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The Motorcycle Industry Association (MCI) had a meeting with the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills this week aimed at gaining more recognition and support from the UK government for the motorcycle industry.

Even though motorcycles represent only 1% of the road traffic in the UK, the industry that supports that has a much larger role to play in the country’s economy. The 2010 industrial assessment found that the motorcycle industry has net sales in excess of £5billion and employs 62,000 people in over 5,700 companies. Plus it contributes £1billion in taxes to the Exchequer each year.

On this basis the MCI are looking for commitment and support from the Government, rather than exclusion, from benefits such as the scrappage scheme and business support programmes that have been available to the car sector.

In addition the MCI pointed out the other benefits of motorcycles as a contributing part of the automotive sector in helping improve the overall transport structure in the UK and helping the Government to meet its own targets.

• Motorcycles are congestion beating

• Motorcycles are less polluting than cars on average CO2 emissions of 110g/km compared to 158g/km for cars

• Motorcycles are a cost effective mode of transport

The industry delegation was led by Tara Glen, MCI’s Chairman who was supported by Steve Kenward, MCI’s CEO, and Craig Carey-Clinch. Mr Kenward said; ” We are very positive about the outcome of this meeting and are looking forward to working with the Government to create proper recognition for the motorcycle industry.”Motorcycles and scooters have an important role to play in transport policy as well as making a very notable financial contribution to Britain. Now is the time to readdress the balance and bring equality to the automotive sector.”

Lets hope that this is not just Government hot air and that we might actually see some support for the motorcycling sector in the country in the future.

Let me know what you think below