Photo: Stephen Kidd / Unsplash
As a motorcycle rider, I often discuss the good parts of motorcycling. But let's put aside the fun and feeling of freedom you get from it and talk about the topic from the perspective of traffic congestion and environmental impact. A survey carried out by IAM RoadSmart revealed that the UK public is divided about the benefits of riding a motorcycle.
IAM RoadSmart is the UK's largest road safety charity– the organization does various surveys regarding road users and safety. For instance, earlier this year, it published its Driving Safety Culture Report, showing the extent of aggression between motorists and cyclists in the UK.
The organization is keen on raising awareness of how motorcycles can improve traffic in the UK. It surveyed more than 2,000 motorists, and the results were clear: people are divided regarding the benefits of motorcycles for reducing congestion and emissions.
Only one-in-five respondents (22%) believe motorcycles improve air quality. In fact, motorcycles produce less than half of the emissions of cars, or even less in some cases. If you were to use an all-electric two-wheeler, you would reduce emissions to zero. What's more, their smaller size enables riders to filter through traffic safely.
Less than half (42%) of respondents stated that they recognize that motorcycles help reduce traffic congestion, showing that they are unaware of the potential positive impact. According to NMC (National Motorcycle Council) and MCIA (Motor Cycle Industry Association), if a meager 10% of road users switched to motorcycles, congestion would drop by a staggering 40%, and emissions from start-stop traffic would also decrease.
I'll be honest, the survey's results have really surprised me. I thought that it was almost common sense that motorcycles have fewer emissions and can help improve traffic flow. Regardless, the results show that motorcycles should be part of the UK government's plans to alleviate the impacts of traffic congestion and share more information about the benefits of biking.
So far, the UK government has focused on policies such as the prioritization of "active travel" like walking or cycling, investment in public transport, and implementation of Ultra Low Emission Zones (ULEX).
IAM RoadSmart is also doing its part to highlight the importance of motorcycles. It has launched a campaign that showcases how motorcycles can address concerns around air quality, especially in the near future, as fossil-fueled vehicles are phased out.
These issues were raised on June 21 at the Motorcycle Sector Ministerial Round Table, staged by the Department for Transport (DfT). The Executive Director at The National Motorcycle Council, Craig Carey-Clinch, explained that the DfT were all ears at the recent motorcycle forum, and the speakers agreed that there's a need to recognize the riders' concern and focus on a technology-neutral approach.
The organization is keen on raising awareness of how motorcycles can improve traffic in the UK. It surveyed more than 2,000 motorists, and the results were clear: people are divided regarding the benefits of motorcycles for reducing congestion and emissions.
Only one-in-five respondents (22%) believe motorcycles improve air quality. In fact, motorcycles produce less than half of the emissions of cars, or even less in some cases. If you were to use an all-electric two-wheeler, you would reduce emissions to zero. What's more, their smaller size enables riders to filter through traffic safely.
Less than half (42%) of respondents stated that they recognize that motorcycles help reduce traffic congestion, showing that they are unaware of the potential positive impact. According to NMC (National Motorcycle Council) and MCIA (Motor Cycle Industry Association), if a meager 10% of road users switched to motorcycles, congestion would drop by a staggering 40%, and emissions from start-stop traffic would also decrease.
I'll be honest, the survey's results have really surprised me. I thought that it was almost common sense that motorcycles have fewer emissions and can help improve traffic flow. Regardless, the results show that motorcycles should be part of the UK government's plans to alleviate the impacts of traffic congestion and share more information about the benefits of biking.
So far, the UK government has focused on policies such as the prioritization of "active travel" like walking or cycling, investment in public transport, and implementation of Ultra Low Emission Zones (ULEX).
IAM RoadSmart is also doing its part to highlight the importance of motorcycles. It has launched a campaign that showcases how motorcycles can address concerns around air quality, especially in the near future, as fossil-fueled vehicles are phased out.
These issues were raised on June 21 at the Motorcycle Sector Ministerial Round Table, staged by the Department for Transport (DfT). The Executive Director at The National Motorcycle Council, Craig Carey-Clinch, explained that the DfT were all ears at the recent motorcycle forum, and the speakers agreed that there's a need to recognize the riders' concern and focus on a technology-neutral approach.
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