Motorcycling commuting is good - It's official

It's something we've long suspected. More motorcycles on the road is good for everyone.

It started with London bus lanes (AFAIR). A study was done that found not only were motorcyclists safer if they shared the bus lanes, but it contributed to reductions in commute times for everyone, as well as reduced emissions. The study was so positive, it's become permanent (https://www.tfl.gov.uk/modes/driving/red-routes/rules-of-red-routes/bus-lanes/motorcycles-in-bus-lanes)

It's also spreading.

The most recent one is Leuven in Belgium. It's been studying the commute between Leuven and Brussels, and has found there is a very positive effect when commuters switch to bikes:

• If 10% of cars were replaced by bikes, time losses for all traffic would be reduced by 40%
• Emissions would be reduced by 6% across the board
• This equates to a cost to the economy of Euro350,000 per day

The report does focus on primary roads. It makes no comment on secondary roads other than to say more work needs to be done. It also makes no comment on the improvements in parking utilization or even the fact that it would make the average commute way more fun.

if you want to see what the report says, you can check here - http://www.tmleuven.be/project/motorcyclesandcommuting/20110921_Motorfietsen_eindrapport_Eng.pdf - I'd also recommend printing and sending copies to your local MP/Congressman and asking them why they're not making your town more motorcycle friendly.

What do you think can be done to get more people riding?