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The motorcycle industry is calling on
employers to provide better facilities for employees who ride
motorcycles, scooters and mopeds to work. The call from the Motor Cycle
Industry Association (MCIA) comes on the back of a trend towards
low-powered machines that are increasingly being used for the daily
commute.
The MCIA is asking employers to
recognise that PTWs (and bicycles) make commuting sense by providing
dedicated and secure parking areas.
Last month, moped sales increased by
over 47 per cent, following a nearly 50 per cent increase in April
(compared with the same months last year). To the end of May, moped
sales are over 20 per cent up, and scooter sales are also on the
increase with a 5.7 per cent jump over last year. The UK’s best selling
bike in May was a 125cc Yamaha, typically used by novice and commuter
riders.
Dealers are also reporting greater
interest in smaller-engined new and used powered two wheelers (PTWs),
with customers saying that they have had enough of road congestion, the
cost of fuel and expensive and uncomfortable public transport.
“There are clear indications that
people have had enough of sitting in traffic jams, getting nowhere very
fast,” says Craig Carey-Clinch of the MCIA. “Petrol and diesel prices
are unlikely to drop significantly, journeys are long and stressful and
cars are difficult and often expensive to park in town centres or at
rail stations.
“Public transport is not a cheap
alternative, is often inconvenient and the experience frequently
unpleasant. A commuter bike saves time, is low cost, better for the
environment and easy to park. It’s also unlikely to attract a work place
parking tax that local authorities are now threatening.”
The MCIA is asking employers to
encourage people out of cars by providing adequate parking space for
PTWs as well as bicycles – preferably under cover and with security
measures such as built-in ground anchors. Dedicated changing rooms would
also be welcome.
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