Community and events
8.6 million registered motorcycles
As the country that gave us Ducati, Piaggio, Moto Guzzi and MV Agusta, it’s no surprise that that Italy has an enthusiastic motorcycle community who hold regular meet-ups and events. Some of the biggest ones are:
Biker Fest – As well as hosting the final stage of the Italian Motorcycle Championship, this festival in the resort of Lignano Sabbiadoro has plenty more to offer, including stunt riders and movie screenings.
MotoGiro d’Italia – Every year, this re-enactment of Italy’s oldest and most prestigious motorcycle stage race is held to celebrate the golden age of racing, attracting veterans such as Remo Venturi and Giuliano Maoggi.
Top Routes
Amalfi Coast Road
Stretching from Naples to Salerno, this 50km corniche offers a dizzying array of twists, turns, inclines and declines – as tempting as it may be to gaze over the blue Tyrrhenian Sea, it’s advisable to keep your eyes on the road!
The Dolomites
North-eastern Italy’s mountain range, with its distinctive flat-topped peaks, is a biker’s heaven: a network of mountain passes where you can take your pick from any number of routes, before treating yourself to some of the fantastic local fare.
Safety and the law
6.2 annual road fatalities per 100,000 people (2012)
PTWs account for 28% of fatalities (2011)
While it should be remembered that Italy has an unusually high population of bikers, they still represent a disproportionately high number of casualties. Take care, particularly in built-up areas.
Motorcyclists must leave dipped headlights on during the day at all times, and bikes can be seized on the spot if riders fail to wear a helmet. A rear view mirror is compulsory on both motorcycles and mopeds. Additionally, bikes under 150cc are not allowed on motorways.
Language
34% of population speak English
It’s quite rare to find English speakers in Italy outside of the main tourist hotspots like Rome, Florence and Venice, so it’s best to take at least a few basic phrases with you if you don’t want to be left stranded.
