1.4.1 Motorcycle use has continued to grow over the last decade by all relevant measures.

Motorcycle usage is far more seasonal than most other motorised modes.

The standard measure of vehicles in use is taken from an end-of-year DVLA census; typically a time of year when significant numbers of motorcycles are out of use and untaxed. This does not give an accurate picture of all motorcycles in use, which is thought to be around 1/3 higher, as shown in the chart at figure 1 (this is explored more fully in the DfT Compendium of Motorcycle Statistics).



Figure 1: Motorcycles in use (DfT 2007)
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1.4.2 The growing number of motorcycles has meant a significant rise in the level of motorcycle traffic; Road Statistics 2006: Traffic, Speeds and Congestion (DfT 2007) shows how motorcycle traffic has grown more than that of other vehicle types at 37% between 1996 and 2006 (figure 2).



Figure 2: Motorcycle Traffic (billion kilometres) 1996-2006 (Dft 2007)

This rise compares with an increase in all motor vehicle traffic of 15% and an increase in road-length of 2.9% over the same period.

The increase in motorcycle use may be a response to traffic congestion, as is the greater use of bicycles and public transport, the Compendium of Motorcycle Statistics (DfT 2006) indicates the majority of motorcycle use is for commuting.

1.4.3 The rise in all modes suggests that, where growth in motorcycling has resulted from modal switch, motorcycles have replaced car use, with most motorcycle users also having access to a car.