Category: Motorcycle Industry Association

1. MCI ASKS RIDERS TO CHECK THEIR SPEED IN ROAD SAFETY WEEK

   Posted on 8:49am Thursday 25th Nov 2010

   Road Safety Week ( 22-28 November) is giving children a voice and their message is "Slow Down' in built up areas because slowing down in our communities can help to save lives.
   
   Department for Transport statistics show that 5% of motorcycle accidents were caused by exceeding the speed limit and 8% of accidents were caused by riding too fast for the conditions.
   
   Although speeding is not the biggest cause of accidents on the road, taking steps to slow down can help save lives. Slowing down is the single most important thing that riders and drivers can do in towns, villages, and around schools. The slower we move, the more chance we have to react to the unexpected.
   
   Tips for safer speeds in urban areas:
   
   Check your speed limits - if you aren't sure of speed limits then refer to the highway code for the signs and indicators that you can rely on, read the road signs and be aware that in urban areas speed limits can vary from 20mph - 40 mph
   Adapt speed to conditions - Slowing down for safety doesn't just mean staying within speed limits. It also means slowing down when you're driving in high risk situations, such as in bad weather, when visibility is poor, and in places where there are likely to be vulnerable road users.
   Time to react - Even if the limit is the typical urban 30mph,  20mph is a safer speed when you're driving in residential areas, or near to schools and community facilities like shops. At this speed, you have a better chance of being able to stop in time were a child to run out.
   
   Steve Kenward, MCI's CEO commented. "Although motorcyclists are themselves vulnerable on the roads we all need to be aware of other vulnerable road users such as pedestrians and cyclists".
   
   "Riding at a speed that is appropriate for the conditions is critical. Adopting slower speeds, in urban areas, is vitally important for safety because it gives you time to react and safely come to stop in an emergency. "
   Road Safety Week is organized by the road safety charity Brake - for more information go to www.roadsafetyweek.org.

2. Motor Cycle Industry Association Appoints New Chairman

   Posted on 9:16am Wednesday 24th Nov 2010

   The Motor Cycle Industry Association has appointed a new Chairman. Howard Dale, General Manager, Kawasaki Motors UK, having been Vice Chairman for two years takes over from Tara Glen of E P Barrus Ltd who retires having been chair for the last two years.

   Howard spent 10 years working in a motorcycle dealership before joining a major manufacturer in 1991 and with close on 30 years experience of the motorcycle industry has  during this time developed a rounded knowledge of the issues affecting the industry at all levels.

   Although Howard is taking on the role during a time of economic challenge, the industry Association, MCI is set fair to meet the challenges of the future and work with all stakeholders to ensure its key aims of improving both the accessibility to motorcycling, and its safety record though the delivery of the "route to safer motorcycling" initiative are achieved.

   Howard commented: "As roads become more congested, motorcycling can and will play its part in governments mainstream transport proposals, MCI will work with government to this effect and I am excited about leading MCI during the period when the opportunity for our industry to become a solution provider becomes a reality".  Commenting on his appointment, Howard said: "As someone who has spent their entire career working within the motorcycle industry, I am both humbled and honoured to have been appointed Chairman of the MCI".

   "Together with the MCI board of directors we will be working hard to increase accessibility to motorcycling and ensuring motorcycling becomes established as part of the UK's mainstream transport policy."

   "It won't be easy but, as an industry working to a single ambition, we have a realistic chance of making some significant changes to the way motorcycles are currently regarded."

   Howard will be in attendance at this year's Carole Nash Motorcycle Live (27th Nov - 5th Dec) at the NEC in Birmingham, one of the most important motorcycle events in the UK, where he will host both the visit of Transport Minister - Mike Penning and on the 30th November the first annual MCI member conference, of recent times, which will provide insights into current issues being managed by the Association on behalf of its members.

    

3. The End of British Summer Time is Not A Signal to Put Your Bike Away

   Posted on 8:15am Monday 1st Nov 2010

   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 MCI's analysis of new Government taxation data shows that more and more UK bikers are committing to the benefits of biking all year round and 122,000 more bikes were kept taxed for road use than there were in 2005 .

    The MCI is marking the end of British Summer Time ( 31st October) by reminding all year round riders how to stay safer in the months ahead:

    Winter riding presents a number of extra hazards caused by darker nights and cold, wet weather. Slippery roads and reduced visibility are two important factors riders must take into account on their journey.

    Research has shown that cold weather reduces concentration and can impair mental function and make it more difficult to complete complex task, so it is essential that riders prepare for the reduced temperatures by ensuring they have the right kit for the weather conditions. (2)

    As winter officially starts the MCI is urging all road users , not just bike riders, to act responsibly. There are some simple safety tips that will benefit all during the British winter.

    . LIGHTS - Turn your lights on before it is fully dark - but don't dazzle on high beam

    . SPEED - Reduce speed in wintery weather conditions - fog, rain and ice

    . TYRES - Always ensure adequate tread depth and pattern and correct tyre inflation.

    . MIRRORS  - Check mirrors regularly

    . TAILGATING- Give each other extra space when road conditions are poor

    . VISIBILITY - Motorcyclists can increase their visibility by wearing clothing such as a reflective jacket

    . TEMPERATURE - Invest in some special winter kit which offers better protection from the elements and will help to keep you warm and dry in the colder months

    Steve Kenward MCI's CEO commented, "Winter riding brings its own unique challenges, but a change in seasons doesn't mean you have to put your bike away".

    "In the dark mornings ahead, riders and drivers alike need to be more vigilant for everyone's safety. 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."

    1) DfT: Vehicle Licensing and Registration Statistics ?2009

    2) Variations in Mental Performance Under Moderate Cold Stress by Sharma in the International Journal of Biometerology (1987) 

4. Motorcycle Industry Provides Positive Employment Opportunities for the UK

   Posted on 12:00am Thursday 21st Oct 2010

   The motorcycle industry is a vital employer in the UK providing thousands of jobs in a broad range of sectors across the country.
   
   Currently, the industry directly employs 65,000 people in more that 6,000 businesses, which is a greater level of employment that those employed in UK call centres, the market research sector, as taxi drivers and throughout libraries, museums and other cultural activities. (1)
   
   In 2008, the industry paid out more than £1.2 billion in wages and made total tax contributions of more than £1 billion.
   
   There is a wide range of opportunities for people to take employment in the motorcycle industry.  Distribution and retail is the largest single field of employment (20,380) and the sport and leisure sector employs around 10,000 people contributing a gross added value to the UK economy of £238 million per annum. 
   
   Other sectors offering work opportunities include; manufacturing, repairs , servicing and maintenance and other support services such as finance, marketing, publishing, training and couriers. Between them they employ almost 30,000 people, paying over £600 million in wages.
   
   Although there is a concentration of retail and distribution jobs (31% of the total), average wages are £18,800 across the whole industry and are significantly higher in the support services (£21,600) and manufacturing (£28,600) sectors
   
   Steve Kenward, MCI's CEO commented. " The motorcycle industry provides a significant financial contribution to the UK 's economy, generating added value of more than £2billion,  as well as acting as an important employer.
   
   "There are many fields of employment within the industry offering work opportunities for people from all walks of life whether they want to work in a practical, hands-on role or take a more customer service based job there is something for everyone."
   
   For more information about the motorcycle industry go to the website www.mcia.co.uk
   

   1) All statistics are from the survey - The Economic Significance of the UK Motorcycle Industry by GHK - February 2010

5. Industry Welcomes New London Bikes in Bus Lanes Trial and Urges Responsible Road Use

   Posted on 8:50am Tuesday 5th Oct 2010

   As a part of the Transport for London (TfL) trial assessing the suitability of motorcycles in bus lanes, the Motor Cycle Industry Association (MCI) is calling on all road users, particularly car drivers to act responsibly and be aware of motorcycles and bicycles in bus lanes. ~
   
   In partnership with TfL, the MCI is also launching an updated Code of Conduct for motorcyclists who use bus lanes.
   
   The Code offers sound advice on how to use bus lanes and the update covers the etiquette that riders should observe in order to protect themselves and respect cyclists, pedestrians and other road users. An earlier 18-month experiment was carried out to see if motorcycles could use bus lanes permanently, in order to improve accessibility for motorcycle users, tackle road safety and reduce congestion.
   
   The trial found benefits for motorcyclists using bus lanes, including shorter journey times and reduced emissions. Unfortunately motorcycle casualty rates increased during the course of the trial and an analysis by the Transport Research Laboratory (TRL) revealed that this was primarily due to cars pulling out of side turnings on bus lane roads, or turning across bus lanes. This was combined with excessive speed by some riders, who were then unable to avoid cars which crossed their paths.
   
   The problem appears to insufficient car driver attention being paid to the presence of vulnerable road users in bus lanes, as, as the TRL research also revealed that the same problem experienced by motorcyclists is occurring for cyclists, with a number of cycle collisions taking place with cars.
   
   Cycle collisions were not attributed to the presence of motorcycles in bus lanes and half of all cyclists support having motorcycles in bus lanes. 80% of cyclists said that motorcycles in bus lanes made no difference to their journey choice.
   
   The MCI and TfL are now working to make car drivers more aware of motorcyclists in bus lanes as part of the new experiment, which began in July.
   
   Steve Kenward, MCI's CEO said: "Allowing motorcycles to use bus lanes is a positive step towards improving transport accessibility for London citizens. Access to bus lanes helps to increase accessibility on the overall road space and improve their visibility.
   
   "Cycling has been shown to coexist safely with motorcycling in bus lanes, but now there is a different issue to address, namely the interaction of car users with bus lanes and their effect on cycle and motorcycle safety.
   "However, it cannot be denied that many collisions could have been avoided if riders who were involved had moderated their speed and ridden more defensively while in bus lanes. Once again, we are faced with a shared responsibility issue - the need for cars to look out for bikes and for motorcyclists to be more aware of their speed choice and the road environment around them.
   
   "MCI is delighted to be working with TfL on the issue of motorcycles and bus lanes and looks forward to continuing to develop and support best practice policies in relation to motorcycling in London."
   
   Lilli Matson, Head of Modal Policy at Transport for London, said: "TfL is happy to support the revised Code of Conduct. Improving safety is a key issue for the new trial and it is important that motorcyclists get the message that they need to look out for road safety hazards far more than they do at present. It is also equally important that other road users look out for motorcyclists and cyclists in bus lanes."
   
   www.tfl.gov.uk

   www.mcia.co.uk