Biker News - Regularly updated

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  1. The British Motorcyclists Federation have appointed event specialists, the Mulberry Group, as organisers of the BMF’s range of popular motorcycle events.

    Starting as from 1st October 2009, the Mulberry Group will take over the organisation of BMF events from Live Promotions, the BMF’s event contractors since 2007.

    BMF Chairman Anna Zee said: “Outsourcing our events back in 2007 was a big move for us and our thanks go to Live Promotions for coming in at a very difficult time for the BMF, but now, after a through review of our requirements, we want to further develop our unique range of events and have decided that the Mulberry Group, (no ‘Here We Go Round The Mulberry Bush’ jokes thank you!), under their Managing Director Martin Chick, himself a keen motorcyclist, are the people to do that.”

    For the Mulberry Group, Kawasaki ZZR1400 riding MD, Martin Chick, a motorcyclist for over 30 years, said that he intends to be very hands-on and while he already has several ideas for improvements, wants to undertake a thorough and joint review before implementing any changes.

    "We are delighted to have been chosen to manage the BMF events and we look forward to the challenges this will bring,” said Martin. “My passion for and love of motorcycling will be very much at the forefront of the Mulberry Group's approach to the BMF events. "We want to review the entire make-up of the shows, including the sponsorship and exhibitor packages, and intend to create some new and innovative changes which we are confident that both members and the public will benefit from"

    Overall responsibility for the shows will rest with Martin Chick with day to day matters being dealt with by the Mulberry events team in conjunction with the BMF’s Assistant Events Manager, Jane Longthorn. 

     

  2. Many young students will return to their studies this year on mopeds and motorcycles and parents in Warwickshire are being urged to send them on a free, dedicated training course to help them stay safe on the roads. 

    Research has shown that 16 to 19 year old motorcyclists are the most vulnerable road users and many still feel nervous and cautious when they first travel on two wheels; even though this heralds an exciting, new-found freedom.

    Warwickshire Road Safety Officer, Stephen Rumble explains;

    “A moped or motorcycle is a great way to get around because you no longer have to rely on parents for lifts or be constrained by public transport times. However, our behavioural studies suggest that many inexperienced riders quickly change from feeling nervous, cautious and vulnerable to being confident, cocky and believing themselves to be invincible. The casualty statistics for this age group would frighten any parent, but we are not trying to discourage the use of mopeds and motorcycles. The Take Control training course is designed to help young riders develop new skills, temper any over-enthusiasm and improve their road safety awareness“.

    A number of prominent local motorcycle dealerships are supporting and promoting the Take Control courses and the free half-day rider training would be an ideal follow up to CBT. The advanced instructors are available seven days a week and will usually take one or two motorcyclists per session, starting at a convenient location to suit everyone.                                                                                                    

    For more information, go to www.takecontroltraining.co.uk

    For bookings, call 90-ONE Rider Education on (0845) 370 91 91.

  3. Continuing with Ace Cafe London's successful Harley Nights "Bike of the Night" competition, with this year's grand final to choose "Bike of the Year" taking place on Thursday 29th October, we are pleased to announce that we have teamed up with www.farorun.com who have generously offered a prize of free entry to attend the July 2010 Faro Festival in Portugal.

    Starting from Thursday 24th September 2009, and running through to Thursday 24th June 2010, each "Bike of the Night" winner will win a ticket for entry to the festival and will be invited back to attend the grand final in June to compete for the grand prize of a full camping package.

    www.ace-cafe-london.com

  4. Riders can do their bit for greener travel and healthier cities by getting their leg over daily, according to the Motor Cycle Industry Association at the start of European Mobility Week. During the week, people across Europe come together to tackle the increase in pollution and related problems associated with transport in towns and cities. ' In Town Without My Car, ' taking place on the 22nd September, is the perfect opportunity for riders of bikes and scooters to demonstrate how powered two wheelers (PTWs) can help in the battle for less congested roads and reduced pollution.

    The green advantages of motorcycles, mopeds and scooters are clear. On CO2 emissions, the PTW fleet as a whole (at 110g/km) has already bettered the new EU targets for cars. (120g/km, to be met by 2012)(1). PTWs don't get stuck in queues, and so don't stand in traffic jams with their engines idling, which means that total Co2 emitted will always be lower for any given journey. PTWs also take on average only half as long as a car to do a similar journey in town, and take up less space when parked.

    The MCI is calling for actions and events which promote sustainable transport to recognise that in reality, walking and cycling are not always the most practical alternative to a car journey, particularly for everyday commuting and business travel. The MCI's analysis of the National Travel Survey has shown that:-

    · the average commute is 8.7 miles/27 minutes
    · the average business trip is 19.4 miles/38 minutes
    · the average bicycle trip is 2.6 miles/20.3 minutes
    · the average motorcycle trip is 9.75 miles in 23 minutes

    An average commute of almost 9 miles is over three times as long as the average bicycle ride - but the same trip would be a comfortable journey by P2W.
    This campaign that encourages sustainable travel modes must also take a realistic view of people's travel habits. The NTS analysis also revealed that one quarter of participants said they never walked for 20 minutes, and that seventy percent of people surveyed rode a bicycle less than once a year. For these people, the PTW can be the perfect halfway house between car travel and bicycling, offering personal, flexible travel at a lower environmental cost than the car, while being a more achievable alternative than walking or cycling.

    MCI Spokesperson, Sheila Rainger commented, "Events like European Mobility Week must not let the best be the enemy of the good. PTWs are cleaner than cars, take up less space on our congestion urban roads, and can comfortably handle journeys that would be a daunting distance for novice bicyclists.

    "60% of cars on the road have only one occupant. Around 80% of car commuters are travelling solo. If even a small proportion of these switched to P2Ws, rush hours would be less congested, and no additional burden would be placed on public transport systems already bursting at the seams.

    "Motorbikes, mopeds and scooters offer a practical, cost-effective alternative to the car for those who can't or won't cycle or walk. Choosing a PTW won't add to the pressures onto the public transport system, will help to reduce congestion and also offers clear environmental benefits. Now's the time for everyone who is serious about promoting sustainable travel to recognise the PTW as part of the solution."

    For more information about the event go to www.mobilityweek.eu
    or to find out more about getting on two wheels check out www.geton.co.uk