UK Motorcycling
More and more people in the United Kingdom are joining the world of motorcycling, even during the winter months. As well, UK Government statistics show that 14% of people taking their test are women.
Indeed female interest in motorcycling is starting to grow with 60% of the ‘Get On’ Free Riders at the recent 2010 Carole Nash Motorcycle Live Event back in December were women.
Although the sale of new motorcycles continue to struggle, motorcycle riders are regularly getting more miles out of their current bikes, saving themselves time and money.
Last year in the UK, 3.2 billion miles were traveled on motorcycles and scooters, which is 0.4 billion more than ten years ago. The number of licensed motorcycles has also increased by 77% since 1995.
The world of motorcycling appeals to men and women from all walks of life and many celebrities have been spotted with their pride and joy.
A-list celebrity women such as Angelina Jolie and Gwyneth Paltrow have all taken to riding motorcycles and scooters but its time that more girls started to join the growing ranks.
In the UK they are working hard to make it easier than ever to take a first step onto two wheels through an industry free ride program, Get On.
Get On allows prospective motorcyclists the ability to sign up for a one-hour free ride with a local trainer by going to the website www.geton.co.uk.
Riders get an hour of riding a scooter or motorbike in a safe area away from the road, with a qualified motorcycle instructor, as well as access to a helmet and other safety kit.
Steve Kenward, CEO of the Motor Cycle Industry (MCI), says "There has never been a better time for people to start riding, and Get On makes it easy. The industry would love to see more women joining the motorcycle community.
"Improvements in motorcycle clothing, that will keep you warm and safe as well as the technological advances in the bikes mean there is no reason why more people can’t enjoy the benefits of a bike, all year round."
"Saving money, shortened journey times and flexibility are just some of the benefits of getting on two wheels and as the statistics show people are riding more than ever with an increase of almost half a billion miles traveled now than a decade ago"
