The 'Wheels to Work' scheme that helps young people in rural areas of the UK get vital access to employment and educational opportunities through the provision of a motorcycle or scooter has received public support from the Transport Minister in his Commons speech.

In a Ministerial Statement (19 Jan ) (1) launching the Government's White Paper "Creating Growth, Cutting Carbon" [2] Norman Baker MP, Under-Secretary of State for Transport, acknowledges the value of Wheels to Work.  Baker commented,  'Wheels to Work' schemes provide transport to people who are unable to access training, employment or education, due to a lack of suitable public or private transport.  Schemes can, therefore, particularly benefit people living in isolated rural communities and can play an important part in helping people to come off benefits and regain their independence."

The White Paper and its associated Local Sustainable Transport Fund will help the Government to meet its key objectives of creating a transport system that helps create growth in the economy and can help tackle climate change.

The funds that will be made available are to help Local Authorities meet their local transport needs by putting together a package that will enable local people to travel more sustainably and cost-effectively. Wheels to Work was identified as one such scheme that could benefit from this fund.

The Motor Cycle Industry Association (MCI) is a strong supporter of the Wheels to Work scheme and has been involved in political lobbying activities to help secure funding and develop the project across the UK. Solutions offered by the projects can include the loan of scooters, mopeds, power assisted bikes or bicycles and in some cases assistance with meeting car running costs giving young people, especially in urban areas, kick start for their future

The MCI welcomes the announcement of support and recognition for the schemes, but  now we have to ensure that some of the money being made available will be used for these types of projects.

Steve Kenward, MCI's CEO commented, " Government support for this valuable scheme is the first step in the right direction.  The next challenge is to ensure that there is appropriate funding available and accessible to the projects.

"Individuals who have taken part in Wheels to Work have commented on how empowering the scheme has been, how it has opened doors that would have previously been closed and how training has enhanced their career prospects. We now need to work in partnership to ensure the continuation and expansion of the scheme."

Bad weather, rising costs, post-Christmas debts and going back to work are just some of the reasons that 'Blue Monday' has been established as the worst day of the year.

This year Blue Monday falls on the 17th January. Expert, Dr Cliff Arnall devised a mathematical formula that identifies this day as the most depressive of year as a mix of factors come together,

The best way to get over this is to have some fun, start a new hobby or do something you have been putting off for months or years...

As the annual New Year resolutions starting to fade why not make a new resolution to do something that you will find easy to stick to and get on to two wheels , a pleasure that can last you a lifetime.

Get On -  The Motor Cycle Industry is making it easier than ever before to help interested people take their first steps into the world of motorcycling by offering a free one-hour riding experience with a local trainer, that will get you kitted out and ready to go at no expense. Already 21,000 people have booked their ride and we are seeing a growing number of interest from women accounting for 34% of participants.

A dedicated website has been set up to help you search for a local trainer, so go online, find out more about life on tow wheels and take those first steps at www.geton.co.uk.

Training -  For others who are ready to get stuck in or have lapsed or maybe only ever completed the Compulsory Basic Training (CBT), now's the time to reap the economic and social benefits of a powered two-wheeler and take their next step to completing their test and broadening your motorcycle experience.

Experience -  More and more people are enjoying off-road adventures and over land travel experiences on bikes. There is a growing number of companies that provide tours to anywhere any everywhere from Canada to Africa, so for the more experienced rider who wants to see more of the world , now is the time to stop dreaming and  start planning.

MCI's Spokesperson CEO Steve Kenward commented   " You can beat 'Blue Monday' by doing something positive to challenge it.

"Motorcycles and scooters are the best way to beat the ongoing credit crunch and turn the daily commute into a joy.  Two wheels will let you move through traffic, with ease. Not only that, in London they are exempt from congestion charge and can also use bus lanes, so you will save time and money every day, which is certainly something to smile about"

"If you want to make commuting more fun and economical, start this new year with a new approach, get on a scooter or motorcycle and join the 1.5million other converts. "

For more information on passing your test and other useful information go to www.geton.co.uk

The Department of The Environment (DOE) reports that the number of people killed on Northern Ireland's roads last year was the lowest since records began in 1931.

The figures reported show the number of people killed in accidents in NI fell from 115 in 2009 to 55 in 2010, representing a 50% fall in fatalities and a 20% reduction in serious injuries. Of the 55 people killed in 2010, 10 were pedestrians, 10 on motorcycles and the rest in other vehicles.

Regarding motorcycling, Right To Ride reports based on figures provided that there has been a 60% reduction in motorcycle fatalities since 2004 (24) and 2010 (8 + 2 pillion).

The Environment Minister Edwin Poots said the 50% reduction in fatalities was welcome, but warned against complacency.

"We cannot dwell on our achievements and we cannot be satisfied by 55 deaths and hundreds of seriously injured people. Even one life is one too many. There is a greater prize to be had - zero road casualties," he said.

A number of reasons have been put forward by PSNI spokespersons and Road Safety organisations which include:

• The recession and bad weather - less traffic on the road.
  
• People are a lot more careful.
  
• Higher cost of fuel - people use other means of transport which is more cost-effective - made people slow down.
  
• Road safety mechanisms in cars such as anti-lock braking systems (ABS), air bags, better design of cars and increased wearing of seatbelts - people were surviving accidents at 60mph when previously they were dying.
  
• Increased, focused and structured advertising campaigns throughout the year.
  
• PSNI - robustly targeting dangerous and inappropriate driving.

These explanations all combined may be a reason for the overall reduction for all vehicles and motorcyclists.  

Our own thoughts at Right To Ride are that the local communities especially in rural areas, have become more involved in dialogue with drivers and riders.  Engagement through local safety events with all agencies delivering face to face safety messages through 2010 especially to young people, have, in our opinion, had a far greater effect than the sporadic shock, horror ads on TV.

For motorcycling there are initiatives such as the PSNI Bikesafe scheme with its basic assessment of rider skills.  Ride It Right, a road safety initiative by riders for riders with the support of the UnLtd Road Safety Challenge programme, funded by the DOE.  

Right To Ride’s Trevor Baird said, “There does not seem to be a “silver bullet” to explain the reduction of motorcyclists killed on our roads, we can only guess at the reasons and hope this reduction in fatalities continues.  Our aim is continue to promote responsible motorcycling and the pleasure that this form of transport offers, whether riders use their motorcycles purely for leisure or in combination with rural and urban commuting.”

For information, links and details of the UnLtd Road Safety Challenge Programme Award Winners visit the Right To Ride website

Ducati’s innovative riding school, the Ducati Riding Experience, opens its garage doors on the 2011 season with an incredible program that includes the new Monster 796, 848EVO and 1198 SP as well as the exciting new Troy Bayliss Academy course, which delivers the dream opportunity of tuition from superstar Troy Bayliss himself.

Catering for every level of riding experience, from absolute beginner to race-track specialist, the DRE 2011 courses start a packed calendar of events from April at major circuits across Italy such as Adria, Imola, Monza and Mugello. The safety-driven, but adrenaline-filled event collaborates with the Italian Motorcycle Federation (FMI) setting a new benchmark in fully approved instruction.

For those wanting to lay their very first tyre tracks on a motorcycle, the Basic course onboard Monster 796 motorcycles provides the perfect environment to learn in complete safety under the profession tuition of highly skilled instructors. More experienced riders who want to further improve their bike control skills will benefit from the Intermediate course, which uses Monster 796, Hypermotard 796 and Hypermotard 1100EVO models in specially prepared course exercises.

On the track, the Racing 1 course uses the brand new 848EVO to teach basic track riding-skills in an environment specifically designed for those taking to the track for the first time or who have limited track experience. The course is held exclusively at the Adria Circuit, a perfect place for a track-riding debut.

The Racing 2 course is fully intended for those who already have some track-riding experience and want to improve their style, technique and speed in a fully controlled and safe environment. Also using the Ducati 848EVO, participants will be under the professional tuition of highly experienced and accomplished instructors.

For those riders who already have well developed track skills, are comfortable with being in a high-speed environment and now want to take their riding to the next level, the Master course uses the new Ducati 1198 SP model with an impressive line-up of instructors.

DRE participants will enjoy considerable track-time on some of Italy’s top race circuits and full immersion into the world of Ducati, as well as tuition from an incredible line-up of instructors and champions from National, European and World level such as Dario Marchetti, Alessandro Polita and charismatic 500cc World Champion, Marco Lucchinelli.
2011 also sees the inclusion of the Troy Bayliss Academy, an exciting new and exclusive course designed to further extend opportunities for highly competent track-day riders aboard the new Ducati 1198 SP. Groups will be restricted to just four lucky riders per day, each riding with, and receiving direct tuition, from the legendary triple World Superbike Champion himself.
DRE course fees range from €350 for the Basic course to €2000 for the Troy Bayliss Academy and include use of motorcycle, tyres, instructor, fuel, lunch and welcome kit. Course registration, which opens on 20 January 2011, is available exclusively on www.ducatiridingexperience.com.
 
Ducati Riding Experience courses

•    Basic             (Monster 796)
•    Intermediate         (Monster 796, Hypermotard 796, Hypermotard 1100EVO)
•    Racing 1         (Superbike 848EVO)
•    Racing 2         (Superbike 848EVO)
•    Master             (Superbike 1198 SP)
•    Troy Bayliss Academy     (Superbike 1198 SP)

Ducati Riding Experience calendar

•    April 27-28    Adria        Basic*,Intermediate**, Racing I
•    May 10-11-12    Imola    Basic*, Intermediate**, Racing 2, Master, Troy Bayliss Academy
•    June 17        Mugello      Basic, Intermediate, Racing 2, Master, Troy Bayliss Academy
•    July 7-8    Monza        Basic*, Intermediate**, Racing 2, Master, Troy Bayliss Academy
•    September 14-15    Mugello        Basic*, Intermediate**, Racing 2, Master, Troy Bayliss Academy

* Second day only    ** First day only

Quality training for motorcyclists is an important factor in improving road safety and although 70% of riders said they thought post-test training should be compulsory for car drivers and motorcyclists there is a need for this to be put into practice. (1)

Riders should put 'training' to the top of their New Years resolutions list to help make the roads safer for themselves and others, as a recent study by the Transport Research Laboratory found that three out of ten riders had only completed their Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) and 40% of the over 45's have had no training at all. Of those surveyed, one in ten riders were considering undertaking advanced training in the next 12 months and 8% of the riders had already completed a post-test training course. (2)

These statistics reveal that there is still a long way to go to ensure that motorcyclists training needs are being met. In recognition of the importance of post-test training the MCI has worked jointly with the Driving Standard's Agency (DSA) to create the Enhanced Rider Scheme  (ERS).

The scheme is designed for fully licensed motorcyclists and perfect for a range of riders including ; those  who have just passed their test, riders who are upgrading to a more powerful bike , people returning after a break and those who simply want to improve their skills.

By choosing a trainer from the Post-Test Training Register trainees will benefit from an assessment of individual skills and competences and be offered a syllabus that will meet their personal needs.

On completion riders will also get a Certificate of Competence confirming that riders have developed existing skills and where relevant have learned new techniques. In recognition of this, riders will be entitled to genuine discounts from UK's top insurance companies, so in the long-term riders will not only be better riders, but will also save money.

Steve Kenward MCI's CEO commented, " The MCI is committed to improving road safety and as part of its activities created a Training Association (MCITA) to help improve standards and create a more cohesive system that the public can understand.

" Using a trainer from the Enhanced Rider Scheme ensures peace of mind for consumers who are often faced with a difficult choice. Registered trainers will be able to provide a tailor made package to meet every individuals needs and monitors progress to help inform future training."

The website www.mcita.co.uk contains more information on the Enhanced Rider Scheme, BikeSafe, other types training and how to find a trainer in your local area.

1) MCI survey carried out by Tickbox. ( 2007)
2) Passion, Performance, Practicality; Motorcyclists Motivations and Attitudes to Safety, Transport Research Laboratory ( October 2009)