Motorcycles Scooters and Travel Plans
Most travel plans entail the promotion of alternatives to single car occupancy and include cycling, bus use and car sharing. The motorcycle as legitimate and practical transport is rarely considered in spite of their role in travel plans being cited in The Government's Motorcycling Strategy and the Institute of Highways Incorporated Engineers Guidelines for Motorcycling – two documents that seek to mainstream motorcycling.
Motorcycles are more than just sports bike like the Yamaha R1 but utility machines like the Suzuki Bandit, super scooters like the Piaggio X9 or lightweight scooters like the Honda Dylan. They even come as 50cc mopeds, which can be driven on a car licence. All offer the advantages of personal powered transport but without the drawbacks of a car.
Motorcycles are not the sole solution to travel problems but are one solution and, since they do not detract from the more commonly recommended alternatives to the car, should be included in travel plans.
Can your business afford not to include motorcycles/scooters in its Travel Plans?
WHY MOTORCYCLES/SCOOTERS SHOULD BE IN YOUR TRAVEL PLAN
Advantages for users:-
* Flexible door-to-door transport
* Circumvent congestion
* Address social exclusion
* Occupy limited space
* Low pollutant & CO 2 emissions
* Low running costs
* Increase choice for travel
* Save time on travelling
Advantages for businesses:-
* Social inclusion and equality for the workforce
* Better access for Wheels 2 Work participants
* Better productivity from easier travel and more reliable journeys
* Flexibility for shift workers, especially during unsocial hours
* Access to a wider human resource pool
* Reduced use of space for staff and visitor parking
* Improved access and less congestion on site
* More efficient transport for company business
What businesses should provide:-
* Consultation with motorcycle user groups
* Parking - accessible and properly marked
* Consultation with motorcycle user groups
* Parking - accessible and properly marked
- level and firm base
- secure with street furniture, security staff, CCTV surveillance
- shelter from the elements an advantage
- flexible to cater for potentially increased demand 
* Changing facilities and storage for helmets and protective clothing
* Raising awareness of motorcycles' inclusion in travel plans
* Improving safety by offering BikeSafe assessments and post training for staff
It's not rocket science.
It isn't expensive.
It improves conditions for staff and visitors by giving them choice.
The motorcycle/scooter should be an essential part of any travel plan.
Last reviewed/updated 27/09/06
