The Red and Black

Issue date: 8/17/07 Section: News

Scooters rest on the sidewalk outside the Butts-Mehre Heritage Hall, which displays the University's athletic history. [Click to enlarge]

At least one thing brings townies, University students and retired couples together to look like hip Europeans: their love of scooters.

The use of scooters around the Classic City received negative attention this summer, but riders remain undeterred.

"I sell so many scooters, and not just because of gas prices, but because scooters are just a lot of fun," said Leon Ward, the owner/mechanic of Recycle, a new scooter shop on Prince Avenue.

Ward said the range of those purchasing the transportation around Athens is large.

"Years ago, people thought they were dorky," he said. "It's not your grandpa's bike. It's a lot of fun to ride and they can go faster than a car off of the line."


"Scooters are a great way to get around in Athens because traffic isn't as heavy as in Atlanta," Ward added.

Students also have reason to ride due to the lack of University parking and the increasing gas prices.

"I started riding my scooter to work because one of my coworkers got a motorcycle, and I wanted to look super cool, and parking on campus is outrageous for cars," said David Desso, a senior sports studies major from Athens.

Along with students' interest in scooters, Athens residents have started a club to celebrate the vehicle called "Microcosmonauts."

The club is open to anyone with a scooter or moped, or
even someone else's to borrow.

"It is great fun to ride scooters together and it makes for the perfect break from studying," said Cal Clements, a member of the club.

Continued...

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