If this was my mother out shopping, I would be very afraid for her. The character sitting at the lights was wider than she was tall, and when hunched over her glorified sit down scooter she couldn't have been more than a yard high. That isn't much of a target for hit and run drivers.

We screeched around the carpark like idiots to get a better shot of her, and had a few nasty stares from a big tough pick-up driver who thought we were chasing HIM. Whatever.

The pick-up driver in the picture must have been rubbing his eyes to make sure he was seeing straight. And once the guy behind her computed that it was not a joke, for once there was no macho bullshit revving in readiness to overtake her. and he gave her so much space, it was ridiculous. We watched as the cars in line just sat and idled and when the lights turned red, off she went, accelerating away slower than she could hobble, leading a 2mph procession across the intersection.

Is it legal? Well, it is certainly dangerous, but I think, just like a cyclist, she has certain rights, and sure, she can potter down the street if she wants and if an impatient driver takes her out, she can retire gracefully on the pay-out.

Oh, I have been reminded, she is retired already. That's why she is riding in a $400 vehicle that doesn't guzzle gas and her shopping consists of Past their sell by date food at 50% off. Right. OK, Maybe she should don her body armor and helmet and try for an accident. Just to be doubly sure of a pay-out, I suggest she flies a big banner behind her saying "Only hit Me if You Are Insured" .