Motor Cycle Industry Announces Ride 2 Work Day 2006

The Motor Cycle Industry Association (MCI) has announced that this year's Ride 2 Work Day will take place on Wednesday 19th July 2006.

This annual, international campaign aims to promote motorcycling and highlight the many social and environmental benefits associated with riding a motorcycle, scooter or moped.

The Association is encouraging all motorcyclists and even non-motorcyclists to participate in an activity to demonstrate to the public, press and politicians the number of people who enjoy riding motorcycles and scooters and that people from all walks of life are represented in this group who have opted to use two wheels to travel.

Ride 2 Work Day highlights that motorcycling:-

• Cuts congestion
• Cuts pollution
• Cuts journey times
• Is convenient and flexible
• Is cost-effective

Samantha Tyson-Evans Press and PR Officer said, " Ride to Work Day promotes the diversity of motorcycling and the many benefits associated with riding on a bike or scooter, not least the congestion busting and journey time-reducing potential of motorcycling in congested urban areas.

"The week will be run from the 16th - 23rd July and throughout the week events will be happening across the country and the MCI will be highlighting important political and social issues related to powered two wheelers.

"Ride to Work Day is the opportunity for riders to run fun events for example comparing journey times with car driving colleagues. Other local activities can be organised to support Ride 2 Work Day -- including an event to show the local community how motorcycle use provides real benefits for those who ride -- which can help challenge preconceived ideas about motorcycling."

The MCI would like to hear from people who may be considering running a local event, so it can be promoted to the media and added onto the website.

Anyone who is interested in organising an event can find out more information on the MCIA's website www.mcia.co.uk. A free organiser's pack will be available to download in April or if you would like to register for a copy please email samantha@mcia.co.uk.

Helen and Kenny invited to meet the former Transport Secretary David Jamieson

The timing for the meeting, although completely coincidental, could not have been more perfect as 2 days previously the Government had unveiled its new "Motorcycling Strategy". The strategy is certainly the first of its kind in Europe and probably even the world according to the BMF (British Motorcycle Federation) who organised the event.

Key speakers on the day were David Jamieson MP who is not only the MP for Devonport but is also the Road Safety Minister, Simon Wilkinson - Chief Executive of the BMF, James Llewellyn - Representing the Government Office for the Southwest and Jonathan Dingle - Barrister, keen motorcyclist and who works closely with the Police.

By taking a broader view of motorcycling, the strategy moves the debate away from the blame culture that has plagued motorcycling for years. In fact the general consensus was that motorcycling can actually be fun AND safe, two words that do not usually go together.

The strategy covers all aspects of on-road motorcycling in England and having read the paperwork, I can confirm that it is certainly a step in the right direction. In fact having read the strategies I am left feeling a little confused. Having been involved with motorcycling for many years I have always believed that we motorcyclists were a "persecuted bunch": the car drivers hate us, the police are out to get us and the Government just wants to stop us having fun. Well this new strategy by the Government certainly seems to blow that theory right out of the water.

The main point is that the Government is now standing up and recognising the important part that motorcycling plays in England. The strategy acknowledges that motorcycles are more environmentally friendly than cars, they are cheaper to purchase and run and they are a valid way of tackling congestion and so the list goes on. So if the Government recognises these facts then what are they going to actually do for motorcycling?

They are going to start at the beginning - with the training and the training schools themselves. With very few regulations at the moment for training schools it is all to easy to send your 16 year old to a training school operating in a "less than legal manner". Here at Surepass we have personally heard of many horror stories from students that have come from other schools and for these reasons we are campaigning hard for more regulation within the training industry.

To implement more regulation the strategy looks at the best opportunities for Instructors to gain professional qualifications to establish their credentials. More immediately the DSA are looking at a voluntary registration scheme. Registration could be by individual instructor assessment and the completion of a training scheme accredited by the DSA.

Whilst this is initially a voluntary registration scheme, provision for compulsory registration has been included in the Road Safety Bill. I am also delighted to report that the Government is in favour of greater insurance discounts for recognised rider training skills. Even the insurance industry has shown an interest in an extension of the Pass Plus scheme, which is currently only available to newly qualified car drivers, being extended to motorcyclists.

Together with the training issues and the acknowledgement of the motorcyclists role in riding safely and responsibly the strategy is also designed to ensure:

• Transport and planning infrastructure will now take motorcycling into account
• The attitudes of drivers and riders is focussed on looking out for each other
• Road maintenance and diesel spillage are accepted as factors in motorcycle safety
• Consideration is given to wider bus lane access and advance stop line use
• Casualty figures should be expressed by rate as well as numbers
• Vehicle design, particularly field of view obscuration by modern 'A' pillars, is addressed.

For someone who has belonged to the "persecuted club" for many years I feel that this Government strategy is a superb beginning. For once the Government seem to be listening to us and what we want. And as David Jamieson says, "Together we can take forward this sensible, practical and deliverable package of measures to make a positive difference for motorcycling, and make sure that motorcycling takes its proper place in the transport mainstream as a safe, affordable means of transport."
I couldn't have put it better myself!

Helen McCrave

For more information on the Governments new motorcycle strategy visit www.dft.gov.uk. For more information on motorcycle training at Surepass contact 01752 301313 or info@a-surepass.co.uk