Motorcycles are not only used to commute to and around urban areas prone to heavy traffic, but also for leisure and tourism purposes. In this context, motorcycles are typically used for short trips on the weekend, to visit scenic places, or long- distance travelling (touring) on holidays.
Motorcycling leisure also has a sport dimension. Motorcycle races in Europe attract hundreds of thousands of tourists and spectators as well as millions of fans. An estimated 5 million spectators attended major motorcycle sporting events across the EU-27 and the UK in 2019. Moto GP alone attracted 1.8 million spectators to its 12 European races in the 2019 season and the 13 WSBK races were followed by an audience of over 650,000 people.
Furthermore, motorcycle events all over Europe attract motorcycling fans for ride-outs, shows, live music or just to share the common culture, lifestyle and love of motorcycles throughout the year.
These different leisure-related activities support local tourism sectors and their supply chain, and play an important role in local economies.
Documents available to download
ACEM position paper – Motorcycle leisure, tourism, sports and related activities
