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| 09 Nov 2009 09:06:13 pm |
 Motorcycle Association To Tackle Training & Legislation |
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The motorcycle industry ‘s training associations have merged under the umbrella of the Motorcycle Industry Association (MCI) to create an organisation that is better prepared to take on the current circumstances and future challenges of motorcycle training. The trainers association will be known as the Motorcycle Industry Trainers Association (MCITA)
Following a review of motorcycle training issues the Motor Cycle Industry Trainers Association (MCITA) and Motorcycle Rider Training Association (MRTA) have merged together to better serve the practical and representative requirements of the training industry.
The merger will ensure a larger, single voice for trainers that will be essential in forthcoming consultations and licence directives. The industry believes that now more than ever, it is essential to use our collective voice to ensure the needs of trainers are fully represented and supported.
The recent implementation of the 2nd Driving Licence Directive has posed difficulties for the training industry and it is vital that trainers are united to work through these current complications and respond to the consultation relating to the Third Driving Licence Directive (3DLD).
The 3DLD will deal with issues related to the minimum age for riding bikes and a new licence category has been added. Importantly there is also the option for riders to move through licencing categories via a training or testing route. The MCITA has a critical role to play and are currently talking to both the DSA and other organisations in Europe about this upcoming legislation to ensure that in the UK the trainer’s position is optimised and rider safety maximised as the 3rd directive is implemented.
There are many other important topics on the horizon that MCITA will need to address, including Direct Access and CBT review , a review of the Trainer Booking system, Continuing Professional Development (CPD) for Motorcycle Instructors and much more.
On a day-to-day basis MCITA members can expect regular communications and other practical business benefits. Canvassing of opinions and a monthly newsletter will keep members fully informed about the regulatory changes that are likely to happen in the future. MCITA members are also represented at many meetings each year with the Department for Transport and the Driving Standards Agency among others, as well as in Europe through the MCI’s sister association ACEM. Discounted insurance premiums and kit discounts are some of the other financial benefits.
Tara Glen, Chairman for the MCI said; “If the training industry is to respond successfully to the challenges ahead, maintain commerciality and drive improving rider safety standards, addressing the future as a larger single representative voice is essential and the MCI is proud to be able to lead this merged organisation”
Paul Williams, Chairman for the RMI commented that; “ we recognise that the motorcycle trainers would be better represented by being a larger single voice, particularly in the face of proposed legislation and at the RMI we are pleased that our foundation work on behalf of the training industry will, by this merger be continued by the enlarged MCITA” |
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| Category : Motorcycle Training |  Comments[0] |  Trackbacks [0]
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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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| Category : General | Comments[0] | Trackbacks [0]
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