It’s prety damn hot in Cape Town at the moment and there is nothing that says jealous, like people in cars queuing for hours in the 40 degree heat, as a Vespa sails through.

It’s 2012 and a new year, so why not make a new year’s resolution that will last a lifetime. Learn to ride a scooter. I got my license at the end of last year and it is INCREDIBLY easy!

Vespa South Africa is committed to eradicating fears of two wheel commuting and teaching South Africans how to ride – safely. And the best part is, they will do this for free. Nada. Mahala. The Vespa Riding Academy aims to help increase confidence on two wheels, teaching anybody how to ride safely until they are proficient enough to ride on their own. And what’s more, Vespa will assist riders in obtaining their learner’s and driver’s licenses.

Why learn to ride a Vespa?
Riding a Vespa is as easy as riding a bicycle. And once riders have the hang of it, they’ll save time as they simply twist-and-go through congestion, with Vespa’s seamless automatic transmission. Plus, Vespa helps save our planet with low Euro 3 emissions and miniscule fuel consumption. In fact, Vespa riders can save up to R2000 on petrol compared to travelling 50km a day in an average sedan.

Why is riding a Vespa safe?
Vespa is the only scooter in the world that has a robust, all-metal monocoque chassis. This means that not only does the bike offer 250% more rigidity and easy balancing – than a scooter with a tubular frame – it also protects the rider. Adding to vehicle control is the unique 11-inch front wheel, with five aluminium alloy spokes that allows for precision steering and ensures a remarkably stable drive. Worried about slamming on the brakes? Vespa’s hydraulic disk brakes ensure effortlessly powerful and highly responsive braking across all driving conditions. It has been proven that Vespa’s are the safest two-wheelers on the planet.

What will the Vespa Riding Academy teach riders?
Riders who attend the Academy will learn all aspects of riding two wheels, from how to support the bike at standstill to balancing, steering, stopping, weaving between cars, using mirrors, lifting passengers, highway riding, emergency stopping, and even throttle control for regulated stops and starts. The best part is, all lessons happen in a safe and secluded area, and are unlimited until riders are proficient enough to ride on their own.

Grab 2012 by the handlebars with a new year’s resolution that will last a lifetime – learn to ride a Vespa for free. For safe commuting, and some extra change in your pocket, reserve your free riding lessons now.

Visit www.vespa.co.za