Category: Tourism & Travel

1. From July motorcyclists as well as drivers must carry breathalyser in France

   Posted on 12:01am Monday 5th Mar 2012

   From July motorcyclists as well as drivers must carry breathalyser in France
    
   Latest advice from European motoring body the FIA says that drivers of all motor vehicles, including motorcyclists, will have to carry a breathalyser kit in their cars when travelling in France.
    
   The IAM previously reported that from 1 July this year all drivers would need to carry a breathalyser kit, as French drivers will have to, but new information dictates that this €11 fine is applicable to all road users including motorcyclists, but excluding mopeds.
    
   With a start date for the new measure of 1 July 2012, the rules will apply to anyone travelling to or through France by motor vehicle in the summer holiday season, even just for a day trip. This measure won’t actually be enforced until the 1 November 2012, giving road users time to prepare for the change.
    
   Single-use breathalyser kits will satisfy the requirement. The legal limit in France is 50 mg per 100 ml of blood, lower than in the UK (the UK limit is 80mg). They cost between £1 and £2 and they will be available at ferry and tunnel terminals for crossings to France. It is intended that people will be able to test themselves to check whether or not they are over the French limit.
    
   The IAM is advising all road users travelling in France to have at least two breathalysers at all times, so that if one is used you still have one to produce for the police if you are stopped.
    
   Anyone driving in France is already required to carry a warning triangle and a fluorescent safety vest to use in an emergency. Motorcyclists should carry extra bulbs. Additionally UK motorists and motorcyclists must display a GB plate, and cars should have their headlights adjusted to the right.
    
   IAM director of policy and research Neil Greig said: “The new French rule is a genuine attempt to reduce the number of alcohol related-accidents. France’s lower limit means it’s very easy to be over the limit the morning after as well. As always, the best advice for road users is not to drink and drive at all.”

   www.iam.org.uk 

2. Bikersbase in Portugal

   Posted on 12:00am Monday 4th Jul 2011

   Alan & Sharon, two enthusiastic Yorkshire bikers, have spent the past few years working on their venture in Portugal aimed at Bikers, to provide a dedicated touristic motorcycle centre in a wonderful area, surrounded by some fantastic roads and historical towns.

   After previously running Bikersbase in Scotland, they purchased property and land with the sole purpose to create another succesful destination for touring Motorcyclists. With various issues with local contractors, Alan & Sharon have been steadily working and can now provide en-suite rooms, camping spaces, fully equipped workshops, very secure motorcycle storage and an essential bar!

   Also planned are self contained cottages, dorm and more en-suite rooms.

   Accessed just off the main IP2 highway, south of Portalegre, centrally placed and idea as a base to explore this fantastic biking area.

   www.bikersbase.com

3. Oz on a Triumph Book Launch

   Posted on 10:52am Monday 22nd Nov 2010

   Geoff Hill and Collin O'Carroll are celebrating the publication of their inspiring and hilarious travelogue, Oz: Around Australia on a Triumph.

   The celebration takes place on Wednesday 24 November, during an Oz themed launch at Adelaide Insurance Services, 4-6 Boucher Road, Belfast. The pair circumnavigated Australia on Tiger 1050s, taking 10-12 weeks to cover the 15,000 miles of the legendary Highway One before the road is decommissioned in 2010.

   Geoff, who's already ridden from Delhi to Belfast on an Enfield and Chile to Alaska on a Triumph for the best-selling books Way to Go and The Road to Gobblers Knob, faced his mightiest challenge: the wombats of Oz. To give you a flavour of their adventure we have lifted this from their website blog, The Adelaide To Adelaide Adventure:

   “Since Geoff has only been to Perth before, and since Colin was born in Northern Ireland and grew up in Australia wrestling sharks, snogging kangaroos and riding dirt bikes, the series and book will be written from two contrasting and equally entertaining viewpoints: Geoff as a relative first-timer and Colin revisiting the land of his lost youth, which is the subject of his own book, Belfast Boomerang, to be published by Blackstaff Press in 2011. It’s the wombats that worry me most,” said Geoff. “Apparently they go to sleep in the middle of the road because it’s nice and warm, so if you’re stupid enough to ride at night, you hit this furry speed bump. They’re saved by a layer of cartilage on their back which protects them from dingo attacks, but you end up down the road in a heap of wreckage.”

   Come along from 4.30 pm and crack open a tinny with Geoff and Colin as they discuss their adventure around Oz on a Triumph.

   Exclusive film footage recorded during their trip will be shown, a live band will play and, refreshments will be available.

   www.blackstaffpress.com

   www.adelaideadventures.com

4. The End of British Summer Time is Not A Signal to Put Your Bike Away

   Posted on 8:15am Monday 1st Nov 2010

   The official end of the summer is no longer an excuse for bikers to pack their bikes away for the winter, according to the Motor Cycle Industry Association.

    The MCI's analysis of new Government taxation data shows that more and more UK bikers are committing to the benefits of biking all year round and 122,000 more bikes were kept taxed for road use than there were in 2005 .

    The MCI is marking the end of British Summer Time ( 31st October) by reminding all year round riders how to stay safer in the months ahead:

    Winter riding presents a number of extra hazards caused by darker nights and cold, wet weather. Slippery roads and reduced visibility are two important factors riders must take into account on their journey.

    Research has shown that cold weather reduces concentration and can impair mental function and make it more difficult to complete complex task, so it is essential that riders prepare for the reduced temperatures by ensuring they have the right kit for the weather conditions. (2)

    As winter officially starts the MCI is urging all road users , not just bike riders, to act responsibly. There are some simple safety tips that will benefit all during the British winter.

    . LIGHTS - Turn your lights on before it is fully dark - but don't dazzle on high beam

    . SPEED - Reduce speed in wintery weather conditions - fog, rain and ice

    . TYRES - Always ensure adequate tread depth and pattern and correct tyre inflation.

    . MIRRORS  - Check mirrors regularly

    . TAILGATING- Give each other extra space when road conditions are poor

    . VISIBILITY - Motorcyclists can increase their visibility by wearing clothing such as a reflective jacket

    . TEMPERATURE - Invest in some special winter kit which offers better protection from the elements and will help to keep you warm and dry in the colder months

    Steve Kenward MCI's CEO commented, "Winter riding brings its own unique challenges, but a change in seasons doesn't mean you have to put your bike away".

    "In the dark mornings ahead, riders and drivers alike need to be more vigilant for everyone's safety. Drivers in particular should not be complacent about their driving style and remember that even if they themselves are warm, comfortable and focused, other road users may be finding the conditions more challenging."

    1) DfT: Vehicle Licensing and Registration Statistics ?2009

    2) Variations in Mental Performance Under Moderate Cold Stress by Sharma in the International Journal of Biometerology (1987) 

5. UK Businesses Losing Out on the Biker Pound

   Posted on 10:04am Saturday 14th Aug 2010

   The leisure and tourism industry is missing out on the biker pound from European travellers as a new MCI analysis of official statistics shows that almost four times as many British bikers cross the Channel for their holidays as come the other way.

   100,000 independent bikers travel abroad by ferry or the channel tunnel for their holidays in Europe, whereas only 23,000 European riders visit the UK.

   According to the MCI's analysis, if UK tourist businesses could attract the same number of bikers to the UK as leave the UK for holidays, over £30 million pounds per week could be generated.

   There are many British icons that will appeal to European bikers from enjoying the best of British food, local delicacies and the full English breakfast , to the fantastic scenery and the many historical heritage sites including the legendary biker venue the Ace Café.

   Research carried out by the Motor Cycle Industry Association reveals that UK bikers are already a lucrative market as they contribute nearly £400 million to UK tourism.

   In its survey of more than 2,000 riders and non-riders from across the UK, the MCI found that 84% of the UK's 1.5 million riders prefer to holiday by motorcycle for holidays, short breaks and days out - even though the majority have access to a car.

   One-quarter of riders use motorcycles as their preferred mode of transport to enjoy days-out in the UK. One-in-six take weekend short-breaks by bike and one-in-fifteen holiday on two-wheels . The average spend by motorcyclists is £68 per day on accommodation, food and entertainment.

   In the current economic climate, where the tourism industry is encouraging British people to enjoy a 'staycation', it would seem wise to capitalise on the potential European bike market too.

   MCI Spokesperson, Sheila Rainger said "We are currently attracting a very low percentage of European riders. If we could attract the same number of bikers to the UK as leave the UK for holidays the industry could potentially generate over £30 million in income for every week they spent on holiday in the UK.

   "Holidaying by bike is an excellent way of seeing more of the UK's tourist attractions and stunning scenery at your own convenience.  It contributes a significant amount to local and national tourism and now is a good time for the UK to try and open this up to markets further afield."   Mark Wilsmore of Ace Cafe London said "As a destination venue, motorcycle tourism is increasingly important.  At the cafe we ensure that we give riders a reason to get out and enjoy riding their bikes and visit us".

   For information about the Get On campaign visit: www.geton.co.uk