Mopeds, scooters, and cyclists—oh my!...
One thing that takes some getting used to when driving in Italy is the number of motorini (mopeds or scooters) and ciclisti (cyclists) there are on the roads. When you stop at a red light, within seconds you can become completely surrounded by these adventurous souls. When the light turns green, a mad dash ensues (similar to the first hundred yards of a motocross race). I learned quickly that it's only my fault if I hit a motorino with the front of my car (otherwise it's their responsibility not to hit me). If you hit a cyclist (or a cyclist hits you), it's always your fault.People ride mopeds and scooters for various reasons (e.g., cost to purchase, cost to run/insure, ease of negotiating traffic, ease of parking). Although Italian drivers are much more aware of people riding on two wheels, there is definitely a danger factor here. I don't think the cost and convenience factors outway the risks of riding a motorino. However, almost without exception I felt safe riding my bicycle in Italy (over 6,000 miles in two years). I wonder why that is?
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