UK bike training bodies merge
Added on Tuesday, November 10th, 2009 by Carole Nash Editor | No Comments
UK bike training bodies merge
Two of Britain’s biggest motorcycle training associations have merged with the Motorcycle Industry Association to form an organisation which it is believed will have a stronger influence on motorcycle training issues.
The Motor Cycle Industry Trainers Association (MCITA) and Motorcycle Rider Training Association (MRTA) will merge under the MCI umbrella to become known as the Motorcycle Industry Trainers Association (MCITA) to better serve the practical and representative requirements of the training industry.
All three bodies have been vocal critics of recent reforms to the motorcycle test and it is felt that by combining resources, the new body can place greater influence on policy makers and ensure the needs of trainers are fully represented and supported.
In a statement, the MCITA claimed that the recent implementation of the 2nd Driving Licence Directive has posed difficulties for the training industry and it was vital that trainers are united to work through these current complications and respond to the consultation relating to the Third Driving Licence Directive (3DLD).
The 3DLD will deal with issues related to the minimum age for riding bikes and a new licence category has been added. Importantly there is also the option for riders to move through licensing categories via training or testing. The MCITA is currently talking to both the DSA and other organisations in Europe about this upcoming legislation to ensure that in the UK the trainer’s position is optimised and rider safety maximised as the 3rd directive is implemented.
Other issues being discussed by MCITA include the upcoming review of Direct Access and CBT, a review of the Trainer Booking system and Continuing Professional Development (CPD) for Motorcycle Instructors.
“If the training industry is to respond successfully to the challenges ahead, maintain commerciality and drive improving rider safety standards, addressing the future as a larger single representative voice is essential and the MCI is proud to be able to lead this merged organisation,” said MCI Chairman Tara Glen.
Paul Williams, Chairman for the RMI commented that: “We recognise that the motorcycle trainers would be better represented by being a larger single voice, particularly in the face of proposed legislation and at the RMI we are pleased that our foundation work on behalf of the training industry will, by this merger be continued by the enlarged MCITA.”
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