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This document is also available for download here.

Westenders Riding Protocols
(adopted from the Minions SC, Spokane, WA)

These protocols have been adapted from the riding rules of the Minions SC of Spokane, Washington. These protocols are set forth to establish a common standard of riding behavior for the safety and enjoyment of all participants. Please review these protocols. If they don't work for you, please don't ride with us. Group riding is a lot of fun, but it requires situational awareness, discipline, and good riding techniques and manners. If you repeatedly or intentionally fail to follow these protocols during a ride, you will be told to leave the ride. While this may sound harsh, it's nowhere near as harsh as the injuries and damage that can be caused by a 'joker in the deck' who refuses to ride with a sense of consideration for the other riders.

1. During rides, there will be a ride leader and assistants who will ensure the ride goes smoothly. Please listen to them and obey their instructions.

2. Come ready to ride. The Westenders do not operate on 'scooter time'. When we say we leave at a certain time, that's when were leaving, not 5, 10, or 45 minutes later. Our rides often have a time constraint, like catching a ferry. If you want coffee, snacks, or a bathroom stop, arrive in enough time to address those needs before our departure.

3. Have enough fuel. We plan our rides on the assumption that all riders start the ride with near-full tanks, and fuel stops along the route will be planned accordingly. Do not show up running on fumes, and expect us to make an unscheduled fuel stop just for you.

4. Ride within your comfort zone as you are responsible for yourself and to those around you. Don't let the pack intimidate you. If you feel uncomfortable with the speed or pack formation, give yourself more room and/or slow down.

5. Ride in two rows, and try to stay in your row. Don't swerve back and forth. If you are new to riding in a pack, ride in the right hand row as it will give you more room to turn.

6. Ride staggered to the scooter on the row next to you. Avoid riding directly beside them. This provides space in case either of you needs room to make a turn, avoid an obstacle, or if the group needs to go single file.

7. Look and signal before changing lanes in the pack. Turn signals are ok, but pointing usually gets other's attention quicker.

8. Signal when you turn with the group, so the people behind you know that the pack is turning.

9. Keep a safe stopping distance between you and the scooter in front of you. A good rule is to allow 2 seconds of space.

10. Pay attention to what is happening at least several scooters in front of you to anticipate obstacles or turns.

11. Do not ride next to the ride leader. Stay several feet behind, even at stops. They need the room to react and set up turns.

12. Do not race head of the ride leader. The pack may turn at any time, and leave you to find your own way home.

13. Do not assist in blocking traffic at intersections. The ride marshals and selected riders will do this. If an intersection is not blocked, stop.

14. Others behind you may have heavier loads or brakes not as good as yours so brake slowly.

15. Bring your own tools, extra cables, and spark plugs with you on the ride. Don't expect others to have them.

16. If you feel you are going to crash into the scooter in front of you veer to the outside, but be sure not to cross into traffic.

17. If a rider goes down, all bikes must stop, and signal to warn approaching bikes.

18. When a scooter breaks down, all riders must stop while the situation is assessed.

19. If the problem is routine and can be fixed in less then 15 minutes, the repair will be done. If the scooter has a breakdown that isn't practical to fix on the road, or is reoccurring, the group will make sure the broken down scooterist can find transportation home, then continue riding.

20. And finally, if you do something stupid that causes damage and injury to others, immediately apologize and accept the consequences. You ride with the Westenders with the understanding that you are able and willing to accept financial responsibility for any damage or injury you cause.

This document is also available for download here.

Westenders 101
(Or, "Everything You Wanted To Know About Our Scooter Club...
But Were Afraid To Ask")

History

The Westenders got their start in the fall of 2006 when four West Seattle scooterists thought it would be a neat idea to have their own scooter club. There are many great scooter clubs in the Seattle area, just none of them really addressed our needs. A good idea tends to attract like minds, and like Topsy, the Westenders 'just growed'. We do not limit membership to West Seattle scooterists. Westender is as much a state of mind as a question of geography. As of summer 2007, the Westenders have over 30 members, and enjoy a fairly active riding and social schedule. Read our Riding Protocols here.

What We're Like

We are into scooting, food, friends, music and fun. We are a family-friendly organization that is open-minded and accepting of all people of good will; in other words, the 'golden rule' applies here. We love to get together, party and have fun, but believe in moderation and common sense when it comes to alcohol and riding. In other words, you can drink and scoot if you wish, but be careful and responsible. We do expect every Westender to be a safe and responsible rider who uses good judgment and ride discipline when group riding. We are a "no dues, no drama" kind of crowd. We have no established leadership structure; decisions are made by consensus.

Membership is by invitation. While we don't mean to come across as cliquish or exclusive, this policy is made with good reason. We have a good thing going here with the Westenders, and we have seen examples where the chemistry in a group is spoiled by the sudden appearance of an abrasive personality or a reckless/inconsiderate rider. We encourage all prospective members to first be a member in good standing of the Vespa Club of Seattle. Joining VCOS demonstrates one's commitment to the greater scooter community. Any current Westender can recommend a prospect for membership.

Westender Quirks

(or "just what is it with the 'portfolios' and nicknames, anyway?")

You may have noted that each Westender is a minister of something; here's the backstory on that: the Westenders were inspired by the 'Mod' scooter culture in 1960s England. England also has a quirk in that it's government offices are 'ministries' (and a ministers assignment is known as a 'portfolio'). The wide range of frequently odd-sounding government ministries was lampooned perfectly by the English Monty Python comedy troupe with their "Ministry of Silly Walks" sketch.

Hence, for no particularly logical reason except, like Napoleon invading Russia, it seemed like a good idea at the time, each Westender is invited to pick a ministry for themselves. It could be something that one can use to contribute to the group, a personal trait, or whatever. Let your creativity run wild. The self-assignment of 'portfolios' is one of the things that makes the Westenders unique, sort of like the way members of the Wussys SC tattoo the word 'wussy' on their bodies.