A survey partially funded by the Brewers Association of Canada has found that most Canadians don’t feel motorcyclists are behaving any worse than car drivers.
The poll of 1200 people was conducted in September by the Traffic Injury Research Foundation and looked at rider behaviour and public attitudes.
It found that only 17 per cent of people consider motorcycling to be a high-risk activity.
The poll also found that nearly equal numbers of drivers admit to speeding: 25.5 per cent of motorcyclists and 24.3 per cent of drivers said they drive well above speed limits.
The survey noted that 3.1 per cent of riders admit to riding without helmets, 10.5 per cent admit to weaving in and out of traffic, nine per cent reported passing other vehicles when it was unsafe, and 8.5 per cent said they had performed stunts on public roads.
Nearly three-quarters of poll respondents said motorcycles should be impounded for stunting, while two-thirds said fines for non-use of helmets should be increased and half said new riders should be restricted to smaller engine sizes.
Motorcycle riders tended to agree with higher fines for helmetless riders and more riders than car drivers said smaller engine sizes for new riders were a good idea.
Transport Canada, the Brewers Association of Canada, the Canadian Motorcycle Association, the Motorcycle & Moped Industry Council, and the Canada Safety Council paid for the study.
“Just as Bad” what does that mean? There are no minor accidents for motorcycles. A fender bender breaks bones or kills. Bikers need everyone including themselves to behave better and to be more conscious while they operate a vehicle. Driving skills displayed on the average day in any city are bad enough to ensure I keep my motorcycle on 2nd-aries and only when I am touring. I average 20,000km per year and it would seem that I see more than my share of stupidity by others on bikes and in cars and trucks.