Motorcycle Associations Merge To Tackle Training & Challenge Legislation
The motorcycle industry ‘s training associations have merged under the umbrella of the Motorcycle Industry Association (MCI) to create an organisation that is better prepared to take on the current circumstances and future challenges of motorcycle training. The trainers association will be known as the Motorcycle Industry Trainers Association (MCITA)
Following a review of motorcycle training issues the Motor Cycle Industry Trainers Association (MCITA) and Motorcycle Rider Training Association (MRTA) have merged together to better serve the practical and representative requirements of the training industry.
The merger will ensure a larger, single voice for trainers that will be essential in forthcoming consultations and licence directives. The industry believes that now more than ever, it is essential to use our collective voice to ensure the needs of trainers are fully represented and supported.
The recent implementation of the 2nd Driving Licence Directive has posed difficulties for the training industry and it is 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 licencing categories via a training or testing route. The MCITA has a critical role to play and are currently talking to both the DSA and other organisations in Europe about this upcoming legislation to ensure that in the UK the trainers position is optimised and rider safety maximised as the 3rd directive is implemented.
There are many other important topics on the horizon that MCITA will need to address, including Direct Access and CBT review , a review of the Trainer Booking system, Continuing Professional Development (CPD) for Motorcycle Instructors and much more.
On a day-to-day basis MCITA members can expect regular communications and other practical business benefits. Canvassing of opinions and a monthly newsletter will keep members fully informed about the regulatory changes that are likely to happen in the future. MCITA members are also represented at many meetings each year with the Department for Transport and the Driving Standards Agency among others, as well as in Europe through the MCI’s sister association ACEM. Discounted insurance premiums and kit discounts are some of the other financial benefits.
Tara Glen, Chairman for the MCI said; “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”
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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Editor’s Notes
More information contact the MCI Press Office:- Sheila Rainger – 02476 408036, 07966 921615 or s.rainger@mcia.co.uk Samantha Tyson – 07932 011 455 or press@mcia.co.uk
Background Information
From the 1st November 2009, MRTA and MCITA will progressively be merged together with the Motorcycle Industry Association taking responsibility for the new training association, which will be known as the Motorcycle Industry Trainers Association (MCITA).
MRTA members are automatically members of MCITA and will be invited to renew their membership in the normal way at their next anniversary. The annual subscription rates of both associations will be harmonised, but not significantly increased, during 2010.
The MCITA
The Motorcycle Industry Trainers Association (MCITA) is a trade body similar to MRTA and is part of the MCI whose members include over 100 companies concerned with the supply side of motorcycling.
The MCITA has a committee of 7 trainers from all around the country, all of whom have varying experiences and particular areas of expertise which complement each other and ensure that our members are represented by people who really understand the issues facing ATB’s today and in the future.
Benefits of MCITA membership
MCITA members enjoy the same insurance benefits they had with MRTA from both Devitt Insurance Brokers and Chandler Direct.
A large variety of discounted offers on clothing and helmets and a member’s forum on the website.
The Business Advisory Service which helps with issues such as Tax, VAT, PAYE, Payroll, employment etc
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