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Releases 2007 » The future of biking
FORGET MEAN AND LEAN,
THE FUTURE’S GREEN SAY BIKERS AS DEVITT ASKS BIKERS TO LOOK
30 YEARS AHEAD
Romford, 18th June 2007 – Forget faster
and better-looking machines, the next generation of bikers is likely
to demand eco-friendly bikes and ‘smart’ leathers, according
to a Devitt study on what biking would be like in 2037.
More than half of bikers (54%) said how ‘green’ a bike
is would become the overriding factor for choosing a model, with
looks and style likely to be a secondary consideration.
The majority of bikers surveyed also felt that a bike’s top
speed would become almost irrelevant, with just 5% predicting that
bikes would be faster than they are today. In fact, one-in-five
(22%) expected speed limiters to be fitted to bikes as standard.
Almost half (47%) also foresaw that manufacturers would begin to
fit mandatory black box technology into bikes at manufacture. Technology
designed to monitor vehicle use is currently being trialled in cars
for insurance and road charging purposes and bikers said that this
would be extended to bikes and become the norm over the next 30
years.
When it came to gear, bikers envisaged that leathers would move
with the times and bristle with hi-tech equipment designed to increase
survival in an impact. More than half (53%) predicted that advances
in technology would allow for airbags to be incorporated into leathers,
while one-in-five bikers (19%) looked forward to all-in-one suits,
incorporating boots and head protection.
However the future for biking as a method of transport is rosy,
with many in the survey pointing to a social need to reduce congestion
and protect the environment as factors likely to encourage more
people to take up two-wheeled transport. And while only one-in-five
(21%) said that crowded and dangerous roads would put future bikers
off, the majority (65%) thought that more people would turn to two
wheels, as cars become more expensive to own and run.
So, with more and safer bikes on the road, did bikers believe that
car drivers would eventually become more considerate to their two-wheeled
cousins? The resounding answer from today’s bikers was no.
More than half of bikers (54%) said nothing would change and another
third actually believed consideration for bikers would worsen, as
safer cars led to a greater feeling of driver invincibility.
William Hughes, Devitt’s Managing Director, feels that the
biking industry should take note of the research findings.
“The message is simple, manufacturers should focus long-term
on providing more advanced protective clothing and allow us to ride
safer and more environmentally-friendly bikes,“ he said.
In 2036, Devitt insurance will celebrate its centenary, having
been formed in the 1930s when motorcycling grew in popularity and
insurance became an essential element of protection.
- ENDS -
For further information, please contact:
Chris Bottle
Head of Marketing
Devitt Insurance Services Limited
Tel: 01708 385959
Email: chris.bottle@devittinsurance.com
Web: www.devittinsurance.com
Notes to editors:
Devitt Insurance Services Limited is a specialist motorcycle insurance
broker, and is part of The Royal Bank of Scotland Group. Authorised
and regulated by the Financial Services Authority (FSA), the business
grew from the success of Devitt DA, established in 1936, which revolutionised
the motorcycle insurance industry with the innovative idea of offering
customers instant insurance cover through the motorcycle dealer.
Devitt’s success has allowed it to expand into other areas
of Personal Lines insurance, including car and home insurance. Devitt
is also recognised for arranging insurance schemes for employee
groups, clubs, associations and other affinity groups.
Press Release Archive: 2007
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