The Numball Rally

17 February 2010

Full Throttle UK, a specialist motorcycle youth project, recently organised the Numball Rally, a long distance ride on mopeds. This year’s event involved a 420 mile ride along the south coast riding from Land's End to Dover.

The trip took two days, riding at an average speed of 20mph (including stops) over two days. This involved riding for up 10 hours a day with riders using Honda Zoomer mopeds. The riders experienced various problems with car drivers overtaking dangerously close and on rare occasions, they were subjected to road rage. Apart from this, no accidents or breakdowns occurred. Three riders took part in the trip: Tony Green and Dan Harris (from Full Throttle) and 17-year-old Zac Powell from the Kent Youth Bikers. Paul Baker, from the Christian Motorcycle Association, provided vehicle support.

Most young riders don’t get the opportunity to ride on this length of journey, but for Zac Powell, his achievement shows how young riders can be mature road users if given the chance: “It wasn’t easy,” he said. “Riding locally doesn’t help to ingrain good riding skills. This trip gave me more road experience and helped to reinforce what I’ve learnt from motorcycle training. I’d definitely be up for it again!”

Dan Harris, the founder of Full Throttle, says: “This is our first Numball ride. We wanted to do something significant, but short enough to achieve over two days. This year’s trip has been so successful that we are planning a bigger trip next year!”

Next year’s Numball Rally is from 1-8 May and involves a 1300 mile ride between London, Edinburgh and Wales. This event will be fundraising, and organisers are looking for riders to take part in the trip. Kent Youth Bikers young riders’ club meets on the last Tuesday of each month (7-9pm) at Eythorne Baptist Church Hall, Chapel Hill, Eythorne, near Dover. The club is open to all 16-19 year olds who have a road legal scooter or motorcycle. Visit www.kyb.org.uk for information.

DVLA now returning licences

17 February 2010

After sustained pressure from various sources, the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) will now be returning original driving licences to motorcyclists whenever a replacement licence is issued.

The new procedure (with a hole punched through the original licence to invalidate it), has been introduced because disputed entitlements over licence categories have meant that many riders have been forced to take another driving test simply because they were unable to prove previously held entitlements.

The decision to return the defaced original licence follows months of lobbying over the issuing of replacement driving licences to motorcyclists applying for a replacement licence due to change of address, loss, renewal etc, who have then found that their replacement licence has not included the all-important ‘Category A’ motorcycle entitlement.

BAD FOR YOUR HEALTH?

17 February 2010

Two Bath universities are investigating how noise is transmitted through a helmet and how it affects the rider’s hearing and ability to concentrate.

The laboratory study will be in two parts; the first involves applying low level vibration to people’s heads to examine how the noise is transmitted through the whole helmet system, including the head.

ADD T&G TO YOUR SHOPPING LIST

5 January 2010

Twist & Go will be available in Asda stores as from the next edition, so don't forget to pick up your copy when you go shopping.

CHRISTMAS CONVOY

16 December 2009

The RideSafe BackSafe Christmas Toy Run was heralded a huge success after more than 150 motorcyclists travelled from far and wide to deliver children’s presents in Lancashire. The second annual event visited the Children’s Ward at Royal Preston Hospital and Donna’s Dream House in Blackpool on Sunday 29 November.

Event organiser and Project Lead for RideSafe BackSafe, Shelby Williams, was amazed by the turnout which was supported by Lancashire Police, South Lancashire Advanced Motorcyclists and the Motorcycle Action Group.

The darkness returns

16 December 2009

I’ve laboured for the past two years under the misapprehension that my 30,000-mile 2001 Mk1 Yamaha T-max was worn out and would forever steer like a tractor. Road-testing the fine-handling 2009 T-max merely rubbed salt into the wounds.

A large dollop of the blame for my scooter’s poor ride was due to the fact that I’d been cheaping out on my tyre choice and ended up with a mismatched set of Schwalbe Raceman on the front and a Continental Twist on the rear. Both of these come from respected manufacturers, but the Conti in particular was awful and didn’t suit the scooter; making it resist turning in, allowing it to wallow in high speed turns and worst of all spinning the rear if you used full throttle from traffic lights in the rain.

All this has been sorted with the fitment of a pair of Diamond S from Dunlop-owned European brand Sava. These are only conventional cross-ply tyres – unlike the more expensive radials specified for later versions of the T-max – but they have restored my Yam to its nimble and stable best. In the dry they feel as good as the original equipment Dunlops. They also grip confidently in the wet unless you get too throttle-happy while leant over. With the handling restored I really couldn’t care less about the wear rate, though so far this doesn’t seem at all excessive.

The Sava MC28 is available in 25 different versions covering most mid and maxi scooters with 12/13/14/15 and 16in wheel sizes. Prices start from around £35.

Sticky

ELECTRIC VEHICLE CALL

16 December 2009

Electric scooter company, e-motive, has called on the government to include two-wheeled transport in its support for electric vehicles.

In the recent Pre-budget report, the Chancellor, announced tax concessions for companies purchasing electric cars and vans but neglected to include motorcycles. This makes no sense, particularly as the government is promoting motorcycling through the Get On programme. There are thousands of businesses and employees that use motorcycles and they should receive the same support as those buying cars. In addition, with schemes such as Plugged in Places, the government is providing significant funding for cities installing electric vehicles charging infrastructure, but the focus is very much on cars. Paul Williams, Managing Director of e-motive, thinks the government will be missing a trick if it does not include incentives and charging points for scooters and motorcycles.

E-motive's website for further information: www.e-motiveuk.co.uk

New partnership

16 December 2009

At next year’s British 125cc championship, KYMCO UK will be racing ahead with Team Aztec GP as part of a new marketing partnership that will see KYMCO’s branding on the team’s GP 125cc machine.

To launch the partnership, a newly branded race bike was officially unveiled at Oulton Park on 9 October, the last race of the 2009 season. For 2010, the two partners are also working on plans to showcase KYMCO’s range of scooters and motorcycles at each of the BSB race events in a new specially designed hospitality area. KYMCO UK will also continue its current arrangement of supplying the team with a paddock scooter.

For further information about KYMCO, please visit www.kymco.co.uk
For further information about Team AZTEC GP, please visit www.aztecgp.com

Drinking and riding risk

16 December 2009

While one in six deaths on our roads are caused by drivers over the legal alcohol limit, motorcyclists are half as likely as other motorists to take the risk of drinking before riding, according to the MCI.

The latest analysis of drink-drive statistics show that in 2008, of the motorcycle riders tested following an accident, 1.4 per cent failed a breathalyser test compared to an average of 2.7 per cent for all road user casualties as a whole.

Twist ‘n’ go day

16 December 2009

Don’t forget that it’s Twist ‘n’ go Day on 20 December from 12 noon at Old Harrow Pub, White Lane, Gleadless, Sheffield. There will be a rideout, hot dogs and a raffle.

Mortons Acquire Classic American Magazine

12 November 2009

Lincolnshire publishers Mortons Media Group Ltd have purchased Classic American magazine from the Trader Media Group. The magazine is the market-leading title for all things relating to classic American cars.

Mortons are one of the largest family-owned independent publishing companies in the UK with a portfolio of magazine titles of a similar size to Classic American. They are probably most famous for their classic motorcycle titles, including Classic Bike Guide, a former stable mate of Classic American when both titles were owned by Myatt-Macfarlane Publishing. Their expertise is very much in publishing specialist titles and most recently they acquired Kitchen Garden magazine, the UK’s leading title for those who grow their own produce.

Managing Director of Mortons Media Group Ltd Brian Hill commented: ‘We are delighted to be taking on Classic American. It is well placed to sit alongside our growing portfolio of specialist heritage transport titles and we have exciting plans to maintain the title at the forefront of the classic American car scene.’

Editor Ben Klemenzson will be staying with the title which will be published from Morton’s centre of operations in Horncastle. Ben commented ‘The move to Mortons can only be good news and I’m looking forward to the next successful chapter in the Classic American story with our loyal readers, subscribers and advertisers’.

www.classic-american.com

Bowled over

21 October 2009

England cricket hero and TV star Darren Gough is the latest celebrity to be gripped by the biking bug and give his support to Get On, a nationwide campaign to promote motorcycling and scootering. Having previously spearheaded England’s Ashes bowling attack, Gough has swapped his whites for leathers and taken his CBT as part of the Get On campaign. The former winner of the BBC hit show ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ has been a fan of bikes for years, but sporting commitments had previously prevented him from taking to life on two wheels.

Having learnt about the Get On campaign (which is making biking and scootering open to the public by offering free one hour riding taster sessions throughout the country via www.geton.co.uk) Gough was inspired to take his CBT.

Sydney-London for Comic Relief

21 October 2009

Englishman Nathan Millward and his 105cc moped called Dorothy has proved size isn’t everything by riding 23,000 miles from Sydney to London in a bid to raise money for Comic Relief. Dorothy, a semi-automatic scooter with an extra petrol tank to make her look tougher, was originally employed to deliver mail in Brisbane, Australia. After four years and 25,000 miles she was set for retirement until Nathan bought her thinking she was perfect for riding home to England.

Picking up a book deal along the way, the pair plans to spend the winter writing about the adventure in the hope they’ll sell enough copies to cover the £8000 debt the trip cost. Visit www.thepostman.org.uk for more pictures and details.

Taking on the world

21 October 2009

Oxford Products have signed a deal with Grand Prix winner Bradley Smith for the next one and a half years to extend a special relationship that started four years ago. They supplied Bradley Smith with free HJC helmets back in 2005 and have followed his progress with interest ever since.

Bradley now 18-years-old, has re-written the history books this season in the highly competitive 125cc World Championship. After winning the Italian Grand Prix in May he became the first British rider to lead a grand prix World Championship since the legendary Barry Sheene 30 long years ago.

Earlier that month Smith won his first ever Grand Prix riding the Aspar Aprilia at Jerez in Spain. The Oxford-based teenager is in his fourth season of Grand Prix racing and has made impressive progress each year culminating in those two Grand Prix wins.

Second thoughts

21 October 2009

Transport for London (TfL) has launched its latest campaign to cut the number of motorcyclists killed or injured on London’s roads. The TV campaign will run throughout the autumn. It urges drivers to ‘give motorcyclists a second thought’, particularly when making right turns. The optical effect is caused by the way the brain assesses approaching objects. Drivers can underestimate the time that small vehicles take to reach them – causing risk of collision when pulling out in front of approaching motorcycles.

Riders commuting to work are a vulnerable group; the majority of casualties occur in the morning or evening. Last year there were 4890 collisions in Greater London involving motorcycles and/or scooters with other road users. Of these collisions 848 resulted in a death or serious injury of which 94 per cent occurred on roads subject to a 30mph speed limit.

Operation Octane

21 October 2009

Nearly 150 bikers were stopped by Staffordshire Police during a high profile August Bank Holiday operation. Operation chiefs said the day was notable for the way that drivers and bikers seemed to be looking out for each other.

Operation Octane was a joint push by the police and Staffordshire Casualty Reduction Partnership to raise awareness of the dangers bikers face. Marked and unmarked police cars and bikes and safety camera vehicles patrolled at ground level while the police Air Support Unit directed from above. The campaign targeted bad rider behaviour including crossing white lines, dangerous overtaking, tailgating and speeding.

Cameras for Cat & Fiddle

21 October 2009

Average speed cameras aimed specifically at bike riders will be in operation shortly on the Buxton-Macclesfield road (aka the Cat & Fiddle Run) and surrounding routes. The latest cameras will be linked rear-facing units to get around the problems of no front number plates on bikes. The £1 million pound government-funded scheme will be in operation by early 2010.

 

- Previous news -

Bristol Show's warming up

22 September 2009 - web update

To celebrate the forthcoming 29th Bristol Classic Motorcycle Show, over 14-15 February, the Mortons Show Team are offering six readers the opportunity to win a pair of tickets in a free prize draw. Held as traditional at the Bath and West Showground, the show is sponsored by Carole Nash and this year's guest of honour is none other than Britain's greatest road racer, Phil Read.

This popular show always provides the curtain raiser to the classic motorcycling season and with the new addition of a classic motorcycle marquee and the promise of more trade stands than ever before, the show is sure to be a big attraction.

Click here to enter>>

For further information on this or any of the other Mortons shows, call 01507 529430 or see www.classicbikeshows.com

ITALIAN FLAIR FOR MOTOGB

19 August 2009 - web update

Former General Manager for Aprilia and Moto Guzzi in the UK, Massimo Granata, has just been appointed to a similar role for MotoGB Ltd in Chorley, Lancashire. Massimo will be responsible for re-launching the Benelli and Cagiva brands and will help to develop brand awareness for an extensive range of Daelim and Keeway scooters and motorcycles.
His role will also include the development of a wider network of MotoGB dealers and implementation of improved distribution and dealer support services from the Lancashire-based importers.

UP FOR A CHALLENGE?

19 August 2009

ZingBikes are offering the opportunity of a lifetime this autumn (10-17 October), with the ZingBikes Adventures UK Charity Challenge.
The week long bike rally covers the British Isles to raise money for road safety charities nationwide and encourage safe biking. Keen riders of any level can join in for an entry fee of £99, which includes all accommodation and food on the entertainment evenings.
Participants would also be expected to raise money for charity by sponsorship. All proceeds will be donated to various associations including Cambridgeshire charity Magpas. For more information or a registration pack, visit www.zingbikes.com or call 01480 415044.

SYM MALOSSI GOODIES

19 August 2009

Owners of SYM scooters can increase the performance of their machine by fitting goodies from Malossi and LeoVince. We recently took a tuned up SYM Jet for a blast and the results were quite impressive.

The scooter has a 70cc Malossi kit, big carb, variator, clutch and performance exhaust.
The bolt-on goodies make the machine sound like an angry chainsaw and it goes like one too. It pulls well and will show a tad over 60mph on the clock. The parts had simply been bolted on at the Derby based scooter importers, Moore Large and although the scooter had a couple of flat spots these could easily be ironed out with a bit of time spent setting it up properly on the dyno. All parts are available from your local VE-UK stockist.
The 70cc kit retails at £150, variator around £64, 19mm carb £119, Kundo exhaust £102.

2008 statistics

19 August 2009

In 2008, 493 motorcyclists were killed, the lowest number since 1996 and just 26 more than the 1994-98 average of 467, the official Government baseline for road safety targets. Over the same period motorcycle use has increased over 44 per cent.
The reduction of 16 per cent in the number of motorcycle fatalities is a greater reduction than for road users as a whole, where fatalities for all road users have fallen just 14 per cent. The number of riders killed or seriously injured is down 10 per cent on 2007 and the total number of motorcycle casualties is 8 per cent lower than in 2007.

Sheila Rainger, Director of Communications and Research at the MCI, said: “To see a fall in motorcycle fatalities of almost 100 in a single year is a massive achievement and one of which everyone working towards safer motorcycling can be proud.
But there is no room for complacency. Continued work to develop more relevant training, aimed at rider attitudes as much as rider skills; national funding for BikeSafe; and proper integration of motorcycles into transport policy will help sustain this improvement in the future.”

Merseyside adds weight to initiative

14 August 2009

Merseyside Road Safety Partnership has joined forces with Lancashire Partnership for Road Safety and Drivesafe in Greater Manchester to support motorcyclists through the established RideSafe BackSafe initiative. All three partners have government targets for reducing casualties on their roads. More information can be viewed at www.ridesafebacksafe.co.uk

VROOM BY THE SEA

18 June 2009

With the patter of tiny feet imminent, writer Peter Moore travels through Sicily, Sardinia and the Amalfi Coast by way of a last fling before dutiful fatherhood on Marcello, Peter's bright orange Vespa. On the way, Peter meets a host of captivating characters who show him the Italy seldom seen by regular tourists. This paperback book is priced at £7.99. Visit www.summersdale.com for information.

Bumbling around

17 June 2009

Four UK bike riders are attempting the ‘Ride of the Bumblebee’ – a gruelling 2600 mile motorbike ride from the UK to Casablanca and back again in a week during July. It is to raise money for the Honeypot Charity which supports vulnerable children and young carers aged 5-12 years with respite holidays and a long-term support programme. The ‘no frills’ journey is a bid to raise a minimum of £10,000 for the charity and is supported by Sony Ericsson and its’ distribution partner 20:20 Mobile, who has stepped up as headline sponsor for the trip.

Team Bumblebee consists of Jason Smith, Paul Hobson, Chris Round and Simon Beech. There will be no support vehicle, no hotels – just tents. The team will shun all comforts and luxuries for the duration of the challenge. The punishing schedule means they will have to cover on average 450 miles a day. Using W995 Sony Ericsson phones, the team will be providing a blog (http://rideofthebumblebee.blogspot.com) of real-time updates and photos from the journey.

Visit www.justgiving.com/rideofthebumblebee to make a charity donation.

All things electric

17 June 2009

If you are looking for a list of all the electric scooters/motorcycles available in the UK (apart from the dodgiest internet merchants), then help is at hand. Visit www.atob.org.uk/electricmotorbikes and you’ll find up-to-date listings that includes price, max power, battery type/capacity/warranty and top speed on all e-scoots. There are also contact details and guidance to the sort of licence you need to ride one.

Subs renewals just got easier

17 June 2009

Looking to check your subscription, update your address or renew an order? Now you can – secure online. Our web-based shopping service 'Classic Magazines' has been selling top titles for over 10 years, and this year we've added a great new section which allows you to view all your running subscriptions. Not only can you update your details, but our renewal system also hides some fantastic hidden offers. Grab a FREE magazine sample, subscribe to a new title with a bonus discount, or |see money-off offers on our range of books.

Log in today from www.classicmagazines.co.uk. All you need is your six digit Customer ID (found on your delivery address sheet or renewal letters from Mortons Media Group Ltd)

A tough choice

17 June 2009

This year’s line-up of Yamaha 125cc motorcycles could be considered the best yet. Customers now have a bit of a choice to make. Having decided to buy a 125 Yamaha, they then have to choose between a zero per cent finance deal or free insurance (conditions apply). The choice of models ranges from the top spec WR125s, the award winning YZF-R125, or the two versions of the commuter’s choice, the YBR125.

The easy bit is to get down to your local authorised Yamaha dealer – the tough choice is deciding which option you should take advantage of. Visit www.yamaha-motor.co.uk for full terms and conditions plus details of authorised Yamaha dealers.

Autobahn Community Race III - Aldenhoven 2009

8 May 2009

We liked this video from Germany so much we've posted it here for you to enjoy.

The rough translation for the video description reads:
The first sunny Scooter Tuning event of the year took place on Saturday the 02 May 2009 alongside the Aldenhoven Streetbuzz.

Plenty of people and scooters at the start, it was possible on the circuit to lap or Sprint race duel. An exclusive report and many pictures there are in the second Streetbuzz magazine!

Pothole vigilance

14 April 2009 - web news

Safety organisation TyreSafe is advising motorcyclists to stay aware of potholes in the road in order to avoid accidents caused by sudden loss of control. They are advising motorcyclists to keep a close watch on the condition of the road as many gear up for long trips over the Easter bank holiday. The ‘freeze and thaw’ effect experienced during periods of cold weather accelerates the deterioration of road surfaces and the creation of potholes.
When the temperature drops, rainwater contained within cracks in the tarmac expands and breaks up the bitumen. Riding over potholes can cause significant handling problems for motorcyclists, as the resulting loss of grip reduces their ability to maintain control of the bike, particularly as they lean into corners, when stability is crucial. The impact caused by a tyre hitting a pothole could also cause damage to their tyre, potentially resulting in a bulge on the tyre sidewall as the structural integrity of the tyre is compromised.
• For further information please visit www.tyresafe.org.

95% favour bikes in bus lanes

14 April 2009 - web news

Prompted by the announcement from London Mayor Boris Johnson that motorcyclists will be able to share red route bus lanes with buses, cyclists and black taxis on an 18-month trial basis, Peugeot Scooters has conducted an on-line poll which reveals that public opinion is firmly behind allowing motorcycles and scooters to use bus lanes in towns and cities across the UK. Out of 1000 respondents, 95% said “yes” – an overwhelming majority.

PHOTOCARD LICENCE FIASCO

14 April 2009

Unwitting motorists face £1000 fines as thousands of photocard driving licences expire. Thousands of motorists are at risk of being fined up to £1000 because they are unwittingly driving without a valid licence. They risk prosecution after failing to spot the extremely small print on their photocard licence which says it automatically expires after 10 years and has to be renewed – even though drivers are licensed to drive until the age of 70.
To rub salt into wounds, drivers will have to a pay £17.50 to renew their card – a charge which critics have condemned as a 'stealth tax' and which will earn the Treasury an estimated £437million over 25 years. Official DVLA figures reveal that while 16,136 expired this summer, so far only 11,566 drivers have renewed, leaving 4570 outstanding. The fiasco has come to light a decade after the first batch of photo licences started to expire.

Bikers help grant more wishes

14 April 2009

On 21 June 2009, a group of adventurous motorcyclists will ride from Edinburgh to London – taking the longest route possible! Members of the xrv.org.uk adventure motorcycle forum will hold The Longest Day 2009 charity event in aid of Make-A-Wish Foundation® UK, the leading charity that grants magical wishes to children and young people fighting life-threatening illnesses. Up to 50 adventure motorcyclists will visit five capital cities in 24 hours. Starting at Edinburgh Castle, they will ride via Belfast, Dublin and Cardiff to London, finishing at the famous Ace Café on the longest day of the year, 21 June.

To find out more and to get involved in the ride for wishes, all participants need is a bike and a sponsorship form. Please visit the team’s website at www.thelongestday.org to read all about their adventure. They have also set-up a fundraising page – www.justgiving.com/thelongestday2009 – where supporters can donate money easily and securely.

Get ‘geared & go’

14 April 2009

RideSafe BackSafe is launching its new initiative “Geared & Go” to all 16-24 year old riders across the North West.
The initiative offers a free half-day seminar of interactive learning for young riders and is set to launch the North West Biking Weekend in Lytham St Annes on 18 April at the Dalmeny Hotel – other dates will follow. Groups of young riders will be encouraged to participate in modular discussions about contributory factors in road traffic collisions, crash investigation and the effects of drugs. A demonstration breathalyser test, case studies and routes to licence will also be presented to the groups.
Any young riders interested in participating in these events will need to pre-register by sending their name, address and telephone number by email to: info@ridesafebacksafe.co.uk and entering ‘Geared & Go’ in the subject box. More dedicated information about road safety, skills training and protective clothing for young riders can be found at www.ridesafebacksafe.co.uk

Encouraging rider safety

16 February 2009

Modern motorcycle clothing offers impact and abrasion protection from the moment riders hit the road until they come to a stop. It can significantly reduce injuries and, as a rule of thumb, it is recommended that bikers should spend between 15 to 20 per cent of the value of their bike on protective clothing. But after an accident some (if not all) of the clothing will need replacing – especially the helmet if it has taken a knock. Insurance company Bikesure is now offering a helmet and leather policy for the cost of £20 per year. This will give cover of up to £1000 on all leathers, including jacket, trousers, boots and gloves, and helmets (subject to a £50 excess).

Freephone 0800 089 2000,
email bikesure@adrianflux.co.uk
or visit www.bikesure.co.uk for information.

Caveat emptor - (Buyer beware)

16 February 2009

An excited reader phoned the T&G offices recently to tell us that the latest Italjet scooters were now sale in the UK via eBay. However closer investigation has revealed that all was not what it seemed. Detailed examination of the pictures revealed that the scooters were not the 180cc versions being claimed (which wouldn’t have met the current EU regulations anyway), but in fact were only 50cc models.

A few pointed questions to the seller quickly revealed that these scooters were in fact ‘new old stock’, despite it being claimed that they were the latest 2008/09 models. After our close questioning, the scooters were swiftly withdrawn from the eBay website. Now isn’t that a coincidence?

Piaggio oppose retaliatory action

16 February 2009

Piaggio Group Americas, Inc. has opposed the recently proposed retaliatory action in conjunction with the EU-Beef Hormone trade dispute. According to a notice issued by the office of the US. Trade Representative, revisions are being considered to the list of meat and food products that currently have a retaliatory tariff imposed on them. Inexplicably, USTR is considering extending retaliatory tariffs to European motorcycles between 51cc and 500cc displacement.
The recommendation is to add a 100% ad valorem tax to European-manufactured motorcycles and scooters that meet this displacement category – an action whose chief victims would be Piaggio Group Americas. 

New test package inadequate

6 February 2009

The Motor Cycle Industry Association (MCI) and its training arm the Motor Cycle Industry Trainers’ Association (MCITA), have broadly welcomed the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) announcement of the new motorcycle test. This followed a recent consultation on the new practical motorcycle test and associated fees.
The industry had urged support for the proposed two-part modular practical test,  but the MCI feels that some of the announced measures are still inadequate.

Following a £20 increase in test fees last September, the industry is totally opposed to the planned further increase in fees for tests taken on or after October 5, 2009. The MCI is also alarmed about the continuing low number of test sites available for module one of the new test. Having already delayed the introduction of the new test by six months because of safety concerns linked to a lack of test sites, it is expected that only 44 multi-purpose test sites, supported by part time sites, will be operational by April this year. The industry is also opposed to the proposed minimum wait of 10 days between failing and re-taking module two of the test. The MCITA believes that a compulsory 10 day wait would have a negative impact on the training process, and would also cost candidates time and money. Three days is a much more realistic period.

Honda debuts safety technology

17 December 2008

Honda debuted a new ‘Vehicle-to-Vehicle Communication’ system, could reduce road casualties of both motorcyclists and car drivers.

The ‘vehicle-to-vehicle communication’ system utilises wireless LAN technology to link vehicles within a defined radio range and establish an ad-hoc network. Each vehicle can also send information to vehicles farther afield. The system continuously monitors the position, speed, distance and direction of surrounding road users, even in conditions of darkness and poor visibility. Motorcycle riders can view information on a display, and receive safety warnings through advanced interfaces such as an in-helmet audio system.

Training moves up a gear

17 December 2008

The MCI is launching a new initiative to bring together the motorcycle training sector. This will include rider trainers and companies engaged in all types of rider training, including off-road and track days. The MCI believes that by creating a more focused lobby group, quality improvements to legislation can still be achieved across the industry.

Trainers should soon receive an information pack setting out all of the benefits of MCITA membership, with an invitation to join. Trainers can also ‘phone 02476 024 76 408032 or go to www.mcita.co.uk

Industry backs safety campaign

17 December 2008

The MCI is giving its full backing to a new Europe-wide road safety campaign developed by the Association des Constructeurs Européens de Motocycles (ACEM). The campaign will last 13 months and uses a cartoon format to highlight everyday risks to riders of powered two wheelers (PTWs).

Cartoons covering 13 topics will be released on a monthly basis, each focusing on a specific issue or risk. As well as drawing attention to the risk, riders will be given tips and recommendations on how best to tackle various situations. The first cartoon covering road junctions can be downloaded from www.acem.eu/cartoon

PARKING LOOPHOLES CLOSE

15 October 2008

The City of London Corporation have started issuing penalty charge notices to vehicles parked on footpaths in alleyways; this follows the introduction of new legislation in July to close the loophole which previously allowed bikers to park in alleyways without fear of being ticketed. Section 8 of the London Local Authorities and Transport for London Act 2008 makes amendments to the Greater London Council (General Powers) Act 1974 giving new powers to all London Councils to issue fines to vehicles parked on footpaths (a footpath is a highway over which the public have a right of way on foot only – quite often these run at a right angle to an urban road, as opposed to a footway which normally runs parallel). The new Act also allows civil enforcement officers (previously parking attendants) to remove any obstruction covering a vehicle registration plate.

Lothian and Borders Police to Patrol Scottish Parliament Buildings on Vectrix Electric Motorbikes

15 October 2008

Lothian and Borders Police Force have purchased a Vectrix electric maxi-scooter as part of their drive to reduce transport emissions and traffic congestion in Scotland’s Capital.
Lothian & Borders Police have purchased a Vectrix electric maxi-scooter as the first electric vehicle to be procured by the force. Two or three officers will be trained to use the Vectrix which will directly replace a petrol patrol car covering 20 – 30 miles daily and will be used for patrolling the Scottish Parliamentary areas and for transporting officers up to Police Headquarters in Central Edinburgh.
There is a large proportion of pedestrians in and around the Parliament Buildings and the Vectrix will provide a safe yet more humanly interactive method of patrolling without inflicting noise or air pollution on the vicinity. Edinburgh is a hilly City and therefore an electric car would not have the power or range to withstand the undulating environment. The Vectrix however provides the performance, range and presence required by the Police to ensure the highest level of public service is delivered.
Dignan McCulloch, Fleet Manager, Lothian & Borders Police, said. “Organisations across the country are focussing on improving their Carbon Footprint, the implementation of the Vectrix as a direct replacement for a car is a substantial achievement and goes a long way in helping us to reduce our carbon output. The Vectrix is very easy to use and has excellent visibility, it looks the part and we are looking forward to putting the bike into service and exploring other opportunities for further implementing Vectrix bikes both at Edinburgh Airport and the Royal Infirmary.”
“Scottish organisations are really surging forward in their pursuit of environmental and cost effective forms of transportation”. Said Alex Bamberg, Managing Director, Vectrix UK Ltd. Lothian & Borders Police have identified key areas where the Vectrix can replace four wheel vehicles reducing both emissions and congestion within Edinburgh City Centre.”

Lothian & Borders Police are the second police force in Scotland to invest in the Vectrix technology, Strathclyde Police already uses two Vectrix maxi-scooters to patrol BAA Glasgow Airport.

AA choose Burgman

20 August 2008

Mott Motorcycles of Basingstoke are supplying 20 Suzuki AN650 K8s to the AA for use as patrol vehicles within UK cities (Manchester, Bolton, Wolverhampton, Leeds, Glasgow and London have been mentioned). The AA selected the Burgman as a viable means to carryout quick and simple road repairs – they have storage as standard and are automatic with an optional manual shift on the 650. In addition, Autocom Pro Rider communications, the Garmin Zumo 550 Sat Nav, topbox and a flashing orange beacon have been supplied. Each machine has been individually wrapped in the corporate colours..

Rush hour road rash

16 April 2008

The RideSafe BackSafe team are urging two-wheeled commuters to dress for the journey, not the destination. As a part of their safety campaign, the North West initiative is displaying a series of posters across the region, aimed at those bikers who don’t wear the right protective clothing.

The ‘City Ace, Pity Case’ poster illustrates both the correct clothing and what not to wear. Bikers are being encouraged to apply a little common sense for the sake of self-preservation. Information about protective clothing, training options, bike events and a web-based forum, can all be viewed at www.ridesafebacksafe.co.uk

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