Lately, with reading certain threads, and witnessing the aftermaths of accidents, and then getting hit myself yesterday (not serious), I’ve considered hanging up the old helmet.
I’m not sure that I will. But, I’m curious if any of you have done that?
Scooters make Taipei so manageable, especially living in the boondocks, as I do. But, there’s a sense of when not if with major accidents here.
[edit: poor timing, sorry. It only occured to me afterwards.]
I ride and drive, but I live in a place where it’s really kind of necessary. I had a friend here who gave up riding after a close call. I respect people who want to stay off the roads here, and can appreciate why they do. I think if I lived in Taipei near an MRT station, I would give serious consideration to giving up the wheels.
The first three years I averaged two accidents per year: one getting hit and thrown 25 feet, rolling out of it up to my feet…yeeha.
Been in a car for 5 years…little fender benders…
but I yearn for the road…I want a bike, but fear not the road or the cost of a big bike…but my wife.
Thinking of getting a 150cc…just for my time. So no, I do not worry too much about speeding myself to death…I just like the wind in my face. and the road slipping beneath my feets.
been hit here eight (count 'em - eight) times … including two times rear-ended in our car, and once flying over a car a good 20 feet. i’d be retired if this had happened in canada. i’ll even admit running into someone once as well.
all of these happened in the first 5 years here. these last few years have been gravy in comparison. i think it’s a combo of becoming even MORE careful, and becoming really knowledgeable about how many silly things will happen on the roads here, and the high percentage of them happening.
there is unfortunately no chance that i can stop driving here, but i have taken steps to lessen how far i have to drive, and how often. privates coming to the house is much more convenient anyways …
There is no way I’m going to let half-witted idiots infringe on my freedom. If I want to ride, I’ll ride and try to be as careful as possible while I am doing so.
The MRT is more dangerous, anyhow. It has escalators.
[quote=“Dangermouse”]I love riding a bike and I enjoy driving.
There is no way I’m going to let half-witted idiots infringe on my freedom. If I want to ride, I’ll ride and try to be as careful as possible while I am doing so.[/quote]
I did the math once…if you look at Taiwan’s fatality statistics. You have roughly a one in a hundred chance of being killed on a bike…in a 50 year period. Sounds like good odds to me.
Oh go on then risking personal injury or injury to others and smogging up the place and creating noise pollution and occupying living space and making the city feel like an obstacle course…
Thank you, I will. And as a special thanks if you let me know where you live I’ll sign my name on your street with burning rubber from my smoking back tire.
That’s a pretty stupid quote. I’m sure you can think of a few people less greedy and egotistical than yourself…that still own vehicles. I have a friend back in Canada who devotes all his time to helping underprivaliged children. He also has choosen a life of no luxuries (no TV, stereo, he even gave away his snowboard…etc) and a life of celibacy…but he still owns a fricking car…or how else would he go to volunteer?
I would give up city driving if I lived in Taipei, and the MRT was close, etc. The conditions would have to be almost idea. Mind you, walking is difficult too considering the sidewalks in this country, and the stares you get crossing the street.
But I like the scooter, so I would also have one registered and insured for cruising out of the city. Last night me and the gal went for a cruise and found a few farm roads not far from the city…you know the network of little roads they have connecting the fields and the the other farms…you can have hours of fun and not see another soul.
It’s too bad most drivers here make driving a hellish experience even at the best of times. Thank heavens I have good reflexes and a lot of experience otherwise I would have had numerous accidents.
When I lived in Seoul City, didn’t even think of owning a bike. Didn’t have to with the miles and miles and miles of subways, etc. Here it’s a different story. Just can’t get by without a scooter.
It would be nice to have a car too for the rainy days!