Motoroller.Blogspot

Motowinter Pompone 2008, two wheels on the snow

2008-01-06T19:20:00.001-08:00

Like not knowing mythical motoclub the Pompone! Well, the boys ofPaderno of the Grappa, with the sponsorship of the FMI, have organizedthe Pompone MotoWinter 2008. No registration, nobody classifica[...

Motowinter Pompone 2008, two wheels on the snow

2008-01-06T19:18:00.001-08:00

2008-01-06T19:15:00.001-08:00

Moto Airbag

2007-11-14T00:39:00.001-08:00

It seems like everyone is taking the airbag route now, and Motoairbag are the latest group to have a go with their spinal cord protecting waistcoat.

Called the Motoairbag, the jacket is worn like a normal motorcycle jacket over the top of your normal kit. The airbag is attached by a cable to a clip on a ring of a special belt that goes onto the bike seat.

Once the cord comes away from the ring the suit is activated. Check the demonstration video below to see how it works.

IPCC clears North Wales Chief Constable Richard Brunstrom over dead biker complaint

2007-11-13T02:26:00.001-08:00

The Independent Police Complaints Comission (IPCC) has cleared North Wales Chief Constable Richard Brunstrom of any wrongdoing in an investigation into the display of a decapitated motorcyclist at the launch of a road safety campaign - without the consent of the biker's family.

"The IPCC independent investigation has found no evidence that the Chief Constable contravened Criminal Law or breached the Police Code of Conduct."

Although the investigation has ruled out any legal complaint, it does go on to look at the situation in which the the complaint arose:

"The IPCC has recommended that the North Wales Police Force and its management, under the leadership of the Chief Constable, examine the issues arising from this incident and strengthen, where appropriate, the existing internal arrangements for events requiring the co-operation and involvement of the media. It has also recommended that the North Wales Police Authority, in line with its duties of public accountability, examine the issues arising from this incident and establish revised, robust arrangements between the Chief Constable and the Police Authority."
Share your views on the clearing of Richard Brunstrom by posting your messages below.

The photos of Mark Gibney, 40, were shown in in April, 2007. The outcry led to criticism by the then Home Secretary, John Reid, and calls by MPs for the resignation of Richard Brunstrom. In May, we delivered just over 1600 emails petitioning for the dismissal of Richard Brunstrom to the IPCC. In June, around 300 riders took part in a peaceful protest organised by the Gibney family.

The full release by the IPCC is reproduced below:

"The Independent Police Complaints Commission has today published its report on a complaint by the parents of the late Mr Mark Gibney against North Wales Police Chief Constable, Richard Brunstrom.

The complaint alleged breach of Criminal Law and Police Codes of Conduct against Mr Brunstrom over the placing in the public domain of details of their son’s death, which were devastating to them as a family and which should not have re-emerged.

The IPCC independent investigation has found no evidence that the Chief Constable contravened Criminal Law or breached the Police Code of Conduct. This report has been published on the IPCC website – www.ipcc.gov.uk/index/resources/evidence_reports/investigation_reports.htm

IPCC Commissioner for Wales Tom Davies has met with Mr Gibney’s family and solicitor to explain the outcome of its investigation and the two recommendations made to the Police Authority.

The IPCC has recommended that the North Wales Police Force and its management, under the leadership of the Chief Constable, examine the issues arising from this incident and strengthen, where appropriate, the existing internal arrangements for events requiring the co-operation and involvement of the media. It has also recommended that the North Wales Police Authority, in line with its duties of public accountability, examine the issues arising from this incident and establish revised, robust arrangements between the Chief Constable and the Police Authority.

With the report Mr Davies has also sent the following to Mr Ian Roberts, Chair, North Wales Police Authority.

The issues raised in this case and in our investigation report will not be easy to resolve; the IPCC report states, from the evidence available, what took place and what North Wales Police Authority and the Force might do to attempt to prevent a repeat occurrence, and to learn from the experience.

At its heart, however, are three issues, which I hope your Authority can tackle with the force, under the Chief Constable’s leadership, as part of the reviews the IPCC has suggested in this report.

Firstly, the investigation has found no evidence that the Chief Constable breached the Criminal Law or Police Code of Conduct in this unfortunate incident. It spells out clearly the relevant codes considered and our reasons for the findings. What it does find, however, is that this incident could, and possibly should, have been avoided.

Richard Brunstrom is a high-profile campaigner in the country against excessive speed by those who use our roads. What he hoped would be a public celebration of the force’s success over recent years turned out to be a national public furore over the identification and re-publication of the details of one previous case. The report speaks for itself on the lack of sufficient planning, risk assessments and damage limitation actions, together with the lack of involvement of wider counsel, all of which might have avoided this incident. Hopefully, an honest self-appraisal of what went wrong will help create a culture of greater involvement between the Authority and the Force in such public activities without weakening the strong leadership culture that exists.

Secondly, in this case there is a need to reflect carefully on the relationship between the media and North Wales Police. There is no doubt that police forces need a healthy relationship with their press, local policies are explained to the public, help is sought on cases, and criticism and debate provide genuine public interest and contribute to accountability. Central to this is a mutual trust and, hopefully, understanding that each has a separate job to do, that at times they may have differences of opinion, but that their mutual interest in public good can override occasional difficulties. Richard Brunstrom has strong views on policing issues, is forthright in expressing them and consequently attracts intense media interest. He therefore needs the highest quality advice and procedures when embarking on such matters.

Finally, and most importantly, we have the family’s distress caused by this incident.

From the evidence available, it would appear that Mr Mark Gibney’s father has always made every effort to shelter his family from detailed knowledge of the nature of his son’s death. Despite the efforts of the Coroner, Mr John Hughes, that was not wholly successful in 2004 as the report indicates. The full details of this incident were already in the public domain but this incident resulted in them re-emerging. Mr Gibney was entitled to think that, until this incident, those in his family who did not know by 2007 were not going to find out now. The use of these images without any forewarning for whatever purposes and with whatever justification, has left him and his family deeply distressed. In a similar vein, this whole case will have re-opened the wounds and grief of the other family and officers involved in the original incident, many of whom continue to suffer to this day serious physical and mental trauma.

An IPCC investigation can only find a complaint substantiated if a breach of the criminal law or the Police Code of Conduct is substantiated to an appropriate threshold and, in this incident, this is plainly not the case. However, the IPCC hopes that Mr Mark Gibney’s family may gain some comfort from the lessons that have been learned from this incident and that the recommended improvements could lead to a basis being formed for some sort of resolution between the family and North Wales Police. To date, despite the apologies offered by Mr Brunstrom, who takes full responsibility for this incident, no such resolution has been possible.

The Chief Constable is best served by robust advice from his media and legal advisers in the planning of public statements and events. Creating the right atmosphere in which he is given that advice is crucial. The Police Authority has a large part to play in this process of bridge-building and improved working. It is responsible for an effective and efficient police force and is required to hold the force to account. Hopefully, this will enable all concerned to learn from this unfortunate incident."

You can read the official statement by the Gibney family on the verdict, here.

MCN

Police admit at least four months of speeding convictions could be wrong

2007-10-12T10:40:00.001-07:00

Kent Police has dramatically admitted that people caught speeding with handheld laser guns during at least the last four months may have been wrongly convicted.

The admission came after details were revealed yesterday on this site of an internal force email sent to all south Kent Police officers instructing them that use of all laser speed guns had been suspended.

The email stated: ‘Following a court case at Folkestone yesterday and in liaison with the Criminal Justice Unit (traffic) a review of speed enforcement policy is to be made regarding the use of all laser speed guns in South Kent.

‘Pending this review, NO further FPN’s [fixed penalty notices] or summons should be issued.’ A source has told MCN the action is force-wide.’

The email was dated October 4 and said it was hoped the review would be completed within two weeks. It said officers would be notified of ‘any changes in policy required before any further enforcement takes place’.

Kent Police’s Sgt Lynn Castle said on BBC Radio Kent this morning that the court case had identified a problem with the calibration procedure followed by officers before using the devices.

She said: “It’s the setup procedure that the officer has not followed as per the manufacturer’s guidelines as to checking the distance and the speed and the alignment checks prior to the use of the device.”

She said a “quick revision of policies” was underway and that the force was “reminding officers what the policies are”. She claimed the devices would be back in use “very soon”.

She would not comment directly on how long officers may have been using the devices without correctly setting them up. She said: “I can’t answer that.”

Castle spoke on John Warnett’s breakfast show alongside an MCN reporter. At one stage, Warnett asked Castle: “If you’ve had a prosecution, I don’t know, four months ago, could it be that that is wrong?”

Castle replied: “It could be.”

Asked whether people who had been prosecuted had any recourse, Castle said: “I really couldn’t comment on that. That’s something you would need to go back to my supervisors about. I’m sure that some people may feel they have a claim for anything that’s gone on in the past.”

Castle would not offer any commitment that pending cased would be dropped. She said: “They will look at the details of the case.”

Asked what people prosecuted in the area should do, MCN’s reporter said: “Speak to a solicitor as soon as possible as it’s clear they may have been wrongly convicted.”

Kent Police had yesterday sent MCN a statement claiming: “There is no problem with the use of laser speed guns. The court case revolved around a technical calibration issue which is being resolved. Police in the South Kent area are to recalibrate their laser speed guns.”

Warnett’s show can be heard using BBC Radio Kent’s ‘Listen Again’ feature at www.bbc.co.uk/kent/local_radio/.

The interview with MCN and Castle begins 10 minutes into the show.

source: MCN

Aprilia's 2007 Model Line in Las Vegas

2007-10-05T13:45:00.000-07:00

From a press release issued by Piaggio Group:

Aprilia USA invites attendees at the 2007 Femmoto track days and motorcycle demo event demo event to discover why its Italian motorcycles and scooters are one of the most pulse-pounding experiences available on two wheels. From October 5 through 7, enthusiasts can experience Aprilia’s award-winning V-Twin street and off-road bikes as well as a selection of equally sporty scooters when the Italianmanufacturer’s national test ride tour opens its mobile showroom at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

Now in its sixth year, Femmoto continues the tradition of hosting female motorcycle enthusiasts in a nurturing and safe environment. Emphasizing its dedication to this growing audience of female riders, Aprilia USA is again a proud sponsor of the event.

Femmoto attendees can schedule a test ride on championship-caliber motorcycles, such as the 2007 RSV 1000 R Factory, awarded the 2006 “Masterbike” designation by the world’s leading moto journalists, and Aprilia’s award-winning naked bike, the Tuono 1000 R. Riders new to the sport, or first-time buyers considering two wheels, are also welcome. Aprilia scooters like the Scarabeo 500 i.e., the true embodiment of an“automatic motorcycle” combine fuel efficiency, easy operation and high technology for a sporty transportation alternative.

All riders with a current driver’s license, appropriate motorcycle endorsement, and riding helmet, eyewear and apparel are invited to attend.

WHAT: Aprilia USA National Demo Tour
WHERE: Las Vegas Motor Speedway
WHEN: Demo rides available all weekend.
Aprilia USA on Tour: The 2007 Model Portfolio

In addition to the race-bred motorcycles and scooters featured in Aprilia’s mobile showroom, the 2007 Aprilia new model line includes the following performance choices:

RSV 1000 R Factory and RSV 1000 R. Experience Aprilia’s top-of-the-line, race-bred V-Twin supersports and discover precisely why the Factory version earned the 2006 “Masterbike” award, a prestigious media accolade that recognizes the fastest series motorcycle in the world. A category leading collection of exotic materials, high-tech components, sophisticated technology and chassis refinements distinguish both bikes as uniquely Aprilia.
The Tuono 1000 R Factory and Tuono 1000 R. Aprilia’s award-winning naked bike blends the soul of a race bike with the reality of riding – even go-fast guys demand reliability and superb ergonomics. Whether you’re curious to sample the magical responsiveness and super technology of the Tuono R, or the 139 hp, Ohlins race-suspension sporting Tuono 1000 R Factory, you’ll never go back to ordinary Twins after flicking the throttle of an Aprilia Tuono.
ETV 1000 Caponord is the perfect mix between functionality and design. This “total tourer” can tackle the town, the trail and the interstate, all with a passion for delivering a sporty ride. Aprilia’s touring Twin packs plenty of value on top of excellent performance and ride comfort. Standard features range from active safety elements like tubeless spoke rims to a multi-function digital and analog instrument panel for the ultimate in navigation convenience.

RXV 450/550 is a trail-specific powerhouse that integrates an exceptionally tough frame with the superior power and torque of Aprilia’s ultra-compact V-Twin. Exceptional rigidity, competition-grade components, such as category-leading brakes, and ease-of-maintenance all combine to create a serious challenge to conventional off-road machines.

SXV 450/550 is the Supermoto edition, the direct descendent of the Aprilia that won the World S2 Supermoto title during its debut season. Tuned for the track, the SXV delivers all the right elements to win races – plenty of torque for the straightaways, Grand Prix-level brake performance for aggressive maneuvering and just the right overall rigidity to keep riders in control on both asphalt and dirt.

Scarabeo 500 i.e. is an all-new member of the family. Almost 50 pounds lighter than its predecessor, this sporty ride is scooter, tourer and urban commuter all in one technically advanced package. Featuring large wheels, extensive safety features and superior ride comfort, this scooter is the true embodiment of Aprilia’s “automatic motorcycle” concept.

Sportcity 250 is the next new attraction in Aprilia’s scooter portfolio. Headed to dealers during early summer, the potent SportCity is designed to set the performance bar in the mid-size scooter category. Standard urban warfare equipment includes a powerful, fuel-injected four-stroke, large wheels and impressive brakes that literally stop on a dime.

Mojito 150 is Aprilia’s sexy interpretation of the classic Italian scooter – but with plenty of unique American style. Inspired by America’s Fifties era muscle cars, the Mojito also pays homage to American custom bikes, thanks to liberal use of chrome.

SR 50 R is the ultimate pit scooter – or weekend run-about. The SR 50 R’s aggressive styling is inspired by the Aprilia RSV 1000 R sport bike, making it a unique way of expressing your need for speed even when you’re just zipping to the post office, or pit to pit.

For information on Aprilia's complete U.S. model line, visit the company's website at http://www.apriliausa.com/.

Yamaha concept motorcycles

2007-10-05T08:32:00.000-07:00

Yamaha has revealed more of the weird concept bikes it will show at the Tokyo Motor Show later this month.

The new models include:

Yamaha Tesseract

This is a hybrid 4-wheeled vehicle powered by a combination of a liquid-cooled V-twin gasoline engine and an electric motor.

It is designed with "dual-scythe" suspension that lets it lean like a motorcycle despite the 4-wheel layout.

There is also a dual arm-lock system that keeps the machine upright when at rest without a stand.

Yamaha LUXAIR

This is a hybrid motorcycle with a petrol engine and an electric motor, with the electric motor kicking in during acceleration to assist the engine and switching over when cruising to perform a electricity generating function that re-charges the battery.

The engine-braking force created during deceleration is also used to generate electricity to charge the battery.

Yamaha’s YIPU (Yamaha Intelligent Power Unit) is built into the rear hub to provide the electric power during acceleration and when wheeling the vehicle by hand, and it also provides a reverse function.

Yamaha FC-Dii

This model is a further evolution of the “FC-me” fuel cell motorcycle using a methanol-water solution as fuel, unveiled in 2005.

This version is enhanced with new features including a Yamaha-exclusive compact cell stack that features the highest level of power density in the 1kW class, a detachable lithium-ion battery for easy recharging, modular design components, readily available parts and improved serviceability aimed at achieving practical use.

Yamaha BOBBY

This is an electric commuter vehicle with collapsible seat, fold-in rear wheel, handlebars and footrests for compact, convenient storage. The motorcycle is also equipped to access a variety of Internet services.

Yamaha C3+

This is a “minimum electric commuter” motorcycle with a light weight, compact body with a helmet storage space.

Yamaha FC-AQEL

This is a fuel cell motorcycle mounting the Yamaha Hydrogen Fuel Cell System fueled by compressed hydrogen gas.

By adopting a hybrid system mounting a secondary rechargeable battery and metal separators in the fuel cells, it has been possible to achieve a compact lightweight design.

The adoption of Yamaha’s super-thin YIPU (Yamaha Integrated Power Unit) also improves environmental performance and increases ease of use as a commuter motorcycle.

New suspects charged over Hells Angel shooting

2007-10-05T05:45:00.001-07:00

Three new suspects have been charged with murder over the shooting of a Hells Angel on the M40.

The three men were charged last night after being arrested early on Wednesday morning on suspicion of conspiracy to murder. All three were due to appear before magistrates this morning.

A fourth man was arrested by Warwickshire Police yesterday on suspicion of conspiracy to murder. The 44-year-old from Nuneaton is being detained at a police station in Warwickshire.
Victim Gerard Tobin, 35, was shot dead on August 12 while returning from the Bulldog Bash at Long Marston Airfield near Stratford. Tobin was a Canadian who lived in south London, where he worked for Warr’s Harley-Davidson.

Four men have already been charged over the killing and are currently remanded in custody.
Simon Turner, 40, Dane Garside, 41, and Sean Creighton, 43, are charged with murder and a firearms offence, and Dean Taylor, 45, with a firearms offence. They are due to appear at Birmignham Crown Court on November 26.

Exclusive MCN competition: Win Mac Tools toolbox and Nokia 6110 mobile phone with Long Way Down

2007-10-05T05:43:00.000-07:00

As well as offering an exclusive six-page serialisation of the new Long Way Down book, in this week's MCN (Wednesday, October 3, 2007), we have also got a stunning money-saving reader offer and the chance to win some incredible prizes.

The Long Way Down adventure sees Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman heading off on their latest trip from Scotland to the tip of Africa in South Africa.

The exclusive reader offer price of £49.99 packages the Long Way Down book, DVD, soundtrack CD and T-Shirt and a free sticker together – a saving of more than £20 over the recommended cost of £70.97.

If you take out the amazing reader offer you will also be entered into a competition to win some incredible prizes including a limited edition Mac Tools toolbox.

Commemorating the Long Way Down adventure, the toolbox is ideal for professional mechanics or keen enthusiasts and has retail value of £1,750.

Also up for grabs are 10 Nokia Navigator 6110 mobile phones – the same as those used by McGregor and Boorman on the epic adventure.

To be in with a chance of winning check out www.greatcompetitions.co.uk where you will also find the full terms and conditions.

Click here www.motorcyclenews.com/longwaydown to save over £20 off RRP + FREE postage on the Long Way Down bundle (includes the Book, DVD, CD Soundtrack, Tee-Shirt & Sticker). 200 copies randomly signed by Ewan and Charley.

http://www.motorcyclenews.com

Vietnam eyes regional motorbike hub status

2007-09-08T05:10:00.000-07:00

The Vietnamese Ministry of Industry and Trade seeks to develop the country into a major hub for motorbike manufacture, design, and assembly by 2015.

Under a blueprint it announced recently, the ministry aims to increase domestic motorbike output to fully meet rural demand and 90 percent of urban demand by 2015. Vietnam has, so far this year, imported motorbikes and spare parts worth US$450 million.

By 2015 the local content in scooters and motorbikes will go up respectively to 60 percent and 90 percent. Around 31 million two-wheelers would run on the country’s roads by then, the ministry said.

The industry would also be a major exporter with bikes and parts shipments worth $400 million, including components sold to international companies.
The ministry calls on the industry to boost trade promotion and tie-ups with international groups to achieve higher exports of spares.

Last year 2.1 million motorbikes were produced in the country, 1.44 million by foreign behemoths like Honda and Yamaha.

http://www.thanhniennews.com

Honda launches new models to regain loss in market share

2007-09-02T16:45:00.000-07:00

Astra Honda Motor (AHM) will launch three new models with more stylish and sporty features this year to regain its market leadership, which has dropped significantly since January amid growing competition from its main competitor, Yamaha.

AHM, which has been the motorcycle market leader in Indonesia for many years, launched one of the new models Friday, promising more affordability and reliability to Indonesian motorcycle fans.

The Honda Fit X bebek model, which has a 100cc four-stroke engine and a price tag of Rp 10.5 million (about US$1,129) off the road, is now available in Jakarta.

Dubbed "economical, reliable and functional", the Honda Fit X and two upcoming products -- a sporty motorcycle and an automatic scooter -- are expected to increase the company's sales by 20 percent this year, AHM marketing director Johannes Loman said at the launching ceremony
He said the company hoped to sell between 2.2 million and 2.4 million motorcycles this year. "We are still looking to be number one in Indonesia," said Johannes.

With the expected increase in sales, AHM is currently increasing its production capacity so as to be able to produce about 200,000 motorcycles a month beginning September, he said
AHM, which has led the country's motorcycle market for many years with a market share of about 55 percent, has seen its market share decline since January this year amid an aggressive marketing campaign by its main rival, Yamaha.

Honda's monthly market share fell to between 42 and 45 percent in the first semester of this year from an average of more than 53 percent last year.

By contrast, Yamaha's monthly sales continued to increase in the first six months of this year. In July, its sales amounted to 161,016 motorcycles, far higher than the 131,615 motorcycles it sold in the same month last year. Meanwhile, Honda's monthly sales fell to 143,223 in July from 186,047 in the same month last year.

In the first semester of this year, national motorcycle sales amounted to 2.11 million, with AHM controlling 43 percent of the market, Yamaha 41 percent and Suzuki and other producers the remaining 16 percent. Last year total motorcycle sales amounted to 4.42 million units.

Japanese motorcycles still dominate Indonesia's motorcycle market. Chinese-made motorcycles have tried to make inroads into the market over the last five years, but with little success
However, the entry of TVS Motor, the leading two-wheel manufacturer in India, will make the competition even tighter, The company's Indonesian unit TVS Motor Company Indonesia has recently launched its Neo and Apache motorcycle brands in the country.

TVS Motor chairman Venu Srinivasan said recently that he was upbeat the company's Indonesian unit would be able sell up to 100,000 units in its first year of operations, despite the strong competition from more established manufacturers in the country.

In order to meet this sales target, the company specially designed its two new small-engine capacity models to satisfy the unique characteristics of Indonesian buyers, he said.

The motorcycles will be sold at prices ranging from Rp 9 million to Rp 11.8 million, off the road (excluding tax). As an initial step, the motorcycles will be available in Jakarta and West Java.

Source: The Financial Times Limited

New Traffic Model Shows Positive Impact Of Motor Scooters On New York City Environment & Congestion

2007-04-17T07:02:00.000-07:00

Adding Scooters to Traffic Mix Could Save New Yorkers Time and Money Lost to Traffic Delays, and Reduce Emissions That Contribute to Global Warming

Data from a new traffic model released today demonstrates that the ation's largest city could significantly reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, a key factor in the global warming debate, and reduce fuel consumption while saving a great deal of time lost to congestion by simply incorporating more motor scooters into the commuting vehicle mix. The results of this study directly respond to growing concerns about traffic congestion in New York City. In his December 2006 sustainability speech, Mayor Michael Bloomberg discussed the City's growing congestion challenges and set a goal to reduce New York's emissions by 30 percent.

The traffic model, examining a central section of midtown Manhattan in New York City, was developed by transportation engineering and planning firm Sam Schwartz PLLC using Synchro/Sim Traffic 6.0 -- an industry-standard tool deployed by transportation engineers. Through modeling, the simulation incorporated scooters into the traffic mix in 10 percent increments -- examining the impact of moving from 100 percent cars (including small SUVs, vans, etc.), to 90 percent cars/10 percent scooters, to 80 percent cars/20 percent scooters, and so on.

The results of the core simulation were extrapolated to encompass the entire Manhattan Central Business District (stretching from 60th Street to the lower tip of Manhattan). By shifting the daytime vehicle mix to 80 percent cars/20 percent scooters, the following would result annually:

* A total decrease in delay of more than 4.6 million hours per year -- which translates to time savings of nearly 100 working hours per person

* A reduction in carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by over 26,000 tons (52,000,000-pounds) per year

* A decrease in fuel consumption by over 2.5 million gallons per year

* A total savings for New York City of more than $122 million per year in fuel and labor productivity

The team at Sam Schwartz PLLC noted that the simulation was conservative in its estimation of the positive impact of scooters -- as it did not factor into the model that two scooters can occupy a single lane side-by-side when riding, as permitted by New York law.

"This is the first traffic model for New York City to assess the potential impact of shifting the traffic mix to a greater percentage of two-wheel vehicles like scooters," said Sam Schwartz, president/CEO of Sam Schwartz PLLC and a former New York City Traffic Commissioner. "With a population of over 8 million, and millions more commuting in each weekday, New York is one of the most heavily congested areas in the world. Given the current dialogue about traffic congestion and environmental impact, it is extremely timely to examine the positive implications of a change in the vehicle mix."

"Throughout the world, scooters are recognized as a smart transportation alternative, and this traffic simulation underscores the tangible impact that two-wheel vehicles can have on a major urban area like New York City," said Paolo Timoni, President and CEO of Piaggio Group Americas, which sponsored the modeling project. "The impact of this kind of shift has already been seen in London, which instituted congestion tariffs for commuting cars. That policy led to a significant increase in vehicles like scooters being used for commuting. Research is now validating that even small behavioral changes, like using scooters for a portion of one's commuting, can benefit the economy and help address critical environmental issues like global warming."

From http://www.prnewswire.com/