Piloting a motorcycle in Italy.

Also please remember that the white line between the two auto lanes is the motorcycle lane and things will go smoother for you. ;-)

Great topic, fellow Lane County-an! =-)
Things I noticed about cycles: they drive (very slowly) on the sidewalks while looking for a parking spot, they do NOT hold their place in line behind cars at stoplights: they all work their way to the crosswalk and EVERYONE guns it at the green light in a race to be in front, they use empty parking spaces on the sides of the streets as roadways if there is enough of them empty in a row (well, so do cars...), and they park in between cars so tightly that I wondered how anyone ever gets out of their parking spaces!It was quite an experience just to WATCH; I applaud your bravery in jumping into the fray! =-)
Drivers in Italy, both cars and cycles, simultaneously amazed and frightened me! I was glad I stuck to public transportation.

If anyone doubts the insanity of Italian Bike Riders, watch this video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cp26BqSoJ4c

The one thing I can't deal with is the way they pass on the right on a single lane. I don't check that in the mirror, it doesn't happen in the US, it is not a habit. I'm going to make a sign and put that on the back of the bike that says in Italian, "Pass on Left Only!!!" I'm okay with everything else.

Ciao Francis - Living in Rome, I'm one of those motorino drivers. My first driving forays were... challenging. I followed the rules - no one else did. I'm embarressed to say, now I 'll probably be one of those guys passing you on the right! My wife rides the motorino also and I suppose it's unusual in the USA to see a woman in a skirt with heels riding a motorcycle... but here it's everyday.

You do (and will) have to drive OFFENSIVELY! Driving here is not just a function, it's a PASSION! For motorini, what rules do exist are optional. As my Italian friends tell me, so are the lines dividing the lanes in the road. That's why they don't waste paint putting lines on the larger roads in Rome.

Many folks ask should they rent a motorino and see Rome or the countryside. If you are not an experienced motorcyclist, ITALY IS NOT THE PLACE TO START! But if you are experienced, then knowing that things are "different" here, you can adapt quickly.

Many of the motorini here are NOT insured so most car drivers give them a wide berth. If you have an "incidente" the car owner will more than likely have to pay their own bills. The greatest danger on a motorino is OTHER motorino! Followed closely by taxis, buses, potholes (of which there are many), crosswalks, and even pedestrians.

Motorini drivers often do not stop for "optional" red lights, frequently cut through crosswalks, drive the opposite direction on one-way streets, and do ride on the sidewalks. I was run into at a red light by another motorino who was texting while driving!

So be careful... and if you're in Rome and a guy with a silver helmet and green Yamaha motorino "crowds" you (or performs any of the above listed "illegal" activities), I apologize in advance!

I ride a Harley Heritage Softail Classic and I would never consider riding a motorcycle in Italy. I go to Italy every year and I rent a car for some or all of my travels. The bikes appear out of no where at traffic lights, they weave in and out of traffic at lights, and otherwise zig and zag. They will pass from any direction while talking on a cell phone, tailgating, or doing everything except paying attention to the road. I also noticed that the bikers ride on the right side of the lane in traffic while we ride in the left part of the lane to be seen. They must do this for self-defense because of the Italian manner in which motorists pass on roads. They pass with 50% of their car in your lane and then when their right rear fender just clears your left front fender they pull in front of you. So, the bikers stay to the right of the lane, probably, to hide from the crazy onslaught. I always visit Harley dealers over there and the t-shirts cost between 25 or 35 euros equalling $50.

Buon viaggio,

RB

Questions for both Rons.
Is it proper riding etiquette to wave or "high sign" another rider in Italy? In the US, this is a friendly gesture and is both a greeting and an affirmation that you would render assistance to a fellow Rider. If you don't give a hand sign, it is considered rude. The first time riding in Italy, I would make hand signs to all the motorcycle riders. But Italians didn't seem to know what it means, or it means something different to them. They would slow down and look around or otherwise be confused by it. I stopped doing it because I became unsure if it was proper. In my area there are three basic hand signs. A patting motion means Hazard or Police Ahead - Slow Down. A flicking motion, like you are flicking water off your fingers means, their headlight is out and they should check this because there are fines for not having a headlight on.
Then there are the, "its all cool" hand signs. These can be lots of different hand forms. Most common being index and forefinger together extended, thumb out, like making a pretend pistol. "Gun it if you like, its all clear."
Its my understanding that motorcycles are immune to the ZTL's. Is this true? I was baffled by the insurance clause about FIRE. Motorcycles don't normally just burst in to flames. So I've always thought this was a silly provision. Then, I saw lots of burned up parked motorcycles. How protected should I keep the bike overnight?

Lastly, my Italian reading ability is not so great, but my understanding is that Scooters, no matter what CC they are, are not allowed on the major hiways or the toll roads. Yet, I've seen them on the toll roads around Naples and any motorcycle seems to be Okay. If I got a big Scooter, 250 CC or better, can I use that on the A roads for short distances to get back to the secondary roads?

Thank You both in advance, if you take the time to answer is long winded and involved set of questions.

Let me try and answer a few of your questions.

First, most riders in Italy are not "motorcycle riders" in the sense of a rider in the US. It's just basic transportation - so the hand signs that are common to you in the US are are relatively unknown to most riders here. Folks on a "Trans-Alp" bike or Harley may perhaps respond in some manner... but that IS NOT the bulk of ridership in Italy. Most motorino riders DO NOT even have a motorcycle license (not required unles you drive over a 125cc bike) and probably have never read (or seen) a motorcycle drivers' handbook.

Yes, you can drive a bike through the ZTL areas. In fact, in town, you can almost drive anywhere except in "pedestrian only" zones.

Definitely lock up your bike at night. I chain mine daily - at EVERY stop. As far as what is allowed... You must have a bike at or larger than 150cc to drive on a highway road. You must have a 250cc or larger to drive on an autostrada (A-Road).

See this post for video on riding in Rome and Naples, CLICK HERE

Francis, I suspect if you put a "pass only on left" sign on your bike, the Italians will do anything but.....