I DON’T drive. I get buses everywhere.

They stink, they’re expensive and they’re full of idiots.

Luckily we have Morebus here in Bournemouth, so the pain of local travel isn’t too bad. Even more luckily, we have Beryl. Even better than that, Beryl scooters.

I’ve read countless letters from the Karen brigade about how dangerous they are, how people ride them where they shouldn’t and how they litter the streets.

Some of that might have a tinge of truth, but for me they have proved to be a real way of getting around the area safely and quickly.

During the never ending lockdowns of recent, I have been able to get down to our beaches, visit our more remote local beauty spots and get to/from work without having to expose myself to other people on the bus.

They have been great to nip out to the shops at the weekend and have allowed me to explore places I don’t usually get to visit – who knew Canford Cliffs had such lovely places to stop for a coffee?

I didn’t, because I’d have to get two buses to get there.

I just thought I’d share my pleasant experiences of the scooters.

Everyone I’ve interacted with who has gone past me on them have been polite and ridden safely too.

In fact, the only issue I ever had was an unpleasant old man shouting at me that it wasn’t legal to ride.

I was in a bike lane on a fairly busy road, so I pulled over to explain that they are legal and safe.

Safe to say, he didn’t want to listen. Oh well – his loss!

I look forward to more and more of them becoming available on our roads, and hopefully the legalisation of privately owned ones too.

If you don’t like them, perhaps try reaching out to Beryl directly – I’m sure they’d welcome you at one of their safe riding courses they’ve started holding.

MR COLEGROVE

Bournemouth