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General Chat/Anything Goes

More Bicycles, Fewer Bikes

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More Bicycles, Fewer Bikes

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I see that there are plans to encourage cycling to work instead of using public transport when the lockdown 'eases'.

Why am I unsurprised that motorcycles are not mentioned as an excellent way of social distancing and simultaneous commuting. Or am I becoming more cynical in my declining years?

   Update Reply
Gallowglass @ 09/05/2020 13:45  

I haven't cycled any distance for decades, and at my age, I am not about to cycle 15 miles both ways in order to get to work.
My suggestion to the government is to replace all of my vehicles for electric ones of equal value and quality.

   Update Reply
Double six @ 09/05/2020 14:11  

On that subject, Here's a press release the Motorcycle Action Group.

MAG urges Government: 'Do not overlook motorcycles in plans to ease
lockdown’

The Motorcycle Action Group has criticised the omission of motorcycles
in indications of Government thinking around transport in the transition
from lockdown back to normality. Claiming that the “New Normal” may not
be anything like that proposed by many lobby groups, MAG calls for
clearer thinking.

Transport Secretary, Grant Shapps, has suggested that encouraging people
to commute by bicycle will be a key part of proposals for transport as
travel restrictions for the pandemic lockdown are eased; however,
motorcycles are not mentioned. Zealous cycle lobbyists are naturally
excited by this statement and seem to be suggesting that vast numbers
will turn to cycling as their only mode of transport. London Mayor,
Sadiq Khan, has already announced his Streetspace Plan, which is
intended to fast-track the transformation of London’s streets to enable
millions more people to safely walk and cycle as part of their daily
journeys.

Commenting on the media rush to suggest that cycling will be a
substantial solution, MAG’s Director of Campaigns & Political
Engagement, Colin Brown, said: “The idea that cycling alone can replace
all the transport needs of those who will be unable to commute by public
transport is for the birds. The average cycle trip in 2018 was a mere
3.3 miles. Potentially, cycling could replace bus travel in London as
the average trip was 3.7 miles but nationally, average local bus trips
are 5.3 miles. The average trip on the London underground was 8.9 miles
and on average surface rail trips are 30.9 miles. During lockdown, we
have not all moved closer to our places of work. At an average trip
distance of 13.4 miles, motorcycles can clearly replace far more public
transport trips than cycling, whilst also offering congestion reduction
benefits over cars.“

Colin went on to say: “Any action that improves the safety of cycling
and walking is to be commended. However, the plight of motorcyclists
must not be forgotten in this dash for cycling infrastructure. We have
serious concerns that road space segregation and cycle safety measures
often increase risks for motorcyclists: something we highlighted at the
last City of London meeting prior to lockdown. We are vulnerable road
users too. It is vital that MAG and motorcyclists are consulted on the
many plans to accommodate cycling that are being rushed through without
opportunity for comment and scrutiny from other road users.”

MAG Chair, Selina Lavender, said “Motorcyclists already wear a form of
PPE as standard. Motorcycles provide social distancing, flexibility and
range that cycles don’t. There is no need to fast-track major changes
to the roads infrastructure, though a few more authorities opening their
bus lanes to motorcycles would be sensible. Leaving motorcycles out of
plans to help the transport system to get going and the economy back on
the road to recovery is an oversight of massive proportion.”

MAG Director of Communications & Public Affairs, Lembit Opik, said:
“Motorbikes and scooters are self-evidently safer than bus and train
travel when it comes to virus transmission. Motorcycling guarantees
social distancing, with most being ‘PPE-ready’ the moment they get on
their machine, in a way that those using trains and buses are not. It’s
a ready-made solution, and the Government should rapidly highlight this
to the millions of commuters looking for virus-resistant ways to travel.”

Tim Fawthrop, MAG London Regional Rep, said: 'I nearly lost my life to
Covid, and consider myself fortunate to now be on the long road to
recovery. Like many others, I am avoiding public transport, which is
potentially where I picked up the virus initially. I plan to avoid all
public transport for the foreseeable future. As soon as I have the
strength, I will return to riding my motorcycle in accordance with
whatever guidelines are in place at that time. Getting back on the bike
and on the open road will lift my spirits and aid my recovery. I am
saddened that the Government and London’s Mayor have not yet included
motorcycles in their plans. As motorcyclists, we are aware of the
benefits of our favourite form of transport and how they can support
society in the fight against the effects of this horrendous virus. It is
time for policy-makers to listen to us.'

MAG has approached the Secretary of State for Transport and the London
Mayor, and will continue to assertively lobby for a long overdue review
by the Department for Transport of the missed opportunities and ignored
benefits of motorcycles. MAG has long promoted motorcycles as the most
sustainable form of private motorised transport and is now calling on
all riders to contact their MPs and councillors, asking them to promote
motorcycles as a vital part of any “new normal” transport system that
emerges.

   Update Reply
Ragnar @ 09/05/2020 14:23  

I can see you on mobility scooter D6

   Update Reply
Ragnar @ 09/05/2020 14:26  

Only in your dreams Rags, I am willing to move to greener forms of transport, but the government will have to foot the bill.

   Update Reply
Double six @ 09/05/2020 14:47  

I suspect that a large chunk of public transport users either dont have a licence or have nowhere to park at work

   Update Reply
Brummie Jackie @ 09/05/2020 15:01  

7 motorcycles fit into the space one large 4x4...parking problem?
And cycle or walk to work..? 12 miles each way?pmsl...f*ck that,i'll take my motorbicycle...:)>

   Update Reply
jinx57 @ 09/05/2020 16:18  

There's some nice battery assisted push bikes around now, that are really good and helpful.

Once had a blast on my friends and I was like Bradley Wiggins up a 1 in never getting anywhere. Felt like a spring chicken even after a fair few miles.

Unfortunately they're still expensive and not stocked as well as manual bikes.

   Update Reply
yorkie mick @ 09/05/2020 17:43  

Hi Ragnar- thanks for the MAG post, although now I am worried that I am taking the same viewpoint as Lembit Opek. I may need a large whisky to come to terms with that!

   Update Reply
Gallowglass @ 09/05/2020 19:03  

Nothing wrong with Lembit, apart from when he mistakenly catches your eye as you are waving to another BMer at a bike rally, and strolls straight over to you, says hi and starts a convo 😂🤣.

I think he was a little embarrassed when I said I was waving at a mate, not you sorry. He turned to look at my mate, she waved at him and he waved made his excuses and exited very quickly. 🤣😁

Throughout the rest of the weekend he made it in his way to come over for a chat whenever he saw us. 👍🏻

   Update Reply
Lindsay @ 09/05/2020 19:43  

Ah well Lindsay its better than him say 'oh shit it her' and legging it. He most likely will next time 😆
.
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As I expect I will have to now

   Update Reply
Steve_H @ 09/05/2020 20:07  

You got to take your hat off to a man who can date twin sisters at the same time, even if it was the cheeky girls.

   Update Reply
Double six @ 09/05/2020 20:10  

He maybe though that Lindsay was his next cheeky girl

   Update Reply
Bikeabill @ 09/05/2020 23:07  

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