Category: Motorcycle Industry Association

1. Industry Calls for Government Support for the Wheels to Work Scheme

   Posted on 8:54am Tuesday 14th Sep 2010

   The Motor Cycle Industry Association (MCI) is calling for action as a new report on the ground breaking 'Wheels to Work' (WTW) programme is published by the industry.

   
   Wheels to Work is a programme which provides transport, mainly smaller engined motorcycles or scooters, to individuals who are unable to access training, employment or education, due to a lack of suitable public or private transport. Wheels to Work and Wheels to Learning schemes can be particularly important for people living in isolated rural communities where public transport is inadequate or only available during business hours. There are around 40 programmes currently operating in the UK.

   
   In a detailed scoping study of the initiative, 'Wheels to Work in 2010', MCI, reviewed the number of schemes, their objectives, geographical location, their size and operational scope and the security of their financing. The MCI is calling for commitment from public and private stakeholders for secure long-term support and funding for WTW.

   
   It is widely accepted that a lack of viable transport can have a negative effect on opportunities for training, education and employment, particularly for young people and those living in rural areas. The industry study notes that new Government support for WTW could provide value for money for the Exchequer compared to the often open ended payment of long term benefits to young people who are not in education or employment.
   The report includes detailed recommendations that aim to build on the strengths of WTW programmes. If supported by Government and fully enacted, industry recommendations will enable schemes to provide a much needed section of the social 'toolkit' required to enable young people, in particular, to gain access to employment, training and further education.

   
   Wheels to Work has traditionally enjoyed cross-party political support to party leadership level, but, given the potential for WTW to contribute to aspects of welfare reform and longer term budget savings, welcome words now need to be formalised, by Government, into a strategic policy which places WTW at the heart of support for job seekers.

   
   The key recommendations from the report include: . Recognition by Government and agencies that sustainable and consistent support is the sensible and cost effective option. . Consideration to how Wheels to Work can be supported during the current restructuring of the 'welfare to work' programmes. . Creation of a national steering group (not a quango) to develop policy, maintain awareness and create a link with individual programmes.

   Steve Kenward, MCI' s CEO commented, " The industry's study has established a clear picture of the situation for WTW in 2010.

   
   "Now we need to take this one step further and create a formalised strategy with Government support that will help to secure the necessary funding to assist this valuable initiative. Experience of individual WTW programmes reveals a notably positive effect in helping young people get suitable transport to enable them to take on employment or further training.

   
   "Government should view Wheels to Work as an investment, which can help reduce longer term welfare bills and industry today calls on the Government to take action to support the future of this innovative programme."

2. Travel Survey Reveals the Benefits of Commuting by Bike

   Posted on 8:55am Thursday 26th Aug 2010

   Using a bike or scooter to commute is a practical, cost-effective and congestion beating mode of transport according to the MCI's analysis of the most recent National Travel Survey.* 

   
   The survey reveals that the average motorcyclist relies on their bike for everyday transport, using it for over one-third (35%) of all journeys they make. The average rider makes 7 trips per week, covering 88 miles in a three-hour period.

   
   The survey shows that over half (51%) of all motorcycle trips in 2009 were made for the purpose of commuting, compared to just one-third (33%) of bicycle journeys and one-fifth (20 %) of car journeys.
   Congestion-beating - Cars used for commuting continue to have a low occupancy rate with 85% drivers using their car for commuting are single occupancy, so opting for a bike or scooter can help to reduce congestion and add to a quicker route to work.

   
   Cost-effective - Cheaper parking, lower tax and less fuel costs mean that using a bike or scooter is one-way people who are concerned about the cost of driving can get access to private transport. 

   
   Overall 30% of people surveyed have not learned to drive a car because of the cost of buying. Considering a motorcycle or scooter is a positive alternative. For younger people age 17 - 20 years this increases to 57% who gave the reason for not driving a car as cost. A motorcycle or scooter is a cheaper private transport alternative.

   
   Convenient  - Using a bike or scooter eliminates the need to rely on public transport timetables and can help to reduce travel times. Motorcycling is the SMART solution that provides a more Sustainable transport option, provides greater personal Mobility, is always more Accessible and provides a Realistic convenient form of Transport for many.

   
   Steve Kenward, MCI's CEO commented " The MCI is committed to ensuring motorcycles and scooters are represented in mainstream transport policy. The Government's own Travel Survey has shown that powered two-wheelers have an important role to play in providing a cost-effective mode of transport that can reduce congestion and help get people to work more efficiently and on time.

   
   "If employers can help with secure parking and locker facilities for example, this would go a long way to encouraging more people to use a bike or scooter for commuting and will help to ease congestion and ensure a less-stressed work force."

    

   1) National Travel Survey 2010 -Department for Transport

3. Wheels to Work Scheme Helping Young People to Get off Benefits and 'Get on' Motorcycles

   Posted on 12:00am Friday 23rd Jul 2010

   The Motor Cycle Industry Association (MCI) is today promoting new Parliamentary activity to gain support for the range of 'Wheels To Work' projects in the UK.
   
   The MCI is currently lobbying for Government to provide support for national and regional schemes,which are seeking routes to public and private sector funding. MCI is also calling for the creation of a National Coordinator's post to develop the valuable scheme Wheels to Work, which can work with local programmes to help them secure the support that they need.
   
   Stephen Pound MP has, this week, tabled the Parliamentary 'Early Day Motion; an MPs petition calling on Government to support Wheels To Work. The MCI would urge everyone who supports Wheels to Work to ask their MP to sign the EDM.
   
   'Wheels to Work' is a term used to describe schemes which provide transport to individuals who are unable to access training, employment or education, due to a lack of suitable public or private transport. Solutions offered can include loan of scooters, mopeds, power assisted bikes or bicycles and in some cases assistance with meeting car running costs.
   
   Given the proposed level of public expenditure cutbacks both nationally and locally, it is more important than ever for Wheels to Work to be offered support by Government. This is because the investment involved will be more than returned by young people being in work and contributing to the economy, rather than sitting idle and claiming benefits.
   
   There are now over 40 national schemes across the UK and it is possible to find the local schemes by searching on the website which features a regionalized map www.wheels2work.co.uk/nationalschemes
   
   Wheels to Work or Wheels to Learning schemes (W2W) can be particularly important for people living in isolated rural communities where public transport is inadequate or only available during business hours. It is widely accepted that a lack of viable transport can have a negative effect on opportunities for training, education and employment, particularly for young people and those living in rural areas.
   
   Individuals who have taken part in Wheels to Work have commented on how empowering the scheme has been, how it has opened doors that would have previously been closed and how training has enhanced their career prospects.
   
   Steve Kenward CEO for the MCI commented, " Motorcycles and scooters are a convenient and practical form of transport that can help to reduce social exclusion for many groups of people including young people and especially those that live in areas where there is limited public transport.
   
   "Wheels to Work is an incredible scheme that is enabling young people to access employment and college and also introducing them to the fun and freedom of a powered two-wheeler for a very reasonable cost. We call on Government to realise that Wheels to Work is an investment which can bring immediate returns and should form a part of any strategy which aims to reduce welfare and benefit dependency.

4. SUZI PERRY GETS ON IN SUPPORT OF NATIONAL MOTORCYCLE WEEK 2010

   Posted on 12:00am Monday 5th Jul 2010

   Channel 5 TV presenter and former host of BBC's MotoGP coverage Suzi Perry is giving her backing to National Motorcycle Week (NMW) which runs from 18 to 24 July and features Ride To Work day on Wednesday 21 July.
   
   This year's NMW is being supported by Get On, the nationwide campaign by the Motor Cycle Industry (MCI) to get more people on two wheels, and as a result both new and existing riders are being encouraged to get out on two wheels and enjoy the huge range of benefits that life on a motorbike or scooter can bring.   
   
   NMW provides the perfect opportunity for people to try life on two wheels and book a free one-hour taster session with Get On. The campaign offers anyone aged 16 or over the chance to try riding a scooter or geared 125cc motorcycle absolutely free and with no commitment at any one of over 150 centres around the country. To book a free ride the public simply register at www.geton.co.uk and their nearest training centre will contact them to make the arrangements.
   
   NMW also encourages existing and lapsed bikers to get out and about on their bikes and enjoy the great sense of fun and freedom which biking offers, while also encouraging their friends to give biking a go.
   
   As an added incentive during July Get On are running a prize promotion which allows any biker who introduces a friend at a Get On dealer the chance to win a huge range of prizes including biking holidays, Weise kit, Arai helmets and Pirelli tyres. Non-bikers won't miss out either as they will be entered into the draw for iPads, iPod nanos and digital cameras. The competition can be entered at one of 450 participating Get On dealers across the country which can be located on the website www.geton.co.uk
   
   Ride to Work Day (21 July) is part of the event and the aim is to promote the fact that as well as an enjoyable leisure pursuit riding a bike or scooter has many practical benefits. Powered two-wheelers can help;
   
   Reduce congestion
   Reduce journey times
   Reduce the cost of commuting
   Reduce pollution
   
   Perry, who was a presenter at this year's BBC coverage of Royal Ascot, is calling on people to take the opportunity to get out and about and enjoy life on two wheels and said, "Bikes have been a huge part of my life and are just such a fantastic way to get around. Not only do they help you get ahead of the traffic but they're also more economical, greener and a huge amount of fun."
   
   "For many people, the thought of getting into biking can be a bit intimidating and it can often be confusing about what licences and training you need to be able to ride a bike. Get On strips all this away. Not only can anyone try riding for free without any commitment but the website also offers a one stop shop on all you need to know about getting into biking. What's even better is that you can win great prizes just dropping into a dealer to talk about it."
   
   Anyone can get involved in National Motorcycle Week and people who are interested in running their own events can think about planning a bikers BBQ, a local charity fundraiser, getting some extra training or going on a group ride -out to celebrate all that is positive about life on two-wheels.
   
   More information and an event pack is online in the campaigns section of the industry website www.mcia.co.uk

5. BRITISH BIKE BUSINESSES BOOST UK ECONOMY

   Posted on 10:35am Monday 28th Jun 2010

   British successes abound in the motorcycle industry and contribute to sales estimated at £5.2 billion. (1)

   
   UK based motorcycle manufacturers and component manufacturers are investing heavily in Research & Development (R&D) and innovation driving the future of the industry. 
   
   The UK motorcycle industry already generates significant revenue from exports at £370 million per annum.
   
   An economic survey conducted on behalf of the Motorcycle Industry Association highlights that the British motorcycle industry includes many high-value, innovative businesses that together make an important contribution to economic development of UK PLC with products that are exported around the world. 
   
   The British companies, among others, at the forefront of innovation and export are Triumph, Motorcycle Management Ltd, Davida, Forcefield Body Armour and Scion Sprays with others involved in a range of diverse and interesting projects. Manufacturers - Triumph has increased its turnover by almost 300% over the last ten years and exports more than 80% of its finished motorcycles.

   
   Norton, with a long history of producing hand-built quality motorcycles continues to produce bespoke orders of high value, high performance motorcycles, for both road and racing. Motorcycle Technology - Harris Performance Products are involved with the major Japanese manufacturers and race teams designing, developing and manufacturing new products that will deliver results on the track or in off-road sport disciplines.
   
   Alternative Powered Motorcycles - Intelligent Energy of Loughborough University is working with Suzuki to develop hydrogen powered motorcycles, while the UK is also driving the development of electric race bikes and has established the eGrandPrix championship.
   
   Motorcycle Safety - The industry is working to improve the safety of motorcyclists and other road users, through the delivery of training (e.g. California Superbike School) and safety developments relating to helmets (e.g. Davida) and motorcycle clothing (e.g. Forcefield Body Armour and Frank Thomas)
   
   Advance Engineering - Companies are developing advanced engineering capabilities and expertise in the UK. e.g. Scion Sprays' fuel injection and engine management technologies to improve performance and deliver economic and environmental benefits.
   
   Steve Kenward CEO of the MCI commented, " British companies have a integral role in the motorcycle industry. Along with the overseas manufacturers who sell their products to UK customers, the UK industry provides a valuable economic contribution to UK PLC. British companies are providing a comprehensive and important range of products and services including motorcycles, safety products, technological advancements motorcycle events, touring and adventure holidays and training and safety developments. It is vital the government and the British people recognise the importance of the UK motorcycle industry to the UK economy and provide the necessary support to ensure that all these businesses continue to flourish."

    

   1) GHK survey  - The Economic Significance of the UK Motor Cycle Industry - The Motor Cycle Industry Association - Published 2010