Need advise on 84 year old rider

[wildthang1949]

Hello to all.....pretty much new to this board, but have a lot of respect for you guys opinions. I have an old friend that is 84 and still riding. The past few months he has scared the hell out of me more than once. I have casually mentioned that he might want to consider parking his bike before he gets hurt badly or worse. He doesn't seem to hear what I have been trying to say. I usually ride with him some on the weekends, but last weekend he fell over and after I finally got him out from under the bike, he wanted to continue on our little trip. His family is very upset because he won't give it up, and I do not know what to do. How do I go about letting him know that I have become very uncomfortable riding with him? I can't just avoid him, so any thoughts out there?     

[ArmyValker]

I am familiar with this situation. I've got a mid-80's neighbor who is similarly stubborn.

I'd just tell him. He's not gonna be surprised I'm sure. It probably won't change his mind either, but there's also the possibility that he's just trying to keep up with you. It may be a relief to him.

I commend him for continuing to ride at 84 years old, but if he's getting that dangerous he's not just endangering himself. I think the strongest persuasion you can offer is to flatly refuse to ride with him anymore.

[Slvrvalk1]

If he still safely drives a car, why don't you try to convince him to get a trike?  Without knowing more detail, it is hard to give meaningful advice.  From your post, it sounds like his main problem is strength.

Dave

[Craig N. AZ]

If he wants to keep riding.... he should go trike or sidecar as long as he still has the skills.

[F-106]

All you can do is tell him how you feel about his riding. Be honest about it but tackful at the same time. remember he may be 84 but in his mind he thinks he is much younger. I like the trike or sidecar idea. That may be a good avenue to seekout. This way he still gets wind time but is a bit more stable. 

[Valker]

He is an adult, let him be. If he dies riding a bike, how long does he want to live. I can think of nothing worse than rusting to death....

[makotosun]

There is more at stake here than just his own pleasure/safety. The rest of us, including my 6 year old, have a right to be safe too!

If it is just a problem with the bike, i.e. not enough strength to hold it up when he stops, that is one thing. If his driving is deteriorating overall (car included) that is another.

In the State of Washington, you can advise the Licensing Department that the fellow has issues, and they can require a written and/or driving test. If he does not pass the test, he should not be driving.  If he can't pass the MC riding test, he should not be riding.  If he passes them, then you have no complaints. 

If he drives a car ok, but is having problems with the bike, then advise him he needs to go with a trike or sidecar or someone will be requesting a licensing test. That will probably be enough to get him to change over. Best if it is someone besides you, as he may not want to ride with you anymore . . . 

[BudMan]

I agree with Valker.

I “relocated” my Dad’s Harley to my house when he was 92.  The main reason was I found out that he was standing up on a paint can and jumping off on the pedal to start it.  He got to ride at my house after I would start the motor for him about another half year.  His riding days were over that winter when he fell in his living room and broke his hip.  We lost him last October at the age of 96.  I really don’t’ think he would have lasted as long as he did if he had quit riding when he was “supposed to”.  
Makotosun, your point is well taken about re-testing of drivers and riders.  Dad was a great proponent of that concept. He was also a pilot and argued violently that drivers should have to take check-rides just like pilots’ bi-annual flight exams.
Those old boys have an independence that you just have to marvel at.  You just keep them as safe as you can, and know that they are doing what they love to do.

[solo1]

I no longer feel comfortable riding my Valk at 81.  Too much weight for my knees.

If the 84 year old is becoming unsafe due to physical ability, then a trike or sidecar would be the way to go.  Also pointed out, if he's no longer capable of the mental ability, then he's a menace to himself and others, period.  Something should be done.

If he's just plain stubborn, then leave him along but don't ride with him. He'll know when to quit (maybe).

[fudgie]

I agree with Valker. No one should tell me or I should not tell anyone they cannot ride. Only they know when its time to stop or make other arrangements. If its something that makes him happy then by all means let him go. Just let him know his trike/sc option. Don't make him mad tho, it could makes things worse. Have someone tell you you should not ride and let me know how you would feel.  I commend him and others for riding at that age. When my grandparents went in their mid 80's they were still working on the farm driving tractors and she worked 35 hours a week.

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

It's better to burn out than fade away...Ride On Old Dude 

[Hoser]

  hoser

[rainman]

I agree if he is only having problems when coming to a stop or turnning the he should go with a trike.
not sure about a sidecar that could cause problems on the road. Also here a link for motorcycle landing wheels. I know what I would do it would be a trike but some people have a problem with that. this link takes and shows you about the landing wheels and how they work.  Good luck 

http://thekneeslider.com/archives/2009/06/12/motorcycle-landing-wheels-for-paraplegic-rider/

[fiddle mike]

Yeah, turn him in.  You could always tell Homeland Security that he doesn't support Obama's health hustle.

[bsnicely]

I wish someone in the 83 yr old man's family that killed my buddy Old Skool Steve would have had the nerve to make him quit driving!!     He is still driving and should not be!  He has cataracts, glaucoma, and drives everywhere 15mph. He turned left in front of my buddy and killed him same as he shot him!  In this state ( WV ) it is up to the family or an officer involved in an enforcement action against him to shut him down. Sad to say that the officer who was involved with this case knew the family and covered for him.  I don't mean to offend anyone of age, if you are competent and able to drive/ride more power to you but if you are not just gracefuly give up the liscense and save someone's life.................

[BudMan]

My nephew was killed by a driver that would fit perfectly the description you just made.  That is exactly why we need re-examinations.  Several states have tried it, but for some reason it just never gets implemented the way it should.

[bsnicely]

It never gets implemented because the politicians are afraid they will loose the senior vote. AARP always lobbys against re-examinations and no one wants to loose that vote! 

[HotRod]

You said you dont think he is hearing you, get him a hearing aid first then discuss the trike option, at least he cant tip it over. I'm sure he's a great guy.

[BudMan]

It's better to burn out than fade away.

I'm giving you fair warning right now, Joe. I'm stealing that line! 

[Black Dog]

Quote

It's better to burn out than fade away.

I'm giving you fair warning right now, Joe. I'm stealing that line! 

I think Joe may have borrowed that one from Neil Young

Hey hey, my my...

Black Dog

[woefman]

All Good Advise .

I ride often and many many miles with Western Bikers Uncle , he is now 73 and I dread the day, the wheels may have to be pulled from this man. He is 100%  true motorcyclists. Heck he did not even own a car for many years.

[Daniel Meyer]

They'll get my wheels right after they get my guns.

[bsnicely]

I understand about the " ride untill I die " sentiment, but saddly, some ride ( or drive ) untill they cause someone else's death. Untill you have lost a loved one to a rider or driver who should not be riding or driving you don't realize what a selfish thing it is to place everyone else around you in danger. If it was just the rider or driver in question at risk I would say fine, ride untill you crash if you want, but that crash may take an innocent party out as well. This is not meant as a slam to anyone because, face it, we are all going to be there someday. When my time comes I hope someone in my life has the wisdom to tell me it is time to hang up the keys and if I resist, I hope they force the issue with me however it has to be done. No offense meant to anyone, but when this issue crosses your mind I ask you to think of my best bud and riding partner Steve Lucas, who died much too young at the hands of an elderly driver who should not have been driving. Think of Rhonda who lost her first love and husband, then think of Noah who is without his father.    :'(   :'(


Steve should be in this picture...............................

[Big IV]

I hope that I can ride forever. But more than that I hope that if I ever need to stop riding that I will be able to figure it out. If I don't figure it out then I hope somebody would care about me enough to help me get off the road.

[Hoser]

Look, I probly will go to a trike in a few years, and the 84 year old gent should to, just needs to be convinced that it is just as much fun on a trike, I've ridden one, and it is!  However, don't try to take me off the road completely, cause I'll die in the ensuing gun fight! There are many codgers older than I in this group that meet for lunch weekly on scooters, trikes,etc. as well as any bike you ever heard of.   Meet the romeo group (retired old motorcyclists eating out) romeoriders.com   hoser
 

[Daniel Meyer]

I hope that I can ride forever. But more than that I hope that if I ever need to stop riding that I will be able to figure it out. If I don't figure it out then I hope somebody would care about me enough to help me get off the road.

I sort of agree...but it's not just "care enough to help you get off the road"...it's all the support that comes afterward.

The requirement to get out and about does not diminish when the ability to get out and about does.

It's often a death sentence to many when they do lose their wheels. Loss of home, independence, healthcare, and shortly thereafter, life, is pretty common unless they have VERY strong family support. Many do not.