With the cost of petrol and insurance and all other costs associated with running a car through the roof, not the mention the environmental impact of running a car, the option of riding a bike or moped is becoming ever more attractive.

And there are groups across the country promoting the use of bicycles, outlining the benefits as well as educating potential bike riders on important bike related topics such as how to use your bike safely, the benefits of a bike insurance policy and now to prevent your bike from being stolen.

Benefits of riding a bike

The Motor Cycle Industry Association is holding a day designed to educate young people about the benefits of riding a bike and how to do it sensibly.

The International Motorcycle and Scooter Show's annual youth day is expected to attract over 700 young people aged between 14 and 17 on the December 2nd this year. The day will be a great day out for everyone involved and is held at the NEC right in the middle of Britain's premier bike show.

Youth Day aims to really engage people with the issues which cycling is tackling and this year has a particularly high emphasis on safety. It is considered particularly important to get the safety message across as record numbers of young people are taking to roads on scooters, mopeds and small engined motorcycles.

It is believed that the reason for so many young people opting for scooters and motorcycles as a direct result of the increased costs associated with driving a car, such as high insurance and fuel prices. Insuring a moped or scooter can cost just a fraction of the cost of car insurance.

Records for moped and scooter sales so far this year show that sales have risen dramatically, with scooter sales up by 5.3 per cent and moped sales up by a massive 10.8 per cent.

Bike safety is key

Karen Cooke, head of safety at the Motor Cycle Industry Association, explained that the day was all about promoting safety in a way which can be fun for everyone and in a way which will get the message across to young people.

“We want to instill a sense of responsibility and the need for good training, but young people can also be enthusiastic about bikes and their benefits,” she said.

“Powered two wheelers are part of the answer to road congestion, and take up less space and have much lower CO2 emissions than cars. They also represent freedom and mobility and we want to ensure that young people are properly prepared for the road. Youth Day is exciting and fun.”

The day should be extremely popular with ticket prices starting at just £5 for students and entry is free for any accompanying teachers or workers. Activities include a road safety treasure hunt and a schools competition based on designing a motorcycle safety concept with entries displayed at the show. There will also be an interactive zone where kids can get stuck in to a range of fun safety themed activities.

The day is supported by Cheshire Police, who will be tackling drink and drug ridng/driving issues, First Bike on Scene who will be giving lessons in emergency aid, Warwickshire County Council have an emphasis on moped safety, while the Auto Cycle Union will be talking about motorcycle sport. Honda and BSM Rider Training are also supporting the event.