Motorcycle and scooter riders turn out in force

Media Release
Motor Trade Association
Friday 12 February 2010

Motorcycle and scooter riders turn out in force

Motorcycle and scooter riders from six towns and cities around the country turned out in force today for the second annual ‘MTA Motorcycle and Scooter Ride to Work Day’.

Motorcycle and scooter riders revelled together to enjoy free breakfast snacks, giveaways, and receive information on safe rider practices, being promoted as part of the safety message.  Among the giveaways were a number of high visibility vests, MTA gift vouchers, as well as discount offers and vouchers from participating MTA motorcycle dealers. 

‘MTA Motorcycle and Scooter Ride to Work Day’ was launched last year by the Motor Trade Association (MTA), to celebrate the growing popularity of this form of transport and to help demonstrate to all motorists and regulators that motorcyclists are on the road too.  

Events were held in Wellington, Gisborne, Palmerston North, Tauranga, Kaitaia and Oamaru, and most events were attended by local mayors and MPs.

“The event has grown significantly since its conception last year in Wellington and Gisborne, and it’s great to see other centres getting involved.” said MTA spokeswoman Ana Zandi.

“Since petrol prices have started to rocket we have estimated that the number of motorcyclists on the road has almost doubled in the last decade, as people abandon their cars and look for ways to save money and help the environment.”

“Motorcycles and scooters are a fun and easy way to commute. It’s much easier to find a park, they are cheaper to run, help to reduce your carbon footprint and ease traffic congestion on the road.”

Ms Zandi said that the event also carries important safety messages.

“Awareness and visibility are critical issues for riders and other road users. Today, we wanted to remind riders, and those who are considering becoming riders, about the importance of keeping themselves and their vehicles safe on the road.” 

In Wellington, riders from across the region gathered at Queens Wharf and were joined by guest speakers Wellington Mayor, Kerry Prendergast, and Dale Williams, Mayor of Otorohanga.

Wellington Mayor, Kerry Predergast, said that motorcycles and scooters play a critical role in freeing up congested city streets and that the Wellington City Council were talking to providers of off-road parking to provide further bike spaces.

“We are proposing another 30 to 40 spaces, including some restricted two-hour parks, in and around the CBD.”

Mayor, Kerry Prendergast said that there used to be 350 parking spaces available for the 450 or so bikes that used to come into the city every day and that this would now increase to 480.

“Compared to cities with similar streetscapes we’re one of the most generous; Sydney CBD, for example has 600 free parks for 4500 riders, and San Francisco has 475 for 9000.”

Reports from the five other centres indicated that the breakfast events were also well attended.

“The growing enthusiasm for motorcycling is reflected in the number of riders who attended today - this is surely a sign that the event will only continue to grow.”

MTA Motorcycle and Scooter Ride to Work Day’ events were organised by MTA and supported by MTA motorcycle dealers, ACC, Suzuki NZ. Breakfast food was provided by sponsors, including The Mad Butcher and Café Italliano.

For further information on ‘MTA Motorcycle and Scooter Ride to Work Day’ or to view images of the events visit http://www.mta.orgnz/ridetowork2010

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