Brad_Jones's Blog

Two people were killed in separate scooter accidents this past week in south LA, a simple fender-bender in a car might ruin your day, a simple fender-bender on a scooter generally means a trip to the hospital. You might get away with riding one of those things for a while, but eventually it’s going to catch up with you and you will have a close encounter with a car or a much larger vehicle. The two people killed last week were trying to keep their lives going despite the high gas prices. Chalk up two more for the Bush/ Cheney Oil War.

NCC1701 - you're right, safety should always be your first priority. But there are motorcycle and bicycle accidents too. When you take a rider safety course (as we encourage people to do) you learn more about defensive riding techniques, and that will make you a safer rider. We took some extra precautions like a jacket with reflective stripes and a brightly colored scooter. Things like that are significant because they make the scooter and rider more visible to all drivers.

COOK - The Vespa I used is more than $4000 (it's the Cadillac of scooters!). There are many priced less than that. You can find some types starting at $1200 or so, depending on the brand and how large the engine is. You can also find larger displacement scooters that cost even more. Some of the larger ones have top speeds of 90 mph or more, and you can take them cross country with no problem. We picked a scooter that is a reliable well-known brand, and a good compromise for a commuter (maximum mileage with a top speed of 50-55 mph).

For the past three months, I have been looking at, test driving, and researching Vespa's, along with regularly reading a couple of the Vespa bulletin boards out there. I think what is holding me back is what NC1701 alludes to, safety. I can take the MSF course, wear protective equipment, and take the road less traveled, but I have no control over the other drivers. The triad is definitely not a bike friendly area, and many motorists see cyclists as nothing more than annoyances, or worse, speed bumps. I have a feeling this attitude will carry over to scooters, even though the scooter driver needs a motorcycle endorsement and the scooter requires license plate (>50cc). Brad, did you experience any driver "aggression" while you were riding your scooter?

TJ - I never saw any driver aggression, but I did see a lot of inattentive drivers. Talking on cell phones, texting on cell phones, tailgating, not paying attention to traffic and things like that. I'm very aware that they may not see a smaller vehicle like a scooter, so I'm pretty cautious and ride defensively. As long as you keep that in mind, you'll be a safer rider and a better driver when you're behind the wheel of a car.

Jeep - I had a bunch of people ask about the whole "Scooterman" thing, especially at church. Most suspected I was the guy in the helmet. Even had a few people shout "SCOOTERMAN" as I drove down the road on Saturday. Wow, I have a reputation....

So, is $4 a gallon gas enough to make you switch to a scooter? $5 a gallon? More? What's your breaking point?

I think what you're doing is great. I recently purchased a motorcycle with the increasing price of gas in mind. No doubt it is dangerous but I took the MSF course and found it to be very helpful and I've rode motorcycles for than more 30 years.Plus the more people who ride the more visible we'll be. Also riding is FUN!! Keep up the good work.

Brad - Big Kudos! I think what you are doing with "Scooterman" is terrific! The attention and dialog is *much* needed as it seems $4 gas isn't going away and is likely to get higher pretty soon. Many families, mine own included, are having to make cutbacks in the worst kinds of way. My own dear hubby parked his beloved gas guzzler for a bike - much to my dismay - to save on his weekly gas cost and to fuel his inner child. ;)
I see more and more people riding bikes and scooters everyday, many without any proper training. I know Fox8 has done a segment on Bike Safety clases before but what your news team didn't mention is that most of these classes can cost hundreds of dollars versus the $15 for a simple bike permit that allows them to drive (for 18 months) without ever taking a test. When a person is faced with having to park his/her favorite "cage" (any type car) to ride a bike or scooter to save money which do you think they will choose?? I believe this is another major factor in the recent upswing in bike related accidents and deaths. Couple lack of knowledge/expertise in bike handling with the daily inattentiveness of drivers (both car and bikes alike) and you will often come up with deadly outcomes. I think it would prove in our state's best interests to make some sort of afforable classes available to it's citizens if it isn't going to do anything about the rising cost of gas. May be a better use of tax money than trips overseas.

Brad, I saw you were worried about your suit getting wrinkled. Get you a bottle of Downy wrinkle releaser,and keep it at work. It does what it says, I use it all of the time, but I haven't come up with a suggestion for "Helmet" hair yet

how long would it take to reclaim cost of your scooter, to make up for your gas use in the sur/car? this is a question i never see asked or answered.

I don't have a scooter but I do have a motorcycle (Goldwing) and I have to admit, I like your piece on riding scooters and motorcycles. They can save a person and families a lot of money on gas. To me they are very practical as well. Plus, I think they are down right fun. Yes, you can get hit on a scooter or motorcyle and there is little protection. But, hey, you can get injured or killed in a car too. I tell people that there are thousands of riders that ride everyday and have no problems. I also mention that while on a scooter or motorcycle, the key is the think of yourself as invisible and be a defensive rider.

Life is too short. Enjoy your scooter and keep up the good reporting on it.

Until next time and enjoy the ride!

Pappy

Pappy - you've got the right idea about defensive riding. And I am enjoying the ride!

Hypomoni - I don't know of a local school that is dedicated to scooters only. I think the information you learn in the program taught at local community colleges will really benefit you, no matter what you ride. As far as riding in bad weather, I've been in the rain - no snow or sleet though. And I met one woman who loves her scooter and rides pretty much every day. She's part of our story on Thursday. I also talked to the folks at Scooter Vita, and they told me about a woman who rode her 250cc Vespa from Raleigh to the coast .... THE WEST COAST! Yes, she rode across America on her Vespa with a bunch of Harley guys and had no problem keeping up. I think she should be teaching a class!