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I think a motorcycle (I’m just not into scooters) would save me a bunch of money, but I’m afraid I’d be a hood ornament in less than a month. People just don’t pay attention.

I've had a few street bikes in the US (Triumph, BMW, BSA) and smaller bikes in SE Asia.

And I worked "professionally" for an urban messenger service with a fleet of 25 or so BMWs (circa 1980).

I'm convinced that American drivers simply don't cognitively register motorcycles in the same way that they see cars or trucks. It's happened too many times that a car driver obviously saw me and then proceeded to pull right into my lane or to cut me off or whatever, as if they hadn't even seen me.

The solution is to drive your bike aggressively. Assume that auto drivers are out to kill you (they are). Drive as if they can't see you (they can't and don't). Never assume they'll treat you like any other vehicle (they won't). Do assume they'll do the stupidest thing possible (they will).

In SE Asia there are so many bikes on the road that you're on a level playing field even with an 85cc Super Cub. There's a certain unwritten code to learn, but once done I think it's much safer than anywhere in America for bike transport.

I keep wanting to buy a new Vespa PX, but I don't really like riding in America.

The solution is to drive your bike aggressively. Assume that auto drivers are out to kill you (they are). Drive as if they can't see you (they can't and don't). Never assume they'll treat you like any other vehicle (they won't). Do assume they'll do the stupidest thing possible (they will).

This is exactly what I do when I ride my bicycle to the train station. Its the advice I will give to my son when I learns to ride a bike. Drivers are STUPID, and what with cellphone use increasing, they are stupid AND not paying attention to the road.

I have survived riding motorcycles on the streets of the U.S. for over 27 years by doing exactly what you recommend in your post.

I NEVER forget that the “cagers” really ARE trying to kill me; and I ride accordingly. It irritates some of them but it keeps ME alive.