Motorcycles can play a significant role in maximising the efficient use of limited road space.
In addition to providing the convenience of personal mobility, in urban areas, switching from car use to motorcycle use has the potential to reduce vehicle emissions and congestion as well as minimising the land required for parking provision.
In developing strategies, the City Council will take note of "Motorcycling in Scotland" published by the Scottish Government. A key concern in promoting the use relates to rider safety. Accordingly, to reduce their accident involvement rate, the Council will support aims that provide a safe, integrated transport environment for motorcyclists whilst reducing rider vulnerability. The Council will work with Police Scotland, the Motorcycle Action Group (Aberdeenshire) and the British Motorcycle Federation (Scotland) to promote and support the ongoing development of initiatives designed to increase rider abilities, such as through advanced rider training schemes.
In developing motorcycling parking provision, note will be taken of the good practice. This covers many elements including the provision of parking close to destinations, physical security measures, CCTV coverage, and provision of lockers and changing facilities where possible.
The Council has been lobbied on allowing motorcyclists access to priority lanes. The Council maintains the position that the needs of motorcyclists do not justify giving them priority over other road users, on the basis that this will dilute the effectiveness of the lanes and lead to an unsafe mix of users. However, we are aware that trials are being undertaken across the UK and will keep this situation under review.