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)

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.

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."

TruckProtect Ltd, the manufacturer of the best-selling NeckIt! fuel anti-siphon device (ASD), is this year’s winner of the KillSpills/bmf/IAM Award 2010 for ‘Achievement in Reducing Diesel Spills’.

The annual award was first introduced in 2005 in order to recognise the achievements of those working to reduce the menace to motorcyclists of spilt diesel on our roads. The 2010 award once more goes to TruckProtect Ltd in recognition of the work they have done in developing programmes to promote the KillSpills campaign and the dangers of diesel spillage.

Last year TruckProtect won the award for the development of the world’s first anti-spill device to fit within an anti-siphon device and therefore prevent diesel spills from a fuel tank even when a fuel cap has not been replaced or is broken. The device is now being launched by DAF and Scania, amongst others, across Europe.

Commenting, KillSpills founder Stephen Edwards said: “The engineering that has gone into this product is truly impressive, but more than that, TruckProtect have shown real commitment and interest in ending the diesel spill menace faced by motorcyclists. They are a worthy winner of the 2010 KillSpills Award for Achievement in Reducing Diesel Spills.”

In receiving the award, Russell Fowler, Chief Executive of TruckProtect, said: “We are doubly delighted to be honoured once again by the KillSpills award. While our device started as a means of preventing diesel spillage and fuel siphoning, since first winning the award we have realised its importance to motorcyclists so have also stressed this aspect within the industry and with our customers. Some major publicity programmes will start soon following close work between KillSpills and ourselves. Their team is to be congratulated for their tireless efforts in raising this awareness”

This is the sixth year of the award, previous winners being ASDA in 2005, Sainsbury’s in 2006, the Highways Agency in 2007 and the DFT in 2008, all of them recognised for the work they had done in raising awareness of the dangers of diesel spillage and taking measures to prevent it.

Note: KillSpills (www.killspills.org.uk.), sponsored by the bmf and IAM, was formed in 2003 to counter the menace of diesel spillage and particularly, the danger it presents to motorcyclists.

More details on TruckProtect can be found at:  www.TruckProtect.com.

Well it's finally time, the mother day ride renamed the "Ride of Respect" has opened registration for 2011.

The event has been capped to 10,000 bikes and registration opened yesterday 24th November.

Registration will be on a first come first served basis and we are pleased to say that bookings have been massive during the first sixteen hours of opening.

All registrations are taken through the Afghan Heroes website and that the price is £10 per person. To avoid disappointment register fast, let the Thunder Roll again...