As the 2005 biking season rolls in the MCI is launching a campaign to help people who ride scooters and motorcycles get the best out of their bikes.

The campaign has started with a survey to find out how aware riders and nonriders are of safety issues, strategies and policies.

This month, an industry DVD is being launched to provide an entertaining and educational approach to rider development.

The DVD has been produced in the familiar reality TV format and features experienced riders swapping roles to try and meet a special challenge.

Viewers will be inspired by the skills of the riders including world super bike rider Chris Walker and Bob Macmillan former Head of Honda UK.

You can expect to see some humorous and heated moments as the participants time together passes by.

Suzi Perry is involved in the project and narrates the film. It is also supported by members of the police and other associations.

Three tests have been carefully set up;

A Day in the Life, Track Trial and Spot the Mistakes.

The riders and their ability to mentor are judged by a panel of three including WSB champion James Toseland.

Initially, the DVD will be available with all new bikes, but keen riders who want to achieve excellence and have a good laugh can obtain a copy of the DVD for £3.00, with any profits going to BEN the motor industry charity.

Throughout February and March a radio, web and press campaign will be supported by some of the participants of the DVD.

The key messages the MCI will be promoting are:

Be in control Be more skilful Be aware and look ahead Craig Carey Clinch of MCI said: "It's important that riders and the public realise just how much effort is being made by the industry towards the goal of safer motorcycling.

"The DVD and our 2005 campaign will press the point that rider engagement is vital for safer motorcycling and that Government also has a role to play by bringing biking in from the cold in policy terms.

"Ministers need to create new policies which make biking more accessible, secure and safer for those who use them.

"The public also needs to understand that they also have a key role to play in remembering that motorcyclists are vulnerable.

"Despite media hype about motorcycle safety, the fact of the matter is that over 60 per cent of biker casualties are caused by careless or bad car driving.

Karen Cooke, MCI's head of safety, said:

"The DVD is one tactic the MCI is using to help implement its extensive road safety policy.

"We have a commitment to working in partnership with the Government, media and other associations to improve motorcycle and scooter safety by developing riders skills, knowledge and expertise.

"We expect that the DVD will enthuse riders of all abilities who ride all types of bikes, from scooters to supersport, to think more carefully about their own actions and how they respond in certain situations.

"It might even prompt them to think about having a special assessment or participating in a skill development day."