RideSafe BackSafe is urging all recent converts to two wheels to take skills training as soon as they buy a motorcycle or scooter. The biker-dedicated road safety initiative is concerned that many road users are now turning to a cheaper mode of transport to beat the credit crunch and assuming that there driving skills are adequate.

Shelby Williams, RideSafe BackSafe Project Lead explains;-

“Motorcycle dealerships across the North West region are telling us that sales of scooters and smaller capacity motorcycles are surprisingly buoyant at the moment and this probably reflects the desire for many road users to find a cheaper way to travel. Generally speaking, the overall cost of a new machine, insurance and servicing is considerably less than for a car and commuters in particular, have realised this. However, when dealers recommend that customers book a skills training course or rider assessment scheme the take up is poor".

Motorcycles and scooters make up about 1% of road traffic and yet nearly 20% of fatalities and serious injuries on our roads are bike riders. Although they are not always to blame, motorcyclists will usually come off worst in a collision and RideSafe BackSafe are keen to promote the many training and free assessment schemes currently available.

The dedicated website www.ridesafebacksafe.co.uk  - offers a wealth of road safety advice and information about training options. Other organisations such as RoSPA, the Driving Standards Agency, Institute of Advanced Motoring and BSM also offer a variety of assessments and training courses to suit every rider’s needs.     

Shelby Williams continues;-

"Every road user should be concentrating, anticipating and observing all potential hazards around them, but on two wheels, there are many more skills required. Correct gear selection, ensuring others can see you by how you position yourself on the road and independent use of front and rear brakes are just three of the many skills that need to be learnt. Training, under the guidance of a qualified instructor, is the best route to becoming more competent and safer on the roads and reduced insurance premiums can be an added benefit".

Riders during Daytona Bike Week have been congregating along Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Boulevard in the heart of Daytona's Midtown Black Heritage District during Bike Week for decades. Although it is uncertain exactly when this tradition began, some locals say the gathering goes back to the 1960s or even before. In honor of this rich tradition, Harley-Davidson will be celebrating at the historical intersection of Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Boulevard (Second Avenue) and Pearl Street.

"We are looking forward to another successful year and the opportunity to continue to support Harley-Davidson riders and enthusiasts who have always supported us," stated Karina Jaramillo-Saa, manager of market outreach, Harley-Davidson Motor Company. "Bikers on the Boulevard celebrates the brotherhood and spirit of riding and we are excited to be a part of it."

Various 2009 Harley-Davidson models will be on display, including the Screamin' Eagle Fat Bob®, the Road King® Classic, the V-Rod® Muscle and the Screamin' Eagle Road Glide®. Harley-Davidson will ride in style as it cruises the boulevard in Daytona Beach.

Since schedule information is subject to change, please check the on-site Harley-Davidson activities guide for times and locations of entertainment and other special attractions.

Harley-Davidson Motor Company, the only major U.S.-based motorcycle manufacturer, produces heavyweight motorcycles and a complete line of motorcycle parts, accessories and general merchandise. For more information, visit Harley-Davidson's Web site at www.harley-davidson.com

Christian Audigier’s Ed Hardy^®brand has become one of the hottest in America with the likes of Mickey Rourke, Sylvester Stallone, David Beckham, Vinnie Jones, Britney Spears and Madonna amongst the many stars and celebrities now wearing his designs.

Marketed as Ed Hardy helmets and sold through KBC’s extensive distribution network as part of the Ed Hardy Helmet Collection, the designs are a must for those with an eye on fashion as well as on the road. 

Featuring five different tattoo designs on three helmet styles, the full-face VR-2R race helmet features the ‘Pirates’ and ‘Tiger’ designs on black or white, while the OFS open-face helmet features the ‘Beautiful Ghost’ and ‘Love Kills Slowly’ designs on black, sky blue or pink. The all-new Pro-X motocross helmet takes the designs a stage further with the ‘Speed Kills’ design on a white or black background. 

Specification wise, the VR-2R uses a Tri Comp shell construction, features a double curvature quick release visor and has a removable Ultralux interior liner. The VR-2R is ECE22.05 certified, meets with the ACU Gold racing standard and is available in sizes from XXS – XXL at£249.99 retail.

The Ed Hardy OFS open face uses a PowerCore shell and features a double curvature quick release visor, a removable Duralex liner and quick release strap. It is ECE22.05 certified, available in XXS- XXL sizes and retails at £109.99. 

The all-new Ed Hardy Pro-X race helmet uses KBC’s patented Ultra Comp lightweight shell, a dual intake vent system and fully adjustable peak. The liner is customisable and removable for washing. Approved to ECE22.05 and ACU gold standard, the Ed Hardy Pro-X is available in sizes XXS – XXL and retails at £249.99

The Ed Hardy Helmet Collection will be sold in Europe through KBC’s extensive distribution network.

Note:

With 40 years of tattooing and legendary status among the tattoo community, Don Ed Hardy is known as ‘the godfather of modern tattoo’ for his sophistication, depth and sense of experimentation. California native Don Ed Hardy is recognized around the world for his technical brilliance and mesmerizing imagery.

 See www.kbchelmets.co.uk for the full Ed Hardy Helmet Collection

by Christian Audigier.

To contact KBC: Call on +44 (0)1283 763 120 or [email protected]

KBC Europe Ltd., Units 1 & 2 Blakenhall Farm, Cauldwell, Swadlincote, DE12 6RU.

OFS Beautiful Ghost side 2.jpg

 
OFS Love Kills Slowly pink.jpg

 
ProX Speed Kills white.jpeg

 
VR2R Pirates Black.jpeg

 

Eight Unsigned Acts Battle It Out For One Massive Prize

You've seen programmes like the X Factor and Pop Idol on TV, well this competition is nothing like them... Our competitors have real talent and on Saturday 18th July they'll battle against each other to win every unsigned acts dream.

A full promotional package including a professionally recorded demo, a video production to match as well as a professional photograph portfolio to help them on their way to stardom.

Application Form

Please include a CD containing two tracks that you wish to play on the night.

Applications must be received by 30th June 2009

To find out about the charitable work of the Royal British Legion please visit www.britishlegion.org.uk

Venue: Oldbury Royal British Legion, Windsor Road, Oldbury, West Midlands

Admission: £5.00

Doors Open at 7.30pm

Hollywood has always looked to two wheels to bring a little sexy glamour to a movie – think Lucy Liu and Pierce Brosnan handcuffed to a BMW R 1200C, Charlie’s Angels riding motocross, or Angelina Jolie as Lara Croft raiding tombs on a 664 CCM. But Britain’s romantic bikers would rather ride with their other half than movie megastars like Kate Winslet, Helen Mirren, Sean Bean or Antonio Banderas.

Asked to name who they would most like to take a fantasy ride with, twice as many bikers nominated their partners than Kylie, Star Wars’ Ewan McGregor, Valkyrie’s Tom Cruise or Bond’s Pierce Brosnan. One particularly lovelorn soul taking the Motor Cycle Industry Association (MCI) survey* nominated “Rachel from the office next door.”

On Valentine’s Day, the MCI recommends following in these bikers’ wheeltracks by bringing fun, freedom and excitement into your love life. Spurn those old romantic clichés - a candlelit dinner for two; flowers, champagne, chocolates, or lingerie – in favour of a gift which is guaranteed to get your other half home faster: a day’s motorcycling – complete with a compulsory basic training (CBT) certificate at the end of it. And if neither of you have ever tried motorcycling, why not do it together?

Doesn’t sound very sexy? A CBT course is huge fun, memorable, and gives a real sense of achievement. An intensive day with a qualified instructor takes novice riders through all the skills needed to control a small-engined motorcycle with skill, confidence and most importantly, safety. Divided into five sections, the CBT starts off-road and well away from traffic, building up to two hours of practical riding on the road, closely supervised by the instructor.

MCI’s Sheila Rainger said: “Chocolates make you fat and flowers give you hay fever, but a CBT certificate sets you free. Passing the CBT immediately entitles you to ride a small-engined motorcycle, scooter or moped, and opens the door to more advanced training, bigger machines, unrivalled independence and fun.

“It’s the first step to joining in with increasing numbers of people of both sexes and all ages who are cutting journey times, avoiding the expense and hassles of public transport and parking, reducing travel costs and commuting to work with a smile on their faces.”

Ends

Commuter motorcycling accounts for two-thirds of powered two-wheeler journeys and represents one of the cleanest forms of motorised transport for trips where walking, cycling and public transport are not viable. Motorcycles spend less time in traffic jams, whereas cars spend time with engines idling and air-conditioning running.

Powered two-wheelers move freely through traffic jams and as a result leave a smaller carbon footprint over a shorter period of time on any given urban journey.

In addition to the environmental benefits derived from avoiding traffic jams, the government has now confirmed that motorcycles and scooters are more eco friendly in terms of emissions than the average car.

The cost of a CBT course is around £100 and you can find your nearest trainer by going to the Motor Cycle Industry Association (MCI) web site at www.mcia.co.uk.

The MCIA is the UK trade association representing manufacturers and importers of mopeds, motorcycles and scooters, and the suppliers of associated goods and services. It has approximately 150 members representing about 90 per cent of the UK industry.

The motorcycle industry in the UK employs more than 15,000 people and turns over in excess of £3 billion a year.

There are over 1.26 million motorcycles in use in Britain traveling around 5.6 billion vehicle kilometers (DfT 2006).

For more information please contact Simon Small at the MCI Press Office on tel: 01622 812961 (S-Presso Ltd)