motorcycles cause less congestion, less pollution and use less gasoline. Yes there are safety issues, but with wiser road design and education a lot could be done about that.
2006-07-31 20:56:50 · 5 answers · asked by zed hex 2 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Other - Cars & Transportation
While it would ease road congestion theoretically since they are smaller...as far as economy and pollution, the average fullsize motorcycle gets I'd guess 40-60 mpg hwy where as an average efficient subcompact car gets 35-45 mpg hwy and can carry 2-4 people plus luggage/bags ...plus depending on your local climate there can be a limited riding season. Considering these factors I don't think motorcycles will replace autos for mainstream travel the near future...
2006-08-01 01:11:09 · answer #1 · answered by baalberith11704 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
People shouldn't need government approval or special financial incentives to adopt the motorcyle, moped, scooter or other two or three wheeled contrivance for transportation.
They are legal, inexpensive to operate, insurable (no one with a poor driving record is going to get insurance at a reasonable rate), they require little space for parking, and, for the most part, easily maintained at home with some basic tools and knowledge, and parts and repairs won't send you to the poor house.
In the US, however, no one wants to give up the air conditioming, deafening stereo systems, status symbols or a mode of transportation with which many are able to operate under the influence for years before being, caught, injured or killing someone.
Obviously weather plays a role in so far as the time of the year that will allow two or three wheeled open transportation. Yet, the same people that could use them frequently, the well heeled and the modern day landed gentry, thrill seekers and such, will pay large $$$ to parasail, shydive, base jump, surf, bungee jump and a myriad of other adrenaline raising activities, when they could get the same thrill each day on their way to work as a free adjunct while riding to work, saving money and resources all along the way.
So, don't pedal if that's too much. Ride. All that has to be done is sell one yuppie on the idea, and, PRESTO, we have the same kind of fervor that elevated "brie" to national status reducing our fuel concumption, crowded highways and limited parking space.
The next time you're watching film or video of people travelling in a country where gasoline is $7 per gallon or more, notice the ratio of private cars to motor bikes and the like. What do you suppose that they know that we don't know??????
Park the cars, start the bikes. This is the next worth while fad lying dormant at our feet.
2006-08-01 05:29:55 · answer #2 · answered by Samurai Hoghead 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
For whatever reason, motorcycles are not taken seriously in the US. That is part of the safety issue, by the way, and awareness campaigns and other auto driver education seems to have little effect. Motorcycle rider safety training is a better approach.
I agree that motorcycling should be encouraged, but I think a better way would be tax and fee breaks, insurance discounts and reserved parking. DTB's observation is why that is unlikely to happen.
2006-08-01 04:09:47 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because the government makes tax revenue off of car and gasoline sales.
2006-08-01 04:01:37 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
They are dangerous and half the people that drive them end up dying.
2006-08-01 03:59:26 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋