Fall 2007
Andrew J. Hogan
A London Programmer's Guide to Mopeding in Rome
One
of the most enjoyable and exciting experiences I've had here as part of
the London Program was renting a moped and cruising the streets of Rome.
I would personally suggest it to anyone who feels qualified. The traffic
is very hectic and dangerous even to seasoned motorcycle riders; so unless
you are 100% sure of your abilities, don't rent one. I've had plenty of
experience on dirt bikes back home and even I felt nervous at some
points.
A good moped with a 125cc motor costs
fifty euros to rent for the day. The rental shop opens at 9am and doesn't
close until 6:30pm so you can get 8 1/2 hours of fun and excitement. The
first place you should go is the Vatican. It is rather easy to find due
to how well you can see St Peter's basilica from almost any spot in the
city. The experience and view of riding on the cobble stone street with
St. Peter's square right in front is one I won't ever forget.
If you decide to stop and do some touring on foot, be sure to chain up the
front tire. A chain and lock are provided by the rental shop. This
ensures that the bike will be there upon your return.
After
the Vatican, take the backstreets and less traveled roads to wherever they
take you. This was probably the most interesting part of my day, because
there are so many beautiful back roads that the average tourist never gets
the chance to see. Once you grasp your surroundings, the next road to
take is around the Coliseum, and then up towards the Victor Emanuel II
monument. Follow this road and it will lead you up the Tiber River. This
road follows alongside the Tiber for quite some time and has some
spectacular views. The majority of the tourist attractions are close to
the Tiber as well. Be extremely cautious on this road however. Traffic
is high speed and stops suddenly for pedestrians or traffic lights.
Here are five important
tips to keep in mind during your cruise:
1.) The most important thing to remember while riding is to constantly check your mirrors. Other motorcyclists are especially dangerous because they seem to come out of nowhere and are usually speeding. 2.) Drive at a comfortable speed especially on cobble stones. They are very slick and do not provide great traction. 3.) Always be alert to the road signs. The majority of roads in Rome are one-way so you always need to make sure you're going the right direction. 4.) Try to keep your bearings in relation to the major attractions such as the Vatican or Coliseum. If you know how to get back to one of these places you can easily find your way home or to another attraction. 5.) Have a blast and see Rome from a new and exciting perspective!
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