Ride to Work Day 20th July 2005 - Commuting on a bike or scooter amount to two-thirds of all motorcycle
journeys and in an age when car is the king and congestion is increasing
there has never been a better time for people to take the plunge and use
two-wheels to enhance their journey to work.
Research carried out for National Motorcycle Week revealed that riders
and non-riders think the top three benefits of travelling to work on a
motorcycle or scooter are:
- Quicker journey times - 72%
- Cheaper than car/ public transport - 64%
- Avoid congestion - 62%
Non-riders, although they don't have personal biking experience, agreed
with the riders that these are the top three factors that make
motorcycling to work a practical alternative transport choice.
Scooters are one of the most suitable forms of transport for use in
urban areas and in particular where cars clog the roads from morning to
night. Journey times in London, for example, can be reduced by between
40-60% when travelling by motorcycle, moped or scooter.
Craig Carey-Clinch MCI's Director of Public Affairs said, "Sales of new
scooters have risen 16 times, from 500 in 1993 to 8,000 in 2004 a substantial increase over the last decade. The fact that people are choosing to buy and the numbers have been growing confirms that they have recognised the benefits of two-wheels as an alternative form of transport.
"Now, it is time for government, both centrally and locally, to ensure
they act accordingly to include motorcycles and scooters in mainstream planning and create an environment which will enable those who choose to, to ride easily and safety."
Research was carried out for National Motorcycle Week in June 2005 by
Tickbox.net. The number of people interviewed was 2072, of which just
over half were female and 1257 were riders.
Ride to Work Day aims to promote the many benefits associated with
riding a powered two wheeler and this year the annual campaign
highlights that motorcycling;
- Cuts congestion
- Cuts pollution
- Cuts journey times
- Is convenient and flexible
- Is cost-effective
