First of all.....I need to let everyone know the facts.
As the owner of Captain Van's Rentals here on Roatan, I know firsthand
what the dangers are, and what the advantages are, in renting a
bicycle here.
Whenever visitors to Roatan are inquiring about coming here, and they
want to rent a bicycle, I ask them 3 things.
1) Do they have experience riding a bike amongst traffic. There are no
shoulders on our roads, so cyclists must share the road with all the
traffic; including taxis, dump trucks and beer delivery trucks.
If they do not have experience riding a bike in traffic, I tell them
that they may want to reconsider this option of transportation if they
are planning on seeing the island via a bicycle. It can make for some
anxious moments for those not used to vehicles buzzing their ears.
2) the next question I ask, is if they are planning on riding their
bicycle from West End to West Bay, and if they realize the incredible
hills that they will have to climb! I then remind the visitors that
the athletes here for our yearly triathlon have problems with the
hills, so for the normal person....forget it.
3) And finally, I ask if they are just planning on using it to get
around Sandy Bay and West End...If so, a bicycle is a perfect way to
get around.
NEXT TOPIC.
Scooter and Motorcycles...
There is no "need to pray" for people using scooters and/or
motorcycles to get around our island. 2 wheel vehicles are the most
popular mode of transportation throughout the real world, and on
Roatan it is a great way to see the island. The gas mileage is great,
and finding a parking spot is a breeze...especially in WEST END!
Folks who try to scare people from using 2 wheel vehicles, OR EVEN AN
SUV!! (pleeeeez).....are the same people who say "don't dive, don't
snorkel, don't eat the vegetables, don't use the ice, don't cross the
street, and don't trust anyone"....
I say "fine", then don't come to Roatan. I personally do all the
above, am I am alive and well living here for 3+ years.
With over 2000 rentals in a year, I know from real data, that my
company will have about 5 accidents per year, that involve another
vehicle.
Do we have other accidents. Yup...
Does it involve another vehicle. Nope.
Its typically people that drive as if they are on vacation (LOL). They
don't pay attention. They drink and drive, and they forget that they
are on an island with few street signs, no yellow lines in some
places, the occasional pothole, and traffic.
Yes, our local drivers NEED some education (and a box of new brake
lights' bulbs) ...and when they painted that yellow stripe in the
middle of the road last year to West Bay, it was surprising how it now
keeps more drivers on their side of the road. BUT believe me...you
take away the yellow line away from a road where you are from, I will
guarantee you will see "educated" drivers wandering over to the other
side too.
For those of you are still wary about renting an SUV or a scooter or
motorcycle while here on vacation, then don't. Simply stay at your
condo/hotel room, and head back to the airport a week later. Take a
shuttle and close your eyes until you arrive at your destination. You
won't get to see Roatan, you won't get to meet the people, and you
won't see and do the things that makes a vacation memorable.
Thanks for letting me answer this post.
A concerned tourist who owns a motorcycle in the U.S. emailed me
personally, and asked me respond.
Murray Russ
Captain Van's Rentals
Sponsored By:
Adventures on Roatan: An exciting tour of the island on DVD
http://www.roatanvideo.com
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