Motor Bikes and Scooters in Crete

Malia, Heraklion Prefecture, where the main street
has motorbike traffic coming from all directions.

There are so many more motorbikes and scooters in Crete than you ever see on the roads in the Britain and Ireland.  More so, of course in the bike rental and hire season of the Summer months, when Quad Bikes are also available for the tourists and visitors.

Motor Bike Safety
The wearing of Helmets is the law in Greece. It was not enforced terribly well. All that has changed in Lasithi Prefecture and it is more obvious now in Heraklion that the police are stopping more frequently those who are without helmet. It is true you are likely to see locals riding around without a helmet (or curiously, wearing it on the Elbow). But be aware that they probably don't get fined because they are local.

It is better as a holiday maker or "Brit In Crete" you do not follow the same rather dangerous antics. The chances are you will get fined by the police (not to mention the permanent damage you could incur if you have an accident).

No Helmet, No Insurance Cover
Equally importantly, you will not be covered by your holiday insurance or other insurance. It is the first question asked by insurers of the Greek police relating to motor bike mishaps: "Were they wearing a helmet".

Quads - Fun to Ride, Make sure You Are Insurance Covered
Also be warned that insurances are very specific too about "quads" being covered, and also the point about wearing a crash helmet is equally valid for them too.  Another reminder, they are great to ride, but Quads are not allowed officially on the blue signposted motorways. Both the traffic and tourist police are getting more tough on non-Greek residents and visitors.

Harley Davidson in Crete
What about a Harley Davidson motorbike in Crete? There is a Harley shop in Heraklion; the biker club is Harley Davidson Greece. Rev up to the Harley Davidson Greek Club's website. (English and Greek).

Motor Driving in Crete Notes:

- Post questions in our BritsinCrete Forum.

- Driving in Europe. The UK Government's advice on EU Motoring Insurance.

- Driving Cars in Crete - Advice from BritsinCrete .

- Regulations to Import a Car, Motor Bike, Trailer, Caravan to Crete, Greece"

- or, if the whole thing puts you off - take a luxury air conditioned, KTEL Bus!

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