John Tate (see picture below) says he won't be swapping his mayoral robes for a motorbike helmet any time soon, despite spending the weekend on two wheels.

The Lord Mayor of Newcastle and Northern Region Commander Assistant Commissioner Lee Shearer (right) spent the weekend away from their full-throttle jobs, attempting the practical course for their learner motorcycle licences.

Motorcycle shop owner Graeme Boyd said Cr Tate takes part in the Newcastle toy run in December each year, and has been badgered for some time about learning to ride.

Assistant Commissioner Shearer also took part after her husband recently bought a scooter.

Mr Boyd said both were quite competent riders by the end of the two-day course.

Cr Tate said yesterday he enjoyed the course, but doubted he would be replacing the mayoral car with a two-wheel version for his journey to Newcastle City Hall.

"I don't think so . . . I've usually got too many things to bring along with me," he said.

Cr Tate said Newcastle was on track to become one of the country's most motorcycle- and scooter-friendly cities.

"We're going to have more people living in the city and with that there is scope for a lot of light bikes and scooters.

"We are already providing parking spaces for light bikes and scooters."