Irrespective of the new politics that brings the motorcycle industry is optimistic that motorcycles and scooters will continue to play an important role on the transport agenda of the new Government

Government will seek to continue to reduce transport's impact on the environment and the motorcycle industry is well -placed to contribute to this and will continue to be a solution provider with its congestion beating and Co2 reducing vehicles.

The MCI's role will be to ensure that the incoming Government are fully aware of the benefits and importance of the motorcycle industry and its products. Powered Two-Wheelers offer a practical and cost-effective transport solution that supports 62,000 jobs in UK plc and accounts for over £7bn of sales and added value.

The Industry's 'Get On' campaign designed to introduce new people to two wheels has been proving a success. In the last 10 months in excess of 100,000 people have expressed an interest in motorcycling, as witnessed by the number of unique visitors to the "Get On" website. www.geton.co.uk

The industry confidently expects that that this interest will translate to sales as people encouraged by Get On progress from; trying out a bike, to learning to ride, and then purchasing one.

Steve Kenward, MCI's CEO commented, "The public are expressing their opinions and as more people opt for an alternative form of transport in the form of bikes and scooters the industry's sales figures are set to rise in the months ahead. Government and its agencies must work with the MCI to ensure access to motorcycling if the personal mobility and environment benefits of motorcycles and scooters are to harnessed."

Cher-Victoria Payne, who is a regular on the UK Rally scene is taking part in the Great Manchester 10k run this Sunday, 16th May, to raise funds for the physiotherapy department at Tameside Hospital, in tribute to her dad Mick, who lost his leg in a motorbike smash.

Spurred on by a friend who said he would sponsor her £20 if she dared to run dressed as Superwoman and not one to resist a challenge... she will surely not be missed at the run.

Cher-Victoria said "I am running on behalf of the amputee's as you maybe aware its a subject close to my heart since my dads accident. The run is going to be tough with my hectic work and social life , however I am trying my best to train daily and promise to run as fast as I can... just like Superwoman!"

To sponsor Cher-Victoria please log onto:

www.justgiving.com./Cher-Victoria-Payne

Ducati legend Carl Fogarty will be the guest of honour at the official launch of the Ducati franchise at the Sheffield Motorcycle Centre this weekend (15th and 16th May).

SMC has recently taken on the Ducati franchise and to celebrate their partnership with the Italian brand, has invited former four times World Superbike Champion Carl Fogarty as their special guest on Saturday 15th May.

The Sheffield dealer is the newest addition to the Ducati UK family and is rightly proud to add such a premium motorcycle manufacturer to their portfolio and this weekend gives SMC the chance to showcase the latest 2010 Ducati range as well as some rare & exotic Ducati’s.

The legal action, brought by NTBPF, has gained massive rider support in London but if NTBPT lose, the bmf say that many councils across the UK, possibly starting with Birmingham and Manchester, will bring in similar Pay by Phone charges for motorcycles.

If this were to happen, the Tax Payers Alliance have calculated that annually, it would cost the UK’s motorcycling community a staggering £93,000,000 in parking charges.

Commenting Chris Hodder, the bmf’s Government Relations Executive said: “Let’s be clear, the stakes are high. It’s not an understatement to say that the only reason other Local Authorities haven’t followed suit yet is that they are waiting to see what the outcome of this case is.  If we don’t overturn the scheme in the courts, this could spell the end of nationwide free parking for motorcycles. We need motorcyclists to donate now or we could all lose out.”