to feel terrified at the idea of 16 yo DD riding a moped to school in London?

[loveyouradvice]

Just that really... she and DH both think its fine.... I'm terrified... image of her getting knocked off on busy West London roads... Can understand why she wants to do it though... 50-60 minute journey by train and will probably be 25-30 mins on a moped....and of course feeling independent!

And it's a no from me.

I was a biker and drove through London on a Honda 175cc regularly. Wouldn't have started now. And a small scooter wouldn't have the power to get out of the way of trouble.

On top of which as PPs have said a 16 y o who hasn't (clearly) driven a car doesn't know what traffic is about. Perhaps take her on the route she'd follow.

If she's adamant just make sure she takes every course in the world, including first on scene stuff from the medic services and that she realizes she has to wear full gear and helmet EVERY TIME even in hot weather and EVEN if it takes twenty minutes to put on and off and makes her hair look shit. Legs skinned with no leathers on a long slide down tarmac don't look good. Brains damaged without helmets don't always repair.

AND who is paying for the leathers, helmet, insurance (since scooter theft is a Thing), petrol?

It's sad when you have to curtail independence and if OH and DD are convinced it's what she wants, then take a deep breath and insist on training.

feeling even more terrified at the idea... .. and deeply grateful to you all for sharing experiences and wisdom.....

I live in SE London and there has been a real spate of moped drivers being attacked for their mopeds recently. Really terrifying.