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‘Jam Busting June’
At the start of June there was much consternation that Bristol City Council was holding a ‘Jam Busting June’ event that allegedly excluded motorcyclists.
Having looked at the publicity for the event and the rules I noticed that they specifically said Solo ridden Bikes and outfits were not permitted.
I had a good chat with Hywel Williams of Bristol City Council and one of the events organisers who explained that as the event was about shared occupancy of vehicles, only machines that had a passenger were eligible to enter.
He then sent this e-mail: -
Bristol City Council has long recognised that motorcycling has a role to play in the city's transport system, and we have a record of implementing policies to improve safety and security for motorcyclists.
We were one of the first cities to allow motorcycles to use bus lanes, and we continue to seek provision of secure motorcycling, both through new developments and investing to provide secure motorcycle-parking facilities in the city. We also recognise the needs of motorcyclists in terms of highway design and are working with Avon & Somerset Police in regard to rider training.
Jam Busting June is intended to be a fun campaign to raise awareness of the environmental consequences of transport use.
It was initiated by Bristol City Council and developed in partnership with the neighbouring councils of Bath & North East
Somerset, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire, as well as a number of local employers. The aim of Jam Busting June is not merely to reduce traffic congestion. It also aims to promote reduction in traffic-related air pollution, more sustainable forms of transport and healthier lifestyles by increasing the number of people walking, cycling and using public transport to get to work (including people walking to public transport connections).
We discussed at the outset with the other local authorities and interested employers whether to include motorcycles in this particular campaign. We recognise that there are arguments for the ability of motorcycles to avoid congestion. We also recognise that some motorcycles may have benefits over cars in terms of fossil fuel use and certain emissions.
Other motorcycles do not always have these benefits. Under current EC emissions standards, the case for motorcycles in terms of other pollutants is unclear.
We continue to recognise the needs of motorcyclists as a legitimate form of transport in line with the Government's Motorcycling Strategy. However, overall we felt that we should not promote motorcycles carrying only one person in terms of the broader aims of this particular campaign.
Motorcyclists that carry a passenger are eligible to take part in the competition in the same way as car sharers, in recognition that use of resources, road space and emissions per passenger are much reduced when sharing. The decision to exclude motorcycles from this particular fun event does not mean that Bristol City Council has changed its policy towards motorcycling.
I hope that this answers your concerns regarding this issue.
Hywel Williams Bristol City Council
Conclusion read what is actually said not what we think was said!
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