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I started riding a scooter about 5 months ago and am absolutely loving the convenience and lifestyle. Only problem is, every now an then I seem to have random abuse hauled at me by motorists for no apparent reason. Is this just part of the deal? Just wondering if we all have to put up with this or if people just think that a chick on a scooter is asking for it? Today I was getting to the front of the lights between 2 stationary vehicles very carefully watching as to not so much as touch someone's side mirror when the driver and passenger of the jeep next to me started hauling abuse for no apparent reason... do they just hate that we get to the front of the lights? Can't blame them really, I'd be peeved too spending all that cash on fuel and being stuck in traffic jams all day! Scooters are the way forward.

If you choose to break the law by lane filtering or lane splitting (it's illegal in most states),  then you set yourself up to be abused.

I do realise a lot of people choose to interpret the law differently to suit themselves but I have direct knowledge of riders being booked for lane splitting in Melbourne and Sydney.

kiwiscoota:

If you choose to break the law by lane filtering or lane splitting (it's illegal in most states),  then you set yourself up to be abused

To a few who see themselves as self appointed coppers. Verbal abuse is like water off a ducks back, sometimes you have to be a bit thick skinned. I don't bite unless the opportunity to use a one liner pops up. Anyway if you are to converse with the idot it means you have to stay in the traffic with them rather than toward your destination.

There are so many scooters out there now that just about every family has a scooter rider amongst the fold & we are treated better now than ever before, I think it is getting better as each year passes.

More importantly don't let the bastards take the scooter induced smile off your dial.

 

Personally if I am going to lane filter (which is rare) I dont do it betwee 2 cars, I do it on the left hand lane side, so that the curb is to my left.  But this is only done if I can see clearly what is ahead, and only maybe 5 cars max, and if I know I can get to the end in a safe manner!

We do cop some abuse from time to time, and it is partlly part of riding.

What do you ride, as I find certain scooters tend to cop it more than others.

Having hopped off the scoot & walked into the local Indian takeaway place the other night I was approached by a woman who had followed me in. She asked if I was a l e s b i a n & whether I would like to be set up with a friend of hers who had just come out of a difficult relationship breakup. Does that count?

But yes I've been roundly abused having filtered between traffic even though it's legal here in WA. Would you like to know how much I care? Also had morons overtake me, while I was doing the speed limit, and give me the finger & abuse once they had performed their manouvre then hit the brake infront of me. Again, would you like to know how much I care?

I dont.

Know you're not doing anything wrong. Know that you have every right to be on the road. When these things happen just shake your head & continue on your way enjoying the scooter ride for what it is, don't get caught up in the games & aggression of others. It's the BEST form of transport, atleast of those that are legally allowed on the road.

 

What because you ride a scooter?

Another reason not to look to femalish on the scooter!

If you are doing the right thing, and the other idiots are not, trust me they will get theirs eventually!

I have had idiots overtake me, and be all proud of themselves to get 2kms down the road, and I have seen them on the side of the road with the boys in blue!  And when they point at you as you go past like they are blaming you.... all you can do is laugh, and smile!  Oh it is SWEET!

I believe in Kama, and it is a ***!!

Dakoda:

What because you ride a scooter?

Another reason not to look to femalish on the scooter!

 

Actually it's made me start to take a look at my gear & wonder if I should go the other way, start wearing gear that's more feminine. I've always been a bit of a tomboy, just ask my grandmothers, but deliberately avoid looking like a female on the scooter as I don't want to be seen as an easy target.

Hey Deklan, this is interesting actually as I had not idea it was illegal in NSW- I was told on my rider training course that we are legally allowed to use ANY part of the lane, also the motorcyle riders handbook makes no reference to lane splitting (that I can find) so it would be interesting to see how the law could be enforced around this? If it really is illegal I would like to see the literature on this and then may consider quitting the splitting!

ScootaChic:

Actually it's made me start to take a look at my gear & wonder if I should go the other way, start wearing gear that's more feminine

 

 I wear the gear I like and don't give a flying f&*k what others think! Be your own person and don't change your dress or anything for that matter to suit those you don't even know.

A high percentage of my friends in Sydney are Gay and I don't know one that dresses like a L e s b i a n. One in particular has been a underwear model another is a beauty therapist with a well known salon in the city.

Be proud to be YOU not someone you think others should see you as.

 Thanks Dakota- this is great advice for me the novice!

 To answer your question- I ride a 125 CC retro korean bike, pretty small bike really

Most things will only say what is LEGAL not illegal!

Denni:

ScootaChic:

Actually it's made me start to take a look at my gear & wonder if I should go the other way, start wearing gear that's more feminine

 

 I wear the gear I like and don't give a flying f&*k what others think! Be your own person and don't change your dress or anything for that matter to suit those you don't even know.

A high percentage of my friends in Sydney are Gay and I don't know one that dresses like a ***. One in particular has been a underwear model another is a beauty therapist with a well known salon in the city.

Be proud to YOU not someone you think others should see you as.

It is hard to find something that is a happy medium betwen the very manly looking stuff, and what is classed as chick items, which all come in baby pink or baby blue!

 Your indian diner *** pick-up story is hilarous- adds to the joys of riding when you see people's perceptions of you change! Thanks for the positive notes, I completely agree with you!

 Your indian-diner-***-pick-up story is hilarious! Adds to the joys of riding when you see people's perceptions of you change! Thanks for the positive notes, I completely agree with you!