NZers swapping cars for bikes

**scissorhands** · 16th March 2012, 06:43

This morning TV1's Breakfast had a longish bit telling everyone that if 10% of car commuters in AK got on bikes, traffic congestion would reduce by 40%.

If 25% of cagers made the move, congestion would disappear altogether!

So then, another wave of newbis coming thru, similar to the pre ACC fuel price rise that spiked motorbike ownership rates.

From the TVNZ website: 'New European research suggests a modest shift in traffic composition from cars to motorcycles has been found to significantly reduce traffic congestion and emissions.
The Motor Trade Association's Ian Stronach joins Scootling owner/director Andreas Vaioleti discuss whether this is a simple solution to our transport problems'

I guess soon some online feedback will pop up for long time bikers to make comment. They seem to be looking for direction forward from this study, and may provide financial incentives(reduced ownership costs...rego, licensing, safety gear rebate's etc etc) or just run news stories like this to get newbies on 2 wheels. No links as yet, it seems TV1's Breakfast Show is the starting point of this campaign. It may end here or not, the direction forward seems open dependant on comments, councils and government reaction to this euro study

**phill-k** · 16th March 2012, 06:54

Originally Posted by scissorhands

If 25% of cagers made the move, congestion would disappear altogether!

So then, another wave of newbis coming thru, similar to the pre ACC fuel price rise that spiked motorbike ownership rates.

Oh christ not more bloody waving motorcyclists

**Voltaire** · 16th March 2012, 07:18

I took a scooter to work yesterday, nearly got knocked by a truck turning left across the bus lane.....his rear indicator was not working ( I know this as his side one was as he turned in front of me).
I prefer to use my ex Courier VW van. I don't really care about the cost of fuel vs getting knocked of commuting.
My scooter is an old 200 cc one so you need a bike licence and its the same cost to register.... those 50cc ones are far too under powered.
They say cars are expensive to run, obviously not when most of them have only one occupant. Raise the rego on cars, and as you say lower it on scooters with larger motors and wheels. Getting a licence is easy.

**SMOKEU** · 16th March 2012, 07:56

Originally Posted by scissorhands

Hopefully they will change rego types to Thai and Indo models, so that users are encouraged to buy the MUCH SAFER 17" wheeled 4 stroke 110cc auto clutch 4 speeds

Most cagers find it difficult enough to operate a car safely, so put them on 2 wheels and it will be a recipe for disaster.

**oneofsix** · 16th March 2012, 07:58

Originally Posted by SMOKEU

Most cagers find it difficult enough to operate a car safely, so put them on 2 wheels and it will be a recipe for disaster.

Short term I agree but after that the roads will be much safer

**SMOKEU** · 16th March 2012, 07:59

Originally Posted by oneofsix

Short term I agree but after that the roads will be much safer

Then again, maybe if the retards realise that they don't have a metal cage surrounding them with airbags as well then they might actually start giving a fuck about the safety of other road users.

**MSTRS:Me** · 16th March 2012, 08:12

Did I over-sleep? Is it April 1st already?

**avgas** · 16th March 2012, 08:48

I wonder if congestion decreases because the population decreases?

**Bald Eagle** · 16th March 2012, 08:50

This is actually old news. There was a French scientific study done which quantified benefits to an economy for % increases in two wheeled powered vehicles entering the traffic mix.