ABSTRACT

The relationship between risk and enjoyment was explored in the previous chapter where is was suggested that while there is a relationship between risk and enjoyment, enjoyment is not a result of risk and risk may even have a suppressive effect on enjoyment. As found in previous studies relating to risky activities in the realm of sport (o’Sullivan, Zuckerman and kraft 1998; Scanlan and Simons 1992; Slanger and Rudestam 1997), it would seem that the majority of riders ride despite the risk, not because of it. Rather it is the challenge of matching skills to the situation that is the appeal. However, the dataset that Broughton used to draw these conclusions was gathered in the controlled, but artificial, situation of a racetrack. It is also possible that only a particular type of rider would participate in events such as track days. This chapter seeks to develop a deeper understanding of risk and enjoyment in the more complex riding situations faced on the public roads.