I have been riding for 4+ decades. I started out with " small " by today's standards bikes. Over the years I moved from sport bikes to cruisers and now on touring scoots.
I agree that there are risks in riding. So is crossing the street in the city. The first 5000 miles are the most dangerous as you do not have the needed skills in muscle memory.
Take an MSF class to get your license. Keep in mind that car & truck drivers don't see bikes as they are conditioned to see larger vehicles.
I ride 7-11 thousand miles a year and I am always expecting someone to pull out in front of me.
It is common for younger dads to put off motorcycles till the kids grow up a bit. I once hit a sinkhole At 23 miles per hour and cartwheeled the bike. I was in a wheelchair for a few months. That was over 10 years ago. I rode to DC last spring, up through northern New England 4th of July weekend and ride out to South Dakota in August.
If you decide to ride, buy a Used bike in the 500-600 cc size to start. You will drop it a few times.
Let us know what you decide.
