Bikers, scooters gear up for Ride to Work Day

Motorcycle and scooter riders gear up for Ride to Work Day

Hundreds of motorcycle and scooter riders are gearing up all around the country for the ‘MTA Motorcycle and Scooter Ride to Work Day’ on Friday 12 February 2010.

‘MTA’s Motorcycle and Scooter Ride to Work Day’ was launched last year by the Motor Trade Association (MTA) to demonstrate the fast growing popularity of this form of transport and to celebrate what is becoming a way of life for many thousands of New Zealanders.

This year ‘MTA Motorcycle and Scooter Ride to Work Day’ events will take place in six regions across the country and, in most regions, local mayors and MPs will attend the event, with a number of organised activities including free breakfast snacks, great prize draws, giveaways, and information on rider training.

MTA spokeswoman, Ana Zandi, says ‘MTA Motorcycle and Scooter Ride to Work Day’ is all about having fun, acknowledging and celebrating the growing number of motorcycle and scooter riders in New Zealand.

Since the year 2000 new and used import motorcycle sales have grown from 4,000 units per year, to just under 20,000 units in 2008. The combined effect of these boom years has resulted in the national motorcycle fleet almost doubling to approximately 90,000 in the last decade.

“As New Zealanders look for ways to save money and help the environment, motorcycle and scooter sales have significantly increased over the past decade, and there is now a new breed of commuters that are growing every day.”

“Motorcycles are a fun and easy way to commute, not to mention the numerous benefits; they are cheap to run, it’s easier to find a park, and they help to reduce your carbon footprint and traffic congestion on the road.”

‘MTA Motorcycle and Scooter Ride to Work Day’ is also part of an effort to help demonstrate to all motorists and regulators that motorcyclists are on the road too, and that this is a fast growing sector which needs better recognition.

Ms Zandi says the event also carries an important safety message as well.

“Awareness and visibility are critical for motorcycle safety. Encouraging other road users to be aware of motorcyclists and encouraging motorcyclists to be conscious that they are not always easily spotted by other road users, are high priorities for MTA’s motorcycle activities.” she said.

Last year, hundreds of riders attended the breakfasts in Wellington and Gisborne. With six towns and cities set to take part, the event promises to be an even bigger and better event the second time around.
Breakfast snacks will be available from 7.00am through 8.30am; participating riders are eligible for prizes drawn on the day.

Speeches and prize draw begin at 7.30am.
‘MTA Motorcycle and Scooter Ride to Work Day’ events will take place in the following towns and cities:
Wellington, Palmerston North, Tauranga, Gisborne, Kaitaia and Oamaru

For more details about MTA Motorcycle and Scooter Ride to Work Day’ visit www.mta.org.nz/ridetowork.
‘MTA Motorcycle and Scooter Ride to Work Day’ events are organised by MTA and supported by MTA motorcycle dealers, ACC, Suzuki NZ. Breakfast food is provided by sponsors.

ENDS