Firms can help bikers

Over one-third of people would ride a bike or scooter to work if employers offered financial incentives and better facilities.

Research carried out by the Motorcycle Industry Association (MCI) suggests that 35 per cent of people would switch to two wheels with the right incentives. And 15 per cent of this group would be swayed by the use of bus lanes, rising to 18 per cent for those in London.

Bus lane access was of particular interest to women (17 per cent) and younger people aged 17-24 years (19.2 per cent).

A recent report by the TfL indicates that after 18 months of trials in London, bus lane use creates a safer environemnt or bikes, aids congestions, and has not slowed down buses or risked cyclists.

The research was carried out as part of the the MCI’s National Motorcycle Week which takes place on July 17-24.

“If more people use bikes to commute, congestion could be seriously reduced,” said the MCI’s Craig Carey-Clinch. “The congestion charge saw an increase in the amount of motorcycles accompanied by a 14 per cent reduction in casualties. The MCI expects that employers, Local Authorities and Central Government will all act to include bikes in transport policy.”