When you dive into the world of motorcycles, you’ll occasionally hear the term “squid” thrown around. It’s a derogatory label that some experienced riders use to describe those who might lack proper skills, disregard safety, or take unnecessary risks on the road. The name “squid” is thought to have originated because these riders, like the sea creature, can be unpredictable and sometimes reckless in their behavior. If you’re new to motorcycling or even a seasoned rider, it’s important to understand what this term means and how to avoid being labeled as a squid. It’s not just about your skill level, but also how you present yourself and your respect for the road and fellow riders.
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What are Squids Motorcycle
A squid in the motorcycle world refers to a biker who lacks common sense and disregards the safety of other road users. These riders often enjoy whizzing down the road at high speeds with the throttle wide open but struggle to navigate a corner without slowing to a snail’s pace. They tend to overestimate their skills and may engage in risky tricks like wheelies, burnouts, skids, and stoppies. What’s more alarming is that they usually do this while wearing minimal protective gear.
The term squid wasn’t always an abbreviation, but over time, it has taken on some sayings like “Stupidly Quick, Underdressed, Ignorant, and Dangerous” or “Stupidly Quick, Underdressed, and Imminently Dead.” None of these have positive connotations and highlight the dangerous behaviors associated with being labeled a squid.
Where Did The Word Come From?
The term “squid” actually has roots far from the motorcycling community. It began in the Californian surfing scene of the 1970s, where it was used to describe surfers who had a lack of control over their surfboard while riding a wave. This out-of-control experience was often referred to as “getting squirrely.” If a surfer consistently found themselves in this situation, their skills would be called into question, and they might be labeled a “squirrely kid.” Over the years, this term was shortened, or contracted, to just “squid.”
As time passed, the term found its way into other sports like BMX riding and eventually into the motorcycling community. In this context, it became associated with riders who display a lack of awareness and stereotypically don’t wear proper safety gear. The evolution of the term reflects its journey from the waves to the road, where it now describes a very specific type of motorcyclist.
Characteristics of squids
Squids are often riders who do not wear the appropriate gear while riding. You might see them wearing just a t-shirt, shorts, and sandals on a warm day, even though they’re on a motorcycle capable of reaching 60 mph, similar to some supercars. However, not all squids neglect safety gear; some wear the correct clothing but still engage in inappropriate and dangerous riding behaviors.
These riders tend to overestimate their abilities and ride too quickly, often speeding past cars and making unsafe maneuvers and overtakes. Their reckless actions give motorcyclists a bad name. It’s common to see them performing stunts like wheelies, stoppies, and powerslides in populated and built-up areas, creating serious dangers for themselves and others.
A squid is typically a younger rider who has just passed their CBT and is riding on L plates with a bike like a Yamaha R125. However, it’s not just newer riders who fall into this category. Sometimes, even experienced riders become complacent or overconfident and start exhibiting the same risky behaviors.
Riding style:
A key defining trait of squid riders is their rash and irresponsible approach to driving. They often perform risky stunts and wheelies in crowded traffic or on busy roads without the necessary expertise. These riders are known to aggressively overtake others, even at blind turns, where visibility is poor and danger is high. On straight roads, they tend to accelerate beyond permissible limits, pushing their bikes to dangerous speeds.
What makes this behavior even more concerning is that many squids have no control over how they ride, leading them to eventually crash. Once this happens, they earn their so-called “Squid Card,” a label that sticks with them forever.
Clothing/ Protection:
Squids often shrug off the importance of protective gear, choosing to ride at insane speeds without helmets. It’s not just the fast riders who do this; many moto squids will leave out their helmets when they feel hot, believing they’re invincible and that accidents only happen to others. You might see them riding in just shorts and t-shirts, using the excuse that it’s a hot summer’s day and no protective gear is required.
Sometimes, their focus is more on looking cooler than the next rider. They might wear sunglasses that match the color of their bike, prioritizing style over safety. This attitude reflects a dangerous misunderstanding of the importance of proper protection while riding.
Why You Don’t Want to Be a Squid
Being a moto squid means more than just having drivers in cars rolling their eyes at you; it also means losing the accepting nature of the motorcycle community. Squids often earn a bad name, and even biker gangs and riding clubs tend to dislike them. They’re often seen as young punk kids with no respect for others, their own lives, or the dangers of riding a motorcycle.
Riding like a squid is dangerous, and the consequences of ignoring safety are too severe to consider it a smart move. As a motorcyclist, your wellbeing isn’t guaranteed just because you feel in control of your bike. Unexpected events like another driver swerving into your lane, a deer jumping onto the road, or a sudden malfunction can occur in a split second.
Even an experienced rider isn’t immune to motorcycle accidents; they can happen to anyone, even the most seasoned professionals. These incidents occur in an instant, leaving little time to react. That’s why it’s crucial to stay prepared and alert, rather than putting yourself in harm’s way by riding recklessly.
How to Avoid Being a Squid
To avoid being labeled a squid, the first step is to always ride within your limits and consider the conditions of the road. Whether it’s rain, heat, or unfamiliar terrain, respecting the laws and riding in a safe manner is crucial. Not only does this keep you and others safe, but it also helps reduce the costs of your motorbike insurance. If you crash or make a claim, you could end up with higher premiums, so it’s in your best interest as a rider to ride responsibly and reach your destination without any accidents or problems.
Wearing the correct motorcycle gear is another key to avoiding the squid label. You might be tempted to skip the gear on a boiling hot day, but remember the saying, “dress for the slide, not the ride.” Even if you’re sweltering in your gear, it’s better than suffering from road rash, which is anything but fun. Fortunately, there are plenty of options for summer gear these days, like perforated jackets, boots, gloves, and trousers that are designed to keep you cool and manage sweat. With these choices, there’s really no excuse for not wearing your gear.
Respecting both the road and your motorcycle is equally important. Your bike is a powerful machine that you control, but it can cause serious damage if you don’t respect its capabilities. The road itself can hide various dangers like potholes, oil spills, or slippery leaves, making it crucial to always follow the rules of the road and adapt to the conditions.
In summary, to avoid being labeled a squid, ride within your limits, always wear your protective gear, and show respect for both your motorcycle and the road.
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Squid is the Opposite of Cool
There’s a universal phenomenon where trying too hard can lead to the opposite result of what you want. When a rider works too hard to look cool, they often end up being dubbed a squid. This doesn’t just look unappealing; it comes off as a desperate attempt to grab attention. Riding a motorcycle naturally has a cool vibe—one that’s more alluring and mysterious when the rider doesn’t boast or get too showy on the road.
You don’t need to force it; let your bike and your ability to ride it speak for itself. Whether you’re on a high-end Ducati, where the prices run high, or any other model, what really creates a smooth persona and makes you attractive on the road is wearing the right gear and choosing to act responsibly. This way, you’ll avoid being lumped in with the squids on the road, regardless of the VIN.
