There are now more than seven million drivers over the age of 65 on the UK’s roads, according to road safety charity, the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM).

The number of drivers over 65 reached 7,191,192 in November 2013. This makes up for 19 per cent of all drivers with full driving licences. The figures come from driving licence data published by the DVLA in December 2013.1 They also show that:

· There are 4,068,498 drivers over the age of 70.

· There are 1,101,779 drivers over the age of 80.

· 195 drivers are over 100 years old

Of the drivers over 65, 367,711 or five per cent have points on their licence.

For drivers over seventy the figure is 195, 773 or five per cent with points.

35,498, three per cent of drivers over 80 have points.

This compares favourably with middle-aged drivers. The age group most likely to have points on their licence is 42 year-olds. Of the 816,915 licence holders in that group, 82,929 or 10 per cent have points.

For younger drivers the figures are 3, 339, 826 licence holders, 270,817 with points, or 8 per cent.

This supports research by the IAM that shows that older drivers are in fact safer than many other drivers. Where older drivers have slower reaction times, they use their experience on the road to compensate by driving at slower speeds on all occasions and allowing more space between them and other road users.2

IAM chief executive Simon Best said: “In twenty years time, one in ten people will be over 80 years old. Responding to an older population is a significant policy issue for government, health and transport agencies – a greater number of people will require help with their mobility and acting now can ensure the right support networks are in place numbers increase. Easy access to driving assessments, better advice from the medical profession and car and road designs that mitigate the effects of ageing should all be top in 2014. The overarching policy aim should be to keep people independent and driving safer for as long as possible.”

It is with great pleasure that we invite you to join us for the presentation of the 2014 Pata Honda team at Motor Bike Expo to be held at the Verona Fiere in Italy on Saturday 25 January.

Contesting the 2014 World Superbike and World Supersport championships, the Pata Honda team will compete with the same rider line-up as in 2013 with the clear aim of securing race victories in order to battle once more for two championship titles.

Following a difficult 2013 season, in which they both sustained serious injuries, British riders Jonathan Rea and Leon Haslam will climb aboard the new Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade SP that was launched in Milan last September.

Meanwhile, Dutch flyer Michael van der Mark will once again team up with Italian ace Lorenzo Zanetti on Honda’s CBR600RR machine to build on the experience and podiums gained in their World Supersport rookie seasons in 2013 when they finished in fourth and fifth places respectively.

The 2014 Pata Honda team will be presented at 15.00 hrs on Saturday 25 January and the presentation will be followed by opportunities to interview the riders, team management and Honda personnel.

Please let us know if you can join us by replying to [email protected], and we look forward to welcoming you to the Verona Motorbike Expo and a new championship season with Pata Honda.

With best wishes

The Pata Honda Team

THE BIKER GUIDE have been contacted as they are looking for vibrant and interesting characters to enter the house and think that Bikers may fit the bill!

They will also be around Edinburgh and Glasgow on 24th and 25th January and would love to visit any Motorbike rallies or groups that may be interested.

If you would like more information, please email them @ [email protected]

As promised, an evening With Ian Hutchinson will take place on Friday 31st January 2014 @ Colin Appleyard in Leeds

One of our most hotly anticipated events returns. In the hot seat is multi TT and recent Macau GP winner, Ian Hutchinson. Ian was due to attend our Evening With back in 2012 but was rushed to hospital following a second break to his leg. The injuries threatened to end his career, but he has just completing one of the most successful comebacks racing fans have seen in recent history by winning the Macau GP. We are honoured to have him join us to share his amazing story - make sure you don't miss this opportunity!

As usual we'll be putting on a bit of food & drink and will also have a few goodies to give away plus some special one night only offers! Doors will be open from 6pm onwards & we'll aim to get things underway at 7pm. Sounds like a pretty good Friday night to us so why not come along and bring a friend? But don't forget to register! We look forward to seeing you there.

Places are LIMITED and as we've had full houses every year so far so we'd suggest you register immediately to avoid disappointment (full details below).

To register your place(s)* please contact Karen Halifax:
Email | Call/Text: 07855 807342

www.colinappleyard.com

Less than three months to this year's Bike Fest, we're getting very excited for what promises to be our biggest and best yet.

Some highlights:

•Run the Hill, Saturday Night Party & Camping sold out
•Happy Hour is full
•Over 25 new exhibitors
•20% discount when you book tickets online
•Our best line up of motorcycles ever
•Lots of general admission tickets left

We've got lots to see and do - Race bikes, classic bikes, vintage bikes, new bikes, electric bikes, side cars, 3 wheelers, streamliners, Bugattis and a hovercraft, Climbing wall, go karts, have a go zone, jam sessions, Darth Vadar, kids rides, live music and dancing, great food, trade stands, manufacturers, motorcycle clubs, passenger rides, celebrities, stunt shows, trials competition, track action, no queues, lovely toilets and of course - all raising funds for the Blood Bike charities.

www.prescottbikefestival.co.uk