I see too many motorcycles doing dumb shit to feel much sympathy. Like Blue said, this summer seemed particularly bad for foolish motorcycle riders. Mbe b/c it was so nice this year. They drive and accelerate way too fast in the city. Drive in between lanes, pass on the inside, cross the double line to pass on the outside. If I ever had to stop suddenly and such a rider was behind me, one of those guys flying through our back window would kill my son. If the motorcyclist wasn't already dead, I'd have to help him along. Cars are not simply metal cage obstacles. They contain people with families too, often kids, which one does not typically see on a bike.
The best things riders can do is improve their image by obeying the rules of the road, instead of believing they are outside them. I actually notice the older, more sedate riders. Those sort leave plenty of distance, use signals and seem genuinely in control of their vehicle. Should all be like that. If you want to race, do it someplace where someone else won't have to suffer the consequences if you blow it.
Second thoughts can generally be amended with judicious action; injudicious actions can seldom be recovered with second thoughts.
--Cyteen by C.J.Cherryh