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| 28 Aug 2009 08:10:00 pm |
 Avoiding Wails over Wales |
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‘Protest with care’ is the British Motorcyclists Federation’s message to riders supporting the Motor Cycle News ‘Reclaim North Wales’ campaign planned for Sunday 13th September.
While backing the MCN campaign, an initiative designed to assert the rights of law-abiding motorcyclists to ride free of police harassment on the roads of North Wales, the BMF nevertheless advises motorcyclists taking part in the protest ride to double-check that they fully comply with the law and leave no legitimate reason to be stopped by the police.
“When you are protesting about any element of law enforcement, it is extremely important to make sure that your own house is in order,” said the BMF’s Government Relations Executive, Chris Hodder.
While some checks sound obvious, the BMF have issued a 10 point reminder for participants to not only comply with all speed limits and road signs but to ensure that a rider’s:
Driving licence is valid
Insurance is valid
Machine is taxed and the disc displayed on nearside (it’s an offence not to)
Tyres are legal (1 mm minimum tread depth across ¾ width of tyre)
Visor is legal (75% light transmission)
Aftermarket exhaust systems are clearly stamped with ‘BSAU 193a’ and a number and/or the European "E" mark.
Number plate is full size see www.dvla.gov.uk/media/pdf/leaflets/v796.pdf
Lights are working (including stop light)
Indicators are working
Motorcycle has a current MOT and can be seen to be roadworthy
North Wales Police launched ‘Operation Focus’ to cut motorcycle casualties, but unfortunately say the BMF, it is a clumsy initiative that in reality fails to focus on those causing the real problem – the irresponsible minority. It’s like stopping every football fan just because they like football say the BMF.
Even though North Wales Police say they stop around 400 motorcyclists every weekend during the summer months, they admit that only around 10% are found to have breached any ‘road safety legislation’. Proof that the majority are suffering harassment through the pursuit of a minority say the BMF.
Details of the ‘Reclaim North Wales’ ride can be found at:
http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/News/newsresults/General-news/2009/August/aug1309-help-mcn-reclaim-north-wales/ |
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| 28 Aug 2009 10:04:56 pm |
| Travel Survey Shows Savvy Commuters Use Motorcycles and Scoo |
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Motorcycles are making a bigger contribution to getting commuters to work than any other mode of transport, according to the MCI’s analysis of the new National Travel Survey.*
The survey shows that 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. These findings challenge the myth that bikers are a nuisance on the road and more interested in leisure pursuits than the day to day convenience of a powered two-wheeler. They strengthen the case for motorcycling to take its place at the heart of mainstream transport policy as an everyday, practical mode of transport which can improve access to employment, education and social networks.
* Congestion-busting: the majority of car journeys are still single occupancy (60%) and this is notably higher for commuting and business trips (84%). If these solo drivers switched to two wheels, congestion would fall and journey times drop dramatically.
* Affordable: financial hurdles were one of the main deterrents to driving. For younger people this was particularly critical, with almost half (48%) of 17-20 year olds stating ‘the cost of learning ‘ as a reason for not driving. A third ( 32% ) of this age group said that the cost of buying a car was another key factor for not driving. A new rider can get on the road for under £2,000 including a new 125cc scooter, kit and the basic training ( CBT ) that is required: a more cost –effective option than four wheels and ideal for younger people who need to get to work or college on a limited budget.
* Regular: the average motorcyclist relies on their bike for everyday transport, using it for over one-third of all journeys they make.
MCI Spokesperson Sheila Rainger said, “ Motorcycle and scooter riders are capitalizing on the cost-effective, practical benefits of using a powered-two wheeler during some of the busiest times of the day.
“It is important that the Government and employers recognise the contribution riders are making to ensure workers are getting to the ‘office ‘ quicker and cheaper than some of their colleagues. Cheaper parking, secure and covered parking and access to bus lanes are just some of the small steps that will improve a biker’s experience.” |
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| 31 Aug 2009 10:02:22 pm |
| UK Businesses Losing Out on the Biker Pound |
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The leisure and tourism industry is missing out on the biker pound from European travellers as a new MCI analysis of official statistics shows that almost four times as many British bikers cross the Channel for their holidays as come the other way.
100,000 independent bikers travel abroad by ferry or the channel tunnel for their holidays in Europe, whereas only 23,000 European riders visit the UK. (1)
According to the MCI’s analysis, if UK tourist businesses could attract the same number of bikers to the UK as leave the UK for holidays, over £30 million pounds per week could be generated.
There are many British icons that will appeal to European bikers from enjoying the best of British food, local delicacies and the full English breakfast , to the fantastic scenery and the many historical heritage sites including the legendary biker venue the Ace Café.
Research carried out by the Motor Cycle Industry Association reveals that UK bikers are already a lucrative market as they contribute nearly £400 million to UK tourism. (2)
In its survey of more than 2,000 riders and non-riders from across the UK, the MCI found that 84% of the UK’s 1.5 million riders prefer to holiday by motorcycle for holidays, short breaks and days out – even though the majority have access to a car.
One-quarter of riders use motorcycles as their preferred mode of transport to enjoy days-out in the UK. One-in-six take weekend short-breaks by bike and one-in-fifteen holiday on two-wheels . The average spend by motorcyclists is £68 per day on accommodation, food and entertainment.
In the current economic climate, where the tourism industry is encouraging British people to enjoy a ‘staycation’, it would seem wise to capitalise on the potential European bike market too.
MCI Spokesperson, Sheila Rainger said “We are currently attracting a very low percentage of European riders. If we could attract the same number of bikers to the UK as leave the UK for holidays the industry could potentially generate over £30 million in income for every week they spent on holiday in the UK.
“Holidaying by bike is an excellent way of seeing more of the UK’s tourist attractions and stunning scenery at your own convenience. It contributes a significant amount to local and national tourism and now is a good time for the UK to try and open this up to markets further afield.”
Mark Wilsmore of Ace Cafe London said "As a destination venue, motorcycle tourism is increasingly important. At the cafe we ensure that we give riders a reason to get out and enjoy riding their bikes and visit us". |
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| 20 Aug 2009 08:30:47 pm |
| M25 & M11 |
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M25 and the M11 will be equipped with Point to Point speed devices from August 1st 2009.
Once you enter the M11 for instance ,you pass a camera that takes a photo of your car and registration number and records the exact time, upon exit another camera takes a photo of your car and registration
number, and records the exact time you leave the motorway.
The Cameras are set at a fixed points. With both the start time and finish time, a computer is able calculate the time it has taken for you to travel between the two fixed points, and works out your average speed and how many miles you may have travelled over the national speed Limit, and If you have completed the clocked journey too fast you are given a speeding ticket.
At the present time the national speed limit for motorways is 70mph. For every minute that you drive over the speed limit you will incur a fine of £30, and one point on your licence . the fines will be issued automatically but the MOT will be allowing a variance of 10% for 3 months, which gives a top speed of 77mph untill the end of October 2009.
The MOT will at a later date add cameras at all exit points along the motorways. Remember that now with the new legislation, fighting speed camera fines is almost impossible. You must prove the device is faulty
and if you are not a technician working on them, you have no chance of beating the fine. |
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| 07 Aug 2009 06:32:46 pm |
| July Motorcycle Market Figures |
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Sales of powered two wheelers (PTW) including motorcycles, mopeds and scooters, fell by 26.8 per cent compared to July 2008, according to figures released today by the Motor Cycle Industry Association (MCI). However, July 2008 was a uniquely high-selling month, with registrations boosted by 22 per cent by the expected introduction of the new test later that year. Comparisons with July 2007 suggest an underlying market decline of around 10 per cent.
PTW registrations in July were 10,465 – a decrease of 3,841 over the same month last year, and a decrease of 1,263 over July 2007. Total PTW registrations for the first seven months of the year are down 16.8 per cent at 72,877.
The top selling bikes in July were both 125cc models – the Yamaha YZF R125 (255 units) and the Honda CBF 125M (226 units) – reflecting sustained demand for smaller-engined, learner legal machines.
The market share of bikes with engines larger than 126cc increased by 10 per cent, driven by demand for adventure sport, custom and touring bikes. The market share of 1,000cc plus bikes has increased by 21.9 per cent.
The biggest-selling make in July was Yamaha with 1,835 registrations followed by Honda (1,291) and Suzuki (1,044).
MCI’s Sheila Rainger said: “July’s dismal weather combined with an equally gloomy economic outlook has inevitably put pressure on sales. However, the reasons to switch to two wheels remain strong. Riding a motorcycle is one of the most cost-effective ways to travel, and provides a unique combination of fun, freedom and convenience. The motorcycle industry has launched the “Get On” campaign to raise awareness of the benefits of riding among new audiences and encourage non-riders to have a go.”
Notes
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. |
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