The Motorcycle Action Group has given its initial reaction to the low-key launch of Grant Shapps' Transport Decarbonisation Plan, asking why the Department for Transport continues to ignore motorcycles as a separate and crucial mode of transport.
On 26th March the Government quietly published a document stating the current challenges and steps to be taken when developing a transport decarbonisation plan.
In the Ministerial Foreword, Grant Shapps stated "Climate change is the most pressing environmental challenge of our time. There is overwhelming scientific evidence that we need to take action, and doing so is a clear priority for the Government."
The Government will publish the final plan in Autumn 2020.
MAG's Director of Campaigns & Political Engagement, Colin Brown, and Director of Communications & Public Affairs, Lembit Opik, were asked for their initial reactions to the "Setting the Challenge" document.
Colin said: "Once again we see a policy document that singularly fails to recognise the fact that motorcycles are not cars. This continued blind spot exhibited by policy makers is something that MAG unfailingly points out at every opportunity. It is hard to grasp why this message is not sinking in. Opportunities are being missed by failing to properly consider the benefits that motorcycles and scooters have to offer. It is time for the Government to properly consider the role of what is undeniably the most sustainable form of private motorised transport that exists."
Lembit said "MAG has repeatedly called for proof from environmentalists to explain the rationale behind ignoring motorbikes and pinning all hopes on electric motive power. Electrification only cuts emissions with a 'clean power grid.' Wind can't do it, and the last UK nuclear power station to open was in 1995. So electricity does pollute - even ignoring the ecological damage from batteries. We know efficient petrol machines, like motorbikes, create few emissions. Either the Government backs modal shift to lighter vehicles like motorbikes, or they're doomed to make things worse."
There will be a program of engagement with stakeholders and the public over the coming months. The Motorcycle Action Group has immediately expressed its interest to being involved as a stakeholder group in the conversation, and will be repeating the message that motorcycles and scooters are a solution, not the problem.
The Government document can be found at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/creating-the-transport-decarbonisation-plan
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