The United Kingdom has plans to eventually phase out diesel and gasoline-powered vehicles in favor of low-carbon emitting and carbon-neutral/electric vehicles.
While this new diet plan is extremely ambitious, the drive to end the sale of fossil fuel engines by 2030 has become a very real goal – and one that will also impact the motorcycle world.
In a recent survey held by the Motorcycle Action Group (MAG), participants were asked a series of questions surrounding the potential of a future without fossil fuel engines.
Some of the results may come as a surprise, but overall the survey pointed toward a community still very much in love with internal combustion engines.
The report states that 4805 participants (both affiliated with MAG and not) were asked a series of questions on the future of motorcycle riding – here they are, with their responses.
On the potential of gas-fueled vehicles being phased out:
- 8% of respondents accepted the inevitable
- 36% wanted a delay of the phase-out
- 55% completely refused and opposed the idea
On whether participants would like MAG to partner with other organizations to fight the ban:
- 83% were in favor
- 17% were opposed
On the eventual removal of fossil fuel vehicles (with the expected switchover being EV, of course):
- 31% said they would quit riding
- 56% would delay the switchover to EV for as long as possible
- 13% would adapt and move on
Selena Lavendar, Chairman of MAG, states, “MAG always represents the views of all riders, regardless of their choice of motorcycle. We have worked hard to develop the channels that get riders’ opinions heard by Government. We will not misrepresent those opinions.”
Having come from a rather sparse moto-background, I find myself more easily able to adapt to the concept of eventually switching over to EV. Whether this results from my hardcore obsession with TRON or simply a byproduct of my expertise is yet to be seen. Still, ultimately, it seems that dreams fuel decisions – and in a world where fuel comes in many different canisters, each is entitled to their own.