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In April 2014, a new Church of England diocese was instituted, combining three smaller dioceses covering a large area of Yorkshire. To mark the development of this new ‘mega-diocese’, a group of motorcycling vicars began to meet regularly and undertake ‘rides out’ across the diocese and further afield. This paper explores research undertaken with these motorbiking priests and their companions. The study followed an ethnographic approach, as the researcher is an ordained clergyperson embedded within the ‘Biker Revs’ community, though not a biker. The research comprised semi-structured interviews and informal conversations with the Biker Revs over several years. This research investigates the Biker Revs’ experiences and motivations for undertaking pilgrimages together, by motorbike. On these performative journeys, the Biker Revs initially visited sacred sites across the United Kingdom. As a basis for comparison, this paper utilizes Michalowski and Dubisch’s 2001 iconic ethnographic research on an American motorcycle pilgrimage, to analyze the group’s activities. The ordained bikers identified the group as a safe space for clergy, outside their parishes, whilst their spouses recognized the benefits of spending time with ‘others like me who understand the pressures of clergy life’. For some participants these pilgrimages provide a religious retreat, as together, they explore sacred landscapes and learn the stories of their holy destinations.

Purpose This study aims to develop a safe, wearable clothing system that combines visibility-enhancing and emergency–accident-responding functions for two-wheeled vehicle (TWV) users' safety assistance.Design/methodology/approach First, the wearable system (WS) allowing users to control turn signals, brake lights and emergency flasher only with head movements was developed. Second, multiconnected systems were developed between WSs and a smartphone application (AS), providing accident occurrence recognition, driving photo capture–storage and emergency notification functions. Third, usability testing in each function was performed to assess the operability of the systems.Findings The intuitive interface, which uses head movement as gesture commands, was effectively operated for controlling turn signals, brake lights and emergency flasher when driving, despite differences in user physique and boarding structure among TWVs. In addition, using Bluetooth low energy and Wi-Fi protocols simultaneously can establish automatic accident recognition–notification and driving photo capture–storage–display functions by linking two WSs with one AS.Research limitations/implications This study presents a case using relatively accessible technologies within the fashion industry to improve users' safety and provide fundamental data for convergence education for smart fashion products, highlighting the significance of this study in this convergence era.Originality/value The WSs and the AS of a TWV user visually evoke the attention of other drivers and pedestrians, reducing the risk of accidents; social contribution regarding public safety will be possible by allowing the system to autonomously inform emergencies and receive emergency medical treatment quickly when the accident occurred.

Mountain bike (MTB) racing is a highly intensive physical activity and requires a high degree of technical ability to perform at the elite athlete level, which might compromise mental well-being, increasing symptoms of anxiety and depression through overtraining, injury, and burnout. Yoga Pranayama is the key to bringing about psychosomatic integration and harmony. This study aimed to explore the effects of yoga pranayama practices (YPP) on elite mountain bikers' burnout. This is a single-arm pilot study. Twenty-seven subjects practiced 30 sessions of YPP seven times a week for 1 month. The outcomes measured were blood biochemical parameters accompanied by complete blood count and athlete burnout score. Cubital vein blood test and burnout questionnaire were conducted at baseline and after 1 month. Test results showed a significant decrease in cortisol (CO) (P = 0.001) and urea nitrogen (P < 0.001) and an increase in testosterone: CO ratio (P = 0.001). This study indicates that YPP might improve burnout in elite mountain bikers.

The aim of the research was to assess the changes in the main physical performance indicators, i.e. maximum oxygen uptake (VO ), the threshold of anaerobic changes (AT) and “exercise efficiency” (oxygen consumption/power; VO / WR) in amateur mountain bikers in the preparatory period. In addition, diagnostic usefulness was made of selected respiratory, circulatory and metabolic parameters to assess the training progress in cycling. Thirty-six men training in amateur mountain biking took part in the research. Each of them underwent three ergospirometry tests at the beginning, in the middle (after 7 weeks) and at the end of the preparatory period (after 14 weeks). The results obtained at the AT threshold and at maximum effort were analysed to check how physical training in the preparatory period affected selected exercise parameters. No significant changes in the VO value were observed during the preparatory period, but a significant increase in this indicator (in absolute terms and in terms of body weight) was found at the AT level. An increase was noted in power as well as in measured metabolic, ventilation and circulatory parameters with the exception of heart rate and ventilation equivalent oxygen. VO /WR decreased, which indicates an improvement in the effectiveness of the effort. For Polish amateur cyclists with extensive training experience, the most diagnostic indicators in the preparatory period include improving the AT threshold (shift towards higher % VO and higher generated power) and increasing exercise efficiency.

Researchers and managers alike are becoming increasingly interested in the topic of unethical consumer behavior. Where most studies view unethical behavior as something that is identifiable per se, the authors of the present article believe that it only exists because it has been constructed by people operating within a specific context. Hence the efforts made by this paper to explore, at the level of one specific organization, how interactions between employees and consumers might lead to the construct of unethical consumers. Based on a case study of France's AMDM—a mutual insurance company set up to serve a client base comprising motorcyclists—the paper addresses how one group of consumers ends up being categorized as unethical by revealing the existence of a sensemaking process within the target organization. This process develops in three main phases: the nurturing of a shared ethos; the protection of employees' recognized status; and the demonization of any group of consumers threatening this status. Managers incorporating this sensemaking process can avoid or mitigate the negative effects befalling organizations when these kinds of unethical consumer behavior are constructed.

The application of facial recognition technology (FRT) can effectively reduce the red-light running behavior of e-bikers. However, the privacy issues involved in FRT have also attracted widespread attention from society. This research aims to explore the public and traffic police’s attitudes toward FRT to optimize the use and implementation of FRT. A structured questionnaire survey of 270 people and 94 traffic police in Fuzhou, China, was used. In the research, we use several methods to analyze the investigation data, including Mann–Whitney U test, Kruskal–Wallis test, and multiple correspondence analysis. The survey results indicate that the application of FRT has a significant effect on reducing red-light running behavior. The public’s educational level and driving license status are the most influential factors related to their attitudes to FRT (p < 0.001). Public members with these attributes show more supportive attitudes to FRT and more concerns about privacy invasion. There are significant differences between the public and traffic police in attitudes toward FRT (p < 0.001). Compared with the public, traffic police officers showed more supportive attitudes to FRT. This research contributes to promoting the application of FRT legitimately and alleviating people’s concerns about the technology.

The 30-second Wingate anaerobic test (30-WAT) is a well-established assessment of peak anaerobic power output (absolute and relative) and represents the physiological demands of a short sprints that competitive cyclists perform while they are starting a race or attacking at a finish. During these short sprints it is common for athletes to raise out of the saddle and assume a standing position. However, the 30-WAT is usually completed in a seated position which is dissimilar to the standing sprints observed in cyclists. The change in anaerobic power output during different riding positions is important for athletes and coaches to consider when testing maximum power output. Purpose: The purpose of this investigation was to compare anaerobic power output in a group of competitive cyclists while they completed multiple 30-WATs in different riding positions. Methods: Thirteen competitive male mountain bikers (20.5 ± 2.5 years) performed three 30-WATs on non-consecutive days over the course of one week. Each participant completed 1 only sitting (SIT), 1 only standing (STD), and 1 combination (COMB) test in which they started in a seated position and transitioned to a standing position at the halfway mark (~15s). The testing order was randomized for all participants. Each 30-WAT was completed on a LODE Excalibur Sport (Lode B.V., Groningen, The Netherlands) ergometer. Power was monitored using a commercially available software/hardware package (Lode B.V., Groningen, The Netherlands). Data were analyzed using a one-way repeated measures analysis of variance (a=0.05). Results: Absolute power output during SIT (724±82 W) was significantly lower (p < 0.01) than outputs during STD (744±81 W) and COMB (746±81 W) protocols. Furthermore, relative power was significantly lower in SIT (9.5±0.7 W·kg-1) compared to STD (9.8±0.7 W·kg-1) and COMB (9.8±0.6 W·kg-1) protocol. Amongst all measured variables, no statistical differences were detected between the STD and COMB protocols. Conclusion: Greater power outputs were achieved when cyclists utilized a standing position or changed to a standing position halfway through the 30-second test. It may be more appropriate to assess a competitive cyclist's performance during a 30-WAT test in a standing or partially standing position to accurately quantify peak anaerobic output.

Background This study conducted to determine the prevalence and severity of musculoskeletal discomfort among two-wheeler riders; however, musculoskeletal discomfort refers to pain, discomfort, or impairment in the muscles, bones, joints, tendons, ligaments, or other structures that support the body’s movement. It is a common problem experienced by individuals involved in various physical activities, including motorcycle riding. Methods This investigation was longitudinal research in which the Nordic muscular questionnaire (NMQ) was used to rule out the possibility of musculoskeletal disorders in motorcyclists. In Karachi, Pakistan, data were collected beginning in September of 2021 and continuing through February of 2022 using the convenience sampling method. Sixty-four individuals made up the sample. Participants were males ranging between the ages of 19 and 50 who rode standard motorcycles for their commute for about 6 to 8 h daily. Participants who had a tumor, an infection, or other comorbid are excluded. Results Sixty-four participants were included in this study, out of which 40 (62.5%) reported difficulty and discomfort in their neck, followed by their lower back (48.5%), shoulders (34.4%), and hips (26.6%). Sixteen motorcyclists (25%) complained wrist pain. When asked out their level of discomfort. However, 51.6% of individuals experienced lower back pain at the 12th month, while 46.9% had neck pain. 28.1%, 17.2%, and 14.1% reported shoulder, hip, and upper back discomfort. 51.6% of individuals had not seen a specialist for lower back symptoms. Lower back, neck, shoulders, and hip have been affected the longest, according to participants. Conclusion In conclusion, motorcyclists had a substantially greater rate of musculoskeletal problems than other drivers. Regulating musculoskeletal disorders in motorcyclists helps reduce symptoms and clinical indications of disease.

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to discuss the legal barriers to termination of an insurance arrangement where there is suspicion of money laundering when paying insurance premiums. Design/methodology/approach Trials in court between insurance firm and outlaw biker gangs regarding insurance of their clubhouses. Findings Protection of insured seems more important than prevention of money laundering. Research limitations/implications This is a case study that cannot be generalized. Practical implications Anti money laundering is difficult when competing with other considerations. Social implications Accusations of money laundering is not sufficient to terminate an insurance contract. Rather, solid evidence is needed. Originality/value This is a real case of failing anti-money laundering efforts.

Events play an integrated part in tourism industry. South Africa events have grown over the past years, especially when it comes to promotion and hosting of events. One such event is South African Bike Festival. The event's organizers host these events for special causes, such as riding for a purpose, social implications, and social responsibility. Motorcycles have been around since the early 1900s for the dual purpose of transportation and recreational or pleasure riding, but little is known about motorcyclists' sociodemographic profile and behavior. From an international perfective, the sociodemographic and behavior aspects of motorcyclists are well documented; what is lacking is literature within the South African perceptive. The purpose of this research is to characterize those who attended the first South African Bike Festival. The research attempts to segment the motorcycle market and identify bikers' motivations, needs, and behavior. A structured self-completion questionnaire was developed and handed out to willing participants. Trained fieldworkers distributed the questionnaire over a 3-day period and received a total of 484 usable questionnaires. A multiple regression based on sociodemographic variables and spending habits was done to determine any significant differences. Respondents were segmented based on their motives for attending the event. In this way three markets were identified, namely hardcore biker, feisty biker, and fortuitous biker. The results showed that there are indeed significant differences between the three markets identified. This research not only contributes to the motorcycling literature, but also to motorcycling behavior of bikers in South Africa.