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| 20 Jun 2009 07:23:56 pm |
 National Motorcycle Week - A-Z of Biking |
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Adventure – Adventure motorcycling is a popular hobby, that can take you all round the world. The famous trips by Ewan McGregor & Charley Boorman have inspired many more people to enjoy the adventure opportunities that are open to them. And it’s not just for the boys - Lois Pryce writes about her ride from Alaska to Argentina at http://www.loisontheloose.com/
BikeSafe – a unique assessment carried out by highly qualified police riders. Expect a reasonably priced day of riding, where you will be observed by experts and given top tips on what you can do to improve your skills. A highly recommended experience. For more information go to www.bikesafe.co.uk
Compulsory Basic Training (CBT)– A one day training course with two-hours on road riding. On successful completion you will be entitled to ride a bike or scooter up to a 125cc capacity for two years. For more info go to www.mcita.co.uk
Driving Licence: - essential to getting on the road. If you are 16 and want to ride a moped on the road, you will need to apply for a provisional moped licence and take a CBT. If you are over 17 and already have a full car license, this acts as a provisional licence for mopeds and learner-legal motorcycles. Unless you passed your car test before 1 February 2001, you’ll need a CBT too, but it’s a good idea to take the CBT course before taking to the road even if you aren’t legally required to. For more information about routes to your licence, visit http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/LearnerAndNewDrivers/LearningToDriveOrRide/index.htm
Economic – Riding a bike, scooter or moped is a cost –effective way of commuting. A You Gov Survey carried out for National Motorcycle Week ( 2009) found that one- quarter of bikers said they chose to ride to work because it is the cheaper option, compared to only 2% of car drivers.
Freedom – In surveys carried out by the Motor Cycle Industry Association, one of the key words associated with motorcycling is ‘freedom’.
Green – Powered Two-wheelers are recognised as a green form of transport with lower emissions than some other modes of transport. On average, new P2Ws emit 110g/CO2 per km, already a better performance than the targets given to the car industry. On average, Mopeds emit about 70g/km. The average for cars is 158g/km.
Helmets - Sometimes called ‘lids’. Getting a properly fitted and safe helmet is an essential part of a riders kit. To get independent test results on a whole range of lids from the cheapest to most expensive check out this website. www.sharp.direct.gov.uk.
Independence – A bike or scooter can provide young people with their first taste of independence
Young people between 17 and 25 made up 32% of all new riders in the past 12 months.*
Age: number - percentage
17 – 20: 7,543 - 11%
21 – 25: 14,441 - 21%
26-30: 12,582 - 18%
31-35: 9,426 - 13%
36-40: 9,531 - 14%
41-45: 7,838 - 11%
46-50: 4,801 - 7%
51-55: 2,324 - 3%
56-60: 1,095 - 2%
61 +: 462 - 1%
*figures from DSA
Industry - The motorcycle industry in the UK employs more than 15,000 people and turns over in excess of £3 billion a year.
Jam busters – If you want to avoid the crowds and get around the capital as a passenger why not enjoy the thrill of a pillion taxi ride with the professional services of a Virgin limobike. For more information contact www.virgin.com
Kill Spills – A campaign to help reduce the number of diesel spills on UK roads. These spills contribute to many bike accidents , that could easily be reduced . For more information go to www.killspills.org.uk
Leathers - An important part of the riders safety kit. Traditionally bike riders wore leathers for protection. There are many styles available including one piece suits, essential if you plan to do any track riding, and more traditional two piece designs. There are also now a number of alternatives to leathers, such as hi-tech textile clothing which offers protection and comes in a variety of fashionable styles. Don’t forget when buying kit you also need a protective pair of boots - and never ride without gloves.
Moto GP – The motorcycle equivalent of Formula One – The German Moto GP takes place on Sunday 19th July at the Sachsenring, but if you can’t make it don’t forget you can watch the drama unfold on TV.
NEC show – Although it doesn’t take place until later in the year, you can think about getting your tickets for the biggest UK motorcycle show. Find out more on www.motorcycleshow.co.uk
Off – Road – There are lots of ways for people to enjoy two-wheels without even riding on the road, Popular forms of off-road activity include ; moto-cross (scrambling), Trials, Enduro and Supermoto – which is one of the newest and fastest forms and is a mix between road racing and motocross. For more information check out the website www.acu.org.uk
Parking – Motorcycles take up much less space than cars. In a typical car park you can get around 5 motorcycles per car in each space.
Queues – You are less likely to sit in queues if you ride a bike, scooter or moped. The You Gov survey found that almost one in five people are jealous of bikers getting through traffic more quickly.
Ride to Work - riding on a powered – two wheeler can help you win bonus points with the boss. The You Gov survey found over two-thirds ( 67% of motorcycle commuters said they were never late for work. Ride to Work Day is 15th July 2009.
Scooters - These practical urban machines range from 50cc to 400cc. A stylish and affordable mode of transport, they were made popular by the MODs in the 1960’s
Track Day – One of the most exciting ways to hone your skills in a safe environment is at a track day. You can find out how to improve your cornering and get experienced at the hands of the experts with www.thesuperbikeschool.com
Urban Mobility – The number of people riding a powered –two wheeler in London has increased since the introduction of the congestion charge. This has also led to a reduction in casualties. An increase of +20% in motorcycle and scooter mileage in London corresponded to a reduction of 13% in fatalities.
Volunteers – Powered Two Wheelers are used for a variety of life-saving activities. Blood and organ deliveries are often carried out on bikes and scooters. The fire service and police also have fleets
Women – Female riders account for around 15% of the 1.5 million active riders. Famous women riders include: MP Hazel Blears, TV presenters Vicky Butler-Henderson and Suzi Perry, and Paris Dakar rider Patsy Quick
X-citing – The MOTO GP is the bike equivalent of Formula 1 car racing. It is one of the most exciting spectator sports that generates millions of pounds for the industry. Some famous winners include the legendary Barry Sheene, and other UK champions Mike Hailwood and John Surtees and more recently the young Italian Valentino Rossi who has won a staggering eight times.
Your turn - Last year the number of people who took their test increased by 18 per cent. More people are opting for two wheels or considering it as a viable option for their commute. In a recent YouGov survey, Bicycle commuters and tube travellers were the most willing to switch to two wheels. Eighteen per cent of pedal cyclists and 20 per cent of underground users said that they would consider commuting by motorcycle or scooter to avoid traffic and delays.
Zero Emissions - The motorcycle industry already has good green credentials and the manufacturers are doing a lot of research into alternative fuels. For the eco-minded commuter there are even electric motorbikes which have zero emissions.
Motorcycle Data
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 200
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.
** 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+) |
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By : admin
| Category : General |  Comments [0] |  Trackbacks [0]
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| 14 Jun 2009 07:22:26 pm |
| Rossi Takes Win At Lorenzo's Home Track |
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Valentino Rossi took a sensational win at the MotoGP Catalan Grand Prix today, edging out Lorenzo on the very last corner, after the two exchanged blows in a breathtaking last lap. Incredibly, it has been some years since MotoGP fans have seen a latp lap overtake and it will be some time before we witness such a close finish, just one hundreth of a second separating the two after 25 thrilling laps. It is Rossi's 99th career victory.
The two Yamaha riders were a class apart all weekend with no one coming close to matching their pace, Stoner was a distant 3rd and physically exhausted at the end of the race.
Incredibly, Rossi, Lorenzo and Stoner are all on 106 points at the top of the leaderboard, the riders have a two-week break into the Dutch TT at Assen, which is a Saturday race.
Valentino Rossi, 1st"
As we say in Italy, "Mamma Mia!" I think I can honestly say that this was one of the best and hardest wins of my career. Maybe Laguna last year was more important but this was a great, great victory because it went to the very last corner and it's a long time since that has happened. I have dreamed about that move for the last two weeks and today it worked and I am so happy to have this 99th win. We did a perfect job all weekend and my M1 and Bridgestone tyres were brilliant, but we knew that Lorenzo was in the same situation and for sure he was very strong today. I had to be very brave and take it right to the limit in order to beat him. This victory today is more important than the 25 points and anyway now we all have the same, what a championship this is! As well as thanking my team, I especially want to dedicate this win to my Crew Chief Jeremy Burgess because his mother sadly died yesterday. I have to say thank you to her and to him because without him, for sure, I would never have arrived at 99 wins. Now I am going to go to sleep for quite a long time because I need to recover from this excitement!"
Jorge Lorenzo, 2nd"This was an incredible battle today and a brilliant show for everyone, I am happy to have been a part of it. Of course I am sad to have lost because I put my heart on my bike and in my career I am more used to winning these last-lap fights, but today Valentino was maybe a little bit cleverer or a little bit braver than me at the very end and he was able to beat me. In fact during that last lap, after I passed him, I expected him to pass me back on the brakes much earlier but he didn't come, and then I just didn't close the line enough on the final corner and that was it. I am proud however because I am young and I still have a lot to learn in this class. My team have worked so well all weekend so thanks to them, if we can continue as strongly as this all season then who knows what can happen?"
Casey Stoner (Ducati Marlboro Team) 3rd “I haven’t felt in great shape all weekend – I wasn’t ill but I wasn’t quite myself. Then last night I couldn’t sleep, I probably got a couple of hours at the most, and after just a couple of laps this morning I was destroyed. I decided to race myself, basically, and bring home as many points as I could manage but my bike was fantastic and that is why I was able to ride it to a really valuable podium. The team did a perfect job after the warm-up and if I wasn’t so ill, I think I could have stayed with Valentino and Jorge until the end, although I’m not saying I could have beaten them. I started to suffer from really strong cramps and I could barely ride – I was falling over the front of the bike in the hard-braking areas and I was struggling to keep my concentration. I thought about stopping but decided to just back off for a while and try to hang on for a top ten. The bike was so good that I was able to keep up a decent pace and hold off Dovizioso. Tonight I’ll try to get plenty of rest and recover my strength for the test tomorrow because this is an important period in the championship and we need to test. After that it’s Assen and I’m already looking forward to it.” |
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By : admin
| Category : MotoGP | Comments [0] | Trackbacks [0]
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| 13 Jun 2009 10:24:39 pm |
| Why do you ride a bike? |
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I’ve read and heard most of the reasons, it’s freedom, riding in the open not in a tin box, it’s an adrenalin rush, no traffic queues etc. I’ve got my own reason.
What do you feel when your doing your daily chores/work, are there any signs of real happiness? Are you excited? Is the adrenaline flowing? Unless you have the perfect job, and every hour of your day is full of such things you possibly realise, deep down, that it’s not living. It’s a day full of things that you HAVE to do to pay bills and feed your family.
When I pull on my lid, put my gloves on, turn the key and hit the button I know within the next 10 minutes I’ll be feeling happy, excited, the adrenaline will be flowing and I will begin to feel ALIVE!!
The only protection we have is our brain, our ability, and our riding gear, if the first 2 go wrong we’re in deep doo daa and the 3rd becomes number one.
If we lean the wrong way we fall off, if we lean too far the right way, we fall off, if we lose concentration for a split second it could mean a trip in a big yellow and green van with flashing lights. But on the other hand, the wind hitting your body, moving your weight to get a corner just right, gripping the tank with your legs when you brake to conserve the crown jewels and the sound of the world as you ride through it make me feel alive.
The feeling of being at one with the machine is something that gets the adrenaline flowing like nothing else, well jumping off a cliff with a pair of silk knickers in a backpack will get something flowing, but I’ve never heard it called adrenaline!
For some it has been a lifetime of constant rewards, of trips you will never forget, problems you will be prepared for the next time, while others might be beginning their love affair with two wheels.
Next time your sitting at home wondering whether or not to get the stead out and go for a ride…this is not a rehearsal you are only here once so make the most of it, even if you only get out on a Sunday feel ALIVE for at least one day! |
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By : admin
| Category : General | Comments [0] | Trackbacks [0]
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| 11 Jun 2009 09:26:49 pm |
| National Motorcycle and Ride To Work Week |
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National Motorcycle Week 2009 is promoting the ‘ Get More Out of Life’ message during the
campaign, which runs from 12th - 18th July 2009.
The event aims to highlight the positive aspects of motorcycling including environmental and social benefits. In 2009, the MCI has adopted the strapline to get riders and non-riders thinking about the world of motorcycling and encouraging them to get active.
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 MCI hopes to 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 (15th July) is part of National Motorcycle Week and aims to convince that ‘motorcycling means more……’
More freedom
More fun
More convenience
More skills
More action
More opportunities
The MCIA’s spokesperson Sheila Rainger said, “ National Motorcycle Week is an important date in the motorcycling calendar because it is an opportunity for the whole motorcycling community to get active. “ The MCIA encourages people to organise events such as ride-outs, charity runs, biker’s breakfasts 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.”
The Association is encouraging all motorcyclists and even non-motorcyclists to participate in an activity during the week to demonstrate to the public, press and politicians the number of people that enjoy riding motorcycles and scooters and why they have made the motorcycling choice.
Anyone who is interested in organising an event can find out more information on the MCIA’s website www.mcia.co.uk
A free organiser’s pack is available to download, along with some posters.. People who are planning to hold an event should contact the MCI, to help promote their event and put journalists in contact with them. |
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By : admin
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| 10 Jun 2009 10:29:09 pm |
| Motorcycle Pass Rates Reduces Dramatically! |
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It has been reported that as many as 4000 fewer learners are passing their bike test under the the new test each month. Around 6600 were passing 12 months ago and that number has plummeted to circa 2600 today. To date there have been 18 reported accidents whilst riders were attempting the swerve test - data obtained under the Freedom of Information Act. 16 of these suffered injuries and 7 were taken to hospital!
The swerve test involves swerving around cones at 31mph before stopping, split into two separate exercises. The test is supposed to demonstrate the rider to make two dramatic changes in direction and stop in an unreasonable distance.
A combination of a harder test and many horrer stories are clearly putting people off and it is threatening the future of motorcycling, according to the Motorcycle Industry Association (MIA). There are lots on people asking for the swerve test to change but the DSA currently have no plans to make any changes.
The DSA are currently having constructive talks with the motorcycle industry but you can expect changes to be made!
Watch this space! |
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By : admin
| Category : Motorcycle Training | Comments [0] | Trackbacks [0]
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