Loud pipes save lives

Motor scooters provide an environmentally sound and inexpensive solution to parking demand, personal mobility, infrastructure maintenance, and rising fuel costs. According to the Motorcycle Industry Council, scooter sales were up 24 percent in the first quarter of 2008, which was up 105 percent from the same time in 2007. As a group, we encourage two-wheeled ridership as it reduces CO2 emissions, increases space efficiency and better use of the transportation infrastructure, reduces road wear and maintenance, and offers greater fuel efficiency. Plus, they’re a heck of a lot of fun to run around on!

The Oregon Scooter Club supports the scooter focused community, allowing new riders access to experienced riders' advice, maintenance issues discussions, safety, new products, visibility issues, good road manners, driver awareness, training, and support while having fun and enjoying the riding experience in Portland and the greater Metro area.

There's safety in numbers, and chances are that the more we ride in a group, the more caged drivers will be aware of scooterists this winter, especially in the dark. Meeting up at a central location and then riding as a group creates a presence amidst the auto traffic on the road, which makes it safer for everyone. Join us for one of the monthly rides around the greater Portland area. Rides are posted on the website under the Events tab.

As a participant at the recent Portland Transportation Safety Summit, I gathered information on how to promote road safety and safe riding. Mayor-elect and Transportation Commissioner Sam Adam is very supportive of the Motorcycle & Scooter Citizens Advisory Committee, which was collectively formed last year. Check out the club’s newsletter, Kickstart, for more information on the scooter community and what can you help with.

One of the club's most popular events, Oregon Scooter Raid, a camping rally, typically takes place in August, and brings in riders from all over the Pacific NW and Western Canada, many who will also attend the National Rally, Amerivespa. This rally will be held in Los Gatos, California this year with an anticipated attendance of well over 500 participants. A scooter rally is an overnight event for scooterists that may include group camping, group rides, sales of scooter parts and related merchandise, parties and concerts. If you’d like to know more about other scooter clubs’ activities, http://scoot.net/calendar/ is a comprehensive calendar of scooter rallies across the nation.

I own, wrench and ride vintage Vespa scooters, and have been a scooter community member for over 10 years. As VP, I will continue club support for riders who own vintage or classic style scooters.