I'm also a big proponent of rider training. You wouldn't believe how many 20-year riders I meet that don't know what countersteering is, or how it works.

In urban areas, by far the most common accident is an automobile turning left in front of the motorcycle. Various forms of automobiles failing to respect the motorcyclists right of way comprise almost all urban accidents. Being rear-ended by a car is way, way, way down on the list of things to worry about, based on accident statistics - it's in the single digit percentages.

Texas repealed its helmet law a few years ago. I'm appalled at the lack of safety gear worn by riders around here. Cruiser type riders almost never wear a helmet, but are a bit more likely to sport a leather jacket, jeans, and boots. Sportbike riders almost always have a quality full face helmet, but usually complement it with tennis shoes, shorts, and a t-shirt. They won't even let you on the MSF range dressed like that. I know riders are a risk-tolerant group, but does nobody have any common sense?