Craig Carey-Clinch, Director of Public Affairs

The Edge
A fresh approach to assessing riders' abilities, The Edge is a ground-breaking scheme giving bikers the most comprehensive benefits package on the market in return for proving their motorcycling skills are up to standard. Designed to appeal to riders who wouldn't normally consider extra training or an assessment, The Edge gauges knowledge of basic machine set-up, motorcycle security, how to handle the scene of an accident and essential road-riding skills.
In return for making the grade, riders who pass The Edge are given a host of exclusive benefits including substantial discounts on insurance, unbeatably low prices on security products, huge savings on clothing and accessories and entrance to exclusive Edge events, to name but a few.
The Edge exists to ensure riders possess that all-important "edge" over the risks that face them on a daily basis. But that's only half of it.
By ensuring riders have the skills they need to help them avoid becoming involved in a crash or having their vehicle stolen, The Edge is a sure-fire means of keeping theft and accident rates to a minimum - in short, the motorcycle industry's answer to the problem. Based on the results of extensive research by the MCI, The Edge has been tailored specifically to meet riders' requirements, which means it has the right content, the right benefits and, most importantly, the right approach.
More an informal ride-out and assessment than a regimented test, each Edge assessment takes no more than four hours to complete, most of which time is spent on the road at a ratio of one assessor to two candidates. To get The Edge, candidates must prove their skills in cornering, overtaking, junctions and appropriate use of speed are up to the required standard. They must also answer a few written and oral questions on machine set-up, maintenance, roadcraft, hazard management, riding in groups, scene-of-accident procedure and vehicle security.
Once they've passed The Edge assessment, Edge riders are given access to an ever-expanding package of exclusive deals and discounts, many of which are worth far more than the £60 cost of taking the actual assessment. To date, the benefits package - which has a three-year lifespan - includes:

• 10% off premiums with most insurance providers;
• Invitations to exclusive track events for Edge riders;
• 10% off certain brands of clothing;
• Up to 40% off top-name security products;
• Exclusive deals on travel insurance and breakdown recovery;
• Discounted entry to the International Motorcycle and Scooter show at Birmingham's NEC;
• First-aid advice and riding tuition.
  

The Edge is a key weapon in the fight to reduce motorcycle casualties and motorcycle theft. We've all read lurid tales about "born again bikers", noted the recent rise in motorcycle casualties and wondered what can be done to improve rider safety. The Edge was established specifically to tackle this issue.
Endorsed by The Department of Transport, local government and the regions and increasingly recognised as a proactive, partnership-based method of raising standards, The Edge can now be cited as a model for best practice in the debate on motorcycle post-test training.


Youth Day
In November 1999, a working group was formed to develop and implement the idea of Youth day, an event aimed at young people interested in using motorcycles, mopeds or scooters as their first form of transport.
The initiative was set up to deliver key road safety messages to youngsters in a suitable, fun environment and to this end, it was decided that the event should be held during The International Motorcycle and Scooter Show at Birmingham’s NEC. The working group consisted of charity UK Youth, which runs motoring education projects throughout the country, The Motor Cycle Industry Association (MCI), Kawasaki and The Heritage Motor Centre, one of the first places in the country to run a GCSE in Road User Awareness Studies.
The day was a great success and more than 500 youngsters from schools and educational establishments attended. The aim of the day was to provide:

• A showcase for the promotion of safe and responsible motorcycling aimed at 14 to 17-year-olds;
• An educational and fun day out aimed at young people, supported by teachers, youth workers, road safety officers and other youth workers;
• A shop window for producers and manufactures of educational, crime prevention and road safety resources;
• An opportunity to demonstrate the full range of training and employment opportunities offered by motorcycle and associated industries.
  

A market survey carried out among youngsters who attended the event found an overwhelming majority said the day was informative and enjoyable. Given its success, another event was planned for 2002, based on the same principles.

The 2002 event, held once again at the NEC in November was run exclusively by MCI and UK Youth. It had three themes, careers, education and sport and offered an insight into all things motorcycling. MCI and UK Youth say the event proves their commitment to the safe and positive participation of young people in motorcycling activities, whether for sport or for transport on the public highway. MCI Director of Public Affairs Craig Carey-Clinch says: “Youth Day is the best way of communicating messages of road safety and road user awareness to a young audience.
“We also want to encourage young minds interested in a career in motorcycling. That is why professionals are on hand to talk candidly about opportunities within the industry.

“We also hope they learned something from the day and devised a treasure hunt to test youngsters on motoring education issues.”
MCI and UK Youth also set up an ‘Outstanding Achievement Award’ for young people who have made a significant achievement in the automotive field during the last 12 months.