groups,etc have accidents . "we have to restrict the behavior of individuals who can not restrict themselves" , not in this country, at least not yet. Everyone that agrees with you is right and everyone that doesn't is in denial? I'm sorry you have arthritis. At least no one else will make you stop riding when you still can enjoy it safely, you will make that decision when you decide you can't, as it should be |
|
| |
|
Tourer
Posts: 573
Central Illinois | Soylent Green, I remember seeing it in the movie theater. That is not a good criterion. |
|
| |
|
Visionary
Posts: 1632
Jasper, MO | I have been a professional truck driver for a lot of years and millions of miles. I'll tell you who the dangerous drivers are, and it's not the gray haired old farts. It's the young drivers who think they can talk or text on their cell phones because they "have fast reflexes". It's the young drivers who pass when they shouldn't, drive way too fast for conditions, and are generally unconcerned about the others on the road with them. It's the young drivers who are in such a big hurry to get around that old fart who is driving sensibly, and therefore "holding them up". It's the idiot young drivers who switch lanes 20 times in 10 miles trying to get ahead of everybody else, only to end up at the same stop light as everyone else.
From my what I've seen after millions of miles on the road, people shouldn't be allowed to drive before they turn 35. Most of the over 50 crowd are pretty darn safe drivers. Most of those under 35 should be banned from driving on public roads because they are such a danger to me and my grandkids.
I've lived with arthritis for several years now and have had to take pain medication just to function. If not for the medication, I would probably had to quit working before retirement age, and then all you youngsters could have supported me.
I was committed to the idea that I was going to have to give up heavy full dress touring bikes when the Vision came along, and if fact already had. GL1800's were too much for me to handle anymore. That's one reason I hung onto my Sport Cruiser. I could handle it. The Vision put me back on a luxury touring bike, just in time for me to retire and enjoy it. When I can't handle it, I'll get something smaller or go to a trike.
A good friend of mine passed away last year, but he built a RANS Light Sport airplane when he was 85 and was still flying it when he was 90. He decided for himself that it was time and sold the plane when he could no longer hear the radio reliably anymore. His mind was still sharp as a tack and he was still running a machine shop. The point is, a one-size-fits-all regulation fits nobody and takes more of yours and my Freedom away. Why the hell would any rational person want that? You've been listening to too many Liberal/Socialists.
I'm a realist. I'll know when it's time. I don't need some government bureaucrat deciding for me. Neither does anyone else.
Ronnie
|
|
| |
|
Puddle Jumper
Posts: 32
East Haven, CT | Since when is turning right on red mandatory?
I have a rule that I stick to all the time, Right on Red is ok except when towing a trailer or riding my Vision.
The truck/trailer combo isn't agile enough to get going in the case of an a**hole rushing through the intersection and with the vision I am usually riding with my wife on her bike so it's easier to stay together and just safer too. |
|
| |
|
Puddle Jumper
Posts: 10
baltimore | i have a good friend that 88 years old & a very good rider good for about 3 to 4 hrs |
|
| |
|
Puddle Jumper
Posts: 10
baltimore | i have a good friend that 88 years old & a very good rider good for about 3 to 4 hrs |
|
| |
|
Tourer
Posts: 573
Central Illinois | Doug, I completely agree with you. A rider is or is not a good rider based solely on his individual ability to ride properly. I am presently 65 going on 66 and am not worth much after about 8 or 9 hours, and I know that. Do not take away my bike license but instead let me use my best judgement and get a room when I have reached my limit. Just like a typical 20 year old, I know when that is. On the flip side, most 20 year olds will never admit it, so if anyone must give up their bike license, I would think it is them, not me.
At least that would leave the fatigue factor in the hands of those experienced enough to actually admit it. |
|
| |
|
Puddle Jumper
Posts: 34
| I will be 65 this year and have a bad back but still able to handle my XCT with wife as a passenger. When unable to ride 2 wheels may convert to a trike. Had one for awhile but was not yet ready for a trike and went back to 2 wheels. Still ride 10-15K a year and have over 300,000 miles on a bike. Back problem may shut me down but with a back rest can still tour. Have a friend who is 76, has over 1,000,000 documented miles on bikes and still rides about 15,000 a year with wife on the back. Have another friend who's father-in-law is 86 and still rides a Harley Dynaglide. Up until a few yeras ago still had his pilot's license. All depends on genetics, your health and luck.
Sunman |
|
| |
|
Tourer
Posts: 573
Central Illinois | Hi there Sunman. I fully sympathize with you. In just a few years, I may find myself where you are now. At that time I hope that I remember that inability to drive right means it is time to give up riding. In the meanwhile, we all have and know our own limits.
Edited by Oldman47 2013-03-21 8:14 PM
|
|
| |
|
Cruiser
Posts: 238
SF Bay Area | For me, if I can't pick up the bike, it is too much bike for me. I imagine that the older I get, the lighter my bike would need to be.
I have driven my trucks on the road for over half a million miles with no at fault accidents. If this changes, I may eventually have to rethink the decision to ride on 2 wheels. I feel a person should ask their family and consider their answer as far as driving goes.
Here's a good one for you... my mother (she's 93) had to take her license renewal test a few years ago, but since here sight is poor in one eye she memorized the eye chart at the DMV. Not finding that funny my sister and I took her keys away from her. |
|
| |
|
Tourer
Posts: 457
Green Bay, WI United States | My plan is too slide in all used up at age ???. That is when I will quite riding. Very personal to each and every one here. Ride like hell until you can not is my advise. Carry on Brothers and Sisters..... :-) |
|
| |
|
Puddle Jumper
Posts: 12
| I am 47 and my Vision was my bucket list bike.
I will ride it until I can't ride anymore.
I've recently realized that I must sell some of the other bikes just so my family won't have to deal with getting them ready and then selling them.
I've ridden nearly all my life and will for the rest of my life. When I cannot hold it up any longer, I will trike it.
When I cannot steer the trike, then I know it is time to just pass on. |
|
| |
|
Puddle Jumper
Posts: 8
| You don't stop riding when you get old, You get old when you stop riding. |
|
| |
|
Tourer
Posts: 573
Central Illinois | I love your perspective rickwh. I am now a young 65 but was once an old 55 when I was not riding. |
|
| |
|
Tourer
Posts: 390
| I just returned from a ride to the Big Bend area. While stopped for gas an older gentleman was filling his trike up. He was proud to tell me he was a WWII veteran of 87 years old and his wife was 84 . They still road but he had to switch to the trike because he had dropped his bike with the wife on back a couple of times. He also stated he was in good health with no joint problems, but he missed his bike.
I just hope I can still walk at that age let alone ride. |
|
| |
|
Visionary
Posts: 1308
Sand Rock, AL United States | DrRadar - 2013-03-25 7:38 AM
I am 47 and my Vision was my bucket list bike.
I will ride it until I can't ride anymore.
amen 
Edited by jimtom 2013-03-28 5:29 AM
|
|
| |
|
Puddle Jumper
Posts: 22
| Statistically, more people are killed in auto crashes age 25 and younger than all of those over age 60. Traffic crashes are the leading cause of death for those 25 and under. Those are NTHSA figures. After nearly 42 years in LE that's what I saw on a daily basis too. With those figures then no one under 25 should have a DL. |
|
| |
|
Tourer
Posts: 411
Dallas, Texas | I'll ride until I have to put tennis balls on the end of my front forks. |
|
| |
|
Visionary
Posts: 1308
Sand Rock, AL United States | hahaha good one |
|
| |
|
Cruiser
Posts: 208
Edmonton Alberta, Canada | Two factors to keep in mind while determining how old os too old to ride.
1- Are able to control the bike in an emergency situation!
2- If you are to make a mistake and for example turn in front of another vehicle, you would die, but one must keep in mind the devastation to the person whom would have to live with your bad judgment.
I say this because my Father Just turned 92 and we took his license away from him for the fact we did not want him to cause an accident and injure someone else. About 10 years ago our community lost a Grandfather, Grandmother, Daughter, and 2 grandchildren, leaving one child crippled.
What happened was an older gentleman attempted to make a u-turn on a busy highway! Devastation can affect many people. I too hope when I approach a time when I need to stop riding or driving, I really hope it will be MY decision, and not someone else s.
While riding a couple of years ago, I call the police when a old couple where at a Tims (Dunkin Donuts in Canada) He was unable to start his vehicle as it was in gear! She was blind and no help to him. The police arrived and were unable to remove him from the car, they had an ambulance come and help him out. 5 people wanted to just help him out by showing him to put the car in park! Would he remember to hit the gas or the brake if someone cut him off? All I know is I did not want to be on the same road as them. Call me selfish, but I also had a Daughter and Grandchild on those same streets that same day.
Just sayin! |
|
| |
|
Visionary
Posts: 1308
Sand Rock, AL United States | if anyone besides me should decide I should stop driving , it should be my family/kids , NOT THE GOVERNMENT. |
|
| |
How old is too old to ride?