Just had some bad news :(
06 June 2007, 11:45 AM
#1
Scooby Regular
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: S.E London
Posts: 13,654
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Just had some bad news :(
Just had news that one of my old friends, John Weston, has been killed in a motorcycle accident in Mitcham on Saturday night.
I have know John for many years now, and as common as it is to be said, he was a lovely guy, a great father, and a brilliant friend.
This is the second friend I have lost to motorcycles in 5 months.
So Kevin Flanders, and John Weston, Rest In Peace guys, you are missed, but never forgotton.
I have know John for many years now, and as common as it is to be said, he was a lovely guy, a great father, and a brilliant friend.
This is the second friend I have lost to motorcycles in 5 months.
So Kevin Flanders, and John Weston, Rest In Peace guys, you are missed, but never forgotton.
06 June 2007, 11:56 AM
#2
Scooby Regular
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Here, There, Everywhere
Posts: 10,619
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
An old school mate of mine was killed at the weekend too.
Crashed his R1 out braking himself at a roundabout. Went straight into the front of an oncoming car.
He'd had 2 crashes before and it's been well known between all his friends that he just can't ride a motorbike as good as he thinks he can. Point proved, unfortunately
Crashed his R1 out braking himself at a roundabout. Went straight into the front of an oncoming car.
He'd had 2 crashes before and it's been well known between all his friends that he just can't ride a motorbike as good as he thinks he can. Point proved, unfortunately
06 June 2007, 12:09 PM
#4
Scooby Regular
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Yorkshire
Posts: 16,517
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
have to agree. Why people buy the things is beyond me. you could be the best rider the world has ever seen but far too many idiots in cars and trucks. Never nice to hear somebody has died before their time.
06 June 2007, 12:11 PM
#5
Scooby Regular
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: There is only one God - Elvis!
Posts: 8,328
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
People who ride fast on roads on bikes worry me.
being a biker most of my life i have now turned to four wheels for my kicks.
dont get me wrong i'd love to get another bike tommorrow but i suppose in my old age and self preservation it prevents me getting another one.
cars are just so much more forgiving as well as having a ton of steel around you - even if a car is no where near as quick/exciting.
No matter how good or careful you are there are the other road users that are feckin idiots.
In fact i seem to remember Ronnie Smith of Performance Bikes Fame was killed on a 125 Scooter and that man was class on a performance bike.
Sorry to hear about your loss fella
being a biker most of my life i have now turned to four wheels for my kicks.
dont get me wrong i'd love to get another bike tommorrow but i suppose in my old age and self preservation it prevents me getting another one.
cars are just so much more forgiving as well as having a ton of steel around you - even if a car is no where near as quick/exciting.
No matter how good or careful you are there are the other road users that are feckin idiots.
In fact i seem to remember Ronnie Smith of Performance Bikes Fame was killed on a 125 Scooter and that man was class on a performance bike.
Sorry to hear about your loss fella
06 June 2007, 12:24 PM
#6
Scooby Regular
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Empty your mind. Be formless, shapeless. Like water.
Posts: 2,996
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
i'm gutted for you mate i watch in horror as a lad on a bike over took a car and put himself under the front of a bus on a bend.this was only a month ago
i watch in horror as a lad on a bike over took a car and put himself under the front of a bus on a bend.this was only a month ago
Trending Topics
06 June 2007, 12:31 PM
#9
Scooby Regular
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: S.E London
Posts: 13,654
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Seen a few deaths on bikes now, the worst being on Chelsea Bridge, 1 bike pulling out of the park into the path of another, travelling at an estimated 110-140 mph.
His body crumpled in a shocking way as he went over the bars, and stopped within 20ft of the crash scene, serious decelleration. Paramedics who arrived said he was technically alive for a few mins, but no hope, and nothing could be done he was so broken.
His bike ran on to write off 3 cars.
I cant understand wanting to ride bikes these days now. Take it to a track on a trailer and I start to get it.
Seen far too many accidents now, a few of them friends, and some other being fatal. And to now lose another 2 friends in 5 months finishes it off now.
His body crumpled in a shocking way as he went over the bars, and stopped within 20ft of the crash scene, serious decelleration. Paramedics who arrived said he was technically alive for a few mins, but no hope, and nothing could be done he was so broken.
His bike ran on to write off 3 cars.
I cant understand wanting to ride bikes these days now. Take it to a track on a trailer and I start to get it.
Seen far too many accidents now, a few of them friends, and some other being fatal. And to now lose another 2 friends in 5 months finishes it off now.
06 June 2007, 12:32 PM
#10
Scooby Regular
Join Date: Jul 2001
Posts: 523
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
However you die if you die before your time it aint good. There is a real problem at the moment with the sheer performance of modern motocycles and the ability of the average Joe riding them. There are a lot of guys out there who look nothing less than dangerous when on bike bikes.
I have a number of bikes and do around 30k a year and yes I have had close shaves but would never stop.
The problem with dying is that you miss an opportunity to learn. Condolences fella.
06 June 2007, 12:33 PM
#12
Scooby Regular
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: S.E London
Posts: 13,654
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
An old school mate of mine was killed at the weekend too.
Crashed his R1 out braking himself at a roundabout. Went straight into the front of an oncoming car.
He'd had 2 crashes before and it's been well known between all his friends that he just can't ride a motorbike as good as he thinks he can. Point proved, unfortunately
Crashed his R1 out braking himself at a roundabout. Went straight into the front of an oncoming car.
He'd had 2 crashes before and it's been well known between all his friends that he just can't ride a motorbike as good as he thinks he can. Point proved, unfortunately
With the summer coming on fast, the number increase now. Wish I could just convince my mates to put their bikes away.
06 June 2007, 12:38 PM
#13
Scooby Regular
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: God's promised land
Posts: 80,907
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
So which statistics are you conveniently trying to ignore? If you're a bike-man, fine, i have nothing against them per se. Just be aware that your life expectancy is significantly shorter if you regularly ride a motorbike.
Like i say, without motorbikes, the NHS would have a serious organ donor shortage. And trust me, i'm really NOT making that up. Don't kid yourself that you're invincible out there, that could be your worst mistake ever.
Like i say, without motorbikes, the NHS would have a serious organ donor shortage. And trust me, i'm really NOT making that up. Don't kid yourself that you're invincible out there, that could be your worst mistake ever.
06 June 2007, 12:41 PM
#14
Scooby Regular
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Yorkshire
Posts: 16,517
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Utter piffle, lets not get into that old discussion.
However you die if you die before your time it aint good. There is a real problem at the moment with the sheer performance of modern motocycles and the ability of the average Joe riding them. There are a lot of guys out there who look nothing less than dangerous when on bike bikes.
I have a number of bikes and do around 30k a year and yes I have had close shaves but would never stop.
The problem with dying is that you miss an opportunity to learn. Condolences fella.
However you die if you die before your time it aint good. There is a real problem at the moment with the sheer performance of modern motocycles and the ability of the average Joe riding them. There are a lot of guys out there who look nothing less than dangerous when on bike bikes.
I have a number of bikes and do around 30k a year and yes I have had close shaves but would never stop.
The problem with dying is that you miss an opportunity to learn. Condolences fella.
06 June 2007, 01:02 PM
#15
Guest
Posts: n/a
My condolances too Snazy!
Quite agree. The thread was started in memory of the two friends who are now no more. If they had both been killed driving cars would a lot of similar, but *car* and not *bike*, comments come out?
Dave
Quite agree. The thread was started in memory of the two friends who are now no more. If they had both been killed driving cars would a lot of similar, but *car* and not *bike*, comments come out?
Dave
06 June 2007, 01:57 PM
#18
Scooby Regular
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: God's promised land
Posts: 80,907
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Start a new thread then. If you want the FACTS about motorcycle casualties, then i'm sure i won't be alone in being happy to supply you with them. We're obviously sorry for this guy's loss, i just thought it a timely opportunity to spell out what a risky occupation biking can be. In no way is your insult to STiwS justified, it just makes you look foolish, with respect.
06 June 2007, 01:59 PM
#19
Scooby Regular
Join Date: Nov 2005
Posts: 3,236
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Another issue with bikes is that there is a real obsession in this country for having the biggest engine size. I know you can be killed on any size bike, but for our roads a 250cc 2 stroke or 400cc 4 stroke should be ample and in fact alot more enjoyable to ride. A friend of mine used to go to track days on an Aprilia 250 and take great pleasure in out-breaking and out-cornering 1000cc bikes, much to the other rider's annoyance!
06 June 2007, 02:07 PM
#22
Scooby Regular
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Yorkshire
Posts: 16,517
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
In the UK motorcyclists represent just 1% of road users but motorcyclists are involved in a vastly disproportionate number of the road traffic accidents that occur on our roads (and no doubt similarly worldwide) often with the rider sustaining serious injuries or being killed. Too many of the accidents and crashes on our roads involve a motorcycle!
Despite forming only 1% of road traffic in the UK, motorcyclists account for 18% (almost one in five) of road deaths and serious injuries. In 2005, 569 motorcyclists were killed on the road, 5,939 were seriously injured and just over 18,000 were slightly injured (NB: I'm looking for 2006 figures if anyone can help.)
I say accidents, a large percentage of the motorcycle accidents and fatalities, involve no other vehicle and are, plain and simple, down to rider error - crashes not accidents really! Rider error - simple things such as failure to judge the severity of a corner, not planning far enough ahead, not spotting potential dangers and adjusting riding style to suit conditions.
Despite forming only 1% of road traffic in the UK, motorcyclists account for 18% (almost one in five) of road deaths and serious injuries. In 2005, 569 motorcyclists were killed on the road, 5,939 were seriously injured and just over 18,000 were slightly injured (NB: I'm looking for 2006 figures if anyone can help.)
I say accidents, a large percentage of the motorcycle accidents and fatalities, involve no other vehicle and are, plain and simple, down to rider error - crashes not accidents really! Rider error - simple things such as failure to judge the severity of a corner, not planning far enough ahead, not spotting potential dangers and adjusting riding style to suit conditions.
06 June 2007, 02:08 PM
#23
Scooby Regular
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: S.E London
Posts: 13,654
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Just a pointer.
I appreciate the on going discussion and in no way want to stop it, thanks for the thoughts all the same.
Kevin, the one who died first was pulled out on by a Lexus 4x4, as he joined the motorway, being followed by a friend.
Sadly the way in which he was hit, flung his body in the air, catching his head in the roof bars, instantly decapitating him. He stood no chance.
There is no word on the cause of John's death yet, other than dying a few hours after the accident due to his injuries. Given the road layout and surroundings I can only assume a car pulling out also.
Kevins case highlights the vunerability of being on a motorcycle. Had he had the same accident the outcome would more than likely have been panel damage, and little else more.
The arguement for motorcycles is very 2 sided.
SOME bikers take more risks raising the chances of a fatality
SOME car drivers are ignorant to the speed and mobility of bikes
SOME deaths could be prevented if the bike was replaced with a car.
The arguement could go on forever, but statistics paint an ugly picture.
Reality, I think I have lost almost as many friends to car accidents and being pedestrians as I have to motorcycle accidents.
On the otherside, when was the last time you heard of someone trapped in a burning motorcycle?
I appreciate the on going discussion and in no way want to stop it, thanks for the thoughts all the same.
Kevin, the one who died first was pulled out on by a Lexus 4x4, as he joined the motorway, being followed by a friend.
Sadly the way in which he was hit, flung his body in the air, catching his head in the roof bars, instantly decapitating him. He stood no chance.
There is no word on the cause of John's death yet, other than dying a few hours after the accident due to his injuries. Given the road layout and surroundings I can only assume a car pulling out also.
Kevins case highlights the vunerability of being on a motorcycle. Had he had the same accident the outcome would more than likely have been panel damage, and little else more.
The arguement for motorcycles is very 2 sided.
SOME bikers take more risks raising the chances of a fatality
SOME car drivers are ignorant to the speed and mobility of bikes
SOME deaths could be prevented if the bike was replaced with a car.
The arguement could go on forever, but statistics paint an ugly picture.
Reality, I think I have lost almost as many friends to car accidents and being pedestrians as I have to motorcycle accidents.
On the otherside, when was the last time you heard of someone trapped in a burning motorcycle?
06 June 2007, 02:09 PM
#24
Scooby Regular
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: S.E London
Posts: 13,654
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
06 June 2007, 02:12 PM
#25
Scooby Regular
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Yorkshire
Posts: 16,517
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Terrible to read and the thought is quite sickening. As I said you cant control what other cars or trucks will do and the fact is you're pretty much the most vulnerable vehicle on the roads. I only have one mate who has a bike and I genuinely fear for him due to knowing what he's like and the way people drive day to day. I've seen it so many times where a car changes lane and side swipes a bike.
06 June 2007, 02:18 PM
#26
Scooby Regular
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: S.E London
Posts: 13,654
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Terrible to read and the thought is quite sickening. As I said you cant control what other cars or trucks will do and the fact is you're pretty much the most vulnerable vehicle on the roads. I only have one mate who has a bike and I genuinely fear for him due to knowing what he's like and the way people drive day to day. I've seen it so many times where a car changes lane and side swipes a bike.
I cant imagine how Kevin's friend who was following felt to discover the headless body of his friend. The thought sends a chill down my spine.
Hard to picture Kev headless.
The nearest I have seen was the broken and folded body on Chelsea Bridge.
I can actually recall the words I used on the 999 call when I was asked if he was breathing or moving... "he's dead, he's dead, he is just broken in two"
06 June 2007, 02:23 PM
#27
Scooby Regular
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Yorkshire
Posts: 16,517
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I'm sure there's some equally horrific stories from car accidents but the fact remains on a bike your chances of an accident per vehicle and of it being of a serious nature are far higher.
06 June 2007, 02:30 PM
#28
Scooby Regular
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: S.E London
Posts: 13,654
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Just some causes get highlighted more than others.
06 June 2007, 02:31 PM
#29
Scooby Regular
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: On the bike and lovin it
Posts: 86
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
As a full time biker I'd have to agree with you STi . Which is what prompted me to take the IAM advanced bike training / test and also wear hi viz clothing.
My riding is totally different to the way it used to be and the lessons learned have probably saved me on 3 occasions from potentially "nasty" incidents.
I would highly recommend some form of advanced training to any fellow biker, you know it makes sense
My riding is totally different to the way it used to be and the lessons learned have probably saved me on 3 occasions from potentially "nasty" incidents.
I would highly recommend some form of advanced training to any fellow biker, you know it makes sense
06 June 2007, 03:03 PM
#30
Scooby Regular
Join Date: Aug 2002
Posts: 39,877
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I am sorry for the blokes who died, my condolences to the original poster.
Les