The Motor Cycle Industry Association (MCI) has launched a publicity campaign to get more people onto motorcycles.

'Bike Britain’ will spread the message that two wheels makes more sense than four and MCI Director of Public Affairs Craig Carey-Clinch says the aim of the campaign is to increase awareness of the benefits of riding motorcycles, mopeds and scooters.

He said: “We want people nationwide to experience the freedom of motorcycling and will be working hard to get the message out there. Powered two-wheelers are the best transport choice for the 21st Century. They are an ideal way of beating the contemporary nightmare of getting to work and are great fun as well.

“Motorcycling means real freedom of transport choice, flexibility, mobility and affordability. The campaign aim is to encourage people using public transport and cars to ride motorcycles, mopeds and scooters. Not only will this lead to reduced congestion from cars, but much needed public transport capacity will also be created.”

The publicity campaign will feature the 2003 ‘Ride To Work Day’, which is being held this year on Wednesday, July 16, a publicity stunt featuring a huge pair of pants, press releases detailing the benefits of motorcycling and a competition to find ‘The Most Motorcycle Friendly Company in the UK’.

The campaign will focus on Birmingham, Manchester, Glasgow, Cardiff, Bristol and London and in each city, a ‘Call To Ride’ competition will be launched in conjunction with the local press where 8 people in each area will be invited to take their CBT for free. Prizes worth £1,500 are also on offer.

MCI has compiled a list of facts to back up its campaign messages:

· More than 5 million people in the UK have a driving licence, which entitles them to ride. The active rider population is around 1.5 million.

· The UK motorcycle industry is worth £3 billion per year and employs more than 15,000 people.
· Approximately 45,000 Londoners own a moped or scooter.
· Identical journeys take less time with a motorcycle than a car. By 40-60% in London and by around 33% for other commuters.

· Moped sales in Greater London rose by 1007% between 1995 (668) and 2000 (7397).
· A typical scooter consumes between 55% and 81% less fuel than a car on the same journey (EC Motor Vehicle Emissions Group).

· Riders choose to ride for a variety of reasons, including cost-effective transport, shorter journey times, easy parking, fashion, environmentally sound and fun.

· Commuting accounts for two-thirds of all motorcycle journeys.
· Five motorcycles can be parked in a space occupied by one car.
· Many full car licence holders are automatically entitled to ride a 50cc moped or scooter.
· Biking is getting safer, motorcycle casualties are currently 60% less than in the early 80s and the casualty rate for motorcyclists fell by 8% in 2001 alone (most recent available figures).

The Motor Cycle Industry Association are supported by bike manufacturers and dealers and run the International Motorcycle Show at the NEC each year.