Back home, we have the Harley Davidson, a symbol of independence and an image of unpleasantness.  In Paris, they have the scooter.

Like Harley's in the towns of the Black Hills during the famous Sturgis rally, scooters line the streets.

The scooter is the choice for those who want to cheat traffic on the clogged streets of this massive city.

With nerves of steel, scooter operators sneak between cars

They look for any opening in the chaotic scene

The roar of lawn mowers is heard at every changing traffic light

While it takes far more nerve than cruising the highways of America on a Harley, they may want to do something about their image

Anything goes

And I mean anything

The stranger, the better, apparently

The scooter is available in many varieties. 

BMW offers the Executive,

a clearly upscale scooter.

With cooler weather, many ride with fancy skirts.

Although they don't appear to keep your seat dry in a rainstorm.

This three-wheeled variant is quite popular

Although I have to question the toughness of anyone who needs training wheels.

Apparently, geekiness is the ultimate Parisienne counter-culture and nothing symbolizes this like the classic Vespa

A variety of helmets are available to complete the image; apparently Paris' counterculture doesn't aspire to the status of organ donor as readily as our own Harley riders.

Scooters can be used for many purposes

Take the kid to school.

Visit the art museum

Or deliver pizzas.

So stop in at your favorite Paris dealership today and upgrade your image, only 1300 Euros, such a deal, although the one on the right is a bit more.