> "Tourists have to pick up on it" seems like a strange thing to bet one's life on.

Tourists are generally advised to pick up on local customs. I used to live in Amsterdam. Cyclists expect pedestrians to hear the bell ring once and get the hell out of the fietspad. If you don't, you will get hit.

> Does making the very tight turn faster get one home much quicker?

In Italian Alps where you spend half the time turning? You bet!

> Why not just slow down?

Have you met many Italians? :)