Nick Richardson

Crash bars, broken bones theory and Barry Sheene

admin — Thu, 14 May 2009 14:54:16 +0000

Like lots of aspiring motorcyclists back in the 60s, I learned on a Honda 90 step-through. It was on that bike that I had my one and only accident with another vehicle - though I’m still not sure why I ran into the back of a stationary mini van!

When I bought my second bike - an old BSA Gold Star - from a dealer, we had a long debate about the merits of fitting crash bars, concluding that they were a bad idea as in an accident they could damage the bike frame. Not having crash bars simply meant the rider would be likely to break his leg … but that was OK because bones mend.

Don’t forget this was in the era of Barry Sheene who seemed to have broken almost every bone in his body through a series of crashes. (Am I imagining it or did I read somewhere that Barry Sheene invented the motorcycle back protector?)

Embarrassing moments

admin — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 14:52:38 +0000

Since the stationary mini van, my only accidents have been low-speed tumbles while manoeuvring tall and top-heavy adventure-style bikes (when one of those starts to go, nothing can stop it).

Fortunately very few people have witnessed my humiliation (particularly the time when a combo of a hill and adverse camber caused my bike to fall off its side stand). Only once have I needed to ask for any help to pick the monster up.

It was in 2008 and I was touring Scotland on a big V Twin. Pulling in to a camp site, I forgot to put a support under the side stand and the bike sank gracefully into the ground. Even after stripping off all my camping kit, I had to enlist the aid of another camper (a retired gent – so double embarrassment) to help me get the bike out of the hole.

‘Born again’

admin — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 14:51:43 +0000

Biking took a bit of a back seat while my kids were little, but about 15 years ago, I became a ‘born again’ and now use the bike as often as my car. I use the bike for commuting to work as well as for fun. The 2008 Scotland tour, which included ferry trips to the Orkneys, racked up about 2,000 miles – and was glorious!

The green badge
In my line of work, I suppose it’s not surprising that I am a keen advocate of road safety. I passed my Institute of Advanced Motorists’ test in 1988 and have always intended to add the green badge. In preparation, I’ve been on a few road safety days/observed rides with the police but so far, that’s as far as it’s gone – other things get in the way.

With my PI lawyer’s hat on

admin — Sat, 14 Feb 2009 12:27:37 +0000

In over twenty years as a PI lawyer, I have handled thousands of road traffic accident claims. In my experience, inappropriate speed and carelessness are the major factors, rather than simply exceeding the posted speed limits.

Bikers are far more aware of the speed they are travelling at than car drivers who, cosseted in their air-conditioned, 8-speaker tin cans, are totally cut off from both the driving experience and the road conditions.

If you don’t agree, tell me when you last saw a biker with a mobile phone stuck to his ear, shaving or eating a pasty while he is going along? I rest my case!