Category: Tourism & Travel

1. UK Businesses Losing Out on the Biker Pound

   Posted on 10:04am Saturday 14th Aug 2010

   The leisure and tourism industry is missing out on the biker pound from European travellers as a new MCI analysis of official statistics shows that almost four times as many British bikers cross the Channel for their holidays as come the other way.

   100,000 independent bikers travel abroad by ferry or the channel tunnel for their holidays in Europe, whereas only 23,000 European riders visit the UK.

   According to the MCI's analysis, if UK tourist businesses could attract the same number of bikers to the UK as leave the UK for holidays, over £30 million pounds per week could be generated.

   There are many British icons that will appeal to European bikers from enjoying the best of British food, local delicacies and the full English breakfast , to the fantastic scenery and the many historical heritage sites including the legendary biker venue the Ace Café.

   Research carried out by the Motor Cycle Industry Association reveals that UK bikers are already a lucrative market as they contribute nearly £400 million to UK tourism.

   In its survey of more than 2,000 riders and non-riders from across the UK, the MCI found that 84% of the UK's 1.5 million riders prefer to holiday by motorcycle for holidays, short breaks and days out - even though the majority have access to a car.

   One-quarter of riders use motorcycles as their preferred mode of transport to enjoy days-out in the UK. One-in-six take weekend short-breaks by bike and one-in-fifteen holiday on two-wheels . The average spend by motorcyclists is £68 per day on accommodation, food and entertainment.

   In the current economic climate, where the tourism industry is encouraging British people to enjoy a 'staycation', it would seem wise to capitalise on the potential European bike market too.

   MCI Spokesperson, Sheila Rainger said "We are currently attracting a very low percentage of European riders. If we could attract the same number of bikers to the UK as leave the UK for holidays the industry could potentially generate over £30 million in income for every week they spent on holiday in the UK.

   "Holidaying by bike is an excellent way of seeing more of the UK's tourist attractions and stunning scenery at your own convenience.  It contributes a significant amount to local and national tourism and now is a good time for the UK to try and open this up to markets further afield."   Mark Wilsmore of Ace Cafe London said "As a destination venue, motorcycle tourism is increasingly important.  At the cafe we ensure that we give riders a reason to get out and enjoy riding their bikes and visit us".

   For information about the Get On campaign visit: www.geton.co.uk

2. Motorcycle Sport and Leisure Sector Contributes £500 Million to UK Economy

   Posted on 10:40am Thursday 29th Jul 2010

   A survey analysing the value of the UK motorcycle industry has revealed that the sport and leisure sector has a total turnover of almost £500 million. 

   The GVA is estimated to be approximately 50% of turnover at £238 million, while the sector also provides tax contributions of almost £100 million proving a valuable asset to UK PLC. The motorcycle sport and leisure sector covers a wide range of activities enjoyed by, and involving the participation of, large numbers of motorcyclists and non-riders alike.

   Motorcycle activities taking place in the UK are extensive and the largest events include: the British MotoGP; the UK round of the World Superbikes Championship; the 12 round British Superbikes Championship which takes place at tracks across the UK; and the Isle of Man TT Races.

   The off-road racing sector is on a smaller scale but still attract many riders, support teams and spectators on a regular basis across the UK. Off-road activities include: motocross, enduro, trials, speedway, grasstrack, supercross, and supermoto events.

   The British round of the Moto GP is well attended and attracts international visitors. At a recent Moto GP for example, there were almost 120,000 visitors over the whole weekend and the gross expenditure associated with the event totalled £16.6 million of which 88% was spend within 25 miles of Donnington Park, where the event was held.

   The motorcycle leisure industry analysis focuses on the income generated from organised tour activities. The activities of motorcycle tour operators involve the provision of organised tours both within the UK and, more commonly, to overseas destinations.  The sector is dominated by a large number of small and family businesses, many of which employ additional riders on a part-time basis to provide support during the tours.  The tour providers offer a range of services to motorcyclists including expedition guides and support teams, bike hire/freight, hotels and bed and breakfast accommodation, food and drink, etc.

   The sector is experiencing significant levels of growth and many motorcyclists are reported to have been inspired by the Long Way Round and Long Way Down television series, which involved substantial motorcycle tours across Europe, Asia, America and Africa.

   Steve Kenward, MCI's CEO commented on the findings " The motorcycle sport and leisure sector involves riders and non-riders and there are plenty of opportunities for UK businesses to capitalize on the bike pound. Now , is the best time of year to be out and about enjoying life on two-wheels and for the spectators and pillion riders who want to take control of their own machines , now is a good time to consider shifting up a gear. Take advantage of the free one-hour taster sessions that are taking place at venues all across the country by simply going online and making a booking at a time that suits you."

   For more information or to book a place go to www.geton.co.uk

3. Lady riders on the increase

   Posted on 7:57am Friday 9th Jul 2010

   The number of women taking to two wheels has increased significantly during the last eighteen months and this now represents a large proportion of moped, scooter and bike sales for the motorcycle industry.

   As a result of this trend, road safety officers in West Mercia and Warwickshire are actively promoting a series of free and subsidised “Take Control” rider assessment courses to women, in the hope that they will want to develop their riding skills.

   Director of Safety at the Coventry-based Motorcycle Industry Association (MCIA) Karen Cooke, has recently tried a Take Control course for herself and commented; “I have been riding motorcycles for 28 years and I am always nervous when anyone else analyses my riding technique, but my instructor was great and really put me at ease. Even though I have completed refresher training in the past, he still came up with some helpful suggestions and I was able to iron out one or two bad habits that naturally develop over time. I would encourage all moped and motorcycle riders to learn the Take Control techniques and particularly hope the increasing number of female riders will make a commitment to this sort of self improvement. There is no bravado, no test and no pressure and it helps you to become a safer rider“.                                                                                             

   Motorcycle dealerships are finding that women are buying a wider variety of machines from mopeds and scooters as a main mode of transport for commuting, to larger custom bikes and sports bikes, just for fun. Motorcycling now has a much wider appeal for both sexes, all ages and people from many different backgrounds.

   Communications Manager for the Safer Roads Partnership in West Mercia, Katy Jenkins explains; "Just ten years ago, most women wearing leathers and a crash helmet were presumed to be pillion passengers, but that is simply not the case now. We even know of a few ‘women-only bike clubs. They are often more receptive to advice and more willing to learn and we have a variety of half-day and full day courses that can be tailored to the needs and level of experience of every lady“.

   Take Control rider training costs either £30 or nothing at all, depending on the course you select. It is available to anyone who lives in or travels through the counties of Shropshire, Worcestershire, Herefordshire and Warwickshire. Instructors will usually travel to where clients live or work and ride on their local roads or regular routes.

   More information can be found at www.takecontroltraining.co.uk

4. UK Bikers...

   Posted on 8:00am Thursday 1st Jul 2010

   In the UK alone there are around 1.5 million bikers and there are many groups and rallies organised every year.

    

   One of Europe`s largest and most popular rallies, is the Farmyard Party, running for over 20 years. With over 175 catering and bar staff, teams of litter pickers, over 20 live bands and performers it is a huge gathering.

    

   Bikers often take the trip to other countries to be with other like-minded people. There is a long tradition of doing whatever it takes to get to the next rally. European bikers regularly travel to the US, even without their bikes to be at rallies. There are rallies taking place throughout the summer in California; in Sacramento, Long Beach, right down to Orange County.

    

   To attend biker rallies in California, there is always car rental in California.

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