Daniel O'Rourke, trainee adviser with Carole Nash insurance
Your machine? Yamaha Aerox
Why this scooter? I could only get insured on a 50cc machine. I went for this one because of the look. I bought it from my brother's friend. It's comfortable with a bit more power than your average 50cc. The clocks are all digital and it's easy to get nice parts and little bits for it. It runs very smoothly and is reliable, as all Yamahas are.
Why were you drawn to two wheels? All my family were into bikes, my dad and brother both use bikes. The commuting to and from work was a major issue for me. Trying to get into work on time on the bus was a nightmare. With the scooter I'm in and out of town within 15 to 20 minutes, as long as just waiting for a bus. I also enjoy passing people in their cars as they sit in traffic.
Did you take any rider training? No. One of the girls that I work with is actually an advanced rider. She has been trying to get me to do a course in Mondello which comes highly recommended for first-time riders. It's an area which I will be looking into.
Do you hold a full or provisional licence? I'm on a provisional licence. As soon as I do a few rider courses I will apply for my test. But due to my age I will only be entitled to a full licence for bikes up to a 125cc. In the long run I think it will benefit me to apply for the full licence.
What does your insurance cost? My insurance is over €2,000, unfortunately, but due to the small competition in the market I don't have much choice but to pay.
Do you drive a car? No, for the moment the thrill and excitement of two wheels is enough.
Were there any family objections to your riding? My mother wasn't happy with me riding a scooter because she had an accident as a pillion passenger. My brother also had an accident. My grandmother also wasn't too chuffed, even though she gave me the loan to buy it.
Do you worry about your survival? All the time. I was and still am fully aware of the dangers. A lot of the dangers I believe come from car drivers. The road conditions are not always ideal for bikers either.
What do you use your moped for? Commuting mainly.
Have you ever had an accident? Thankfully, no. I have dropped it coming out of a shopping centre when it was raining and the roads were wet. I was coming out very slowly and the back wheel came out from under me and the scooter fell, apart from that nothing major, thank God!
What do you think is the bond that links bikers closer than motorists? Unfortunately for me I'm not in with the bikers yet, because I'm only on a moped and all I can do to help is get out of the way. I think the bond comes from the fact that bikers have something in common that not everyone else has. If they did we would all be on bikes. To get on a bike you have to have a love for them and that's why when two bikes are together you might see both the riders talking because they know they have something in common and therefore something to talk about. They're not an average Joe in a car.
Are there any issues you think the Minister for Transport should address for bikers? Yes. I think he should do something to change the appalling standard of driving in this country by making people re-sit their driving test!
What would be your dream machine? I would love to get a GSX-R 1300 Blue and white with all the matching gear. Rossi watch out here I come!