For some who rely on motorbikes and scooters to get around the mean streets of Phnom Penh, interest in the two-wheeled vehicles can sometimes borderline on obsession.

Lucky for them, local expats Kevin Stainburn and Martijn Beving are keen to restart the Phnom Penh Vespa Club, which has lain dormant for the last year.

The club will be meeting on Sunday afternoon to gauge levels of interest among the city’s Vespa riders and decide how the club should move forward.

Membership is open to both Cambodian and expatriate riders.

Stainburn is keen to kick-start interest in the club among local drivers, which had approximately 30 members when it was last active.

While he stressed that the Vespa Club’s activities and focus would be determined by its membership, Stainburn told the Post that he would like the club to lend its support to promoting safety on Phnom Penh’s roads.

“In particular, the wearing of helmets,” said Stainburn, “not just by front seat drivers but also rear seat passengers.

It’s the law, but unfortunately you don’t see many people observing it.”

While the club would have a social focus, Beving hopes to use his experience in motorbike mechanics to teach potential members about Vespa maintenance and upkeep.

The Phnom Penh Vespa Club will meet at 5pm this Sunday, February 26, at the Green Vespa Restaurant, 95 Sisowath Quay, Phnom Penh.