Category: Other

1. Ten most dangerous roads for motorcyclists in Britain revealed | Swinton Insurance announce partnership with IAM RoadSmart

   Posted on 12:00pm Saturday 13th May 2017

   Roads including Greater London’s Lambeth A23 named as dangerous for motorcyclists– findings revealed as Swinton Insurance announces partnership with IAM RoadSmart 

   Ten roads across Britain have been named as the most dangerous for motorcyclists, including the North West’s High Peak A57 and London’s Lambeth A23, according to government data analysed by Swinton Insurance. In total in 2016, 118 accidents involving motorcycles happened on these ten roads.

   The research compiled by Swinton, the UK's largest high street insurance broker, reveals the motorcyclists most likely to be in an accident by age and motorcycle type across each region in the UK.

   The national average showed motorcyclists aged 25 are at most risk of an accident. Men were also 93% more likely to be involved in accidents than women across the UK.

   The conditions most likely to cause an accident on a motorcycle have also been revealed. Motorcyclists are most likely to have an accident in daylight, travelling in a 30mph zone with dry road conditions. Accidents are also more likely to happen on a Wednesday, according to the Swinton Insurance findings from government data.

   Motorbike engine size also played an important factor in accidents across the country, with 44% of accidents occurring on a bike with an engine size of 50 to 125cc. A further 37% of accidents involved a motorbike with an engine size of over 500cc.

   A-Roads were found to be the most dangerous, with 79% of accidents occurring there compared to just 21% on other types of routes. Most accidents also happened during fine weather conditions and more accidents also occurred in urban areas. With hazards from hairpin bends to ensuring a motorbike is ready for the road, there are many tricky hurdles for a motorcyclist to overcome on roads across Great Britain.

   Top 10 most dangerous regional roads for motorcyclists across the UK

   Position	Region	Road
   1	Greater London	Lambeth A23
   2	South East	Rother A259
   3	Yorkshire and Humber	Kirklees A62
   4	South West	North Somerset A370
   5	West Midlands	Birmingham A4040
   6	East Midlands	Leicester  A563
   7	North West	High Peak A57
   8	Wales	Powys A483
   9	Scotland	Highland A82
   10	North East	South Tyneside A194

   To coincide with UN Global Road Safety Week 2017, which begins on Monday 8^th May, and to help raise awareness the importance of motorcycle safety, Swinton Insurance has announced a partnership with leading road safety charity, IAM RoadSmart. The charity have contributed guide content, offering practical advice on issues such as filtering, biking in seasonal weather conditions, as well as dealing with vulnerable road users. There are also top tips for riders returning to the saddle. 

   Along with IAM RoadSmart, Swinton Insurance has also teamed up with a panel of experienced motorcyclists, who have provided commentary for biking on some of the UKs’ most dangerous roads. They have shared practical advice on issues such as tyre safety, handling a motorbike, and how to bike in tricky conditions. The bikers’ commentary also highlights key watch outs when biking on the most dangerous regional roads.  Yorkshire / London

   The free guides and an interactive map that shows the most dangerous regional roads across the UK and its regions is now available here

   

    

   Rodney Kumar IAM RoadSmart said: “We often find that while drivers and motorcyclists strive to be as safe as possible, some find it a challenge to understand exactly how to do so. And as time passes after our driving tests, some of the simple tips we learnt to help stay safe can fade into the background. That’s why it’s so important to offer useful and easily digestible information on how to be a safer driver. We are excited to partner with Swinton to help spread the word about national motorcycle safety”

   Dan Agate Swinton Insurance said: “Motorcycle safety should always be front of mind for any rider, but awareness events like the UN Global Road Safety Week are great reminders of just how imperative it is to do what we can to stay safe on the road. And talking about it now to riders in across the nation, ahead of summer months, is really important. We hope our interactive map and guides help people to think more about safety with every journey they make, come rain or shine.”

    

   Swinton Insurance has been helping people find insurance for more than 50 years by using panels of insurers to find the right cover for individual needs without compromising on price.  

   www.swinton.co.uk    

2. The Top Transit Vans of 2017

   Posted on 10:00am Friday 12th May 2017

   The Ford Transit van is the most popular style of commercial vehicle in the UK due to the flexibility its specifications, the experience behind the name and the practicality of each vehicle. In a recent survey we found that the Ford Transit was the limited companies vehicle of choice. 

   Ford Transit Connect 

   (Ford Transit Connect Insurance group: 3 to 6) 

   If you’re looking for a van of practical size that is safe to drive, this is the van for you. However, if you are looking for a large van that is quick and speedy, this may not be the right choice. In 2014 it was third for the “most reliable van” and first for “best class fuel economy” so if you do a lot of mileage, this fuel efficient vehicle could be the right one for you.  

   If you are looking to purchase a brand new Ford Transit Connect you are looking in the region of £13,600+ - £18,000+. Although this is quite an investment, there are lots of finance options available. If you’re about to purchase a new van don’t forget to purchase short term van insurance to get the vehicle home. 

   Ford Transit Custom 

   (Ford Transit Custom Insurance group: 3-9 depending on spec) 

   If you need a van to meet specific needs then this is the one for you. With a wide range of optional extras and a good variety in specifications; power, speed, weight length, etc. you can’t go wrong. 

   Ford has built a reputable brand for itself over many years and has developed a strong understanding of what its customers want and in the case of this model, they are letting their customers choose exactly what you want. 

   With prices starting from £18,000+ going all the way up to £27,000+; there is a huge scope to design the vehicle that you need for your business. This is what we believe to be the business van of 2017. 

   Get reliable transit insurance here!

   

3. The average British commuter will spend over £48,000 across their working lifetime – just to get to work

   Posted on 12:00pm Wednesday 10th May 2017

   ...And over a 47-year working life, Brits will spend over a year of their lives commuting to and from work, with 68 per cent driving, 11 per cent taking the train, and eight percent making their journeys on two wheels.
   
   The study of 2,000 commuters in the UK also found that out of the lifetime cost of commuting, over a third is on snacks and takeaway coffees in the morning.
   
   Andy Goodson, the Sales and Marketing Director for motorcycle insurance specialists Lexham Insurance, who commissioned the research, said: “While many commuters think their journeys to and from work are barely worth considering, the amount of time we spend on them shows we should give them a bit more thought.
   
   “With an average commute time of almost an hour a day, for many Brits this is wasted time as they’re stuck behind the wheel in traffic. Some of the happiest respondents in our survey were ones who were able to walk to work – giving themselves the shortest commute possible.”
   
   Brits commute on average of seven miles to work and back each day, which tallies up to an incredible 171, 080 miles over their working life – enough to circle the globe more than six times each.
   
   Taking a car to work was voted as the most stressful way to get to work, followed by the bus, the train and Metro or Underground systems.
   
   And taking a motorbike was one of the lowest scoring in terms of stress, alongside walking and riding a bicycle.
   
   Nearly half of respondents admitted to being late at least once a week, arriving an average of 10 minutes behind schedule each time.
   
   The most common cause was bad traffic, followed by a lack of sleep leading to too many taps of the snooze button.
   
   Sixty two per cent of commuters said that if their trip to work is particularly stressful or annoying, it makes the rest of their day worse.
   
   And an unlucky 30 per cent of train travellers have had their face stuck up next to someone’s stinky armpit more than once.
   
   Over the course of their working life, the average commuter will read 67 books, 2248 newspapers and listen to 3617 albums.
   
   They’ll also send 1710 work emails, munch down 977 bananas and play 2077 games on their phones.
   
   Andy Goodson said: “One of the best ways to make your commute happier is to cut down how long it is. Motorbikes and scooters are a convenient way to bring down your commuting time, as they can beat traffic so easily. Nobody wants to have their day made any more stressful than it needs to be – and sitting in traffic, other commuters’ personal hygiene and constantly late trains definitely don’t help.”
   
   A LIFETIME OF COMMUTING IN NUMBERS
   
   Distance travelled: 171,080 miles
   Amount spent: £48,708.92
   Time spent: 10,998 hours
   Days late to work: 1906
   Newspapers read: 2248
   Coffees bought: 1759
   Games played on phone: 2077
   Social events planned: 1710
   Albums listened to: 3617
   Bananas eaten: 977
   
   The study was commisioned by Lexham Insurance.
   
   

4. Reggie Yates to headline Honda TT Revolution

   Posted on 10:00am Wednesday 10th May 2017

   – Ongoing success sees the Honda TT Revolution return to the Isle of Man for the fourth year
   – Honda partners with Mixmag for this year’s event
   – Closing party at the Isle of Man TT to round off seven days of breathtaking racing action

   Now in its fourth year, the Honda TT Revolution is fast becoming the must see event at the Isle of Man. Held at the culmination of an unforgettable week of motorcycle racing, the TT Revolution celebrates the Isle of Man TT with an epic closing party that is attended by fans, racers and celebrities alike.
   
   For the 2017 edition of Honda TT Revolution, Honda Motor Europe joins forces with Mixmag – the world’s biggest dance music media brand – to bring the BBC’s Reggie Yates to the island, who will headline the event after the Senior TT on Friday 9th June.
   
   “I’m really excited to head over to the Isle of Man TT races”, explained Reggie Yates, ahead of this year’s event. “It’s an event that has grown year-on-year and I am excited to be a part of it. I’m looking forward to seeing some of the racing too, I have watched some onboard videos from the Honda Racing team and it looks insane! I can’t wait to get over there and experience the Honda TT Revolution for myself and be a part of it”.

   Since its launch in 2014, the Honda TT Revolution has grown year-on-year taking the crown as the TT closing party and the place to be on the island. With tickets selling fast each year, the event has always been sold-out with partygoers keen to see their TT experience off in style.

   The Honda TT Revolution closing party will take place at Tahiko, Douglas on Friday 9 June. A limited number of tickets will be on-sale through Resident Advisor on Friday 12 May, with further tickets available on the door at Tahiko, priced at £5 per person.

   Join Honda on the #HondaTTRev journey!

   

    

   
   Twitter: @HondaRacingCBR
   Facebook: HondaProRacing

   www.mixmag.net

    

   www.reggieyates.com

5. BikeSafe takes delivery of ten Ducati Multistrada 1200 as it joins forces with the RAF to improve service personnel motorcycle training

   Posted on 9:00am Wednesday 10th May 2017

   BikeSafe takes delivery of ten Ducati Multistrada 1200 as it joins forces with the RAF to improve service personnel motorcycle training.
    
   BikeSafe take delivery of ten Ducati Multistrada 1200 motorcycles
   Highways England support BikeSafe with funding
   BikeSafe provide RAF personnel with training
    
   RAF Brize Norton was the location for the official handover of ten Ducati Multistrada 1200 motorcycles to BikeSafe, a police led initiative to reduce the number of motorcyclists involved in accidents on the road by improving skills, knowledge and hazard awareness. The location was also chosen to highlight BikeSafe’s partnership with the RAF that will involve the police putting an estimated 2,500 motorcycle riding RAF personnel through the workshops.
    
   The Multistrada 1200 was chosen by BikeSafe after an extensive evaluation process and deemed to be the most suitable motorcycle to assist the various forces throughout the UK to deliver the BikeSafe workshops, feature at shows, events and bike meets.
    
   The purchase of the bikes is funded by Highways England, which is responsible for 4000 miles of England’s motorways and major A routes. Highways England has seen the results and benefits of the BikeSafe project and sees improving rider skills as one way of achieving its aims to reduce rider casualties on its road network.
    
   Ducati UK along with the motorcycle industry has been an important supporter to the BikeSafe project regularly loaning its bikes to them in police livery for use at shows, race meetings and bike meets. Ducati motorcycles that BikeSafe have used in the past has included, a 1299 Panigale, a Scrambler, a Diavel and for this year the new SuperSport.
    
   Assistant Chief Constable Nick Adderley the National Police Chiefs Council lead for BikeSafe said “We are delighted by the recognition and direct support that BikeSafe has received from Highways England, a national body that is working in partnership with BikeSafe to reduce motorcycle casualties. This has enabled BikeSafe to purchase this fantastic fleet of Ducati motorcycles.,These exciting and dynamically engaging bikes will be used for BikeSafe engagement and education of motorcyclists across the country, as well as keeping our service personnel safe through our partnership with the RAF.”