The active UK rider population is 1.5 million and an estimated 3.8 million people in the UK have a driving licence with a moped/motorcycle entitlement.

Women accounted for 14% of the people who took their test in 2007/08. 
Women - 12,061
Men -  75,884

17% more people passed their test in 2007/08 than in 2006/07. 
20% more people passed their test in 2008/09 than in 2007/08.

London motorcycle commuters can reduce the duration of their journeys by up to 34% compared to car drivers . In the rest of the UK journeys can be reduced by 12%   (Regional Transport Statistics 2008)

A typical scooter consumes between 55% and 81% less fuel than a car on the same journey

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

Motorcyclists say that biking is about freedom, practicality, friendship and fun:

Freedom - 26%
Practical - 23%
Friendly - 18%
Fun - 11%
Economical - 9%
Adventurous - 4%
Thrill Seeking - 4%
Fast - 4%

(You Gov 09 *)

One-third of 24-34 year olds are jealous of motorcycles getting though traffic. (You Gov 09 *)

One -fifth of Southerners ( London and South regions) are jealous of motorcycles getting though traffic. (You Gov 09 *)

Car drivers and bus passenger are most jealous of motorcycles getting through traffic. (You Gov 09 *)

One-third of commuters are 'sometimes' late for work because of traffic and congestion. (You Gov 09 *) unless they're bikers, of whom 67% are "never" late for work.

The end

You Gov 09* FIGURES are from YouGov Plc. Total sample size was 2,136 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 9th - 11th June 2009. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all GB adults (aged 18+)

 

* London and South regions of the UK