No one in their right mind would describe the act of riding a two wheeled vehicle in traffic as an inherently safe activity. Then again, neither is getting in a car, or taking a shower. But the advantages to riding a scooter or motorcycle are significant, as you probably know if you are reading this. The problem is that most car drivers still don't understand, and don't care.
In the last couple of weeks, I've seen the questions of safety and gear rise on every forum, mailing list and message board that I participate in. The questions really are surprising to me. I simply don't understand how it's even a question. When I look at riding, particularly what I ride since I'm in that middle ground where what I ride is both motorcycle (power, weight, wheel size) and scooter (step through design, upright seating position, engine on the swingarm). Having chosen to ride, I recognize that I there is a risk, and that my only chances of mitigating the risk are to wear proper gear, make sure I'm visible, and to ride responsibly.
But in reading some of the posted content, I realize that there is a lot of 'wear the gear' fear mongering going on, and that's the wrong way to go about this. Sure, wear the gear, it is important, but let's get out and educate the non-riders, and for gods sake let's stop making such asses of ourselves that drivers think all riders are hooligans. If lane splitting isn't legal in your state, don't do it. If you see an opportunity, but it's pretty clear you are going to antagonize the cars drivers, don't take it. Be respectful, and when people ask you about riding, tell them all the benefits, like gas mileage, parking and environmental benefits. Telling that about doing 140 down the 50 mph surface streets only serves to reinforce a bad image, but so do the little things. Explain to them that in truth riding itself isn't all that risky, it's all the distracted drivers that pose the biggest risk.
You may not convert them to riding, but hearing about how much their distraction is your danger may help raise their own awareness. Respect is a two way street, and right now, the average driver sees 8 or 9 irresponsible riders for the 1 or 2 responsible ones they don't see and retain the image of seeing.