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Originally Posted by p thompson Quite right.... Don't get me wrong, I like bikes, hell Helen has even ok'd me getting another one now...  However, looking at the petition, there are are few debatable comments. |
"Motorbikes are more efficient and produce less harmful emissions than other forms of motorized transport."
hmmm - not sure the new Hybrid mfrs would agree with that - and what about multiple occupancy? - A fully loaded car or bus must surely be better on emissions?[/quote]
Yes, but just how many commuters actually car share, or indeed catch the bus / train !
Next time you drive into London, see how many cars have more than 1 person in them. I bet you could count them on one hand...
The issue of reduced polution is one finding shown by research carried out by the ministry of Transport. Bikes generally do around 50mpg, and are less likely to be caught in traffic, obviously generating more polutants per mile than when moving.
The point is the government are corncerned about polution and congestion, and motorcycles reduce both. A bike filtering through traffic generates far less polution than a car sat still in the queue...
To get people to use public transport requires far more radical changes.
I generally go to London on the train, but this involves driving to the nearest town and paying to park, then waiting for the train. I can get to London for less money and in a shorter time by bike. To make people want to use public transport there needs to be an incentive, and it has to be convenient.
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"Charging for bike parking will impact most on those least able to pay, pricing essential workers out of already expensive urban areas, especially in London and other UK cities"
I'm not sure I would describe the owners of many modern motorbikes as the least able to afford the parking fees, considering the purchase, running and insurance costs of most...
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I have to agree there, many bikers have it as a second means of transport. Having said that, many choose to run a bike to combat conjestion, and which generally cost LESS than a car to buy, run and insure.
There are logistical issues with charging parking fees for bikes. For example, where do you stick the ticket to ensure its not stolen.
Many borough councils do not charge bikes for parking, all the petition is trying to do is create a common ruling.
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