I'll get to the point - what worries me is that if motorbikes aren't seen in future as a good or worthwhile thing they will not continue to be considered in road schemes, will be penalised for their emissions/performance (i.e. waste of energy) and eventually be legislated against/priced off the road. Simples.[/quote]

I agree with your sentiments and I think the industry has missed the boat somewhat on an opportunity to continue the good publicity that the likes of Ewan and Charley have brought to biking. I know that the pair often get a bad press (unjustified in my opinion) amongst bikers, but few can argue that their effect has been positive for us. Many bikers, myself included, have noticed that car drivers are pulling over to allow us to pass more often now. I have a suspicion that mainstream programmes like Long Way Down have a lot to do with this as they have shown the public in general that bikers are not all speed crazed grease monkeys but we get immense enjoyment just by being on the bike, taking in the scenery etc and our journeys become an enjoyable experience rather than a stressful necessity.
In the last few years it seems that every other celebrity is announcing themselves to be a biker. It is a shame that the manufacturers have not managed to use some of them to appeal to new bikers of all ages. It seems to work for pretty much every other product!

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This old world keeps spinning round, it`s a wonder tall trees ain`t laying down.