Category: Other

1. Get Greener on Two Wheels in European Mobility Week 16th - 22nd September

   Posted on 12:00am Tuesday 15th Sep 2009

   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

    

2. MOTORCYCLE MARKET SHRINKS IN AUGUST

   Posted on 12:00am Tuesday 8th Sep 2009

   7,020 new powered two wheelers (PTWs) were registered in August 2009, bringing the total for the first eight months of the year to 79,897. This is an 18.2 per cent fall on 2008 according to the latest figures from the Motor Cycle Industry Association (MCI), and a fall of 30.5 per cent on August 2008.

   The Touring, Sport Tour and Naked styles recorded the strongest performances this month, suggesting continued demand for everyday, practical bikes.

   August Supersports registrations fell 37.8 per cent, to 990 registrations. However, the stronger year-to-date performance of a 14.3 per cent fall suggests that this month's change may be attributable to buyers waiting until 1 September for the most up-to-date registration plates.

   Larger capacity bikes are continuing to show more resilience than smaller machines. Registrations of mopeds fell by 39.8 per cent in August 2009 compared to August 2008, while registrations of bikes with engine sizes greater than 1000cc fell by only 13 per cent.

   The performance of learner-friendly machines remains strong. In five of the eight style categories - custom, naked, scooter, supersport and trail/enduro - the best-selling bike was a 125cc model. The best selling bike in August out of all styles was Yamaha's YZF R125.

   This evidence for the continued importance of practical motorcycling is also supported by the latest figures from the Department for Transport's National Travel Survey, which show 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. The National Travel Survey also found that the average motorcyclist uses their bike as their main mode of transport for over one-third of all trips, making 8 motorcycle trips a week, and travelling 80 miles.

   "While it's clear that people are being very cautious about their spending, interest in riding remains strong," commented MCIA's Sheila Rainger. "Demand for motorcycle tests is quietly rising, while five per cent of all visitors to the Get On website have booked themselves onto a taster session."

3. Travel Survey Shows Savvy Commuters Use Motorcycles and Scooters

   Posted on 12:00am Wednesday 2nd Sep 2009

   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."

    

   Visit www.geton.co.uk to book your free ride and find information about the CBT test.

4. Its official - One -fifth of Southerners* are jealous of motorcycles getting though traffic!

   Posted on 12:00am Wednesday 8th Jul 2009

   The active UK rider population is 1.5 million and an estimated 3.8 million people in the UK have a driving licence with a moped/motorcycle entitlement.
   
   Women accounted for 14% of the people who took their test in 2007/08. 
   Women - 12,061
   Men -  75,884
   
   17% more people passed their test in 2007/08 than in 2006/07. 
   20% more people passed their test in 2008/09 than in 2007/08.
   
   London motorcycle commuters can reduce the duration of their journeys by up to 34% compared to car drivers . In the rest of the UK journeys can be reduced by 12%   (Regional Transport Statistics 2008)
   
   A typical scooter consumes between 55% and 81% less fuel than a car on the same journey
   
   The motorcycle industry in the UK employs more than 15,000 people and turns over in excess of £3 billion a year.
   
   Motorcyclists say that biking is about freedom, practicality, friendship and fun:
   
   Freedom - 26%
   Practical - 23%
   Friendly - 18%
   Fun - 11%
   Economical - 9%
   Adventurous - 4%
   Thrill Seeking - 4%
   Fast - 4%
   
   (You Gov 09 *)
   
   One-third of 24-34 year olds are jealous of motorcycles getting though traffic. (You Gov 09 *)
   
   One -fifth of Southerners ( London and South regions) are jealous of motorcycles getting though traffic. (You Gov 09 *)
   
   Car drivers and bus passenger are most jealous of motorcycles getting through traffic. (You Gov 09 *)
   
   One-third of commuters are 'sometimes' late for work because of traffic and congestion. (You Gov 09 *) unless they're bikers, of whom 67% are "never" late for work.
   
   The end
   
   You Gov 09* FIGURES are from YouGov Plc. Total sample size was 2,136 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 9th - 11th June 2009. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all GB adults (aged 18+)

    

   * London and South regions of the UK

5. Commuting Advantages Drive People to Two Wheels, Finds Ride to Work Day Survey

   Posted on 12:00am Saturday 4th Jul 2009

   Aspiring motorcyclists are more likely to be interested in getting to work more easily than getting their knee down, according to a You Gov survey** carried out for National Motorcycle Week.
   
   In two years the number of commuters who said they would like to ride to work on a bike has doubled. The survey revealed that 16 per cent of the public said they would like to be a  'commuter biker' when asked what sort of motorcyclist they would like to be, compared to 8 per cent who chose this option in 2007.
   
   The desire to enjoy the leisure aspect of riding is now less important to people. People want a cost-effective and practical mode of transport to get them to work. This was underpinned in the survey findings that showed the number of people of who aspired to be 'leisure riders' has notably fallen from 31 per cent in 2007 to 19 per cent in 2009.
   
   One in eight commuters in Great Britain would consider switching to two wheels in order to avoid traffic. Bicycle commuters and tube travellers were the most willing to switch. Eighteen per cent of pedal cyclists and 20 per cent of underground users said that they would consider commuting by motorcycle or scooter to avoid traffic and delays.
   
    Other benefits of riding to work highlighted by the survey included:-
   
   * Punctuality: over two-thirds of motorcycle and scooter commuters (67 per cent) said they were never late for work. The only commuters with a better punctuality performance were those who walked to work, 68 per cent of whom said they were never late.
   
   * Quicker commute: one quarter of motorcyclists said the reason they rode to work was because it was quicker than other options. For commuters as a whole, only one tenth said their usual means of transport was the quickest available. 
   
   * Financial savings: Sixty per cent of motorcycle commuters spent less than  £10 a week on their commute
   
   The general public, especially people who have to travel during the rush hour are starting to recognise the many practical benefits for riding to work on either a bike, scooter or moped. Ride to Work Day was created to highlight the fact that riding has benefits for the individual and society.
   
   Riding a bike to work can
   
   . Cut costs
   . Cut journey times
   . Cut pollution
   . Cut congestion
   
   Sheila Rainger MCI Spokesperson said, ""Motorcycling isn't just about having fun on Sundays.  Many new riders have taken their tests so that they can spend less time travelling to work and more time with their families.
   
   "Experience in London has shown that as the number of two-wheel commuters rises, the risk of being injured in an accident falls. More people riding to work is good news for individuals, the economy and for road safety.
   
   "Ride to Work Day 2009 is the ideal opportunity to Get More Out of Life by switching to two wheels." 
   
   
    **All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. Total sample size was 2,136 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 9th - 11th June 2009. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all GB adults (aged 18+)