 1Likes
 |
|
28 Mar 2012
|
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2012
Posts: 4
|
|
Motorcycles are bad for your health, but only outside of the US.
File under 'Mildly amusing', 'Vaguely irritating', or 'Downright wrongheaded' depending on your temperament.
Browsing around for vaccine information for a trip I'm planning I find this site - which seems to be a decent enough reference. However, it seems the only medically advisable place to ride a motorcycle is the United States…
Each country listed has a 'General Advice' section, and the very last sentence of every one I've looked at reads " Do not ride on motorcycles." Every one that is apart from the US. Am I to take it that the US has such a stellar road safety record when it comes to motorcycles that the advice is not applicable, whereas the chaotic and uncivilised roads of, say, the UK are just a risk too far? And on a site that is overwhelmingly concerned with vaccination it seems odd to find random safety advice limited to specifically riding only in vehicles with seatbelts and not on bikes. I suppose by comparison doing a spot of bungee jumping, skydiving or good old drinking to excess while on a trip are of zero risk. Which is nice to know.
I just can't figure out why motorcycles are specifically singled out - any ideas?
|
28 Mar 2012
|
 |
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Aug 1999
Location: Vancouver Island, Canada
Posts: 812
|
|
I've read that more western tourists die overseas on scooters than from any other activity or disease. Most of the time these are folks with little or no riding experience, so it actually sounds like good advice for the average traveller.
__________________
Bruce Clarke - 2020 Yamaha XV250
|
28 Mar 2012
|
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2012
Posts: 4
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by brclarke
I've read that more western tourists die overseas on scooters than from any other activity or disease. Most of the time these are folks with little or no riding experience, so it actually sounds like good advice for the average traveller.
|
In which case why doesn't it apply to the US?
|
28 Mar 2012
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Bassett, Nebraska
Posts: 276
|
|
|
What do they know? It also warns to wear sunblock in the UK which seems counterintuitive. :-)
The last time I was in the UK I rented a car at the ferry landing in Wales and headed up to Scotland. The country roads are narrower than the U.S. Much better for motorcycles. Especially when a lorry comes careening around the corner on a road lined with hedgerows and rock walls.
Of course riding motorcycles is overall more dangerous than riding in a car in any country you may travel in. The U.S. or otherwise. Anyone who says different is delusional or trying to convince their Mom that it is the perfect teenage transportation mode.
Cheers,
John Downs
|
28 Mar 2012
|
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2012
Posts: 4
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by John Downs
Of course riding motorcycles is overall more dangerous than riding in a car in any country you may travel in. The U.S. or otherwise. Anyone who says different is delusional or trying to convince their Mom that it is the perfect teenage transportation mode.
|
I'd not dispute any of that. I guess it's the singling out of one type of comparatively dangerous activity over others that's puzzling to me. The majority of the site covers disease outbreaks, vaccines, etc. - which is quite distinct from general safety advice. If we agree inexperienced riders hiring bikes on holiday is a risky business, presumably we can come up with a pretty exhaustive list of other activities that are equally as dangerous (Cycling through the London rush-hour, for example, I can vouch for!)… why are these not listed?
I've not really got a bee in my bonnet about this…  …honest. ;o)
|
28 Mar 2012
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: West Yorkshire UK
Posts: 1,785
|
|
|
Sound like something written by the in-sewer-ants. They'd have us all stay in bed so long as there was a bed exclusion clause.
Andy
|
28 Mar 2012
|
|
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Seville (E)
Posts: 561
|
|
|
Just forgot to COPY AND PASTE????
Maybe the guy forgot to copy and paste the two last paragraphs? (checked UK, Spain, US and Central Africa Republic; unfortunately I won't never have that minute back again)
Or maybe only in the US you can scratch animal bites, or only the the US you do not need to use condoms in all sexual encounters, as in the rest of the world? (General advice is the same for all countries, except US with two paragraphs missing/forgotten)
"Avoid contact with stray dogs and other animals. If an animal bites or scratches you, clean the wound with large amounts of soap and water and contact local health authorities immediately. Wear sun block regularly when needed. Use condoms for all sexual encounters. Ride only in motor vehicles with seat belts. Do not ride on motorcycles".
I'm sorry, but I do not get your point. I'd try to ask in a site dedicated to pets why in the US you can touch dogs but not in the rest of the world, are dogs in the US cleaner than in Europe??? Could rise a nice debate.
Esteban
|
28 Mar 2012
|
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2012
Posts: 4
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by estebangc
…unfortunately I won't never have that minute back again)
|
Sorry dude 
Quote:
|
I'm sorry, but I do not get your point. I'd try to ask in a site dedicated to pets why in the US you can touch dogs but not in the rest of the world, are dogs in the US cleaner than in Europe??? Could rise a nice debate.
|
The point is that the site is primarily dedicated to health information from the perspective of infectious disease and yet, out of all the other potentially risky health-endangering activities they elect to single out riding a motorcycle for particular attention. If I cared that much about it I'd probably go the 'strongly worded letter' route, as it is that seemed overly petty so I figured bitch about it humorously with potentially like minded people seemed better.
Also, to be honest - I'm new here (despite lurking unregistered for a few years) and this seemed like a fun way to get familiar with how things work in this 'ere particular forum. 
|
28 Mar 2012
|
|
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Seville (E)
Posts: 561
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by *wookie*
The point is that the site is primarily dedicated to health information from the perspective of infectious disease and yet, out of all the other potentially risky health-endangering activities they elect to single out riding a motorcycle for particular attention. If I cared that much about it I'd probably go the 'strongly worded letter' route, as it is that seemed overly petty so I figured bitch about it humorously with potentially like minded people seemed better.
|
Got lost in the very last sentence, "me no English", mind to explain it?
BUT if you ask why they single out motorcycling riding as a dangerous activity over other ones, so to be avoided when travelling, I'd say:
1) Many more people ride bikes (or pretend they can do it when they are abroad on a Greek/Thai island) than people rock climb skycrapers, so it reaches a bigger spectrum of travellers mentioning it.
2) Riding abroad is potentially more difficult: different habits, signs, "wrong drive side" ( ), etc.
3) In case of an accident, riding may be much worse than driving.
4) Being a US site, maybe they think it's good to advice "don't ride abroad" to avoid being sued? Don't know. I was astonished to see that wearing helmet was not mandatory in Florida, but that's a different story.
|
28 Mar 2012
|
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2012
Posts: 4
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by estebangc
Got lost in the very last sentence, "me no English", mind to explain it?
|
Sure. 'Strongly worded letter' is probably be a UK specific reference. Take it as meaning 'I'd rather have a discussion with you folks than bother whoever wrote this in a bitchy way.
As to the rest - I agree generally with all your points. But still, I find singling out riding a motorcycle over all other potentially dangerous activities to be slightly ridiculous. I mean, who -regardless of country of origin- isn't aware that doing things you're unfamiliar with in environments you're unfamiliar with is potentially risky?
|
28 Mar 2012
|
|
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Seville (E)
Posts: 561
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by *wookie*
Sure. 'Strongly worded letter' is probably be a UK specific reference. Take it as meaning 'I'd rather have a discussion with you folks than bother whoever wrote this in a bitchy way.
As to the rest - I agree generally with all your points. But still, I find singling out riding a motorcycle over all other potentially dangerous activities to be slightly ridiculous. I mean, who -regardless of country of origin- isn't aware that doing things you're unfamiliar with in environments you're unfamiliar with is potentially risky?
|
I totally agree with you, it's natural we here especially dislike that approach. But don't forget that the same guy who tried to dry the its dog in the microwave may also read their health/safety site (and may sue them)! We say "common sense is the the least common of senses". 
PS: apologies for comment about the lost minute, I re-read it and it sounds bad, but doesn't mean to be offensive. Written language is quite different to oral, since tone is not there to be heard.
|
28 Mar 2012
|
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2012
Posts: 4
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by estebangc
I totally agree with you, it's natural we here especially dislike that approach. But don't forget that the same guy who tried to dry the its dog in the microwave may also read their health/safety site (and may sue them)! We say "common sense is the the least common of senses".
PS: apologies for comment about the lost minute, I re-read it and it sounds bad, but doesn't mean to be offensive. Written language is quite different to oral, since tone is not there to be heard. |
Wait… you shouldn't dry a dog in a microwave?
|
28 Mar 2012
|
 |
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: Reno,NV,USA
Posts: 560
|
|
 How does *wookie* have 6 posts above this post 
and his post count is "0"
|
28 Mar 2012
|
 |
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: GOC
Posts: 3,335
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by John Ferris
How does *wookie* have 6 posts above this post
and his post count is "0" |
Posts in the Bar don't count towards the "Post count".
|
29 Mar 2012
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: West Yorkshire UK
Posts: 1,785
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by *wookie*
Wait… you shouldn't dry a dog in a microwave?
|
Did the article mention yellow snow? 
Andy
|
|
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
|
|
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
Next HU Events
ALL Dates subject to change.
2025 Confirmed Events:
- Virginia: April 24-27 2025
- Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
- Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
- CanWest: July 10-13 2025
- Switzerland: Date TBC
- Ecuador: Date TBC
- Romania: Date TBC
- Austria: Sept. 11-15
- California: September 18-21
- France: September 19-21 2025
- Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025
Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!
Questions about an event? Ask here
See all event details
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...
2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.
"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)
Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.
Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.
Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!
What others say about HU...
"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia
"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK
"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia
"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA
"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada
"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa
"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia
"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany
Lots more comments here!
Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook
"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.
Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!
New to Horizons Unlimited?
New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!
Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.
Read more about Grant & Susan's story
Membership - help keep us going!
Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.
You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.
|
|
|
helps answer the question - Why Go? Inspirational stories by veteran travellers Greg Frazier (5 times RTW), Peter and Kay Forwood (193 countries), Tiffany Coates (Mongolia Mayhem) and Rene Cormier (University of Gravel Roads).
Get Ready! covers planning, paperwork, medical and many other topics! "Inspirational and Awesome!" See the trailer here!
What stuff do I need - riding gear, clothing, camping gear, first aid kit, tires, maps and GPS? What don't I need? How do I pack it all in? Lots of opinions from over 150 travellers!
break down language barriers, overcome culture shock, ship the bike and deal with breakdowns and emergencies."Just makes me want to pack up and go!" See the trailer here!
Grant demystifies the black art of Tire Changing and Repair to help you STAY on the road! "Very informative and practical." See the trailer here!
Ladies on the Loose! For the first time ever, a motorcycle travel DVD made for women, by women! These intrepid women share their tips to help you plan your own motorcycle adventure. They also answer the women-only questions, and entertain you with amazing tales from the road! Presented by Lois Pryce, veteran solo traveller through South America and Africa and author of 'Lois on the Loose', and 'Red Tape and White Knuckles.'
Cotton or synth sweat-wicking t-shirts with the cool Horizons Unlimited graphic on the front and a snappy slogan (changing every year) on the back.
Show your route on your panniers. Great conversation starter when you meet people on the road!
Motorcycle and travel books to inspire and inform you!
The definitive guide to planning your motorcycle adventure! This insanely ambitious 2-year project has produced an informative and entertaining 5-part, 18 hour video series. "The ultimate round the world rider's how-to!" MCN UK.
Motorcycles are bad for your health, but only outside of the US.
Linear Mode
