They Say Bikers hurt themselves more?

[wendylee]

Bikers dominate spinal cord injuries

Just found this link on MSN

Young male motorcyclists continue to dominate the ranks of those Australians who suffer a spinal cord injury.

There were 362 cases of new spinal cord injury in 2007-08, according to latest data released by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare
Most happened in crashes or falls, with just 77 having "non-trauma" causes such as infection, pressure on the spine from a cancerous growth or damage linked to osteoarthritis

[shan]

MAD isnt it

[thro]

This is news, or surprising to you?

Sliding down the road into curbs and power poles is a hazard to your spine.


There isn't really much you can do about it either, other than wearing a back protector (most don't, and its no guarantee anyway) - or not crashing (which you can minimize the chances of, but its still a significant risk).

A minor "off" in a car might end up with panel damge or seat belt bruising... you're pretty damn lucky if you come off a bike and don't break anything.

[MuNch]

Check how many were from off-road riders as well. I'd hazard a guess that they make up a significant proporation of figures.

I guess thats why this is run every year:

The Making a Difference Ride (M.A.D) - Raising funds & Awareness for spinal cord injury research and rehabilitation

Motorcycling is dangerous, we know this, but it is so much fun and so much more than just simply transport, its a lifestyle, a passion and a way of life.