Being rear-ended is one of the most common accidents for cyclists and motorcycles. When I rode in California, it was less of an issue because I was between cars

Being rear-ended is one of the most common accidents for cyclists and motorcycles. When I rode in California, it was less of an issue because I was between cars side to side, not front to back. I felt much safer there than I do in Iowa where I'm forced to queue behind cars and hope the people behind me see me and stop for me. That combined with the much shortened riding season means drivers also aren't as aware of motorcycles and cyclists as they are in areas where people ride year round. I literally rode everywhere in SoCal. It was my primary means of transportation. I ended up getting rid of my motorcycle not long after I moved back to Iowa because of those safety reasons.