Bikes mean freedom

One in three non-bikers associate freedom and fun with motorcycling in a survey carried out by The Motor Cycle Indusrty Association.

The majority of positive views came from people living in areas where biking is taken seriously. In Bristol, where there is secure bike-parking and access to bus-lanes 36 per cent associated motorcycles with freedom and fun.

One in ten of the 1000 non-bikers interviewed said that they would consider buying a bike, with 42% citing bikes as an alternative to cars because of the quicker journey times, cost and ease of parking.

Overall the majority of people surveyed had neutral attitudes about motorcycling, and only 13.7 per cent admitted being ‘very negative’ about two wheels.

“The findings show motorcycling is viewed more positively than is often portrayed,” said MCI Director of Public Affairs, Craig Carey-Clinch. “Combined with steadily rising numbers of riders and mileage covered there are clear indications that motorcycling is an important and increasingly well-accepted part of life. Government and local authorites need to recognise this and ensure they make full provision for motocycling as they do for other modes of travel.