THE MOTOR Cycle Industry Association (MCIA) is encouraging people with and without motorcycle licences to think about the benefits of two wheels and join in the National Motorcycle Week.

"You've Thought About It - Now Do It" is the campaign theme for 2005.

At the end of 2004 there were 1,060,000 bikes, scooters and mopeds licensed for the road in Great Britain, an increase of 5.5 per cent compared to 2003.

This demonstrates a growing interest in motorcycling and suggests there are many people who are thinking about getting started but need prompting to get active.

Motorcycling can offer something for people of all ages and abilities.

Enjoying motorcycling doesn't mean you even have to ride.

Watching the professionals' race can be as exciting as actually taking part.

During National Motor-cycle Week (July 17-24) events will be taking place across the country. Find out more by logging on to the MCIA's website at www.mcia.co.uk and going to the National Motorcycle Week section.

A pack is also available for anyone interested in running an event.

What can I do?

Pillion ride - if you're not a bike owner ask a friend or relative with a bike to take you out on the back.

Ride to Work Day is on July 20 so see how many people at work can travel in by bike.

Get off-road - there are lots of different off-road activities to be tried from trails to speedway.

More can be found about that at www.rideoffroad.co. uk

Get a licence - The first step is a CBT (compulsory basic training).

Contact a local training centre to book a test or find out more from the industry's factsheet "How to get a licence" in the public section of: www.mcia.co.uk

Watch a race; as National Motorcycle Week comes to an end the Moto GP gets under way at Donnington, so either get a ticket or have friends round to watch it on TV.

Samantha Tyson-Evans, MCI's press and PR officer said: "National Motorcycle Week is a fun week for celebrating motorcycling and highlighting the many benefits associated with it.

"Hobbies, keeping fit, commuting and holidays are just some of the things bikes and scooters can be used for.

"Anyone who is fed up with traffic congestion or public transport could seriously think about getting on two wheels to get to work."

Giving a non-rider a trip on the back of your bike may sound incredibly dull so I'll tell you about my first bike ride. It was actually a full mod scooter not long after the age of mods and rockers has passed.

Even at the age of seven I was fascinated by bikes but had never been allowed to get on one.

While my parents were indoors I nagged a neighbour to take me on the back of his Vespa for a quick spin and he gave in.

The ride was so great that it overcame the telling off I received when we pulled back up to my unimpressed mother.

By the time I got my first Bantam the promise I made that day to keep away from bikes had been forgotten.

Either that or she knew there was no hope.

If you take someone for a ride make sure they have the proper gear - and please don't frighten them.