Jacques D'Arcy, architect, Burke-Kennedy Doyle Architects
Your current machine and what did it cost? A Yamaha Fazer FZS 1000 - it cost 12,500 a few months ago.
What attracted you to it? My last bike was a Honda Firestorm VTR 1000 which was great fun but not ideal for commuting. Since I'm doing 100 miles a week just riding in and out of work, I wanted something which could handle the traffic well around town and still have enough poke to go for a spin on a Sunday morning.
The 1000 Fazer seemed to fit the bill. It's a slightly detuned version of the Yamaha R1's in-line four-cylinder engine which is absolutely stunning. It has an extremely comfortable upright riding position, wide handlebars and the best stock brakes I've ever had on a road bike. I've only had it a few months, but I've found it a brilliant all-round machine, perfect for everyday riding in and out of town and still capable of keeping up with full on sportsbikes at the weekend. It's definitely the best bike I've ever owned. I'll be keeping it for quite a while.
What other bikes have you owned? Honda Firestorm VTR1000, Honda CBR 600, Ducati Monster M600, Honda Shadow VT500
What attracted you to two rather than four wheels? I bought a shiny 500 cc Honda cruiser as my first bike, and was immediately hooked. The alternative would have been an eight-year-old Nissan Micra or something like that and the bike just had so much more character.
Do you drive a car? Yes, unfortunately there are still times when you've got to have a car.
What do you use your bike for? Commuting every day, going out for spins at the weekend and the occasional trip abroad.
Abroad? Yes, this year I'll only be going as far as Donnington Park near Nottingham for the British round of the Motorcycle Grand Prix next month. With a bit of luck, I might try and get down to Barcelona next year for the Catalunya Grand Prix.
Why are so many more people taking to the road on two wheels? Mainly to beat the traffic, but it's also the fact that bikes and scooters up to 125 cc are relatively cheap to insure and tax. This gives younger people a chance to get on the road where they mightn't be able to otherwise.
What's the bond that links bikers closer than motorists? There is a bond between bikers because most are genuinely enthusiastic and interested in bikes and enjoy them. For most people I know, their bike is their hobby as well as their transport. How many Ford Mondeo owners can say that?
If you were Minister for Transport, would you make any improvements for motorcyclists? I'd allow motorbikes and scooters to use bus lanes. Our road surfaces would be improved to reduce the number of factors which make motorcycling dangerous - and I'd ban temporary metal plates to cover road works, they're such a serious hazard to bikes in wet weather.
(In conversation with Patricia Weston)