On our European vacation we had the pleasure of observing quite the variety of scooter riders in Italy. These riders were full of bravado and amazing skills. For all the scooters perusing the roadways, you see very few close calls and less incidents. This seems truly amazing to me, coming from America where no one seems to see motorcycles, let alone a 49cc scooter.
We did see several larger format scooters on the highways and what I found most interesting regarding driving in both Germany and Italy and probably most of Europe, was the respect given to the far left or “passing” lane. There are simply no drivers lingering in this lane. They use the lane as it was designed, to pass another slower vehicle and then they move to the right keeping the left lane open. Many drivers peruse a fairly brisk pace, but they seem more alert, less distracted and better skilled. I am not sure why they seem so much better than drivers in America, but I do know there are more rigorous driving standards for acquiring a license and maintaining one. Many countries require that when a license has expired that a skills test be re-administered for renewal. I believe this helps weed out those drivers without honed skills.
The skills we saw from the scooter riders of Italy were amazing. Granted we saw little gear other than helmets, but these riders knew their limits. It was impressive.
This was the only rider we saw without a helmet!
We tried waving at many, and some actually waved back!
We saw several with kids on their scooters. We even saw some with more than one child, but all wore helmets.
On both steep grades and flat roads they cruised!
They filled the roads.
I loved seeing the small three-wheeled delivery vehicles!
Some riders made perfect eye contact with us, probably wondering WTF!
Sadly we missed shooting the real fashionistas wearing stiletto heels, but this girl was certainly cute!
Now this guy was on a motorcycle and I found his gaze quite compelling. 😉
Sadly the Ducati Cafe was closed!
We saw a few of these and I thought they were quite interesting and practical.
They could easily wind through foot traffic and everyone expected them to do just that!
This was one of my favorite shots of all!
Though the focused version isn’t bad either!
Most of these shots are thanks to my husband’s camera skills, shot while we walked the streets, however this final shot was taken by some Aussie mates that were on an 8 week vacation. The two couples had 9 children between them and had heuvos enough to rent scooters and take to the Amalfi Coast. When we told them we rode motorcycles in America they thought it only appropriate to shoot us with their scooters. Thanks m’friends, I hope your journey was safe and made many great memories!
