Scooters an option to traffic woes say riders

Lee Arie

Lee Arie is one of the growing number of scooter
riders on the Island

Friday,  February 17, 2006

TWO scooter riders in Grand Cayman think that form of transportation could hold the key to resolving some of the traffic congestions being experienced by commuters on a daily basis here.

The Island is well known for its daily rush hours between 6:30 am and 8:30 am and 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm, particularly along the West Bay Road to the north and Shamrock Road to the east of the capital, George Town.

The Government says it is remedying the situation by expanding the Esterley Tibbetts Highway, which links Seven Mile Beach to George Town, and the Shamrock Road, which is the main thoroughfare to the eastern districts, but scooter riders say they can beat the traffic and high fuel costs.

Managing Director of Auto Alternative Cayman, Lee Arie, who is a scooter sales agent and rider, said using the two-wheeler could be both hassle-free and economical. 

“Depending on one’s needs, a scooter can be far more economical than an automobile. 

“Most scooters will achieve a minimum of 60 miles per gallon. I have some customers telling me they achieve 85 miles per gallon,” he said. 

“Parking, fuel costs and traffic present no problem. You can get from A to B in a fraction of the time. Plus, they are fun to ride,” he added. 

Also supporting that viewpoint is Mark Faccin who owns a car and a scooter for the past four months.

Mr Faccin has no doubt in his mind that the latter reduces spending and lengthy periods in traffic lines. 

“The benefits of a scooter outweighed the drawbacks. I still have a car and use it when I’m not commuting to and from work,” he said.

Both men told Cayman Net News which group of people would most likely benefit from scooters. 

Mr Faccin: “Anyone who works downtown where parking space is at a premium, anyone who runs a lot of errands around town during the day.”

He added, “People who drive to work and then don’t even need their car until 5:00 are all perfect candidates for a scooter.”

Mr Arie: “I have customers from 19 years old to 60 years plus, and from all walks of life.”

And the drawbacks of the scooter are also well-known to them, but they still think the advantages overpower the disadvantages. 

“The weather can sometimes provide an inconvenience, but it is not a show stopper. Carrying large items can be difficult,” said Mr Arie.

“Throw in a smaller two-wheeler with less protection and it was a major concern. Like any risk though, it can be managed through vigilance and defensive driving,” Mr Faccin conceded. 

He noted that the challenges are not strictly for two-wheelers but four-wheelers as well.

“Something everyone, two-wheeled or four-wheeled, could benefit from brushing up on,” he said on defensive driving techniques. 

Even the price issue, they argue, leans heavily in favour of scooters with their prices ranging from $2,400 to $4,700 brand new and a one-year warranty. 

Mr Faccin pointed out that this form of transport is friendlier to the environment and impacts less on the road condition than the car. 

According to Mr Arie, scooters make a great second vehicle and cost about $200 less to insure. 

The rent factor also comes into play, said Mr Faccin, who explained that living out of town is cheaper and the scooter makes that possible by beating the traffic congestion. 

“That leads to monetizing your “quality of life” and that’s going to be different for every person,” he noted.

Mr Faccin has a caution for fellow motorists who put themselves and others at risk by engaging in certain driving styles.

“It’s hard enough driving on this Island with people not paying attention, eating, drinking, talking on their cell phones, putting on makeup,” he said.

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