Transport and Environment Minister Lord Whitty has welcomed the publication of the Interim Report of the Advisory Group on Motorcycling, and highlighted the substantial contribution that the group has made in assisting the Government to develop its motorcycling policy.

Lord Whitty said:
''The Government has long recognised that motorcycles have a role to play in a national transport strategy. Now, aided by the Advisory Group, our policies are reflecting motorcycling as an integrated formof transport and we have a better understanding of the needs of motorcyclists.''

Lord Whitty continued:
''With the help of the Advisory Group, the Government is focusing on some key issues for motorcycling. In particular, we are examining the impact of powered two-wheelers on congestion and are exploring their environmental effect. There can be little doubt that mopeds and small motorcycles can offer environmental benefits''.

''We want local authorities to consider specific measures to assist motorcyclists in making integrated journeys, including parking, interchange facilities and appropriate road maintenance. We are also implementing a package of measures to improve the safety of motorcyclists''.

''This interim report sets out how we are looking at motorcycling across a wide range of issues. We have made good progress. With the continued help of the Advisory Group - not least those who actually ride motorcycles - we will carry on developing our policies so that we take proper account of motorcycles for integrated transport''.

The Advisory Group on Motorcycling (AGM) first met on 6 May 1999. Lord Whitty is the group's chair. Its membership includes the motorcycling industry, retailers, local authorities, police, motoring organisations and rider and training groups. The AGM has now met seven times and has set up Task Forces to examine environmental and fiscal issues, statistics, research, vehicle safety and security, and integration and traffic management.

The Government's White Paper on the Future of Transport, A New Deal for Transport: Better For Everyone recognised that the role of motorcycling in an integrated transport policy raises some important and complex issues. It stated that an Advisory Group would be set up bringing together motorcycling interests and other interested parties to discuss issues of concern to those who ride motorcycles.

Since establishment of the AGM, the Government has advised local authorities to consider in their Local Transport Plans measures to assist motorcyclists including parking, interchange facilities and appropriate road maintenance. The Department of Environment, Transport and the Region's Planning Policy and Guidance Note 13 also advises local authorities to consider appropriate parking for motorcycles, motorcycle access to park and ride schemes and motorcycles as an alternative to the car for some journeys, particularly where public transport is limited and walking unrealistic. And the Government has also published A Travel Plan Resource Pack for Employers detailing ways that employers might assist motorcyclists, such as providing safe and secure parking and changing/storage locker facilities.

The Government is also implementing a package of measures to improve motorcycle safety, including: improving training and testing for all learner riders; providing guidance for people returning to motorcycling after a break and people riding as part of their work; ensuring the quality of instruction; helping drivers become more aware of the vulnerability of motorcyclists; and promoting improvements in engineering and technical standards.

Ongoing work of the Advisory Group includes research into safety and the impact of motorcycling on congestion and the environment; publication of advice on the planning and provision of parking facilities; examination of motorcycle use of bus lanes and Advance Stop Lines; and vehicle security. The results will enable the Government to define fully its policy on motorcycling.

The Full report is available from MAG Central, or download it in Word Format