I like the statistic that it is 25 times more dangerous to ride than to drive. For whom?
The most likley demographic to be involved in a collision, bike or car, is from 16-20 something. Within this demographic, the fatality figures are enormously in favour of the drivers and we all know why. Five grand buys an older used Civic if you are a driver. That same 5 grand buys you a late model 600cc sportbike with performance well beyond the capabilities of the typical teenage rider. If the typical teenage driver could afford a 150 mph car, then the statistics would be a more apt comparison.
Take that demographic group out, though, and riders are considerably closer to drivers with regards to their own personal safety. They are actually MORE safe with regards to other people on the road and overall property damage.
Nothing peeves me more than seeing that teenage biker cliche: t-shirt, shorts, running shoes and a helmet, driving aggressively through traffic on his superbike and blowing past me doing well over the speed limit. It is more than 25 times more dangerous for that idiot to be on a bike, though it is considerably less dangerous for someone like me. Interesting that we all pay the hiked insurance rates, though.