Motorbikes, Scooters and Cars

johnerebus · Post by **johnerebus** » Fri 18 Apr 2014 5:43 am

There have been comments on various NC Forums that to ride a motorcycle or scooter on the roads of NC is extremely dangerous because of the anarchic driving of motorists. Having ridden motorbikes and scooters both here and in the UK my personal experience is that NC roads are much safer than those of London. There is more road space here once away from places like Girne and then the roads are less congested compared to the UK. I no longer ride a bike in London having been knocked of my various bikes there three times. These accidents were caused by motorists not seeing me, the motorcyclist.

Although most motorists vastly exceed the speed limit on the road from Girne to Esentepe where I live, generally when they overtake me sitting on my little 150cc pop pop, maximum speed 60 mph (I had a 1300cc bike in London, maximum speed 154 mph and 0-60 mph in 3 seconds whoosh!) they give me plenty of room by moving out into the empty oncoming lane.

For those who say a motorbike or scooter is dangerous I agree. But the danger is minimal in my opinion and is part of the delight among the other attractions, including economy, of riding a bike. For a fuller description of the other attractions, they're extremely well written in the book, 'Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance.'

Apologies for having almost written a blog here but there are those of us who like the adventure, freedom and excitement of riding bikes, especially in NC and for those who don't and who drive cars please be aware of motorcyclists when on the road.

Post by **Soner** » Fri 18 Apr 2014 10:32 am

Nice post Johnerebus.

Just out of curiosity, do you need a special licence in TRNC to ride a "150cc pop pop" - will a UK driving licence cover mopeds etc out in TRNC?

johnerebus · Post by **johnerebus** » Sat 19 Apr 2014 8:41 am

Sorry I can't answer your question Soner as I have a UK motorbike and car licence and use these here. Perhaps some else on this forum can give an answer.

karmels · Post by **karmels** » Sat 19 Apr 2014 9:21 am

HI Soner.
A 150cc + moped or motor bike requires a full bike license in the T.R.N.C, if you are only visiting a UK full bike license is fine.
If you are a resident you will need a local licence as is required for a car. If you take your test on a automatic this will restrict you to only driving automatic bikes or scooter.
The T.R.N.C. Government have suspended the motor bike driving test due to lack of qualified instructors. I don't know when they will start the tests again.
Hope this answers your question.
Mel.