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Post by wutzthedeal on May 9, 2014 10:46:24 GMT -5
Good points, all. To tie it back into the original post (or flavor thereof), there is something about two wheels that just makes cagers blind and I don't understand it. I think there is a subconscious thing going on, wherein they are just thinking about their own lives and problems and somehow, when they see two wheels, they see "less" of a thing--perhaps there is some odd, subconscious, canned-response that tells them, "They are on two wheels--they can stop on a dime and maneuver at will so don't sweat them, just go." Now, I don't think most consciously would think like that, but I think it really may be what happens on a deeper level as people are thinking about other things.
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Post by oldchopperguy on May 9, 2014 12:48:50 GMT -5
Good points, all. To tie it back into the original post (or flavor thereof), there is something about two wheels that just makes cagers blind and I don't understand it. I think there is a subconscious thing going on, wherein they are just thinking about their own lives and problems and somehow, when they see two wheels, they see "less" of a thing--perhaps there is some odd, subconscious, canned-response that tells them, "They are on two wheels--they can stop on a dime and maneuver at will so don't sweat them, just go." Now, I don't think most consciously would think like that, but I think it really may be what happens on a deeper level as people are thinking about other things.
I think you're right on the money! There is also (hopefully, but probably NOT) a subconscious attitude that anyone on two wheels is of less worth than "normal" traffic... I've been a biker for more than fifty years, and there is definitely an attitude among drivers that motorcycle riders are of a "less-than-human" race, and if one gets killed, his/her family isn't out all that much... Back in the day, I'd don my colors and ride my chopper on weekend runs, then put on my 3-piece suit and ride my bagger to the office on Monday... Still, a biker in a suit was still a biker to traffic... LOL!
Scooter-jockeys don't get nearly the negative attention of burly guys on choppers, but still... A bike is a bike in the minds of drivers, and somehow just not worth all that much. Keeps you alert!
Ride safe!
Leo
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Post by lanternscooter on May 9, 2014 19:47:10 GMT -5
Good points, all. To tie it back into the original post (or flavor thereof), there is something about two wheels that just makes cagers blind and I don't understand it. I think there is a subconscious thing going on, wherein they are just thinking about their own lives and problems and somehow, when they see two wheels, they see "less" of a thing--perhaps there is some odd, subconscious, canned-response that tells them, "They are on two wheels--they can stop on a dime and maneuver at will so don't sweat them, just go." Now, I don't think most consciously would think like that, but I think it really may be what happens on a deeper level as people are thinking about other things.
I think you're right on the money! There is also (hopefully, but probably NOT) a subconscious attitude that anyone on two wheels is of less worth than "normal" traffic... I've been a biker for more than fifty years, and there is definitely an attitude among drivers that motorcycle riders are of a "less-than-human" race, and if one gets killed, his/her family isn't out all that much... Back in the day, I'd don my colors and ride my chopper on weekend runs, then put on my 3-piece suit and ride my bagger to the office on Monday... Still, a biker in a suit was still a biker to traffic... LOL!
Scooter-jockeys don't get nearly the negative attention of burly guys on choppers, but still... A bike is a bike in the minds of drivers, and somehow just not worth all that much. Keeps you alert!
Ride safe!
Leo
all good points the last part applies for the most part in my area with a few exceptions. theres the type that is like "oh he's on a scooter/moped, he MUST be gay." and you get 'the look', you know the one. (i get that feeling expecially when im on my yamaha razz. very tiny scoot. then theres the type that think people on scoots are worthless, slow annoyances. luckily theres not that much of that around here |
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Post by spandi on May 9, 2014 19:48:50 GMT -5
Good points, all. To tie it back into the original post (or flavor thereof), there is something about two wheels that just makes cagers blind and I don't understand it. I think there is a subconscious thing going on, wherein they are just thinking about their own lives and problems and somehow, when they see two wheels, they see "less" of a thing--perhaps there is some odd, subconscious, canned-response that tells them, "They are on two wheels--they can stop on a dime and maneuver at will so don't sweat them, just go." Now, I don't think most consciously would think like that, but I think it really may be what happens on a deeper level as people are thinking about other things.
I think you're right on the money! There is also (hopefully, but probably NOT) a subconscious attitude that anyone on two wheels is of less worth than "normal" traffic... I've been a biker for more than fifty years, and there is definitely an attitude among drivers that motorcycle riders are of a "less-than-human" race, and if one gets killed, his/her family isn't out all that much... Back in the day, I'd don my colors and ride my chopper on weekend runs, then put on my 3-piece suit and ride my bagger to the office on Monday... Still, a biker in a suit was still a biker to traffic... LOL!
Scooter-jockeys don't get nearly the negative attention of burly guys on choppers, but still... A bike is a bike in the minds of drivers, and somehow just not worth all that much. Keeps you alert!
Ride safe!
Leo
That's why I carry my groceries from Trader Joe's strapped to the sides. (see how upscale I am?)  Actually I find the more Safety equipment I use, the more seriously I'm taken as a rider and the more respect (and better manners) shown. |
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Post by SylvreKat on May 9, 2014 22:08:20 GMT -5
spandi, I've found that my pink jacket seems to get me lots of respect. I wonder if the guys want to protect me, and the gals go all mother on me. That's why I keep trying to convince you fellows to go get pink jackets. But you just won't listen to me!  >'Kat |
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Post by spandi on May 10, 2014 2:37:48 GMT -5
spandi, I've found that my pink jacket seems to get me lots of respect. I wonder if the guys want to protect me, and the gals go all mother on me. That's why I keep trying to convince you fellows to go get pink jackets. But you just won't listen to me! >'Kat Sorry girlfriend, too fru-fru for me. But Day-Glo green will work nicely.  |
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Post by Jarlaxle on May 10, 2014 11:27:40 GMT -5
Mine is hi-vis green & black...wanted all hi-vis, but those are REALLY PRICEY! Helmet is hi-vis yellow.
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Post by wutzthedeal on May 10, 2014 12:02:37 GMT -5
Hi vis is good. I don't like orange, and I was not going to buy an orange scooter (it was one of the two new ones left for sale on the lot that day) and the mechanic mentioned, "Well, on an orange one like that, you're more likely to be seen." That sold me, but hasn't worked; People are still blind to me. I wear reflective shi8 all over the dam thing/clothing and it's still like I'm a ghost. At 6'5, 240 lbs, on an orange scooter. Perhaps they think they've imagined me. Luckily, I have an upgraded horn and I always catch up with them at the stops...
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Post by spandi on May 10, 2014 12:32:12 GMT -5
Hi vis is good. I don't like orange, and I was not going to buy an orange scooter (it was one of the two new ones left for sale on the lot that day) and the mechanic mentioned, "Well, on an orange one like that, you're more likely to be seen." That sold me, but hasn't worked; People are still blind to me. I wear reflective shi8 all over the dam thing/clothing and it's still like I'm a ghost. At 6'5, 240 lbs, on an orange scooter. Perhaps they think they've imagined me. Luckily, I have an upgraded horn and I always catch up with them at the stops... You took the words right out of my mouth. A 140db Stebel air horn will get you noticed.....QUICK!  |
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Post by earlylight160 on May 10, 2014 14:45:49 GMT -5
I've got a friend who put an air horn from an 18 wheeler on his scoot......Talk about getting a cager's attention when he catches up with them at a stop light. 
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Post by JerryScript on May 10, 2014 20:11:53 GMT -5
Yellow, the only way to go! My scooter is yellow, my riding jacket is black/yellow, my helmet is safety yellow.
Interesting side note, I have never been bothered by police on my scooter, I was pulled over 6 times in 5 years on my electric bicycle (one time for stopping to remove dangerous debris from the road). Seems their main concern when it comes to scooters is safety (and on bicycles drug dealers).
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Post by spandi on May 10, 2014 22:27:03 GMT -5
Yellow, the only way to go! My scooter is yellow, my riding jacket is black/yellow, my helmet is safety yellow. Interesting side note, I have never been bothered by police on my scooter, I was pulled over 6 times in 5 years on my electric bicycle (one time for stopping to remove dangerous debris from the road). Seems their main concern when it comes to scooters is safety (and on bicycles drug dealers). Yep. I guess if you're on a MOTOR VEHICLE of any kind you must have a license, insurance, etc and are at least somewhat "respectable" in the eyes of the law. (as opposed to a "Lowlife" on a bicycle.)  |
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Post by oldchopperguy on May 10, 2014 23:43:13 GMT -5
Hey, Lanternscooter...I've been an artist for 60 years, have a cat, and ride a scooter... And I'm STILL not gay... How'd THAT ever happen? Honest, ask my Wife... Really... LOLOLOL! Leo (aging like cheap wine, and riding straight roads) in Texas 
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Post by spandi on May 11, 2014 8:31:05 GMT -5
Hey, Lanternscooter...I've been an artist for 60 years, have a cat, and ride a scooter... And I'm STILL not gay... How'd THAT ever happen? Honest, ask my Wife... Really... LOLOLOL! Leo (aging like cheap wine, and riding straight roads) in Texas You're (as always) just being you Leo. Since when was creativity and caring a matter of "orientation" anyway? It's just another example of turning everything (even identity) into a commodity. Once upon a time, men defined themselves by what they DID and not by what they BOUGHT. And if I remember correctly, even John Wayne had a cat. (I think his name was Pilgrim or something) ...."Back in the day" scooters had a whole different connotation  |
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Post by lanternscooter on May 11, 2014 12:45:21 GMT -5
yup. wish it was still like that. around here its ok most of the time, but theres the few people that are what i described. usually sport bike riders and a few harley riders.
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