Mike Ryan, supply chain analyst, RSA Security Ireland
What's your bike: A Vespa PX125
Why this particular bike? About three or four years ago while working with a mate of mine, Kieran Elliot, I got hooked on scooters. I was looking for something to get to work on and we got talking about scooters and the music associated with them such as Mod, Ska, Northern Soul, punk etc. It got me thinking, and with the low cost involved it was the only way for me to go. So I got myself a Vespa PX125.
Why two rather than four wheels? A number of reasons: one would be cost, they're so much cheaper to buy and run. I do about 170 miles a week on my scooter for about €8 worth of petrol. Another is the traffic: being stuck in traffic is no fun. But I think the main reason was the whole scooter scene, the music and style of it. I love music and have been into Ska since I was 12 or 13 and got into Mod via the whole Britpop explosion in the 1990s.
Would you ever consider a motorbike instead of a scooter? Well, not instead of, but yes I wouldn't mind a bike as well as the scooters, a classic, an Ariel Arrow or a Norton - or even a Honda CD175 with a metallic blue tank.
Did you take any rider training course? No, but I should have. I spent a lot of time in a quiet avenue learning not to fall off!
Do you hold a full or provisional licence? Provisional, but I've been waiting since April for my test.
Do you drive a car? Yes, I have a full car licence and drive my wife's car if I'm taking my 2½ year old anywhere - they haven't perfected child seats for scooters yet!
Any family resistance to your riding a bike? My wife wasn't too happy at first, but when she realised the car was all hers she hastily increased my life assurance. My daughter loves it, but would prefer it to be a bit quieter.
Do you worry about your survival on two wheels? Well, it does cross your mind because you don't have the same security as a car, with airbags or seat belts. The danger, as I see it, comes from other road users - you wonder how some drivers are allowed on the road.
What do you use your bike for? Commuting and socialising - there's nothing better than four or five scooters heading away to a rally for a long weekend.
Ever had an accident on the bike? I've had some close calls but no accidents yet - touch wood.
Any two-wheel trips abroad? No, but the scooter scene in Britain could be worth a visit soon.
Are you a member of any clubs? Yes, the Celtic Soul Scooter Club, the number one club in Ireland as voted by members of Celtic Soul! It's based in Limerick/Shannon (www.celticsoul-sc.com). We travel to rallies together and even hold our own in Killaloe, Co Clare, at Easter.
What's the special bond that links scooter fans closer than motorists? Well, it's the whole scene you're part of - the music, the look and the scooters. But there's a sense of freedom on two wheels be it a Vespa, Lambretta or even a Harley that you don't get driving a car. And there's the camaraderie of a group heading off to a rally or just braving the cold, wind and rain to ride a scooter or bike instead of a car.
Your worst experience with motorists? Being cut up and not given enough space on the road. On a scooter you don't have enough power to pass out cars, so you can be easily cut up when they overtake you.
Any biker issues the Minister for Transport should address? The condition of the roads, the lack of education and the disregard that lots of drivers have for bikes. There is also a need for a proper review of the bike licences . . . A / A1, they're too confusing.
Any tips for survival on two wheels? Watch out. Don't take chances. Keep an eye on what's going on around you. Make sure your bike is in good nick, especially the tyres.
If you won the lottery what would be your dream bike? Well, a Vespa T5 with a square headlight in black, with a high opaque finish and black Yankee saddle or a 1969 Lambretta GP200 in original mustard yellow or if I was really lucky a red Vespa 50 special.