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Category: Motorcycle Industry Association
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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."
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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
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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)
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The Motor Cycle Industry Association's monthly motorcycle statistics show that during November there have been signs of recovery. Although overall the market is down, all engine sizes saw an increase in sales this month compared to sales in November 2009.
The influence of the industry's Get On campaign, that is focussed on bringing new riders into the world of motorcycling, is reflected in the sales figures as the entry level sector (51 -125cc engines) saw the biggest improvement with a 11.1% increase compared to November last year. In that category the Honda CBF 125M was the highest registering model within each style. Scooters, again the ideal machine for entry level riders, have experienced 13.1% growth with Kymco and Peugot the highest registering style.
Although we have entered the colder months of the year it is a positive sign that a number of the sectors have expanded. The areas of biggest growth was in the Trail/ Enduro market (24.9%) , followed by Supersport ( 19.7%) and Custom bikes (14.4%) .
Steve Kenward MCI's CEO commented, " We are seeing the benefits of the industry's Get On campaign as the smaller engine bikes are growing steadily. It has been a difficult year for the industry battling through a recession and more recently the unusually cold weather.
" The industry is working hard to grow the market and savvy buyers who shop around can benefit from some of the good finance deals that are currently on the market in the run up to Christmas"
For more information about the industry's Get On campaign, which is helping people get into the world of motorcycling by providing a free one hour ride with a local trainer, go to the website www.geton.co.uk.
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The MCI is calling on riders to cut their Christmas drinking if they are planning to ride. The latest analysis of drink-drive statistics show that in 2008, of the motorcycle riders tested following an accident, 1.4 per cent failed a breathalyzer test compared to an average of 2.7 per cent for all road user casualties as a whole.
Although motorcyclists are half as likely as car riders to take the risk of drinking and driving, the Christmas season marks the time of year when people are more likely to indulge in a couple of extra drinks.
Young riders in particular are most likely to drink and ride. Motorcyclists aged between 20 and 24 were most likely to fail a breath test, with 2.4 per cent of tests taken by riders in this age band positive for alcohol. However, this figure is still less than half that of the average for all road users between 20 and 24, of whom 5 per cent gave a breath test positive for alcohol.
The MCI advises:
. Never drink any amount of alcohol if you're riding. You don't have to be over the limit for your skills to be impaired.
. Never drink late at night if you're riding early the next morning. If you get caught out later than you thought, take alternative transport or go pillion next morning.
. Don't let mates drink and ride.
. Don't buy a drink for anyone if you know they are planning to ride
Steve Kenward, MCIs, CEO commented, " The party season is upon us. The only sensible message is don't drink and ride. Drinking, drugs and motorcycle riding don't mix at any time in the year but be especially careful during this season of good cheer and increased temptation.
"Bear in mind that alcohol can stay in your system well into the next day, so if you were drinking the night before you might also want to avoid riding in the early part of the the next day."
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