Jennifer White, marketing assistant, Punch industries.
Your current bike: Two actually, a BMW 650 FS and a Honda VFR 400R.
What attracted you to these bikes? I've always been into bikes, especially since my dad and my fiancé both have one. I started on a 50cc - ideal for city commuting but I wanted to go on bike runs and needed something with a bigger engine. So I bought a Suzuki Marauder 125cc cruiser - great at first but it tended to struggle on longer runs. I began to get drawn towards tourers and sports machines.
Why were you drawn to two rather than four wheels? I felt I was missing out on something. My dad, Donal, has had several bikes, his current being a Yamaha Dragstar 650A Classic, and Robert has a Yamaha Fazer 600cc. Both use them to commute to work and they also tend to go on weekend runs. I used to go as a pillion passenger but I really had the urge to ride my own motorcycle.
Did you take any rider training course before you took to two wheels? No, but I took several pre-tests before my test. I did, however, compete in the European Young Rider of the Year in 2000 in conjunction with the Motorcycle Action Group (MAG). All EU countries sent a male and female rider to Valencia in Spain to take part in the competition to promote road safety. I was selected as the female representative. It was a fantastic experience. I made a lot of friends.
Do you hold a full or provisional licence for your bike? A full 'A' licence.
Do you drive a car? Yes, a Hyundai Accent GS.
Any family resistance to your riding a bike? Obviously my parents were bound to be nervous at the thought but I'm fully aware of the dangers of the road. I wear the correct clothing and I'm vigilant at all times.
With motorcycle fatalities on the increase, do you worry? Not particularly. The same could be said for car drivers - car fatalities are also still in high numbers. If I constantly worried, I'd never go out riding. You can't afford to get on a bike with a negative frame of mind.
What do you use your bike for? It's purely a hobby - I go to rallies around the country as well as short spins when I can.
Ever had an accident on the bike? No, thankfully. Hopefully that's how it will stay.
Made any trips abroad? Yes, Robert and myself went to Donnington Park in England to watch the Moto GP. It was a fantastic experience - we saw all the greats in action, current Moto GP champion Valentino Rossi, Max Biaggi, Sete Gibernau, Carlos Checa, to name a few. It was fantastic and has made us think of a trip to Europe again soon. We have a good friend in Düsseldorf who is always trying to get us to visit.
Any issues for the Minister for Transport? We need a compulsory motorcycle test of theory and practical skills before being let on the road. It's frightening to think of so many people on the road with little or no driving experience. We also need direct access - the European system has settled on a directive which allows states to issue full bike licences to people aged 21 after they've taken a bike test. Most people in Europe can avail of this, but we've yet to gain the privilege.
You've won the lottery - your dream bike? That's easy - a Yamaha R1. No contest!
- Patricia Weston