Youthful appeal |
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MCI Department for Motorcycle Safety, Security and Sport was created in November 2002, to take on the responsibility for a range of road safety matters relating to motorcycling. The department works closely with government, government agencies, riders and training providers to raise standards of coaching as well as development opportunities for qualified riders. Most recently, the department has been involved in responding to the DSA’s consultation on the EU 2nd Licence Directive. The MCI felt that the structure proposed was unnecessarily complex, would require huge government resources, football pitch-sized areas of land to be acquired for training purposes and would end up being a barrier to people taking up motorcycling. The MCI, therefore, conducted trials of the proposals at the DSA centre in Bedfordshire and believes it has come up with a structure that will result in a safer standard of novice starting out on the roads without damaging the appeal of motorcycling or restricting access to this rewarding form of transport. The Edge 44 The Edge programme was dissolved at the end of 2002. However, MCI’s Department for Motorcycle Safety, Security and Sport has been working with Hampshire Police, the most successful Edge region, in setting up “The Edge 44” in conjunction with Hampshire County Council. Hampshire Police have built on the success experienced during The Edge years in setting up this spin-off from the scheme. The MCI has worked closely with officers to get things off the ground and riders are now booking in significant numbers. MCI Youth Education MCI is working to implement the following youth mission: • To improve motorcycle awareness among young people and encourage them to become safer and more responsible road users • To encourage young people to consider the motorcycle industry as a career choice • To gain acceptance from government and others that road safety awareness and responsible road use are core life skills and should be taught to young people as part of the National Curriculum • To promote the widespread introduction in the UK of the Northern Ireland GCSE in motor vehicle and road-user studies as a way of encouraging young people to be more aware and be safe users of the road environment that they face MCI Youth Initiatives The MCI works on the following programmes to implement its youth mission: Youth Day 2002 was an informal educational day trip for young people aged 14-17. It took place at the International Motorcycle and Scooter Show at Birmingham’s National Exhibition Centre on Thursday 21 November 2002. It was the second event of its kind, the first being in November 2000. There were three main themes of the day: careers, sports and road user education. Over 400 young people came to the event, with over 100 accompanying workers. A careers centre was set up where youngsters were able to gain valuable advice on the various careers and training courses available within the motorcycle industry. Thirteen organisations, including youth groups, colleges and training organisations, were on hand to give advice on any careers questions. Other features of the day included an educational treasure hunt, where youngsters had to answer questions on road safety and sport, and the presentation of an “Outstanding Achievement Award”. This award was set up two years ago to recognise the achievements of young people in the fields of motoring education and motorcycle sport. The winner of the 2002 award scheme was 11-year-old motocross racer, Josh Waterman from Gloucestershire, who has excelled in the field despite being profoundly deaf. Pop group Liberty X presented the award – and also signed autographs. Road User Education – A Guide to Citizenship Conference
MCI has been looking at the various projects available that offer road user education and sees the need for a national curriculum to set standards in road safety and motoring. The conference should appeal to road safety officers, local education authorities, teaching staff, automotive industry members, police, youth offender team managers and local government professionals. There will be key speakers on subjects such as the 2010 transport strategy, current educational strategy and the GCSE in Motor Vehicle and Road User Studies. There will also be a chance for the delegates to put forward their views on the importance of an automotive curriculum. An MCI work programme will be produced after the conference, which will be of interest to various relevant organisations. Other MCI youth-related work • GCSE in Motor Vehicle and Road User Studies. MCI has been lobbying for the GCSE in Motor Vehicle and Road User Studies to be implemented into the National Curriculum. The course is both academic and practical-based. • National Youthbike MCI has long been a supporter of National Youthbike, which encourages young people to have a practical interest in motorcycling. Teams of young people attend an annual event in Tattershall Park in Lincolnshire, where they display their motorcycling design skills. Winning designs are given awards and MCI sponsors the award for the best Alternative Powered Vehicle. MCI also sets up a stand at the event where youngsters can get valuable advice on careers in the motorcycle industry. |
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