National bike week plans

Get a mate into biking with National Motorcycle Week. It runs from July 17 to 24 under the slogan ‘You’ve thought about it – now do it.’

Organisers, the Motor Cycle Industry Association, reckon there are loads of people who fancy the idea of biking – they just need a prod in the right direction to take their first steps.

MCN’s Get a Mate on a Bike campaign – which offered free lessons to new riders earlier this year – got the ball rolling.

Now the MCIA is asking current riders to do their bit by taking non-riding mates for a pillion ride and encouraging them to find out how to get a licence. (See MCN’s useful links in Advice & Tips for loads of learner-rider advice).

Or try getting your non-riding friends to join you at a bike race – the MotoGP in Donington finishes National Motorcycle Week and should be enough to convert most four-wheel fans.

Other events will take place across the country. Find out more about them at www.mcia.co.uk (go to the National Motorcycle Week section). There is a pack available for people interested in running an event.

Spokesperson Samantha Tyson-Evans, said, “ National Motorcycle Week is a fun week for celebrating motorcycling and highlighting the many benefits associated with it. Hobbies, keeping fit, commuting and holidays are just some of the things bikes and scooters can be used for.

“Anyone who is fed up with traffic congestion or public transport should seriously think about getting on two wheels to get to work.”

The week includes Ride To Work day on July 20.