Channel 5 TV presenter and former host of BBC's MotoGP coverage Suzi Perry is giving her backing to National Motorcycle Week (NMW) which runs from 18 to 24 July and features Ride To Work day on Wednesday 21 July.

This year's NMW is being supported by Get On, the nationwide campaign by the Motor Cycle Industry (MCI) to get more people on two wheels, and as a result both new and existing riders are being encouraged to get out on two wheels and enjoy the huge range of benefits that life on a motorbike or scooter can bring.   

NMW provides the perfect opportunity for people to try life on two wheels and book a free one-hour taster session with Get On. The campaign offers anyone aged 16 or over the chance to try riding a scooter or geared 125cc motorcycle absolutely free and with no commitment at any one of over 150 centres around the country. To book a free ride the public simply register at www.geton.co.uk and their nearest training centre will contact them to make the arrangements.

NMW also encourages existing and lapsed bikers to get out and about on their bikes and enjoy the great sense of fun and freedom which biking offers, while also encouraging their friends to give biking a go.

As an added incentive during July Get On are running a prize promotion which allows any biker who introduces a friend at a Get On dealer the chance to win a huge range of prizes including biking holidays, Weise kit, Arai helmets and Pirelli tyres. Non-bikers won't miss out either as they will be entered into the draw for iPads, iPod nanos and digital cameras. The competition can be entered at one of 450 participating Get On dealers across the country which can be located on the website www.geton.co.uk

Ride to Work Day (21 July) is part of the event and the aim is to promote the fact that as well as an enjoyable leisure pursuit riding a bike or scooter has many practical benefits. Powered two-wheelers can help;

Reduce congestion
Reduce journey times
Reduce the cost of commuting
Reduce pollution

Perry, who was a presenter at this year's BBC coverage of Royal Ascot, is calling on people to take the opportunity to get out and about and enjoy life on two wheels and said, "Bikes have been a huge part of my life and are just such a fantastic way to get around. Not only do they help you get ahead of the traffic but they're also more economical, greener and a huge amount of fun."

"For many people, the thought of getting into biking can be a bit intimidating and it can often be confusing about what licences and training you need to be able to ride a bike. Get On strips all this away. Not only can anyone try riding for free without any commitment but the website also offers a one stop shop on all you need to know about getting into biking. What's even better is that you can win great prizes just dropping into a dealer to talk about it."

Anyone can get involved in National Motorcycle Week and people who are interested in running their own events can think about planning a bikers BBQ, a local charity fundraiser, getting some extra training or going on a group ride -out to celebrate all that is positive about life on two-wheels.

More information and an event pack is online in the campaigns section of the industry website www.mcia.co.uk