I voted sometimes.
I'm of two views on this subject....and what I say here can also be applied to motorcycles as well.
One, much like Fred pointed out, they share the same risks (possibly more) as we do. Some are also out in the pouring rain and cold weather. That alone deserves a nod and sometimes I give one.
However, that being said, there are some that clearly do not belong on a two wheeled vehilce of any type. Those are the ones who I don't bother acknowledging. Those would one who:
- Use a bicycle helmet or snowbaording helmet as head protection (nor is it legal) See it all the time.
- Haven't the first f*cking clue on proper riding/lane positions and rules of the road (riding in bike lanes, non existant lane positioning, etc.)
- A ski jacket and mittens do not make proper riding/safety gear.
- Think it's a big 'toy' and have no clue that dumping their scooter even at 30Km/Hr is still gonna really hurt them!
- Think a 50cc scooter is allowed on the highways and tries to ride on them.
I guess it comes down to the rider. Some, like my wife, go the safe and proper route. Motorcycle safety course, proper riding gear, lots of parking lot practice and all just for riding a 50cc scooter. My wife used to ride a 50cc then went up to a 125cc scooter. She put a lot of time (and money) into learning how to ride correctly and safely. When I rode with her, I usually let her do the waving to other scooters and I would follow suit.
Then there are the scooterists who have no clue about "the wave". Or they are too petrified to take a hand of the controls!
The Scooter - Motorcycle Relationship Explained - By Boneman
My wife (being a scooter rider) and me (being a motorcycle rider) have had many a discussion on this very topic. This is what I've come up with.
I think to a large degree that is the main issue why most motrocyclist don't wave to scooters...is beacue they didn't have to put any extra time or effort into being able to ride a scooter. At the minimum, motorcyclists have to take a written learners exam to get a learners permit. Then have to do a skills and road test, regardless of taking any additional (and costly) MSF courses or training. Add to that the cost of proper riding gear and the cost of even an entry level motorcycle and the average motorcyclist has had to invest a considerable amount more time, effort and money to now share the road with someone who just walked into a scooter dealership and rode away on a new scooter!
It boggles my mind how a drivers license is somehow enough for any Joe Shmo to suddenly be able to ride a scooter! Some serious changes have to be made regarding this. How can being licensed to operate a 4 wheeled, several thousand pound vehicle automatically give one the knowledge and skills needed for riding a two wheeled vehicle in traffic?!?!? Make absolutely no sense to me....but that's a rant for another topic
And here is where what I believe lies the basis of the 'resentment' (for lack of a better word) toward scooters from motorcyclists. They got to take the 'easy way' and motorcyclists have to 'work' a little harder to be on the same road.
My Million Dollar Analogy:
To me it's like giving a "good job" wave to the guy who you know cheated on an exam and aced it, while you paid for a tutor and spent the last two weeks of your life cramming and pulling 18hour days studding your ass off just to pass the same test.
...just my view. :thumbup:
