In a time when life is getting more expensive, it is a little surprising that motorcycle sales have declined. When you chat with young people about motorcycles, you get all sorts of reasons why they haven’t tried riding. Most haven’t even sat on one. It’s time to remind them of what they are missing. Riding a motorcycle isn’t just about getting from A to B. It’s an affordable way to travel. Quicker journeys mean less pollution and highway damage. Motorcycles can easily skirt the many potholes we have to encounter. Parking is easier and you can put six motorcycles in the space occupied by one car. The best reason chance to explore new places, meet people and experience different cultures. Some young people are already showing that you can ride around the world on a modest bike. You don’t need a hugely expensive machine. The more common the motorcycle the easier it is to maintain and repair on the journey.
Many people will tell you that motorcycle riding is really dangerous, even though they may have never ridden one! Yes, we hear about accidents. They make great disaster publishing. The statistics that scare people need to be looked at more closely. Questions like who else was involved in the accident, the road conditions, the rider’s experience, level of competence and the weather at the time are all crucial. Simple risk ratios give a distorted view. Sadly, this kind of publishing is often used by road safety organisations who should know better.
Despite alarming headlines, many young people are finding a different way of understanding motorcycle riding. It may be out of rebellion or just a strong desire to learn. They’ll hear concerns about safety, but with the right training and gear, they soon find that riding can be much safer than scaremongering headlines would have them believe. It’s all about staying aware and continuously improving your skills. Starting out can be pricey with training, buying a bike, and getting all the gear. However, as most young people know, there are many ways to cut costs, but never skimp on your training. In the long run, bikes are cheaper to run and maintain. Plus, doing your own bike checks and maintenance can be really satisfying. You don’t need the latest model, just a bike that fits you and that you fit the bike.
Some people think that motorcycles are bad for the environment. Modern bikes are getting cleaner all the time and can be a planet-friendly way to solve the need for personal transport in the future. There are rapid advances being made in electric and alternative fuel bikes. These are likely to be available long before fuel guzzling cars catch up. Motorcycles can have few electronics or be loaded with technology. Digital connections are easy to make, or there is always someone who will be happy to show you how to do it. Just don’t get distracted by all the gadgets!
Riding a motorcycle isn’t just for certain types of people. it’s for everyone. Bikers also care deeply about their communities and the planet. They support many local and national charities. Owning a bike means you’re not limited to staying where you live. You can explore the world and have a lot more freedom in choosing where to work or study.
NOW is the time to change the conversation around motorcycles. They offer everyone a sense of freedom. A chance to be part of the solution to environmental issues. Riding a motorcycle is not the problem that it is often made out to be. Riding a bike is about embracing the challenge of adventure. Becoming a safe, competent and confident rider. Think about all what you would do with all that freedom in your life? Get started here…
