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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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| 30 Jun 2009 07:21:22 pm |
| Get On The Road To Romance in 2009 National Motorcycle Week |
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Motorcycling isn’t just for the boys it offers the road to romance, love and sex appeal. Famous faces increase their x-factor when they get onto two wheels on the big screen so why not you?
Hollywood has provided us with many a cool biking image – remember Quadrophenia? The Great Excape? Easy Rider? And they’ve recognised that girls like to ride too from stylish Audrey Hepburn in Roman Holiday to more recently the modern Charlie’s Angels and glamorous Angelina Jolie as Lara Croft.
Closer to home there a plenty of famous faces that like to pull on a pair of leathers and enjoy the freedom of riding on two-wheels. Celebrity chefs, soap stars, politicians , sportsmen and women, comedians and musicians and DJs have all joined the growing numbers of people who like to ride.
But Britain’s romantic bikers would rather ride with their other half than movie megastars like Kate Winslet, or Tom Cruise.
In an MCI survey when asked to name who they would most like to take a fantasy ride with, twice as many bikers nominated their partners than petite pop star Kylie, Star Wars’ Ewan McGregor, Valkyrie’s Tom Cruise or Bond’s Pierce Brosnan.
So this National Motorcycle Week don’t forget your other half. If your partner doesn’t already ride why don’t you use this week to get them onto two wheels so you can ‘Get More Out of Life’ together. More freedom, more fun, more friends, more action and more opportunities.
Why not book them onto a day’s motorcycling – complete with a compulsory basic training (CBT) certificate at the end of it. And if neither of you have ever tried motorcycling, why not do it together?
If they aren’t ready for this just yet why not make that one small, romantic gesture and offer them a ride to work , and you might just change their mind.
MCI’s Sheila Rainger said: “People from all walks of life are enjoying the many benefits of riding a bike, scooter or moped. Reducing journey times, cutting congestion, pollution and costs and not being restricted by public transport time tables certainly helps people to arrive at work less stressed.
There are even motorbike taxi services available , which are well used in the Capital and have a big celebrity following from Lawerence Lewellyn-Bowen to Trinny & Susanna.
“If you aren’t riding yet , passing the CBT immediately entitles you to ride a small-engined motorcycle, scooter or moped, and opens the door to more advanced training, bigger machines, unrivalled independence and fun.
“It’s the first step to joining in with increasing numbers of people of both sexes who are getting onto two wheels for work and leisure. So , this National Motorcycle Week ‘Get More Out of Life’. “
Notes:
• figures from Tickbox survey carried out for MCI’s “Now’s the Time” campaign.
• Famous UK bike celebrities include Russ from Hollyoaks, Alan Davies and Ross Noble – comedians, the rower Jame Cracknell, Carl Cox – DJ and music producer, Chris Evans and Jonathan Ross – radio DJs, former gladiator Janie Omorogbe, MP Lembit Opik and TV presenters Dominic Littlewood, Suzi Perry
National Motorcycle Week runs from 12-18 July and Ride to Work Day is on 15th July
Commuter motorcycling accounts for two-thirds of powered two-wheeler journeys and represents one of the cleanest forms of motorised transport for trips where walking, cycling and public transport are not viable. Motorcycles spend less time in traffic jams, whereas cars spend time with engines idling and air-conditioning running.
Powered two-wheelers move freely through traffic jams and as a result leave a smaller carbon footprint over a shorter period of time on any given urban journey.
In addition to the environmental benefits derived from avoiding traffic jams, the government has now confirmed that motorcycles and scooters are more eco friendly in terms of emissions than the average car.
The cost of a CBT course is around £100 and you can find your nearest trainer by going to the Motor Cycle Industry Association (MCI) web site at www.mcia.co.uk.
The MCIA is the UK trade association representing manufacturers and importers of mopeds, motorcycles and scooters, and the suppliers of associated goods and services. It has approximately 150 members representing about 90 per cent of the UK industry.
The motorcycle industry in the UK employs more than 15,000 people and turns over in excess of £3 billion a year.
There are over 1.26 million motorcycles in use in Britain traveling around 5.6 billion vehicle kilometers (DfT 2006). |
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| 25 Jun 2009 05:08:30 pm |
| Is Filtering Through Traffic Illegal? |
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Following a useful article in MCN I decided to talk about it here as the topic is very relevant to many bikers out there...............
Filtering through traffic on a motorcycle is legal BUT you have to be aware of a couple of points. Histroically bikers had to interpret the Highway Code rules for overtaking but the latest version specifically mentions filtering through traffic.
It states, "When in traffic queues look out for pedestrians crossing between vehicles and vehicles emerging from junctions or changing lanes. Position yourself so drivers in front can see you in their mirrors. Additionally, when filtering in slow-moving traffic, keep your speed low. It is an offence to filter past the vehicle at the front of the queue within the zig-zag lines at pedestrian crossings."
If I can make reasonable progress at a slow and safe pace then I will do so, however, always be very vigilent and look out for possible turning points of the vehicles in front of you.
Ride safe! |
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| 25 Jun 2009 02:46:42 pm |
| Westminster Bike Parking Charges – It’s 'No' or Ever |
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The British Motorcyclists Federation is calling on its 90,000 members to oppose the imposition of motorcycle parking charges in Westminster by handing in their written objections to Westminster City Hall on Wednesday 1st July, the eve of the final day for objections.
Supporting the ‘No To Bike Parking Fees’ (NTBPF) campaign, the BMF is asking all motorcyclists to meet in Westminster’s Golden Square, W1, between 5.45pm and 6.30pm and join a demonstration ride to Westminster City Hall where organisers will hand in participants’ objections to the charging regime.
The BMF say that the parking charges introduced for PTWs (Powered Two Wheelers) by Westminster City Council run contrary to the Government’s aim to ‘mainstream’ motorcycling and could, if implemented, be adopted by other towns and cities. “This is a ‘no or ever’ situation” said BMF spokesman Jeff Stone. “Say ‘no’ now or regret it forever as charges are slowly introduced across the UK.”
In backing the ‘No To Bike Parking Fees’ (NTBPF) demonstration (notobikeparkingfees.com), the BMF point out that motorcycles and scooters provide the ideal solution for commuters seeking a genuine door-to-door solution and especially so for low paid key workers. Where public transport does not serve their needs and cycling is not a practical option, PTWs provide the only realistic alternative for those seeking personal mobility say the BMF.
While Westminster have recently reduced the daily experimental charge from £1.50 to £1.00 a day, this still goes against the accepted norm that PTWs are part of the solution, not the problem, in easing traffic congestion and should be encouraged, not discouraged.
Motorcyclists unable to attend can still play a part by registering their objection on http://www.notobikeparkingfees.com/object-online/
Where and when: Weds, 1st July. Meet GOLDEN SQUARE, W1 (ROUTE MAP) between 5.45pm and 6.20pm, leaving at 6:30pm for the ride to Westminster City Hall to arrive at 7pm. |
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| 24 Jun 2009 10:16:57 pm |
| Bike Fest Weekend |
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Bike racing fans are in for a treat this weekend, with MotoGP at Assen on Saturday and the World Superbikes coming home to Donington on Sunday.
Following Jonathan Rea's fantastic win at Misano last weekend, Shakey Byrne finally getting on the podium and a wild card ride from Leon Camier, British fans hopes are high. Of course, we also have Leon Haslam and Tom Sykes representing our country. And there's not forgetting everyone's favourite, the lovable Noriyuki Haga!
MotoGP fans will also be hoping for more of the same from Valentino Rossi and Jorge Lorenzo, following their epic battle in Spain 10 days ago, don't forget that Assen is a Saturday race!
Valentino Rossi - "A special track""Assen is a very special track for all riders and it is a wonderful place to ride a MotoGP bike, even if it was better before they changed the layout. Last year I had my worst point of the season there so I want to make up for that with a good performance, because the fans are very passionate and they deserve a good show. After Barcelona we know how strong we are but also our rivals are strong too so we can't afford to relax, we have to keep pushing. Montmel was fantastic, one of my best wins ever, but the championship is very close between the three of us and so we have to try to win again to take the lead. There is still a long way to go but we have to remain consistent."
Jorge Lorenzo - "My favourite track""I could never have imagined after the crash in Jerez that I would have the opportunity to become leader again so quickly, but here we are at the front with Casey and Valentino! The last three races have been fantastic and almost unbelievable, and now for the three of us it's almost like we're starting the championship all over again. Assen is my favourite track and I am going there feeling very confident in my bike and my Bridgestone tyres and with all the team feeling very motivated. Last year I was sixth so the most important thing is to improve on that, but of course I am aiming for another podium, because consistency is the way to remain close to the top of the standings. We had a positive test in Barcelona and now I will hope to show our improvements with an even better performance in Holland."
Post your comments here and let us know what you thought of the action. |
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