Why does the Government not encourage motorcycling?
Discussion
I have searched but unable to find anything that I'm specifically asking.
I'm a motorcyclist. Have been for 20 years. I have in the past rode to work on a motorcycle. I have toured many countries on motorcycles, many track-days etc..
But there are plenty of people with much more experience and miles under their belt and vastly more experienced so why I'm asking this question.
Why does the government encourage cycling, walking, using "Crap" public transport but not motorcycling.
Before you say, motorcycling is dangerous. Yes its statistically but I don't see in my local city of Bristol they do anything to reduce motorcycle fatalities.
Spending millions on cycle routes, bus lanes etc... nothing to help motorcyclists. The only benefit we have locally and being able to use bus lanes which I have been using since I passed my test.
Would encouraging motorcycling help traffic, zero net crap. Ok the weather is not helpful but what stops more people getting a motorcycle. Money, comfort? Difficulty in getting a licence.
Was just reading the HD closing thread. And a few comments about potholes, busy roads etc
Anyone know why the government does not want more motorcyclist?
I'm a motorcyclist. Have been for 20 years. I have in the past rode to work on a motorcycle. I have toured many countries on motorcycles, many track-days etc..
But there are plenty of people with much more experience and miles under their belt and vastly more experienced so why I'm asking this question.
Why does the government encourage cycling, walking, using "Crap" public transport but not motorcycling.
Before you say, motorcycling is dangerous. Yes its statistically but I don't see in my local city of Bristol they do anything to reduce motorcycle fatalities.
Spending millions on cycle routes, bus lanes etc... nothing to help motorcyclists. The only benefit we have locally and being able to use bus lanes which I have been using since I passed my test.
Would encouraging motorcycling help traffic, zero net crap. Ok the weather is not helpful but what stops more people getting a motorcycle. Money, comfort? Difficulty in getting a licence.
Was just reading the HD closing thread. And a few comments about potholes, busy roads etc
Anyone know why the government does not want more motorcyclist?
I suppose the cynic in me would question - why would they?
It's not a big revenue generator, it's difficult to police, and produces a disproportionately high number of casualties compared to other modes of transport. Congestion advantages are only realised if lots of people adopt it, and as a country the weather is too bad (and most of us are too fat, lazy and scared) to ride - certainly year round.
I don't think it'll end up being banned (at least hopefully not in my lifetime) but I'd expect it'll become more and more of a niche hobby for people with money to burn, much like horse riding.
It's not a big revenue generator, it's difficult to police, and produces a disproportionately high number of casualties compared to other modes of transport. Congestion advantages are only realised if lots of people adopt it, and as a country the weather is too bad (and most of us are too fat, lazy and scared) to ride - certainly year round.
I don't think it'll end up being banned (at least hopefully not in my lifetime) but I'd expect it'll become more and more of a niche hobby for people with money to burn, much like horse riding.
Because they're more interested in promoting hire by App electrically assisted bikes and E-Scooters.
Motorcycles, internal combustion engines and people venturing beyond their 15 minute cities don't align with their parachuted in from from above policies?
Be happier and hire everything.
Stuart? Fillingham that Yorkshire former Cop and lover of retro British bikes has pondered your question in a YouTube video a couple of years ago.
Motorcycles, internal combustion engines and people venturing beyond their 15 minute cities don't align with their parachuted in from from above policies?
Be happier and hire everything.
Stuart? Fillingham that Yorkshire former Cop and lover of retro British bikes has pondered your question in a YouTube video a couple of years ago.
It depends really on what 'you' want when you say the government isn't doing anything to encourage or help.
Governments in various guises support training through bikesafe, encourage better quality kit through Sharp helmet testing and setting standards for ppe to adhere to so you know what you are buying.
They set fairly rigourous testing for riders to try and ensure those starting have the best chance to not kill themselves off the bat, and if you just want the ability to get onto a low powered machine you can do so with hardly a days training, giving biking an incredibly low bar to entry.
The taxation system for bikes was always fairly generous for us for the rate of taxation compared to the pollution produced (although I don't know if thats the still the case with the newer euro standards) and we are also policed fairly leniently compared to the motoring offences that a lot of riders commit, thats also notwithstanding the lax MOT testing on bikes.
Pound for pound bikes are almost always cheaper than the car equivalent, especially given the amount of tech being packed into newer bikes
You say locally money has been spent on bus lanes, that allow you in them? although not a nationally consistent benefit, that's definately one perk and despite the hatred many motorists have for them, cycles lanes are always a benfit to us all, the more people that are going to use alternate transport, the less wear on roads, the less congestion, the less frustrated people held up in traffic.
What are the biggest barriers to people getting into bikes? Family often prevent it at a younger age but will help a child into a car without question. Gov can't legislate against that.
Insurance costs are a widespread problem, not just for bikes. If you look at how many bikes are getting nicked in London we are probably lucky any young person can get on a bike in the south at all. That needs looking at, but isn't restricted to bikes, car insurance is also a killer.
Kit costs, that initial outlay is often steep, but if you are on a budget and sensible you can still pick up a full set of kit and helmet without breaking the bank, also not something the government can really help with (although abolishing vat on kit would be nice, i'd bet in a heartbeat retailers would add 20% overnight)
So what is it you want them to do, look at insurance costs, I 'think' someone was supposed to be doing that, not sure. Reduce the barrier for licensing? Going to be a hard sell if there's any uptick in biker deaths that could be at all linked to it, that's career ending for a transport minister, open bus lanes nationwide? they already tried a consultation that was roundly beaten down by other groups who also have an interest in their mode of transport being looked after.
I don't think that it's the government not encouraging motorcycles, they aren't really encouraging motorised transport at all, outside of a transfer to EV, and really thats not terrible for us, we need more people out of cars on public transport and bikes.
Governments in various guises support training through bikesafe, encourage better quality kit through Sharp helmet testing and setting standards for ppe to adhere to so you know what you are buying.
They set fairly rigourous testing for riders to try and ensure those starting have the best chance to not kill themselves off the bat, and if you just want the ability to get onto a low powered machine you can do so with hardly a days training, giving biking an incredibly low bar to entry.
The taxation system for bikes was always fairly generous for us for the rate of taxation compared to the pollution produced (although I don't know if thats the still the case with the newer euro standards) and we are also policed fairly leniently compared to the motoring offences that a lot of riders commit, thats also notwithstanding the lax MOT testing on bikes.
Pound for pound bikes are almost always cheaper than the car equivalent, especially given the amount of tech being packed into newer bikes
You say locally money has been spent on bus lanes, that allow you in them? although not a nationally consistent benefit, that's definately one perk and despite the hatred many motorists have for them, cycles lanes are always a benfit to us all, the more people that are going to use alternate transport, the less wear on roads, the less congestion, the less frustrated people held up in traffic.
What are the biggest barriers to people getting into bikes? Family often prevent it at a younger age but will help a child into a car without question. Gov can't legislate against that.
Insurance costs are a widespread problem, not just for bikes. If you look at how many bikes are getting nicked in London we are probably lucky any young person can get on a bike in the south at all. That needs looking at, but isn't restricted to bikes, car insurance is also a killer.
Kit costs, that initial outlay is often steep, but if you are on a budget and sensible you can still pick up a full set of kit and helmet without breaking the bank, also not something the government can really help with (although abolishing vat on kit would be nice, i'd bet in a heartbeat retailers would add 20% overnight)
So what is it you want them to do, look at insurance costs, I 'think' someone was supposed to be doing that, not sure. Reduce the barrier for licensing? Going to be a hard sell if there's any uptick in biker deaths that could be at all linked to it, that's career ending for a transport minister, open bus lanes nationwide? they already tried a consultation that was roundly beaten down by other groups who also have an interest in their mode of transport being looked after.
I don't think that it's the government not encouraging motorcycles, they aren't really encouraging motorised transport at all, outside of a transfer to EV, and really thats not terrible for us, we need more people out of cars on public transport and bikes.
I lived in Sutton in 1999 and used to commute to Victoria in London by motorbike for about 18 months and only stopped because my employer relocated to Windsor. It was never a problem so long as you kept your wits about you and there was no theft risk using a tatty 1981 Yamaha XJ550.
The biggest problem was that I wasn't allowed to use bus lanes, but I think that is allowed now. If I still had that bike it would be MOT, road tax and ULEZ exempt now!
The biggest problem was that I wasn't allowed to use bus lanes, but I think that is allowed now. If I still had that bike it would be MOT, road tax and ULEZ exempt now!
Interesting views.
As for family not allowing or supporting a child/ family member into biking in understand. But people need to grow some. Sorry I just don't get my girlfriend does it want me to ride excuse etc.
Personally I loved bikes since i was young. Knowing my dad was killed on a motorcycle just before I was born. But never stopped me from getting a licence. After I passed my test at 29. I was late to the enjoyment of motorcycling and finding out after I passed my test the same age my dad was killed. Both my wife and mum was not happy I wanted to get my licence but understood my need to ride. And become a better driver/rider.
I agree the government are only focusing on zero net and electric cars. Bikes won't be any good as a electric form of transport for the foreseeable future for obvious reasons.
But interesting view points
As for family not allowing or supporting a child/ family member into biking in understand. But people need to grow some. Sorry I just don't get my girlfriend does it want me to ride excuse etc.
Personally I loved bikes since i was young. Knowing my dad was killed on a motorcycle just before I was born. But never stopped me from getting a licence. After I passed my test at 29. I was late to the enjoyment of motorcycling and finding out after I passed my test the same age my dad was killed. Both my wife and mum was not happy I wanted to get my licence but understood my need to ride. And become a better driver/rider.
I agree the government are only focusing on zero net and electric cars. Bikes won't be any good as a electric form of transport for the foreseeable future for obvious reasons.
But interesting view points
RemaL said:
Interesting views.
As for family not allowing or supporting a child/ family member into biking in understand. But people need to grow some. Sorry I just don't get my girlfriend does it want me to ride excuse etc.
Personally I loved bikes since i was young. Knowing my dad was killed on a motorcycle just before I was born. But never stopped me from getting a licence. After I passed my test at 29. I was late to the enjoyment of motorcycling and finding out after I passed my test the same age my dad was killed. Both my wife and mum was not happy I wanted to get my licence but understood my need to ride. And become a better driver/rider.
I agree the government are only focusing on zero net and electric cars. Bikes won't be any good as a electric form of transport for the foreseeable future for obvious reasons.
But interesting view points
My parents both had full bike licences obtained in the 1960s. My mother had a Capri branded scooter which I remember about 1970. I had bikes in the 1980s and that's the last time I've ridden one. I keep thinking about it, but I don't need one. It wouldn't make my comute quicker (unless I ignored the speed limits) There is one set of traffic lights where I could save 5 minutes on my way home. As for family not allowing or supporting a child/ family member into biking in understand. But people need to grow some. Sorry I just don't get my girlfriend does it want me to ride excuse etc.
Personally I loved bikes since i was young. Knowing my dad was killed on a motorcycle just before I was born. But never stopped me from getting a licence. After I passed my test at 29. I was late to the enjoyment of motorcycling and finding out after I passed my test the same age my dad was killed. Both my wife and mum was not happy I wanted to get my licence but understood my need to ride. And become a better driver/rider.
I agree the government are only focusing on zero net and electric cars. Bikes won't be any good as a electric form of transport for the foreseeable future for obvious reasons.
But interesting view points
carinaman said:
Because they're more interested in promoting hire by App electrically assisted bikes and E-Scooters.
Motorcycles, internal combustion engines and people venturing beyond their 15 minute cities don't align with their parachuted in from from above policies?
Be happier and hire everything.
Stuart? Fillingham that Yorkshire former Cop and lover of retro British bikes has pondered your question in a YouTube video a couple of years ago.
Where has anyone in authority shown any evidence of not wanting to allow people to travel outside 15 minute cities?Motorcycles, internal combustion engines and people venturing beyond their 15 minute cities don't align with their parachuted in from from above policies?
Be happier and hire everything.
Stuart? Fillingham that Yorkshire former Cop and lover of retro British bikes has pondered your question in a YouTube video a couple of years ago.
Larger capacity bikes aren’t fuel efficient, cheap to run or particularly environmentally friendly. They also aren’t terribly useful all year round.
At the smaller end of the scale, shared E scooters and assisted pedal cycles are a better option for local journeys.
There’s a middle ground where 125s or electric equivalents could fill a useful gap though.
At the smaller end of the scale, shared E scooters and assisted pedal cycles are a better option for local journeys.
There’s a middle ground where 125s or electric equivalents could fill a useful gap though.
Alex Z said:
Larger capacity bikes aren’t fuel efficient, cheap to run or particularly environmentally friendly. They also aren’t terribly useful all year round.
At the smaller end of the scale, shared E scooters and assisted pedal cycles are a better option for local journeys.
There’s a middle ground where 125s or electric equivalents could fill a useful gap though.
I do think the favriotism shown towards bicycles is not proportionally applied to motorcycle riders. I would think at 125 cc they should be viewed as bicycles. Bicycles are often electrically assisted now .I have long thought scooters , 125's etc are a practical alternative, for half the year at least.At the smaller end of the scale, shared E scooters and assisted pedal cycles are a better option for local journeys.
There’s a middle ground where 125s or electric equivalents could fill a useful gap though.
The government pushes cycling, walking, and public transport because they fit the "green" and "safe" agenda, even though public transport is unreliable and cycling infrastructure costs a fortune.
Motorcycling could help reduce congestion and emissions, but it is largely ignored. The perception of danger is a factor, yet instead of improving safety—better road maintenance, rider education, and filtering awareness—they do nothing. Getting a bike licence is harder and more expensive than a car licence, which puts many off. Politically, cycling and buses are easier to market as eco-friendly, even though motorcycles can be just as efficient. Weather, gear, and storage make them less appealing to some, but that is a personal choice—not a reason to dismiss them.
Apart from using bus lanes in some areas, we get very little investment compared to cyclists. Instead of real incentives for safer, greener motorcycling, the focus stays on e-bikes and trains.
Motorcycling could help reduce congestion and emissions, but it is largely ignored. The perception of danger is a factor, yet instead of improving safety—better road maintenance, rider education, and filtering awareness—they do nothing. Getting a bike licence is harder and more expensive than a car licence, which puts many off. Politically, cycling and buses are easier to market as eco-friendly, even though motorcycles can be just as efficient. Weather, gear, and storage make them less appealing to some, but that is a personal choice—not a reason to dismiss them.
Apart from using bus lanes in some areas, we get very little investment compared to cyclists. Instead of real incentives for safer, greener motorcycling, the focus stays on e-bikes and trains.
Alex Z said:
Where has anyone in authority shown any evidence of not wanting to allow people to travel outside 15 minute cities?
They never have, it's made up conspiracy wibble.I'd be inclined to agree with the family thing and needing to grow a pair, I was probably lucky that my dad had ridden but I know my mum wasn't especially happy.
I also think it's one thing for a grown adult to be able to make that call against family wishes, but its a bit harder for a 17 year old kid who is still reliant on family for housing and general financial support, especially if they are going to help you get into a car which also tends to be a lot more aspirational for people.
I also think the family argument is difficult when you have a wife or husband dead set against it, and ultimately you want to keep a peaceful household.
What would I like to see.
National opening of bus lanes.
Sensible introduction of laws to legalise electric bikes like the Surron, give them a chance to act as a stepping stone rather than a tool for thieves.
Work to reduce insurance costs, especially for new riders.
More rigorous CBT.
VAT removed from PPE on bike gear.
Continued work on increasing cycle lanes, and improving availiabilty of public transport, to encourage people out of cars where practical.
Dedicated, secure bike parking in every multistory or new built parking facilities.
Free motorcycle parking in towns and cities
Incentives to help businesses related to motorcycling set up and run, increased if they take on young people into the industry
Significant investment into electric motorcycles and batteries, to let the UK lead on this segment.
Subsidised after pass training, including track based training.
Building of a specific toll road, Nurburgring style to give those inclined somewhere to go to run their cars and bikes a little faster, with the aim of reducing that being done on the open public road.
Education on sharing the road being pushed out nationwide, will also benefit cyclists, pedetians and other vulnerable road users.
A winning lottery ticket.
The government is advised by the people that tell them motorcycles are a frivolous thing people do for fun, and need to be targeted as often as possible for lots of things they are dangerous and they don't want you doing it. They want you in cars were you wont speed as much and are easily controlled behind lorries and endless speed limits and traffic calming and temp lights and they dont have to get involved in safety investigations when you die or are injured, that costs them money, just buy a car stupid! lol
Shock horror, they are a perfect solution for traffic issues, that's why in the Far east they are by far the most popular form of transport as theya re cheap small and economical, they are decades ahead in some ways.
Like we were 50 years ago before government decided otherwise
Shock horror, they are a perfect solution for traffic issues, that's why in the Far east they are by far the most popular form of transport as theya re cheap small and economical, they are decades ahead in some ways.
Like we were 50 years ago before government decided otherwise
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