With nearly 60%¹ more commuters expected to join the public transport commute in and out of London, the rising appeal of motorcycles looks to be the solution to easing the surge of users on the network following the ULEZ expansion in August this year.  

A recent survey led by specialist motorbike insurance broker, Bikesure, reveals that over half (58.5%) of Londoners are resorting to public transport for their commute and nearly 57% are considering switching from four wheels to two to avoid the daily ULEZ charge. The same survey in 2021 found that 36.1% of Londoners would have considered switching to public transport – showing a rise in demand for the transport services and instilling worries over whether it will be able to cope. 

Currently, the commuting times in the city are a staggering 74 minutes² – almost twice the worldwide average of 40 minutes. And a whopping 1.2 billion³ people travelled on public transport between December 2022 and April of this year, which is 200 million more than the same period the year before.  

To combat the growing congestion on public transport and avoid the ULEZ charge, one option is to switch to a motorcycle – with over half of those surveyed considering making the change from cars to benefit from more than just avoiding ULEZ.  

“Motorcycles are a great option to consider avoiding the daily £12.50 charge in central and greater London as almost all motorcycles that have been produced since 2007 are ULEZ compliant, with a large variety of models that also meet the emission standard. Alongside this, they are exempt from the congestion charge, are cheaper to run and motorcyclists can benefit from lots of free motorcycle parking. 

“We believe that motorcycles appear to find a balance between personal autonomy, cost and environmental impact for many road users.” Said Robert Balls, Sales and Motorcycle Underwriting Manager from Bikesure.   

Another way of steering clear of the charge is going electric, with over half of respondents considering upgrading their car to an electronic vehicle. This extends to motorcyclists too, as nearly 73% of bikers say that ULEZ has made them more likely to consider switching to electric for commuting, showing that they are also willing to go further to improve their environmental impact.  

To help purify the air in central and greater London, the current Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) is being expanded further on the August 29^th. It is expected to reach as far as Enfield in the north, Upminster in the east, Croydon in the south, and Heathrow in the west. 

end

These findings were sourced from a survey of 1,000 Greater London drivers from 10^th – 15^th May 2023 

¹ This figure is taken from the survey results which state that 58.5% of people surveyed would consider switching to public transport for their commute. 

² https://www.instantoffices.com/blog/featured/commuting-for-work-london/ 

³ https://data.london.gov.uk/dataset/public-transport-journeys-type-transport - the excel document on the page details a total of 1,268.7 million people making journeys on the different public transport available in London from 11 December 2022 to 29 April 2023. This has been compared to 1,036.6 million from 12 December 2022 to 30 April 2023.  

article supplied

Landspeed Racing Icon & Record-holder Immortalized for Lifetime Achievements

Indian Motorcycle, America’s First Motorcycle Company, celebrates Burt Munro’s induction into the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum Hall of Fame. A motorcycle racing icon and landspeed record-holder, Munro inspired generations of riders through his relentless drive to reach the record books. 

“You cannot tell the history of motorcycles without mentioning Burt Munro,” said Aaron Jax, Indian Motorcycle Vice President. “Burt’s stories have literally molded the Indian Motorcycle brand, as we continue to live like Burt and push the envelope to drive innovation, break boundaries and blaze new trails.”

Born and raised in Invercargill, New Zealand, Munro had an unnatural need for speed, famously saying, “You live more in five minutes on a bike like this going flat out than some people live in a lifetime.” Munro spent decades rebuilding and wrenching his 1920 Indian Scout from his garage, ultimately setting three world records at the iconic Bonneville Salt Flats. In 1967, at 68 years old, Munro set an under-1,000cc record of 184.087 mph. This record still stands today.

“Burt’s a legend. His accomplishments, through trials and tribulations, inspire our racing efforts today,” said Gary Gray, Vice President – Racing, Technology and Service for Indian Motorcycle. “While it may be overdue, it’s quite an achievement for Burt to be enshrined into the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum Hall of Fame, and we’re incredibly proud and grateful to celebrate Burt Munro not just today, but every day.”

The Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame pays homage to the remarkable individuals who have made enduring contributions to the motorcycle community. The Hall of Fame celebrates visionary pioneers, while showcasing their extraordinary accomplishments and unwavering passion. The Hall of Fame class of 2023 includes 1981 Des Nations Team USA, Burt Munro, Chris Callen, Jay Allen, Roland Sands, Russel Radke and Scott Jacobs. Learn more at SturgisMuseum.com.

Motorcycle number plates serve as a distinctive identification mark on the roads of the United Kingdom. To ensure uniformity, legibility, and adherence to road safety standards, the UK government has established specific guidelines for the design, size, and style of motorcycle number plates. In this article, we delve into the essential requirements for the smallest legal motorcycle number plates, explore the permissible sizes, delve into popular plate styles like 4D and Gel, and shed light on reputable suppliers like JDM Plates.  

Requirements for Smallest Legal Motorcycle Number Plates

• Legibility and Typeface: The foremost requirement for any motorcycle number plate is legibility. Characters must be easily readable by both human observers and automated systems, such as ANPR cameras. The DfT mandates the use of a standard typeface (Charles Wright), ensuring consistency in appearance and ease of recognition.
   
• Character Size and Spacing: Adhering to precise dimensions is crucial. For motorcycle number plates, character height should be 64mm, width should be 44mm, and the space between characters should be 10mm. These dimensions contribute to optimal visibility, enhancing safety on the roads.
  
  
• Material and Reflectivity: The reflective material used for number plates ensures visibility during various lighting conditions, making it easier for other road users and law enforcement to read the plate. Number plates must meet British Standards for reflectivity and construction.
   
• Background and Colours: A solid yellow background with a is mandatory for UK motorcycle number plates. However, Black and silver plates can be used on motorcycles older than 1980.
  
  
• Supplier Information and Legal Markings: Legally compliant number plates must display the manufacturer or supplier's name and postcode at the bottom of the plate. Additionally, a British Standard number (such as BS AU 145d) and a mark indicating the plate's legality should be present.

Permissible Sizes for Motorcycle Number Plates

The prescribed dimensions for motorcycle number plates are designed to balance aesthetics with functionality. While personalization is desired, it is crucial to ensure compliance with the following sizes:

• Character Height: 64mm
• Character Width: 44mm
• Space Between Characters: 10mm

With the above dimensions considered, the smallest legal number plate size can vary depending on the registration number!

Number Plate Styles: 4D and Gel

In addition to adhering to the size and design regulations, motorcycle owners can choose from a variety of plate styles, including 4D and Gel plates:

• 4D Plates: Known for their three-dimensional appearance, 4D plates add depth to the characters, enhancing the visual appeal of the number plate. These plates are created using laser-cut letters and numbers mounted on a flat acrylic surface.
•  
• Gel Plates: Gel plates offer a glossy, raised finish, enhancing the characters' visibility and giving the plate a distinctive look. The gel resin is applied over the characters, creating an eye-catching effect.

Reputable Number Plate Suppliers such as JDM Plates  

Among the reputable suppliers of motorcycle number plates in the UK, JDM Plates stands out as a reliable option. JDM Plates offers a range of styles, including 4D and Gel plates, while ensuring strict adherence to legal requirements. Their plates are designed to be both visually appealing and compliant, striking the right balance between personalization and legality and most important of all; supplying the UK’s smallest legal motorcycle number plates!  

Conclusion

Understanding the requirements for the smallest legal motorcycle number plates in the UK is vital for all motorcyclists. Adhering to the specified sizes and design guidelines contributes to road safety and effective vehicle identification. As styles like 4D and Gel plates add a touch of personalization, it is crucial to choose a reputable supplier like JDM Plates to ensure compliance with regulations while reflecting individual style preferences. By following these guidelines and making informed choices, motorcycle enthusiasts can confidently display their number plates while contributing to a safer road environment.

article supplied