Dom Chang of Redleg’s Rides sent me a link to this tribute to the Vespa scooter in cinema. As I watched I realized how far I am personally from the common perception of the Vespa experience — one that’s decidedly urban, young, romantic, eclectic and a bit frenetic. It’s easy to see why motorcycle riders may dismiss the scooter culture as something foreign to what seems at times something about speed, power, machinery and technology. Apples and oranges.
I watched the video three times hoping to see myself in there somewhere and save for one scene where a young man is swerving back and forth on the road enjoying the feeling of moving through the world, I felt like I was watching a cultural phenomenon that passed me by.
Maybe if I had a Vespa when I was seventeen I might feel differently. Maybe it’s just the same as learning about my ancestors — there’s a connection biologically but the lives and experiences are from another time…
It is definitely trying to appeal to the young hipster 20 somethings. It certainly buys into the urban myth of carefree scooting with minimal safety gear, which for me makes me think yowza this could be kind of scary if everyone rides so frenetically. They are trying to market a bit of edginess and romance of scooting all at once. I once saw this scooting lifestyle phenomena at the Capital City Scooter Rally on the Island. There was this crazy frenetic energy amongst the participants, it was a little beyond my middle aged sensibilities and I chose a different path after that. its an artsy video that will appeal to those who want the moto dream and filled with the fun factor. Seriously though as a motorcycle instructor I cringe when I see scooterists riding without any care or safety gear.
Its a great marketing video though.
I see scooter riders all the time in t-shirts, no helmet, short pants, flip flops, no gloves. Ugh. I just feel skin being rubbed on on the pavement.
I’m listening to your interview with Michael on the Travel and Safety podcast. Good stuff.
I just rode through Illinois and Indiana and observed what I’ve seen before in those states. Many motorcycles are on the road, but no one wears safety gear, including helmets. I saw one guy on a Goldwing with a helmet and no shirt!
Hmmm. I guess Audrey Hepburn and I are the only women who actually drive a Vespa.
I liked the video though. It makes Vespa riding look fun, not all serious like a motorcycle. But I do agree with both of you and the safety factor. A Vespa isn’t a bicycle.
Aside from the urban clips, the brief shots of the Vespa bounding through the countryside were kind of cool. What ever happened to the crazy pizza guy, scraping sparks on each turn through traffic?
Maybe I’m just getting old. Seeing the scooters weaving in and out of traffic just makes me cringe. They just look like accidents that haven’t happened yet – with nary a lick of gear between oh so soft skin and the pavement.
Another worry is that we have enough brainless idiots wandering mindlessly through traffic on motorcycles as it is – obliviously giving the majority of safe riders a bad name. Do we need to encourage this sort of behavior on scooters as well?
Cue another grey hair I guess..
I guess I must be getting old too. I had the same reaction as Heather in the previous comment. All of the fun aspects were overshadowed by the other behavior. Is this video supposed to be promoting Vespa sales?
FWIW, it was a compilation of scenes in movies relating to Vespas….now we all know hollywood’s view of the world isn’t exactly correct right?
That said, the film surely shows what we all see in real life…no proper gear or protection on all types of “riders”, not just the scooteristas….
Just direct me over to the “old folks” section too please…..
Excellent ! Trop bon !!
(in French)
The video is sad, sad for those of us who are unable to ride, anymore. Before or maybe just after your heart malfunction you mentioned turning 60? Well I turned 69 this past May 30.
Steve, none of us are immune to chronological aging ; wecan slow it from happening however it shall still happen. That noted keep thinking today was your appointment with your cardiologist and am trusting for you, the best.
The Vespa video is of an era past, for both of us. I could never fit on a Vespa being too big
and you sir, shall keep riding….
I loved it and not once did I cringe like an old timer.
While I agree with the safety factor that’s been brought up several times, I disagree with the “frantic” nature of the video. I actually found it relaxing and smooth. This appeals to me as a rider. Frankly the escapism is one of the reasons I ride.
Remember its a celebration of Vespa in the movies; so your going to have a few romantic scenes, a few “getaway” scenes. I’m sure the same would apply if it was a “celebration of Harley’s” in the movies.