Census asks about cars and vans but not bikes

The 2011 Census has been slammed for ignoring motorcycles.

One question asks households how many cars or vans they have but makes no mention of bikes.

It says: ‘In total, how many cars or vans are owned, or available for use, by members of this household?’

A Census spokesman said: “After thorough consultation with users, namely the Department for Transport, including motorcycles wasn’t required as they don’t contribute significantly to traffic or parking congestion. Expansion of the question would also have hindered comparability with the 2001 Census which is an important consideration when finalising questions.”

The BMF’s Chris Hodder said: “I would have thought that the DfT would have taken the opportunity to improve their motorcycle data, but apparently not.”