Congestion charge makes biking safer

A Transport for London (TfL) report has shown congestion charging in the capital has been accompanied by a 15% drop in motorcycle casualties, despite a rise in bike use.

The TfL report, ‘Congestion charging six months on’ has shown a 20% rise in motorcycling in the congestion zones with commuters switching to two wheels to get to work quicker and avoid the £5 fee.

The Motor Cycle Industry Association’s Craig Cary-Clinch said:

” Clearly measures to support motorcycle use, such as exemption from London’s congestion charge, are good for motorcycle safety. Too often transport planners see measures to improve accessibility for bikes, such as exemption from charges and access to bus lanes, leading to more accidents. TfL’s findings clearly show this is wrong. A motorcycle safety strategy is not simply about education and enforcement; it’s also about engineering and planning. ”

Have you been feeling safer on your commute into London? Would you want congestion charging in other cities if it made biking safer? Post your thoughts on the News board by following the link on the right.