this is such a dim view of motorcycling. it's true that cars are a danger when you're riding, especially in the US but why do we have to fearmonger about bikes? anybody who rides knows the risk, whether they are wearing a full race suit or flip flops and a tank top. everybody manages their own risk taking and aversion in life. i would personally recommend wearing leathers, boots, gloves and a helmet, but just because things can go wrong i don't understand the extreme jump to "oh you want a bike? you're gonna die." if people want to ride, i encourage them to try it–in the safest way possible. people die in cars too but we just accept that. just because bikes are riskier doesn't mean there isn't anything to gained from the experience and if you're smart and careful plenty of people ride their whole lives without an incident.