The consultation process has highlighted the following problems and opportunities:

Problems

• Probably one of the biggest problems is that motorcycles are all too often considered as cars or bikes and not given proper recognition for their position in the transportation order.
• As with cycles, the needs of motorcycles with regard to secure parking spaces and changing facilities at destination is often not properly addressed.
• Although the number of motorcycle casualties is reducing nationally, there were 24,000 motorcycle users killed or injured in 1997 (7.5% of all, and 14% of deaths and serious injuries). In built-up areas, motorcycles are three times more likely to have an accident with a pedestrian than a car.

Opportunities

• Motorcycles can provide an affordable alternative to motor cars where public transport provision is limited.
• The advantages of motorcycles as a mode of transport need to be explored and made available to the public in a co-ordinated education/advertising programme. Advantages are claimed to include:
  1. Low integration costs
  2. Reliability, convenience and flexibility for users
  3. Lower pollution levels
  4. Reduced congestion
  5. Better fuel efficiency
  6. More efficient land-use
  7. Sustainability compared to cars

The debate on motorcycles is still running at a national level and there are several issues, such as motorcycle use of bus lanes, where the DETR are still seeking guidance from pilot schemes. Therefore, within this LTP, the needs of motorcycles will be considered and a strategy established at the earliest possible opportunity, following consultation, so that a set of policies can be adopted.