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Mark Hinchliffe·
NewsMotorbike news
··9 Comments·1 min read

Cyclists and motorcyclists should unite

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There seems to be an animosity between cyclists and motorcyclists, yet a recent British study finds more than 90% of motorcycle riders are also cyclists.

The online study of 2183 Carole Nash Motorbike insurance customers not only shows that 92% of motorcyclists also own a bicycle, but more than half (57%) own more than one bicycle and 27% own three or more.

The survey reveals that road racing bicycles are the most popular bike type for 54% of those polled with the average cost being £1240 ($A2100).

We’re not sure what the percentages of Australian motorcyclists are also MAMILS (middle aged men in lycra), but it seems Aussie cyclists and motorcyclists are at odds.

The Australian cyclist lobby has objected to lane filtering and the use of bike lanes by motorcycles while surveys show cyclists who disobey road rules are a pet hate of motorcyclists.

Cyclists in bike lanes ride to work day lane filtering But it seems the two lobbies should be uniting as they may be representing a lot of the same people.

Cyclists and motorcyclists safer

Interestingly, the British poll also reveals that more than half (58%) say being a motorcyclist helps them to be safer on a bicycle. 

Some 94% of motorcyclists surveyed say they have not been in a road traffic accident on their bicycle.

See also

When asked what benefits there are to cycling, the survey respondents answered:

  • It’s an enjoyable way of getting around (61%);
  • I like the feel of the open road (44%);
  • It’s a cheaper way of getting around (32%);
  • It’s better for the environment (26%); and
  • It helps to reduce congestion on the road (23%).

Most of those who cycle say it is a hobby (61%) and a quarter (24%) say they use their bike to cycle to and from work.

  • Do you also own a bicycle? Do you think the cyclists and motorcyclist lobbies should unite? Leave your comments below.
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Mark Hinchliffe
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9 Comments

    1. Especially, when I come around a bend on my motorcycle at 90ks+ and both sides of the road is covered in bloody pushbikes they put up a real good scatter then, no time to talk to me then eh!
      No! and i don’t stop to give out bandaids.

  2. Well if the bike lobby is objecting to lane filtering, then they are not going to win any motorcyclists over are they.

  3. I own a push bike and I have cycled to work but I’d never wear Lycra.
    I suppose the cycling lobby is dominated by the type radicals who seek power in any organisation be it a cat lovers society or a religion there are always those who’d go to extremes to push their agenda regardless of how stupid and counterproductive it is and they will marginalise or outright attack any who disagree with their point of view. So even if the two groups are made up of most of the same people there will be little consensus as it’s mostly the nutjobs who have the drive to seek power and actually try to get things done but convincing them of anything that may reduce their power will be a pretty hard sell.

  5. I am a cyclist and a motorbike rider, I would be happy to share the bike lanes with motorcycles. we are both very Vulnerable out there and it would make sense to join both lobbies together to help inform and educate drivers and riders and make the roads safer

  6. Yep.
    3 bicycles
    Two cars
    Two trailers
    And a motorcycle

    Tell me I “should pay rego or get off the road” ;D

    I certainly wish that people would view other road users as people and not objects to be beaten or abused, no matter whether they’re on two wheels, four or even foot.

    Having said that, the amount of Muppets who genuinely don’t know how to drive is the biggest issue. Leads to others making bad choices out of frustration.

    Anyway. Distracted there, but I doubt those stats from the UK will be representative of Australia. It’s a very very different market / culture.

  7. I sometimes strike up a quick conversation with cyclists, when stopped at the lights in the left hand lane. Most of them are nice people and say G’day – makes for a more pleasant day out riding. But, once that light turns green, they can get well over to the left and get out of the way. They really are a bloody hazard sometimes, (often ignorant to their surroundings), on already crowded roads – slowing traffic and often requiring some under-skilled drivers to perform less than ideal over-taking or merging moves, (creating increased frustration and danger for other road users). However, I don’t think we should be using their designated bike lanes. I often see cyclists in Melbourne lane changing without looking/ head checking and do wonder how more of them are not knocked down.

  8. I have two motorcycles, one to commute and one to tour, as well as 3 bicycles to ride 3-4 times a week for fitness and pleasure. Most of my mates are in a similar situation and ride to share the road responsibly.
    However we often encounter the minority in both the cyclists and non- cyclists on the road who have no consideration for other people on the road and the potential consequences of their selfish behaviour.
    It would be great to see us behaving better and making for a safer and more pleasant day out enjoying the freedom both bikes provide.

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