Drivers could be swapping four wheels for two
Date: 13/05/2008 16:42:53
Motorists searching for ways of cutting journey times and costs could be behind a sharp increase in motorcycle sales, an industry expert says.
The Motorcycle Industry Association (MCIA) said powered two wheeler (PTW) registrations stood at 13,747 in April, more than ten per cent higher than the same period last year.
Association representatives said the figures were pleasing given the UK's uncertain economic climate and recent poor weather.
Craig Carey-Clinch of the MCIA said: "There are also strong signs that people are looking for viable alternatives to putting up with traffic jams or crowded public transport."
Drivers swapping their cars for bikes could also save on cover costs as many
motorbike insurance policies are likely to be cheaper than cover for a powerful, expensive car, while tax costs linked to emissions are also likely to be cheaper on two wheels.
The Association also released figures suggesting overall motorcycle use for the year so far is up by 1.3 per cent on the same period in 2007.
The full practical motorcycle test is set to become more complex later this year, prompting the MCIA to launch a "Now's the Time" campaign to encourage people to take to two wheels beforehand.