Among the many bells and whistles included in the software that powers this site is a little counter that lets us know which features are viewed most often. (This site’s “Stuff” page gets nearly twice as many hits as any other section.) Prediction: This article will rank among the least viewed.

Motorcycle safety? Most riders seem to find the subject supremely dull. Maybe thinking about riding defensively spoils whatever romantic imagery we associate with scooters. Perhaps it’s that scooters seem so less threatening than motorcycles that we assume they’re also that much safer. It’s an aversion that’s probably a little different for everyone, but the fact is, knowing how to ride well – alone and among other vehicles - is supremely important.

Riding safety comes to mind today for a couple of reasons, each at nearly opposite ends of the spectrum: Kalaisha Watrous ’ horrific crash in Portland a few weeks back, and a very minor fender-bender my brother Rob called me about just yesterday. On one hand, a young woman lies in the hospital, badly broken and slowly healing; without insurance, her debts may last years beyond whatever time it takes for her body to recover. On the other, one brand-new scooter (thankfully, no damage to its rider) gets well-bent and scratched due to inexperience and a little gravel.