I must have too much time on my hands as I found myself browsing the recently published Scottish Executive Transport Strategy.
Only three mentions of motorcycles in its entire 86 pages.
1) Highlighted how few miles motorbikes generally travel compared to other forms of transport. < must ride more !>
2) How motorcycles are already subject to EU emission limits and through their reduced energy needs and ability to make progress in congested conditions they can make a positive contribution to reduced carbon emissions & fuel consumption.
<I am always happy to make progress >
3) They spoiled the rosy picture by then referencing a report on Motorcycle Accidents & Crash statistics.
Point 2 appears sounds dangerously like official support for motorbikes !
Average distance travelled per person per year by all modes of transport is only 7,500 miles
Average miles travelled per person per year in Scotland by car is stated as only 5,500.
Bikes do not even rate a category of their own - they are lumped in with private hire buses @ <1,000 per person.
Reading the report I wonder where they get their statistics from. I typically travel approx 16,000 miles by bike and another 10,000+ miles by car per annum. Am I unusual in my driving patterns ?
Most of my office colleagues live outwith Edinburgh and commute 20+ miles each way per day generally by car. M8 / M80 at peak hours indicates a lot of longer distance commuters.
The one point which I did not find in the report is any proposal for road charging for bikes. Hopefully we will stay off the Government radar on this topic; unless you know differently ?
Only three mentions of motorcycles in its entire 86 pages.
1) Highlighted how few miles motorbikes generally travel compared to other forms of transport. < must ride more !>
2) How motorcycles are already subject to EU emission limits and through their reduced energy needs and ability to make progress in congested conditions they can make a positive contribution to reduced carbon emissions & fuel consumption.
<I am always happy to make progress >3) They spoiled the rosy picture by then referencing a report on Motorcycle Accidents & Crash statistics.
Point 2 appears sounds dangerously like official support for motorbikes !
Average distance travelled per person per year by all modes of transport is only 7,500 miles
Average miles travelled per person per year in Scotland by car is stated as only 5,500.
Bikes do not even rate a category of their own - they are lumped in with private hire buses @ <1,000 per person.
Reading the report I wonder where they get their statistics from. I typically travel approx 16,000 miles by bike and another 10,000+ miles by car per annum. Am I unusual in my driving patterns ?
Most of my office colleagues live outwith Edinburgh and commute 20+ miles each way per day generally by car. M8 / M80 at peak hours indicates a lot of longer distance commuters.
The one point which I did not find in the report is any proposal for road charging for bikes. Hopefully we will stay off the Government radar on this topic; unless you know differently ?
