And Now, the Whole Picture on "Motorcycle Cancer"
A couple months ago, I posted a blog entry about a book suggesting that motorcycles might cause cancer. While a few of the comments included the obligatory eye-rolling dismissals, one astute reader, George Pedersen, noticed that the author's website promotes a certain electromagnetic seat shield.
Sure enough, Visordown.com recently posted an item about how the book's author, Randall Dale Chipkar, was recently granted a U.K. patent for an "electromagnetic shielding motorcycle seat."
And so life goes on in both motorcycling and business, with just a little more light shed on what appeared to be an odd topic for a bike book.
Any thoughts on whether Mr. Chipkar is a well-intentioned, modern motorcycle version of Ralph Nader, or if he's simply out to make a buck?
Photo © Basem Wasef
Comments
Just read about this idiot in Motorcycle News (UK). What a load of Bol***ks, he has jumped on the big C scaremongering trail to make himself (hopefully) rich. Lets hope no one takes this seriously and makes the guy pay. He probably used the UK patents becuase it might be cheaper or give wider coverage, anyway the UK got some cash off him.
As I have written about on my own website about Randall Dale Chipkar before, my opinion has not changed.
Randall appears to be a snake oil salesman saying oh what a problem we have and just happening to have the “fix” for it.
Why is it that no one else has seen this before he came up with the problem and solution?
Where is the independent research needed to confirm his beliefs and statements?
His patent is just a weak attempt to solidify his position and possibly go after bike manufacturers or after market parts makers when they use material similar to his. Metal seat pans are common and could be open to royalties if his patents are sucessful.
Check out more about what I think at:
http://www.biker-events.com/2007/12/13/can-a-motorcycle-cause-cancer-or-is-this-just-a-scam/
We’d better wear tin-foil hats under our melmets too…
I see no harm in attempting to make money off the ignoramuses of the world. We all have to pay the rent…
OMG…Hurry….more Chlorine for the gene pool. They’re starting to reproduce again!!
We should not miss the point here. If your motorcycle is pushing up to 500 mG of ELF EMF radiation into your groin then there is reason for health concern. Page 2 of the motorcyclecancer site presents facts that cannot be ignored. Riding is dangerous enough and we should not have to gamble with our health on this technical level also. Cancers are becoming an epidemic and ELF EMF radiation is emerging as a recognized carcinogen. To quote the site:
Individual responsibility leads to content accountability. Science proves electromagnetic danger. Now that a type of motorcycle ELF EMF has been exposed, I hope denial is not going to be considered as a solution.
Ultimately the choice is our own to become more educated about these EMF issues.
As for governments and industry keeping people in the dark about emerging EMF health issues, I would like to quote the site again:
Many experts believe existing government regulations are extremely inadequate concerning various EM close exposures and public safety. Unfortunately this can create a false sense of well being for different industries that claim compliance to government standards. Where does that leave the consumer?
I feel that this Chipkar guy is bang on target and time will prove him correct.
Both my book and website provide evidence and facts for rider awareness. You don’t have to be a science expert or health professional to understand this serious issue. Common sense is the key. Government capabilities can be limited concerning certain situations and regulations. Precaution is the reasonable option.
We hope that one day all riders will join us in this biker safety quest.