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| 06 Nov 2009 10:15:59 pm |
 Motorcycle Market Slowdown Continues |
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UK registrations of motorcycles, scooters and mopeds have recorded their 12th successive monthly fall. Registrations for October 2009 were 27.0 per cent down on the same month in 2008, according to the latest figures issued by the Motor Cycle Industry Association (MCI). 8,332 powered two-wheelers (PTWs) were registered in October 2009, a fall of 3077 on last year.
All categories of PTW suffered declines in October. Registrations in the Naked style dropped least, at 0.9 per cent down, while Supersports registrations fell 43.9 per cent. Over the first ten months of this year, 101,170 PTWs were registered, a drop of 19.4 per cent on the same period in 2008.
In light of these statistics, the industry has renewed its call for an incentive package designed to reverse this trend, noting that the scrappage scheme, introduced after 11 monthly falls in the car market, has helped the automotive sector return to growth.
In the short term, a scrappage scheme would not only support the industry’s capacity to provide affordable and practical personal mobility, but bring environmental and safety benefits: a properly-designed scheme would incentivise the replacement of older, less fuel-efficient PTWs with lower-emitting vehicles carrying modern safety features. Experience in Italy, where the Government implemented an incentive of 500 € for replacing any Euro 0 or Euro 1 motorbike with a new Euro 3 vehicle under 400cc, showed that consumers have an appetite for greener, cleaner machines.
The motorcycle industry plays an important economic and employment role in the UK, employing around 15,000 people, predominantly in small and medium-sized businesses, and turning over approximately £3 billion a year. The motorcycle is a significant provider of access to work, education and training: over half (52%) of all motorcycle trips in 2008 were made for the purpose of commuting, compared to just one-third (34%) of bicycle journeys and one-fifth (22 %) of car journeys.
Sheila Rainger, MCI Spokesperson said, “ The MCI remains optimistic that innovative and attractive new products, shortly to be showcased at the Carole Nash International Motorcycle and Scooter Show, combined with the rising cost of alternatives - from the UK’s first £1000 rail fare, to the forecast rise in fuel prices over the winter - will in the long term encourage more people to switch to two wheels.
“However, the motorcycle industry also wants to see government, legislators, local authorities and transport planners viewing motorcycling as a serious and relevant alternative to the use of cars and public transport. PTWs are part of the solution to the problems of congestion and pollution and should not be ignored or treated as an afterthought. Scrappage, is one scheme that could help to kickstart the market.” |
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| 28 Oct 2009 03:23:44 pm |
| Diesel Spills Clean-Up Thanks to KillSpills |
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Thanks to the efforts of the KillSpills anti-diesel spill campaign, the Department for Transport (DfT) is to undertake a two-year study into the problem of diesel spillages and the most effective way of cleaning them up.
The KillSpills campaign, founded in 2003 to counter the menace of diesel spillage and particularly, the danger it presents to motorcyclists, say that this major step forward means that as an integral part of the DfT’s business plan, the project will produce guidance for Local Authorities and the Highways Agency to follow, so ending the confusing array of procedures and solutions currently adopted across the UK.
The culmination of six years campaigning by the KillSpills team in raising the profile of the diesel spill menace, the DfT study was finally agreed last week following a commitment from the British Motorcyclists Foundation and the Institute of Advanced Motorists to offer to ‘pump-prime’ the research project with a £10,000 joint donation. In practice however, such was the case presented by the KillSpills team that the DfT will now be funding the project entirely from their budget.
Stephen Edwards, the leader of the KillSpills campaign, said after the meeting “This is a fantastic outcome and another step closer to ridding the roads of diesel contamination. It is only through the long-term help of the BMF and more recently the IAM, plus the support of our dedicated volunteers, that we have been able to get this far and for this all this help and support I give my sincere thanks.”
For the BMF Foundation, Peter Laidlaw, BMF Director and BMF Foundation Trustee said: “The BMF Foundation was founded to support safety related projects in the interest of motorcycling and what could be better than this? We showed commitment and it has been rewarded with commitment from government. We can’t ask more than that.”
The DfT clean-up project is the latest stage in a campaign that has seen on-road demonstrations coupled to annual reports being presented to the Prime Minister in 10 Downing Street. It has also seen annual awards presented to companies or organisations that have excelled in their efforts to combat diesel spillages.
This year TruckProtect Ltd, the manufacturer of the anti-spillage ‘Neck-It’ fuel-filling device, is the winner of the KillSpills/British Motorcyclists Federation/IAM Award 2009 for ‘Achievement in Reducing Diesel Spills’ and will receive their award at the International Motorcycle Show, NEC, Birmingham on press day 26th November.
This is the Fifth 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. |
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| 23 Oct 2009 07:22:34 pm |
| Don't wimp out in winter! |
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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 MCIA’s analysis of new Government data shows that more and more UK bikers are committing to the benefits of biking all year round.
The MCI’s analysis of Government taxation data (1) shows that 156,000 more bikes were kept taxed and ready for use throughout winter 2008 than were five years ago. The result is one-third fewer bikes are taken off the road in Winter than in 2001. The MCI is marking the end of British Summer Time by reminding these hardy riders of the hazards they need to be aware of to stay safe in the months ahead:-
- Poor grip: 8% of motorcycle crashes in 2008 were caused by ‘slippery road due to weather’ (2)
- Reduced visibility: 1% of crashes were caused because the rider suffered ‘vision affected by rain, sleet, snow or fog’. (2)
- Reduced concentration : Cold temperatures can impair mental function and make it more difficult to complete complex task (3)
The MCI is urging all road users to act responsibly and follow simple safety advice that could save a life during the British winter.
- Turn your lights on before it is fully dark – but don’t dazzle on high beam
- Reduce speed in adverse weather conditions - fog, rain and ice
- Check mirrors regularly
- Don’t intimidate other road users – give each other space when road conditions are poor
- Be seen - motorcyclists can increase their visibility by wearing reflective clothing such as a reflective jacket
- Be warm – buy or borrow winter kit which offers better protection from the elements.
MCIA spokeperson Sheila Rainger said, “Winter riding brings its own unique challenges. Shivering through a wintry shower is the downside, a cold clear mid-day ride the reward.
“In the dark mornings ahead, riders and drivers alike need to be more vigilant for everyone’s safety, and to give each other a little extra consideration. 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.”
Notes
1) DfT: Vehicle Licensing and Registration Statistics
2)DfT: Reported Road Casualties Great Britain 2008
3) Variations in Mental Performance Under Moderate Cold Stress by Sharma in the International Journal of Biometerology (1987) |
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| 08 Oct 2009 08:10:47 pm |
| Naked Bikes Surge in September |
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Statistics released by the Motor Cycle Industry Association for September 2009 show a recovery in demand after a poor summer. Sales in September were 21.2% lower than the same month last year, an improvement on the market’s performance in August when a 30.5% fall was recorded. Total registrations of powered two wheelers (PTWs) last month were 12,941, compared with 16,430 a year ago.
The Naked bike sector returned to growth last month, recording a 3.4% increase in registrations compared to September 2008 and a 25.4% increase in market share. The most popular model in this category is Honda’s new CBF 125 M, closely followed by the Yamaha YBR 125. Between them these two learner-legal, commuter-friendly models have taken one-fifth of the market share within the Naked style, with a combined total of 3,788 registrations year-to-date.
The three most popular style of new motorcycles registered in September were Naked (2,471), followed by Scooter (1,983) and Supersport (1,930).?
The biggest-selling bike in September was the Yamaha YBR 125, with 328 registrations. Yamaha was the biggest-selling manufacturer with 2,233 new registrations, closely followed by Suzuki (1,875) and Honda with 1,764
Sheila Rainger, MCI’s Director of Communications, said, “The market has done well against the extremely testing conditions of economic uncertainty, poor weather and high-profile problems with the new motorcycle test.”
“Continued strong performance in the learner and commuter sectors demonstrates again that people are interested in a budget-friendly, flexible and convenient means of transport.
The 2009 Carole Nash International Motorcycle and Scooter Show is now only 7 weeks away. Applications for press passes are now being taken at www.motorcycleshow.co.uk/press and Trade Day tickets can be purchased at www.motorcycleshow.co.uk/trade. The UK’s largest motorcycle Show will house a brand new off road zone in Hall 5, making this the largest bike Show ever staged at the NEC. With a great line up of manufacturers, both on and off road, a whole host of interactive feature areas, and live entertainment the 2009 Show will be the only place to be in November.
For more information visit www.motorcycleshow.co.uk ?More information about getting a licence can be found at www.geton.co.uk. |
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| 14 Sep 2009 09:18:02 pm |
| Get Greener on Two Wheels in European Mobility Week |
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Riders can do their bit for greener travel and healthier cities by getting their leg over daily, according to the Motor Cycle Industry Association at the start of European Mobility Week. During the week, people across Europe come together to tackle the increase in pollution and related problems associated with transport in towns and cities. ‘ In Town Without My Car, ’ taking place on the 22nd September, is the perfect opportunity for riders of bikes and scooters to demonstrate how powered two wheelers (PTWs) can help in the battle for less congested roads and reduced pollution.
The green advantages of motorcycles, mopeds and scooters are clear. On CO2 emissions, the PTW fleet as a whole (at 110g/km) has already bettered the new EU targets for cars. (120g/km, to be met by 2012)(1). PTWs don't get stuck in queues, and so don't stand in traffic jams with their engines idling, which means that total Co2 emitted will always be lower for any given journey. PTWs also take on average only half as long as a car to do a similar journey in town, and take up less space when parked.
The MCI is calling for actions and events which promote sustainable transport to recognise that in reality, walking and cycling are not always the most practical alternative to a car journey, particularly for everyday commuting and business travel. The MCI's analysis of the National Travel Survey has shown that:-
· the average commute is 8.7 miles/27 minutes
· the average business trip is 19.4 miles/38 minutes
· the average bicycle trip is 2.6 miles/20.3 minutes
· the average motorcycle trip is 9.75 miles in 23 minutes
An average commute of almost 9 miles is over three times as long as the average bicycle ride - but the same trip would be a comfortable journey by P2W.
This campaign that encourages sustainable travel modes must also take a realistic view of people's travel habits. The NTS analysis also revealed that one quarter of participants said they never walked for 20 minutes, and that seventy percent of people surveyed rode a bicycle less than once a year. For these people, the PTW can be the perfect halfway house between car travel and bicycling, offering personal, flexible travel at a lower environmental cost than the car, while being a more achievable alternative than walking or cycling.
MCI Spokesperson, Sheila Rainger commented, “Events like European Mobility Week must not let the best be the enemy of the good. PTWs are cleaner than cars, take up less space on our congestion urban roads, and can comfortably handle journeys that would be a daunting distance for novice bicyclists.
“60% of cars on the road have only one occupant. Around 80% of car commuters are travelling solo. If even a small proportion of these switched to P2Ws, rush hours would be less congested, and no additional burden would be placed on public transport systems already bursting at the seams.
“Motorbikes, mopeds and scooters offer a practical, cost-effective alternative to the car for those who can't or won't cycle or walk. Choosing a PTW won’t add to the pressures onto the public transport system, will help to reduce congestion and also offers clear environmental benefits. Now's the time for everyone who is serious about promoting sustainable travel to recognise the PTW as part of the solution.”
For more information about the event go to www.mobilityweek.eu or to find out more about getting on two wheels check out www.geton.co.uk. |
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