Motorcycling and Leisure

Paul Broughton completed his PhD while based at the Transport Research Institute at Napier University in Edinburgh where his research was into the risk and enjoyment factors of powered two wheeler use. Since completing his PhD he has gone on to form a research company, Owl Research Ltd, which works on road safety projects. Linda Walker is a lecturer in Leisure, Tourism and Marketing at the University of Stirling. Linda's key area of research is visitor health and safety including the impact of crime and road traffic crashes on the visitor experience

'In this unique and highly readable book, you will learn about who rides, what they ride and why they do it. The extensive coverage includes basic bike controls, licensing, training and testing, the nature and causes of crashes, how to ride safely and the many pleasures (and displeasures) of riding. Not only will it be a 'must read' for every person who has ever got up on a powered two-wheeler - or is thinking about it - but it should be read by every car and bus and truck driver for its insights into what the biker's task is like and how drivers can co-operate to make life on the road more pleasant - and safer - for both.The authors use the latest theory and research to take you into the minds of motorcyclists in a comprehensive way. Written with obvious deep knowledge and considerable passion for the two-wheeler, here is the heart and soul of motorcycling.' From the Foreword by Ray Fuller, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland 'In this up-to-date and timely volume, Paul Broughton and Linda Walker dismantle the myths about motorcycling and replace them with a much more illuminating data- and theory-based account of the pleasures and perils of modern biking, placing enjoyment, not risk-taking, at the heart of the relationship between the recreational rider and his (and occasionally her) machine. In searching for enjoyment from riding, riders seek the space between boredom and anxiety, and in seeking challenge they are warriors, but not outlaws. Theories of behaviour should precede, and thereby inform, theories of behaviour change. This volume provides an excellent antidote to the myths and in advancing our understanding of recreational riding behaviour offers clear pointers to how to reduce the carnage that still results from the inherent vulnerability of PTW riders... ' From the Foreword by Steve Stradling, Transport Research Institute, Napier University, UK 'Motorcycling and Leisure will be useful for researchers in the broad field of road safety, whether they are focused on motorcycling or not. The research about who rides and why they ride is crucial for psychological, sociological or cultural researchers of motorcyclists and motorcycling.' m/c Online Review June 2009 ' ...this is actually a very important book as the co-authors Paul Broughton and Linda Walker, go a long way to dispel many myths about motorcyclists and the reasons why they (we) ride motorcycles.' Inter-bike.co.uk September 2009 'The illumination of the human factor in PTW riding that Broughton and Walker give us in Motorcycling and Leisure is therefore of real value to historians of technology, and not just regarding powered two-wheel users, but all users of vehicles throughout the history of automobility.' Technology and Culture Vol 51 July 2010

• Contents: Forewords; Preface; An introduction to motorcycles; Motorcycle safety; Task homestasis theory; Risk and sensation seeking; Who rides?; Why do people choose to ride?; Enjoyment and risk; Bike riders and car drivers; Task capability, task demand and motorcycle riding; Group riding; Improving motorcycle safety; References; Index.