Biker News - Regularly updated

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  1. Warwickshire Road Safety Unit have collated vital casualty statistics for road users across the county and identified a clear need for rider training amongst young and inexperienced moped and motorcycle riders.

    Information taken from reports for every reported road traffic injury collision over a two year period shows that:

    ·          More than a third of all mopeds and motorcycles involved in injury collisions were ridden by under 21 year olds.

    ·          One in every five collisions where moped and motorcycle riders were considered most blameworthy, were attributed to learner, inexperienced or nervous riders.

    ·          Nearly a quarter of all fatal or serious injury collisions involving a moped or motorcycle rider, involved no other vehicle.

    Road Safety Officer, Stephen Rumble has analysed the findings and said; “Moped and motorcycle riders are always going to be at greater risk because bikes afford them no or very little protection compared to other vehicles. But our research clearly shows that young and inexperienced riders, particularly males aged 16 to 20, still represent a disproportionately large number of Warwickshire’s casualties. The findings are also reasonably consistent in our neighbouring West Mercia counties. Unfortunately, some young riders are over-confident, ride as if they are immortal and they are hard to influence. However, many do acknowledge their vulnerability and inexperience as road users and we can now offer free and friendly rider training to help them to be safer on two wheels“.

    In a joint initiative, Warwickshire together with, Herefordshire, Worcestershire, Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin have recently re-launched the hugely successful Take Control rider training scheme and three of the five courses available are tailored to meet the needs of young riders. ‘CBT Plus’ is an ideal follow on from Compulsory Basic Training, whilst ‘Auto to Gears’ helps moped riders to progress to riding geared 125cc bikes. The ‘125 Rider Development’ course is a half-day session for riders new to 125cc bikes who are keen to develop their riding skills. 

    Stephen Rumble continues; " All of the courses last just a few hours and there is no pressure to pass a test or achieve a minimum standard. Our instructors simply offer a helpful assessment and riders can complete the courses close to home on roads that they use regularly. We also have an exclusive moped and motorcycle insurance deal with British Superbikes official title partners, MCE Insurance for Take Control participants."

    For more information, go to www.takecontroltraining.co.uk

    To book a free young rider course, call 0845 370 91 91.

  2. A survey, commissioned by the MCI has revealed that the UK motorcycle industry has a significant impact on the UK economy creating net annual sales of  £5.2 billion. (1)

    The GHK survey highlights the potential for the industry, despite the barriers caused by the current economic climate and inaccurate perceptions of motorcycling.

    Ownership rates are around 22 motorcycles per 1000 people in the UK , which is the lowest figure in Europe. However, the industry has experienced significant growth in recent years. There are approximately 1.4 million motorcycles and 1.5 million motorcyclists in the UK and the number of licensed motorcycles has increased by 50% since 1999 and 100% since the mid 1990s.

    There are opportunities for growth by increasing demand for motorcycle goods and services. The reports suggests that this can be achieved through further R&D and innovations particularly around convenience and technological low-carbon advances.

    Despite the current economic climate, Triumph, the UK's largest automotive manufacturer, is reported to be one of the only motorcycle manufacturers in Europe to have grown in 2009.  UK registration statistics show that Triumph sold 25% more new motorcycles in the UK in the first 11 months of 2009 compared to the same period in 2008, an increase of nearly 1500 motorcycles, as well as significantly adding to the UK's export business.

    In the sphere of motorcycle tours there has also been a lot of growth. As an example Globebusters, which runs organised motorcycle tours around the world and which was founded in 2002 now has a turnover of £500,000 per annum. Initial expectations were that these trips were likely to be 'once in a lifetime' experiences but already repeat demand is strong with a quarter of customers having already toured with the company, touring again, suggesting room for growth and expansion in this area of motorcycling

    The registration figures for March 2010 show that the smaller capacity bikes in the 50 - 125cc sector have shown growth indicating that the industry's efforts to promote bikes as a practical form of transport is making an impact in this entry level sector.

    Steve Kenward. MCI's CEO commented, " The research has proven that the motorcycle industry has a very important role to play in the economy of the UK. There is significant potential for growth in the market and as the Get On campaign makes positive steps forward we are reaching out to new markets.

    "Over 8,000 people have already applied to participate in the free motorcycle experience that introduces people to riding. We know there is great potential to bring new riders on board and expand our existing customer database to a younger and more diverse group of people. The MCI remains extremely positive and upbeat about the future of the motorcycle industry."
    1) The Economic Significance of  the UK Motor Cycle Industry - Feb 2010 by GHK
  3. Date: Friday 25th June
     
    Time: 6pm
     
    The Ducati Roadshow will be at Ace Cafe London from 6pm on Friday 25th June with a display and a wide selection of demo bikes from their 2010 range to include the 1198, 848, Multistrada 1200, Monster 696 & 1100,  Hypermotard 796 & 1100, so don't forget to bring along a full driving licence.  Please note that pre-booking is not available.
     
  4. 18th April
    St Georges Day Bike Blessing


    Ride to celebrate St Georges Day and have your bike blessed in the grounds of Dunham Hall. In the village there will be music, stalls, food and a bike show. Alll monies raised will go to Manchester Childrens Hospital. All Bikers welcome. The event is run by bikers for bikers!

    venue: From Harley-Davidson, Stockport to the village of Dunham Massey
    price: £3.50 registration; includes pin and blessing card
    tel: 07883906994
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    e-mail:
    [email protected]
  5. The Royal National College for the Blind is a leading residential college of further education for people who are blind or partially sighted aged 16 to 65+, based in Hereford. It is a national charity supported by a small fundraising team raising funds to provide equipment and to improve facilities for around 200 people who attend the college each year.

     

    A brand new black Triumph Speed Triple motorcycle has been kindly donated, by Triumph Motorcycles Ltd in order to raffle to raise essential funds. Tickets are only £5 each and the lucky winner will have their incredible prize delivered to them directly by Triumph.

     

    Just log onto the following website to enter into this prize draw;
    www.justgiving.com/triumphbikeraffle

    The bike is on display at the college for those close by or who may ride through Herefordshire.