Its an overstatement for the sake of analogy. Its the underlying feelings/emotions that matter - scared and untrusting. And when undertaking a big new activity you've never done before those feelings are pegged high.
Everyone is different in the magnitude their fears grow to. Everyone is different in how the handle the effects of emotions. I don't think its too proper to minimize what a new rider might be feeling. Experienced folks, everyone was new once. Don't forget that. Its easy to tell a new rider "Oh you're scared for nothing" after you've moved through that learning curve enough that riding isn't scary anymore.
Wow, I'm really in no mood for anything today - freakin Monday morning
Turning your head isn't easy when you first get on the bike. All you're worried about is barely 2 feet in front of you. You've all seen new riders, they're petrified. And that's normal. That's part of the learning process. It takes some longer to be comfortable and remember to turn their heads and do keep their eyes up. How many of you all remember talking to yourself in your helmet as you rode circles in the damn parking lot 'look where you want to go.....keep your eyes up....look where you want to go....keep your eyes up...turn your head...look where..." YOU SEE MY POINT!
For some people being able to learn and get use to the way to ride is a bigger challenge than to others. That is OK! Teach them the proper way to do and allow them to work to that point in their time. Keep them as safe as possible, keep encouraging them, teach them, but don't antagonize or minimize their perspective on it!
