I took my bike test in my 30s (CBT and two tier test route) so not really a born again biker, more a need to find out what I was missing. I believe it made me a much better driver, far more aware of other road users, road conditions, etc. I gave it up after nearly being wiped out twice in a fortnight at a local roundabout by others, who when entering the roundabout, either genuinely didn't see me (charitable and I think not) or more probably saw me and didn't care!
I took my bike test when I was 20 - 3 years after passing my driving licence. My dad had made it clear that he had nothing against me riding motorcycles (he has a bike licence himself), but that he would prefer me to wait until I'd acquired a reasonable level of experience in a safe tin box.
I totally agree with you MZ that the excellent training I received in preparation for my bike test, and the experience I subsequently gained in the 5 years or so that motorcycles were my only transport made me far more aware as a road user than I ever should have been on a strict diet of cars; I too despair of some of the moronic antics I witness by scooter riders in particular on a daily basis.
I finally renounced motorbikes about 14 years ago when a great friend of mine was knocked off his Triumph Trophy by a drunken idiot and killed aged 50; he'd been riding since the age of 17 with no serious accidents. He left a widow and 4 kids still at school. I decided that as long as I too had those sort of responsibilities, much 'tho I love bikes, I'd pack it in as you're just so vulnerable. Maybe I'll let myself have one for a little light bimbling once my kids are off the payroll.....
