There is a certain inevitability about the increase in numbers of motorbikes and scooters in our near future. These two-wheelers use a mere fraction of the fuel required by cars and for many people the rising cost of petrol leaves them no alternative.
This transport change brings with it gains and losses. A reduction in the demand for petrol will have the rub off of decreased carbon emissions. At the same time, pressure will ease on wages as a source of transport remains within reach of the average person.
On the negative side there will be an increase in road deaths and injuries. Two wheeled transport offers little protection in an accident and a mix of cars and scooters on our roads is a certain recipe for trouble.
The ideal would be for public transport to take up the slack with the two wheelers providing commuters with the ability to access the rail/bus hubs. For this to work there would need to be a huge improvement in public transport - in both the provision of more seats and more services, and for parking facilities to be available at access centres.
Parking stations are where two wheelers have vulnerability. They are easier to steal than cars and parking stations would need to be specially designed to provide security. It would be necessary for their design to include chaining points - and the government would be wise to include security provision by way of a permanent parking attendant.
If the authorities do not grasp the nettle while numbers are still small the future advantage will be lost. The two wheeler invasion will simply erupt onto busy roads and highways and compete with cars. The accident toll will rise and we will see a continuation of clogged roads and inner city parking problems.
A little wise planning now could pay big future dividends.
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