Public & Products Liability Policy

Information Sheet on Benefits of Powered Two Wheelers (PTWs)

Increased use of powered two wheelers (mopeds and motorcycles) has many benefits for citizens, for businesses and for the nation. Conventional prejudice says that motorcycles are too dangerous for the government to promote yet research shows motorcycle and moped use to be as safe or even safer than the much promoted bicycle.

For the user PTWs provide convenient and economical door-to-door transport at all hours. Modern motorcycles and mopeds are as easy to run and as reliable as a modern car and while riding properly is more challenging than driving it is also much more enjoyable and rewarding.

Unlike public transport increased PTW use does not require costly investment in infrastructure, traffic disruption or long waiting times for the benefits. PTW use is also much more adaptable to changing needs and travel patterns. On overall average occupancy figures PTW use is as environmentally friendly as public transport.

Motorcycles are an important part of the solution to modern transport needs.

Benefits of increased PTW use

To Citizens

Financial savings, PTWs cost less to purchase and run than cars and reduce need for second car per household.

Time savings, Dublin commuting time reduces on average 50% and there are big savings on easy parking.

More reliable journey times giving a greater sense of control.

Enjoyment of an environmentally friendly and pleasurable mode of personal transport.

To Businesses

Less need for expensive parking spaces at premises so less pressure to move out of city centre.

Commuting and travel times are both reduced and more reliable (less susceptible to congestion).

Reduced stress due to less frustration at traffic jams and enjoyment of motorcycling.

To everybody

Less congestion, PTWs are the solution to traffic jams and even when blocked by cars take up little road space.

Less pollution, modern motorcycles and mopeds are quiet and environmentally friendly
(and nothing can be less environmentally friendly than a car idling in traffic).

Less pressure on parking spaces, up to 5 PTWs can fit in a car parking space.

What the Government can do

Actively promote motorcycling in transport plans and planning guidelines.

Allow motorcycles to use bus lanes and introduce advanced stop lines at junctions for PTWs and cyclists.

Provide dedicated motorcycle parking areas.

Implement European driving licence regulations to make motorcycling more attractive to older riders.

Reduce Vehicle Registration Tax (VRT) and eliminate luxury tax on safety items such as helmets.

Support motorcyclist safety initiatives such as training and awareness campaigns.

MAG is producing a booklet of more detailed information on the promotion of PTWs. Please contact MAG for further details.

Comparison of Car and PTW journey times

Origin / Destination	Car	PTW	Range peak and off peak
Artane / Clonskeagh	90 mins	35 mins	30-150 / 25-40
Ratoath / Clonskeagh	90 mins	45 mins
Bray / City	95 mins	45 mins	40-150 / 25-45
Rathfarnham / City	100 mins	25 mins

Comparison of Car and PTW running costs*

	Car up to 1000cc	Car 1501-1700cc	Moped	Motorcycle 250cc
Capital Cost	8,500-10,000	14,500	1,400-2,100	3,900

Road Tax	98	262	20	20
Insurance	710	1020	130	460
Licence	4	4	4	4
Depreciation	1062	1625	175	390
Interest	255	390	42	117
Parking	1820	1820	0	0
Petrol/oil	756	1085	285	615
Tyres	120	200	140	240
Servicing	134	234	90	200
Repairs/ Replacement	412	601	100	180
Yearly running costs	£5371	£7241	£986	£2226

*Car information from the Automobile Association, motorcycle information from the Motorcycle Action Group.

View Recent Newspaper article re-time test for car bike and motorcycle one sunny Dublin Morning..

Disclaimer:

This information sheet is provided free of charge as a service to motorcycling. MAG Ireland cannot accept any responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions. Last updated 2001-02 Approved by NEC: 2001-03