The Motorcycle Action Group (MAG) suggests a topic for the Transport Select Committee’s next inquiry. Iain Stewart MP published an appeal for ideas on 17th January. MAG says that the role of motorcycles in a multi-modal transport future has yet to be fully considered.
MPs on the Committee want to consider subjects they may have never come across before, from people who are ‘in the know about innovations that deserve more attention’.
Transport Committee Chair, Iain Stewart MP, said:
“If you know of an issue that would benefit from Parliamentary scrutiny – perhaps something we’ve never looked at before – then we would warmly welcome your short proposal for an inquiry. We look forward to hearing your ideas.”
MAG’s Director of Campaigns & Political Engagement, Colin Brown, said:
“It may seem a bit late to point to motorcycling as an innovation. But we are clear that our preferred existing transport mode is not being fully exploited in the much-publicised multi-modal future of transport.”
The MAG submission explains that current policy only promotes three favoured modal choices. The policy approach focuses on restricting the use of cars in favour of walking, cycling and public transport. Motorcycles do not receive any separate consideration. This is demonstrated in depictions of the sustainable travel hierarchy which routinely fail to recognise the existence of motorcycles.
MAG argues that there is no nuance in policy terms to allow for disaggregating the unique flexibility and convenience that motorcycles offer. Motorcycles represent a way to reduce the impacts of cars whilst retaining the benefits of motorised transport.
The proposal is that the Transport Committee firstly evaluate any current policy to facilitate motorcycling in the multi-modal future. MAG fully expects this to reveal that there is none. Therefore, a significant opportunity for progress in transport policy is being overlooked. The second step will be for the Committee to consider proposals to expedite a filling of the policy hole.
Colin concluded:
“The message is nothing new to us, but it is about time we saw some tangible policy. It is time to demonstrate that the message is being heard. It is all well and good Ministers saying warm words when challenged, but we are long overdue for some policy action. MAG will continue using every opportunity to promote what is obvious to us, but, apparently, a complete mystery to policy makers.”