Hundreds to celebrate motorcycle

Hundreds of motorcyclists and moped riders are expected to gather in Palmerston North on Friday to celebrate a surge in the vehicles' popularity.

The national motorcycle fleet has almost doubled to about 90,000 in the past 10 years.

The Motor Trade Association has responded to the increase by organising Motorcycle Ride to Work days in six New Zealand locations, including one in The Square in Palmerston North.

Association spokeswoman Ana Zandi said rising fuel costs and an increase in cheap imports had led to many New Zealanders choosing motorcycles or mopeds over cars.

"Motorcycles are a fun and easy way to commute, not to mention ... they are cheap to run, it's easier to find a park, and they help to reduce your carbon footprint and traffic congestion on the road," she said.

The emergence of "born again bikers" had also contributed to the increased usage.

"They were riders in the 1970s and 1980s and they've gone on to have families and get good jobs, and now they've got the money to buy motorcycles."

Police will send officers along to the event to answer questions and offer road safety advice. Seven motorcyclists and one moped rider were killed on Central District roads last year, while one motorcyclist has been killed this year.

Highway Patrol Sergeant Chris Fraser said the event was a good way for police to interact with local riders and spread safety messages.

"We want to encourage rider training to motorcyclists – for instance, mature riders who have reached a point in their lives where they have the income to invest in a bike, but they haven't ridden since they were much younger."

Palmerston North mayor Jono Naylor will speak at the event, which will feature free breakfast snacks, prize draws, giveaways, and rider training information.

It will run from 7am to 9am.