Protecting motorcyclists’ interests is one of the main jobs a national riders’ organisation has. Here is a great example from Denmark, where DMC challenges politicians to start looking at motorcycles as a solution for mobility issues:

A new report states that tolls can be the way forward to reduce congestion in the Danish cities. At DMC, we follow developments closely. Because while the experts are talking about cars, motorcycles are never mentioned. Experience shows that both experts and politicians often forget that the motorcycle is an important part of the solution to the mobility of the future.

A recent report points out, that differentiated tolls is one of the most effective tools to overcome the ever-long car queues. The idea is simple: it should cost more to drive when the pressure on the road network is greatest. But where does that leave the motorcyclists?

At DMC, we are currently working hard to get our head and tail in the many ideas about variants of congestion charges in Denmark. For us, it is crucial that motorcycles are not just put in the same basket as cars without regard to their unique benefits in traffic.

We are currently trying to clarify how these systems have been implemented in other countries. Although, unfortunately, it is often our experience that Denmark rarely looks abroad for inspiration, there is plenty of knowledge to be gained right on the other side of the border.

In both Norway and Sweden, you already have experience with congestion charges in the big cities, and here you have made a wise choice: Motorcycles are exempt. The logic is clear – a motorcycle takes up less space, reduces queueing and thus contributes positively to the overall traffic flow.

Our European umbrella organisation, FEMA, has collected a significant amount of material on the subject. This material supports the fact that the motorcycle is not part of the congestion problem, but part of the solution.

It’s not just us enthusiasts who think two wheels are the way forward. Even the OECD has found in their studies that motorcycles play a significant role in the fight against congestion in cities. By moving just a small percentage of drivers onto motorcycles or scooters, you can significantly reduce queueing for all traffic edges.

If politicians are serious when they say they want to reduce congestion, they should not punish those who already choose a space-saving and efficient means of transport. We will continue to push for Danish decision-makers to listen to international experiences and see the motorcycle as a player in traffic, not as a target for new charges.

Written by Thomas Makropoulos (DMC)

This article is subject to FEMA’s copyright