I went out riding yesterday. I wear a full face helmet (pretty sure my skull doesn't bounce), and am a very safe rider. Being middle aged? er... aware of my mortality I don't ride like an idiot.

As I was driving up a road, a driver had a stop sign perpendicular to me...I was going straight with no sign, and fortunately correctly foresaw his actions. He did a rolling stop and proceeded to pull in front of me. And pal, if you're reading this....that wasn't a wave I gave you.

So please folks...be aware of motorcycles, buggies, bikers, joggers, pedestrians...and what ever else we share the road with.

It's a matter of common sense and courtesy.

I think that you are not thinking far enough. A motorcyclist, when crashing without a helmet only affects himslelf. If he lives, he may cause increased health costs.

A smoker, not only affects him/her self, but those captive around them ie. children. The costs from a smoker last longer and cost more than a motorcyclist being stupid. How many people smoke and affect their loved ones and the people they meet in public places???? I think you need to think about this subject as a lesson in choices.

P.S. I always ride with a helmet.

I applaud you for choosing to wear a helmet. You're right, this is a lesson about choices. That being who's allowed to make them and who's not. People who drive cars don't legally have a choice whether or not to wear a seatbelt. Now smokers and businesses are in danger of having their choices taken away. I should be allowed to choose to have a cigarette in a bar (which is the only place I smoke anyway) with others who choose to have a smoke with me. And the bar should be allowed to choose whether or not to let me smoke there, just as non-smokers have the right to choose from the many establishments that are smoke-free or have non-smoking sections. Yet motorcycle riders can choose not to wear a helmet, get injured, and not only increase healthcare costs but also cause hardship for their families who didn't have to be physically injured with the rider to feel the effects of the injury. By the way, head injuries with long-term impairment are a physical and emotional drain on healthcare workers and families, I've seen it firsthand. So I don't agree with you that a motorcyclist is the only one affected by their accident, unless they die instantly and have no next of kin, then, yeah, they're on their own.