I spent six weeks riding a motorcycle in France in 1987 and it was idyllic, until I got to Paris. The city was visible from miles away. Each time I crested one of the many rolling hills from the west I saw it grow larger and larger – it was the biggest city I had ever seen and frankly, I was terrified. How would I find the Hotel Bonepart in the midst of that? It took hours of navigating, asking directions, getting stuck in roundabouts, and near misses with cars, taxis, busses, and pedestrians. No, I don’t recommend riding for fun in Paris, New York, Amsterdam, San Francisco, or any other large city. If you’re motorcycle touring just get you bike to the hotel and leave it there. Take a taxi, the bus, the subway, or walk. Don’t take a motorcycle taxi!!! I couldn’t believe this blog about motorcycle taxis in Paris, one of the most dangerous driving cities in the world. Call me a control freak (it wouldn’t be the first time), but I dislike being on the back of anyone’s motorcycle. I once took a motorcycle taxi in the sleepy town of Yinchuan in western China, preferring to keep my fully loaded Chang Jiang behind the guarded chain link fence of the hotel. The competitive driving techniques of my driver, though impressive, paired with the poor quality of the helmet he slapped on my head (with broken straps), was enough to convince me to wave down a car for the drive home from the pagoda.
In fact, two of the taxi companies employ former Gendarmes as riders, and since they have a 2 year motorcycle training, I’d say you’re quite safe.
Next time you come to France, let me know, and I’ll show you around (specially my neck of the woods; Normandy).