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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
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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
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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 |
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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...... |
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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! |
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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. |
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Visionary
Posts: 2300
Georgia, west of Atlanta | When you can't pick it up off the kick stand............ |
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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
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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. |
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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. |
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Visionary
Posts: 1340
Gainesville Fl Home of the Gators | Oooooopppppsss
Edited by kevinx 2013-03-18 6:00 PM
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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
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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! |
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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. |
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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
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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. |
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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 |
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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. |
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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 |
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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 .......
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Visionary
Posts: 2118
Pitt Meadows, BC Canada |
.... remember what I said about "after 9 PM "
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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 |
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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... |
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Tourer
Posts: 411
Dallas, Texas | 10 years older than me...whatever my age is at the time...lol |
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Visionary
Posts: 3204
Memphis | I'll quit riding when I get .......... uh, what was the question? |
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How old is too old to ride?
