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Sidecar motorcycles: a leisurely ride for two, or a sport for daredevils?

When it comes to niche sports and small vehicles, the sidecar motorcycle, or külgkorviga mootorratas, is a vehicular combination that doesn't get much attention.

Sidecar motorcycle champions A. Petrov and L. Denisenko racing in 1949 (photograph from the Rahvusarhiiv)

When it does, it's often for comic effect. In a 2013 video for Comedy Estonia, British comedian Bill Bailey delivered a satirical monologue about motorcycles with sidecars being the future of public transportation. Interspersed with vintage footage, he joked about the city of Tallinn inaugurating a new system where “motorcycles with sidecars will drive the streets instead of buses, trams, and trolleys,” proving to be a much more enjoyable, athletic commute.

Other safety precautions suggested were “clothes suitable for the weather conditions and a helmet, or in the absence of a helmet, a saucepan.”

With the old motorcycles shown requiring a push start and precarious leaning out of the sidecar to make turns, “active cooperation is further needed, as otherwise, one could easily fall out of the sidecar,” he explained. Other safety precautions suggested were “clothes suitable for the weather conditions and a helmet, or in the absence of a helmet, a saucepan.”

In this alternative reality, the first route opened was from Pirita to the centre of town. Here, joyful riders and drivers received “flowers and souvenirs” in gratitude for trying out the new way of getting around. It's certainly the perfect commute for a gearhead couple or two co-workers in a rush for their 9:00 AM presentation.

Täismahus artikkel on loetav Eesti Elu tellijatele

Igal nädalal toome me sinuni kõige olulisemad kogukonna uudised ja eksklusiivsed lood uutelt kolumnistidelt. Räägime eestlastele südamelähedastest teemadest, kogukonna tegijatest ja sündmustest. Loodame sinu toele, et meie kogukonna leht jätkuks pikkadeks aastateks.

Hind alates $2.30 nädalas.

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