The MCI’s Get On campaign is targeting London to recruit new people to biking.
In a press release to all media, the scheme is offering anyone over the age of 16 the chance to try motorcycling for free with a registered trainer – to help commuters switch to a more reliable and cost-effective mode of transport.
Get On’s organisers believe that while good public transport links are obviously desirable, many commuters need greater flexibility and reliability and a lightweight motorcycle or scooter is usually much cheaper to run. The “sales” campaign will stress – as the converted already know – that:
- Motorcycles, scooter and mopeds move easily through traffic.
- In London there is no congestion charge and motorcyclists can use certain bus lanes.
- The average rider saves around 300 hours a year from their commute.
- Parking is easier and often free, allowing people to get closer to their final destination.
- A new breed of small motorcycles, scooters and mopeds can do over 130mpg – some as much as 168mpg.
- Only 2.5% of people who have previously taken a Get On free ride said they did not enjoy their experience (from a sample of 4655).
MCI chief executive officer Steve Kenward said: “We are always looking for opportunities to write motorcycling into local transport stories and ask members to let us know about congestion stories in their area. Get On gives us a unique opportunity to offer something tangible to kickstart interest in motorcycling in a given area.”
The Get On initiative targeting London will point out that a study in Belgium showed that if just 10% of all traffic on the road were PTWs, then congestion would be cut by 40% for all road users. When 25% of traffic is made up of PTWs, then congestion is eliminated altogether.
In European countries where PTWs are more common, safety for riders improves too.*
Londoners will be given example of cost savings (detailed cost break down can be provided on request) over a three-year period. It will be pointed out that someone who currently drives to Sevenoaks station by car, travels to London Bridge by train, then ends their journey within zones 1-2 will pay over £18,000 to travel to work over three years, which does not include the cost of running a car.
If the same person travelled by motorcycle they could expect to pay just over £12,000, which would also include the purchase price of a £5000 bike bought on finance, protective clothing, the cost of obtaining a licence and all running and servicing costs plus petrol. They will also own the bike at the end of three years, and still save on average around £1535 a year.
To get started people will be advised to:
1. Book a free ride with get on via the website www.geton.co.uk
2. Apply for a provisional licence, if you don’t have one already
3. Arrange a CBT with your local MCITA trainer www.mcita.co.uk (cost can differ between trainers so always check before booking)
4. Visit your local motorcycle dealer to see what they have that suits your budget
5. Save time and money. Park more easily. Use the bus lanes where allowed and enjoy your ride to work!
*Research concerning safety stats for PTW use in Europe was presented to a safety conference run by the Association of Chief Police Officers and the Motorcycle Industry Association on 11 November, 2013, in conjunction with the Department for Transport. Read report here.