Beat the queues on two wheels

Commuters could shave up to three hours off their weekly commutes by switching from four wheels to two, according to the RAC Foundation backing the Motorcycle Industry Association’s "Now’s The Time" campaign.

The Foundation's analysis of government statistics shows that in almost every region of the UK, motorcycle and scooter commuters are spending less time travelling to and from work than workers travelling by car, bus or coach, with the biggest savings available in Central London and the East of England.

UK workers have the longest commutes in Europe, with one quarter of the working population commuting for over two hours each day, and the problem is growing. The RAC Foundation/Trafficmaster Congestion Index found that the UK has already seen a 0.8% increase in congestion in the first quarter of 2007, compared to 2006, costing the economy around £74,000 every hour. The RAC Foundation is encouraging commuters to tackle congestion:

by being more flexible about when they travel;
by varying the route they take to avoid congestion hotspots; and
by changing their mode of transport, if practical.

Switching to motorcycle or scooter commuting could be the solution for the one third of drivers who say they would like to spend less time travelling for work. While sixty four per cent of motorcycle and scooter trips are made for work, education or training, overall just one per cent of commuters are travelling on two wheels, so a small increase in scooter commuters could make a big difference to city congestion.

However, time is running out for those thinking of making the switch to two wheels. In October 2008 the motorcycle test is changing to meet new EU requirements. Training will take longer and cost more - and motorcycle experts predict long queues at the limited number of "super-centres" able to host the new off-road test manoeuvres. While it will remain possible to take the Compulsory Basic Training certificate and ride a machine of less than 125cc on L-plates, it is always better to get proper training and a full licence - recent research has shown that riders of bikes over 125cc are 15% less likely to be involved in an accident.

A new website, takeyourbiketestnow.com, has been set up to give commuters wanting to know more about how to get their license all the information they need.

RAC Foundation Head of Campaigns Sheila Rainger said "Commuting by motorcycle or scooter is a great way to beat the rush hour queues - but anyone thinking of changing to a motorcycle or scooter for their daily commute should take action now. It will soon become more difficult and more expensive to qualify for a full motorcycle licence - so beat the queues and take advantage of the summer months to get trained and qualified now before the new rules come into effect."

Motor Cycle Industry Association’s Craig Carey-Clinch said: “ As part of our campaign ‘we wanted to look into the cost of commuting and highlight the benefits of getting on two wheels as a really good way to avoid traffic, saving time, money and unnecessary stress.

“Our survey found only one in ten of the respondents had a motorcycle license, but more than a fifth said they were jealous of motorcycles and scooters because they get through traffic quicker.

“Sitting in traffic on your daily commute is not only a waste of time and money, but our research shows that is also causes a great deal of stress.”