Millions of Commuters Could Save
Pounds
29th June 2009
5.5 million car commuters* could save
themselves money by switching to two wheels, according
to the Motorcycle Industry Association (MCI), on publication
of a new survey carried out for National Motorcycle
Week 2009.
The survey demonstrates that riding a motorcycle
is one of the most cost-effective ways to travel,
which could help millions of commuters slash their
weekly budgets, particularly relevant in the current
economic climate. Employers would also benefit as
employees would waste less time stuck in traffic and
are less likely to be late for week
One quarter of bikers (24%) in the survey** who rode
their bike to work said they chose to commute on two
wheels because it was cheaper. Only 2 per cent of
motorists said that their car was the cheapest means
of getting to work .
The main motivations for choosing four wheels were
practicality (47%) and convenience (35%). However,
practicality was also the biggest motivation for commuting
by motorcycle, with 28 per cent of riders saying this
was the reason they rode to work. Cheaper and easier
parking, as well as not being trapped by limited public
transport timetables are some of the factors that
make powered-two wheelers more practical. So along
with its cost saving benefits it really is the modern
alternative choice for commuters.
Measures to improve the practicality and convenience
of riding to work can include having a space made
available to change from riding gear to working clothes
– this is often also welcomed by pedal cyclists
and runners too.
Almost 4 million people hold licences, which allow
them to ride a bike, scooter or moped. With just 1.5
million of these actively riding, around 3 million
people could opt to commute on a bike and save money,
as well as enjoy the freedom and convenience of a
practical powered two-wheeler. The MCI is urging these
lapsed riders to see National Motorcycle Week as the
perfect opportunity to make the switch.
The survey, carried out for the MCI by YouGov, also
found that:-
- The most typical cost of commuting was between
£11 and £20 per week, with 27 per cent
of commuters agreeing this their total spend in
an average week.
- Four per cent of commuters spent over £50
in an average week.
- Sixty per cent of motorcycle commuters spent
£10 or less a week on their commute.
- Sixty one per cent of car commuters spent over
£10.Eight percent spent over £40 per
week.
- One-fifth of train commuters (20 per cent) spent
over £50 a week getting to and from work.
- No motorcyclist spent more than £50 in
a week.
The MCI is calling on transport planners and employers
to recognise the benefits of motorcycling as a cost-effective
and practical means of transport, and to do more to
support motorcycle commuting as a congestion-busting
measure alongside the higher-profile options of car-sharing
and public transport.
Sheila Rainger, MCIA spokesperson said, “ This
research lifts the lid on one of biking’s best-kept
secrets – two wheeled commuters aren’t
just saving time, they are saving money too. The role
of the motorcycle as a commuter workhorse is often
forgotten by our policy-makers, despite the fact that
65% of two-wheel journeys are made for work or education.
“We hope that this National Motorcycle Week,
some of the UK’s million lapsed riders will
realise that getting back onto their bikes isn’t
just fun, it also makes sound financial sense.
“Even people without a licence would soon see
a return on their investment, as their initial financial
outlay on lessons, test and kit will soon be recouped
in cost savings, congestion avoidance and faster journey
times.”
Notes
* Calculated on the basis of 18 million car commuters,
as stated in “The UK commute: Healthy or hazardous?
An analysis of current commuting trends.” RAC
Foundation 2007.
All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov
Plc. Total sample size was 2,136 adults. Fieldwork
was undertaken between 9th – 11th June 2009.
The survey was carried out online. The figures have
been weighted and are representative of all GB adults
(aged 18+).
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