Dave Humphreys, Store manager,
Rides: Vespa Granturismo 125
Why this particular scooter? I had a 400 cc, but was looking to downgrade to a smaller bike due to sky-high insurance premiums, and I also needed a more practical bike for commuting. I really liked the style of the bike and had heard good reports about it. There are not many around so there was the exclusivity factor too.
Why two rather than four wheels? I live very near to the city centre, so I didn't want traffic being a problem. But mainly it's the freedom of driving a scooter. I think it's an enjoyable driving experience.
Did you take any rider training? I didn't take any before, but I recently did a full day with an instructor, and I learned a lot. Even though it was just one day, I gained a huge boost of confidence in my driving and learned several valuable things.
Do you hold a full or provisional licence for your scooter? I currently hold a provisional as I'm STILL waiting to sit my driving test, like most other people.
Do you drive a car? No. I can drive but choose not to. If I did ever get a car it would be for weekend driving only. A big classic American muscle car would probably be top of the list.
Do you worry about your survival as a 'scooterist'? I wouldn't say that I worry. But I am quite safety conscious. I've spent a lot of money on getting the right safety gear, so that gives a good sense of security. I've seen after-effects of crashes and it isn't nice. I think training should be compulsory before someone can get a licence, in a similar way to the driver theory test.
What do you use your scooter for? I've just got this scooter and it will mainly be just for commuting on.
Have you ever had any accidents? I've just had one, on my last bike. Thankfully it wasn't too serious. The bike low sided while taking a right turn. No damage to me and the bike was pretty much OK. It did give me a fright, but I was riding with a mate at the time so it wasn't as bad having somebody there that I knew.
What you do think is the bond that links bikers and scooterists closer than motorists? Several things, I think. We all know the risks and how much more vulnerable we are compared to car drivers, so bikers tend to look out for one another that bit more. Also, a lot of bikers are real enthusiasts.
Had any bad experiences with motorists? Taxi drivers. They have absolutely no concept of the rules of the road. Then there's the huge amount of car drivers who seem to have no respect for bikers at all. A lot of car drivers think that they have more entitlement to the road than bikers. They treat cyclists the same way.
Any issues for the Minister for Transport? I would like to see training made compulsory. I would also really like to see what he would do about insurance. It is absolutely ridiculous in this country. Young drivers are penalised way too much. It's forcing many riders off the road who simply cannot afford it. The Government seem to be making it virtually impossible for any competition from other companies. They've created a monopoly, but I feel the Government really don't care when they receive so much stamp duty from the insurance companies.
Any tips for survival on two wheels? Training! Without a doubt. You can never know enough. Apart from that, wearing decent safety equipment, good helmet (not perched on top of your head, but actually wearing it), and just having good common sense with respect for the road and other road users.
If you won the lottery what would be your dream bike? Without a doubt, a Ducati 748R, then again, any Ducati will do. But even if I won the lottery, I still probably couldn't afford the insurance.