Bike or Vespa tours in Rome?

Which are you? A cyclists or a motorcycle rider? Or both? If you have not ridden a Vespa then Italy is not a good place to learn. Second, I would not do either in Rome given the general nature of the city traffic. Something in the country side would work.

While researching my trip to July Rome I found this place. They offer all sorts of 'tours on wheels.' http://italyxp.com/en/experiences?&field_categorie[0]=217&field_node_destinazione[1]=374

You would need to research reviews on this company. I didn't as I determined that I like my feet and public transportation just fine.

The idea of whizzing around on a Vespa in Rome certainly is romantic, but Rome is a traffic puzzle best left to those who know how to place the pieces. I wouldn't ride a bike there either. I have witnessed people being crunched by bikes and bike riders being crunched by larger, motorized vehicles.

For what it's worth: For years a regular contributor on this forum was an American ex-pat living in Rome. He rode a motorino to work every day through Rome traffic. His response to everyone who posted asking about riding a vespa or motorino in Rome traffic was: Rome is one place that you don't want to do this on vacation, too dangerous.

The person Kent spoke of is Ron Phillips who has a fabulous website called Ron in Rome with hints about all things Roman for tourists.

His main page about motorinos/vespas is at http://www.roninrome.com/%20transportation/riding-a-scooter-in-rome and is a real eye-opener. Have a look at the embedded videos to see how dangerous Rome can be on 2 wheels.

There is a second page with other videos of motorinos and advice about vespa rental at http://www.roninrome.com/transportation/riding-a-motorino-scooter-in-rome-a-few-videos-and-thoughts

If you are an experienced rider and study these videos and go into the experience with your eyes wide open (with plenty of insurance) I hope you have a nice and safe ride.

(from a biker)