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The Motor Cycle Industry is pleased to announce it will be celebrating its centenary year in 2010 as research reveals motorcycling supports almost £3billion in added value to the UK
In this centenary year the industry will continue on behalf of its members to ensure that motorcycles and scooters achieve their rightful place in the transport mix.
Growing the market with an exciting marketing campaign, the significant contribution the industry makes to the UK economy and managing legislative changes are the main focus in the industry association’s centenary year, together with celebrations by way of an industry ride-out, gala dinner and golf event.
Motorcycling and the Economy
Research carried out as part of the MCI’s centenary activities has revealed the significant added value powered two-wheelers bring to the UK economy. The research shows that the motorcycle industry in the UK employs more than 62,000 people and turns over in excess of £5billion in sales with an added value profit of £2 billion a year. Looking at the broader picture and including businesses that serve the industry, in total, motorcycling supports £2.75 billion of added value and provides 78,000 jobs
Growing the Market
The MCI and its members are heavily focused on growing the market and expanding its existing customer base . The three-year Get On campaign has already persuaded 7,200 new people to have a go at riding using one of our local training ambassadors. With an 80% conversion rate from Get On to taking the CBT ( Compulsory Basic Training) the initiative is well on the way to bringing new converts into the biking fold. Interest in all things bike is also reflected in the website traffic to
www.geton.co.uk
which has been had almost 100,000 unique visitors in its short life.
Managing Legislative Changes
There was an excellent response to the important consultation process, which took place at the beginning of this centenary year, in response to the Third Driving Licence Directive (3DLD) scheduled for 2013. It is critical that that the motorcycle industry speaks with one voice to ensure a smooth and appropriate implementation of this legislation, which deals with issues related to the minimum age for riding bikes and a new licence category that is proposed. Importantly there is also the option for riders to move through licencing categories via a training or testing route.
MCI spokesperson, CEO Steve Kenward said, ‘The MCI has always had a role to play in protecting, promoting and expanding the industry on behalf of its members and during our centenary year we will be focussing on these three major areas.
Kenward continued “Safe riders in a growing market place can only have positive economic benefits and increase the motorcycle industry’s contribution to UK PLC in both monetary and social terms."
www.geton.co.uk
which has been had almost 100,000 unique visitors in its short life.
Managing Legislative Changes
There was an excellent response to the important consultation process, which took place at the beginning of this centenary year, in response to the Third Driving Licence Directive (3DLD) scheduled for 2013. It is critical that that the motorcycle industry speaks with one voice to ensure a smooth and appropriate implementation of this legislation, which deals with issues related to the minimum age for riding bikes and a new licence category that is proposed. Importantly there is also the option for riders to move through licencing categories via a training or testing route.
MCI spokesperson, CEO Steve Kenward said, ‘The MCI has always had a role to play in protecting, promoting and expanding the industry on behalf of its members and during our centenary year we will be focussing on these three major areas.
Kenward continued “Safe riders in a growing market place can only have positive economic benefits and increase the motorcycle industry’s contribution to UK PLC in both monetary and social terms."
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The MCI is saying ' Get On' during National Motorcycle Week 2010 which runs from 18 - 24 July 2010.
As the preparation for National motorcycle Week gets underway we have already had the opportunity to introduce over 7,000 new people to the exciting experience of getting on two-wheels through the national 'Get On' campaign and want to encourage more people to take action during National Motorcycle Week to benefit from this free and unique opportunity.
Those wanting to try a bike or scooter can participate in the event by enjoying a FREE one-hour taster session with a Get On free ride provider in their own local area. By simply visiting the dedicated website
www.geton.co.uk in less than 5 minutes a session can be booked to suit your schedule.
The strapline for the event is 'Get 'On - Life is Better on Two Wheels' and this NMW is a fantastic opportunity for more people than ever to get out and about on two-wheels.
People who are already riding, but could be getting more out of their machines, newbies who are thinking about taking the first steps and lapsed riders who have been pondering getting out their leathers again can find out more and get active during National Motorcycle Week
Existing riders have a wealth of opportunities available to them and their machine. We are all frequently guilty of thinking about what we could do, and often don't take action, so this year the Get On campaign will encourage riders to do more with their bikes and their riding skills and persuade non-riders, who have been teetering on getting a licence to actually do it.
Ride to Work Day (21 July) is part of the event and the aims to promote that as well as an enjoyable leisure pursuit riding a bike or scooter has many practical benefits. Some of the important bonuses of riding are bike are that it:
Reduces congestion
Reduces journey times
Reduces the cost of commuting
Reduces pollution
Steve Kenward MCI's CEO said, "National Motorcycle Week is an important week in the motorcycling calendar because it is a fantastic opportunity for the whole motorcycling community to get active and to talk positively to their colleagues, friends and family about two-wheels.
"The MCI encourages people to organise events such as ride-outs, charity runs and biker's BBQs which can be enjoyed by non-riders too. It is also the time for riders to think about how to get more out of their machine, whether that means planning a biking holiday or taking some training to improve their skills on the road." So this year is the time to GET ON, because life is better on two wheels"
Anyone who is interested in organising an event can find out more information on the MCIA's website
www.mcia.co.uk
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The new ON TWO WHEELS urban bike show will offer great entertainment, free activities and street-wise advice to bikers from all over the Midlands, when it takes over Birmingham City Football Club this summer.
Features will include stunt performances by Craig Jones and the Zero Gravity Freestyle Trials Team as well as displays, demonstrations, retail stands and a ‘Try Before You Buy’ moped zone. Guided ride-outs on a range of demo bikes with West Midlands BikeSafe will appeal to those experienced riders needing to take their riding skills to the next level. Whilst a race bike simulator will offer a static buzz to bikers of all ages. A dedicated display of cool apparel, automatic mopeds and small geared bikes will undoubtedly appeal to new riders and tempted youngsters.
It is hoped that manufacturers will support local dealers and retailers at the event. Plenty of experts from training schools, representative bodies and transport agencies will be on hand to offer information and advice covering everything from routes to your licence to tyre choice.
The event is being organised by West Midlands Casualty Reduction Scheme to encourage all bikers to take up voluntary training and wear the best kit for the road.
Show entry, parking, guided ride-outs and most of the dedicated activities will be free.
What? The new ON TWO WHEELS urban bike show
Where? St Andrew’s Stadium, Birmingham City Football Club
When? Sunday 18th July 2010, from 10.00am until 5.00pm
A dedicated website will have attractions and exhibitors details added, as they are confirmed.
Go to www.ontwowheelsbikeshow.co.uk for regular updates.
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Having recently re-joined the International stage, German manufacturer BMW has wasted no time in tackling the biggest test of all with the announcement that an official manufacturer supported team will be contesting the Superbike and Senior Isle of Man TT Races in 2010, further increasing the number of manufacturers participating in this year’s event.
It was only 12 months ago that the Bavarian giant entered the World Superbike Championship for the first time but now, fresh from a stunning fifth place at last year’s Macau Grand Prix, German ace Rico Penzkofer will have a full Superbike-spec machine at his disposal for the two six-lap TT races. An official test rider for BMW, 34-year old Penzkofer has been part of the major development team of the S1000RR, a bike that has created headlines all over the world both for its design and
performance.
It will be the first time since the late 70s that an official BMW team has contested the TT, when Helmut Dahne and Hans Otto Butenuth, both iconic riders from that era, raced on the Isle of Man. BMW has recorded 30 TT wins since their debut in 1937, with the majority of those coming in the sidecar class that they once
dominated.
Penzkofer, meanwhile, made a strong debut at the TT last year when he contested the two Supersport races. He achieved a personal best lap of just under 120mph and left the Island with two bronze replicas. With a year’s experience around the Mountain Course, the Borna rider is sure to feature more prominently this year and the former World Endurance Championship race winner is relishing his return to the TT. He commented:
“To be representing BMW on their return to the TT is a tremendous honour for me and after my debut last year I can’t wait to return to the Mountain Course. Riding the Superbike will obviously present a new challenge but the bike is superb and that, combined with my own improved knowledge of the course, should see us able to make a good impression. Troy Corser and Ruben Xaus have proved in World Superbikes that the bike is competitive and we hope to do the same at the TT.â€
Hon Martyn Quayle, MHK, Minister for Tourism and Leisure, Isle of Man Government, commented: “It’s really exciting to see the return of such a prestigious marque to the Isle of Man TT and their involvement in the 2010 races is a great boost to an already strong list of manufacturers – more evidence that the TT is going from strength to strength.â€
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