[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BlogPosting","@id":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/latest-news\/motorcycles\/costs-are-increasing-for-uk-motorcycle-owners\/#BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/latest-news\/motorcycles\/costs-are-increasing-for-uk-motorcycle-owners\/","headline":"Costs 'are increasing' for UK motorcycle owners","name":"Costs 'are increasing' for UK motorcycle owners","description":"Motorcycle enthusiasts across the UK have witnessed an increase in the cost of running their vehicles over recent years, it has been claimed. Jeff Stone, media and public relations manager at the British Motorcyclists Federation, said there are presently 1.4 million motorcyclists in the UK – just a fraction of the 32 million registered car owners. Moreover, increasing costs mean that the sector is beginning to dwindle, as fewer young people are purchasing bikes in favour of becoming motorists behind […]","datePublished":"2012-04-26","dateModified":"2012-04-26","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/author\/isabelle-lawrence\/#Person","name":"Isabelle Lawrence","url":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/author\/isabelle-lawrence\/","identifier":30,"description":"Max Wheeler is a leading motoring journalist and classic car specialist at Smart Motoring, renowned for his sharp insight and infectious passion for all things automotive. With years of experience covering motoring news, supercars, and the enduring legacy of classic cars, Max brings stories to life with style and authority. Whether it\u2019s the roar of a Lamborghini, the elegance of an Aston Martin DB5, or the cultural impact of vintage motoring icons, he delivers expert commentary that inspires enthusiasts and collectors alike. Dedicated to celebrating the heritage and future of driving, Max Wheeler is your trusted voice for classic car news and beyond.","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/8d331506e3c530b5ec4930c30a01ed8cc29b0537227573ae5da98f559e681401?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/8d331506e3c530b5ec4930c30a01ed8cc29b0537227573ae5da98f559e681401?s=96&d=mm&r=g","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Smart Motoring","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/smart-motoring_news_logo_g-e1765846726493.webp","url":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/smart-motoring_news_logo_g-e1765846726493.webp","width":600,"height":60}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/04\/Riders-are-facing-increasing-bike-costs_16000857_801350608_0_0_7041416_500.jpg","url":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/04\/Riders-are-facing-increasing-bike-costs_16000857_801350608_0_0_7041416_500.jpg","height":333,"width":500},"url":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/latest-news\/motorcycles\/costs-are-increasing-for-uk-motorcycle-owners\/","about":["MOTORCYCLES"],"wordCount":352,"keywords":["accident","British Motorcycle Federation","insurance","motorcycle"],"articleBody":"Motorcycle enthusiasts across the UK have witnessed an increase in the cost of running their vehicles over recent years, it has been claimed.Jeff Stone, media and public relations manager at the British Motorcyclists Federation, said there are presently 1.4 million motorcyclists in the UK – just a fraction of the 32 million registered car owners.Moreover, increasing costs mean that the sector is beginning to dwindle, as fewer young people are purchasing bikes in favour of becoming motorists behind the wheel of a car.This is partly due to the fact that insurance premiums for individuals in their 20s are exceedingly high.He commented: "It's a problem when you're younger, but it's also a problem when you've got a car."Often you'll find the younger rider has paid more for his insurance than he has for his motorbike. Again, it does nothing to encourage motorcycle sales, but it's reflecting the market."Furthermore, bike sales have fallen as a result of the general economic environment, as even if enthusiasts are considering a purchase, they may feel that their older bike will do for a little longer when money is tight.It is also a case that the motorcycle has now become more of a recreational vehicle in the UK."People have a bike in their garage for high days and holidays, but don't necessarily commute on them," Mr Stone added.His comments follow the publication of research carried out by insurance provider Bennetts based on its claims for 2011.The data revealed that the most dangerous day for motorbike users in the UK was April 5th, while the riskiest place to ride was found to be in London – where 22 per cent of all motorcycle accidents took place.Meanwhile, bikers named David were the most dangerous on the road – suffering in 15 per cent of all claims – closely followed by those named Paul (14 per cent).Speak to motorcycle insurance team at Performance Direct for an expert, professional service and a choice of cover from the UK’s leading specialist insurance underwriters.Posted by Paul Durcan"},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Latest News","item":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/latest-news\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Motorcycles","item":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/latest-news\/\/motorcycles\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Costs 'are increasing' for UK motorcycle owners","item":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/latest-news\/motorcycles\/costs-are-increasing-for-uk-motorcycle-owners\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]