The Danish city of Copenhagen has just submitted a new proposal for the establishment of a zero-emission zone. The Danish motorcyclists’ organisation DMC is preparing its reaction, and wants to make sure motorcycles have a place in the capital.

This is not a new topic for the DMC. They have followed the process of environmental zones and zero-emission zones closely in the past, and have submitted official consultation responses before, to protect the interests of motorcyclists. Experience shows that it is crucial to shout early in the process, to avoid unnecessary restrictions on two-wheeled vehicles. DMC’s main priority is clear: to ensure that motorcycles continue to have access to Copenhagen. A motorcycle is part of the solution to the city’s congestion problems, not part of the problem.

DMC focusses on two areas in particular:
Everyday commuters: many motorcyclists choose two wheels to be able to get through the city efficiently, without taking up the same space as a car. A ban on petrol motorcycles will force many commuters into cars or an already squeezed public transport.

Tourism on two wheels: Copenhagen is a popular destination for motorcycle tourists from all over Europe. If the city is closed off for conventional motorcycles, a large group of visitors who contribute to the city’s life and business will be lost. It’s hard to imagine a foreign tourist on transit switching to an electric motorcycle, just to visit the capital.

DMC, as a consultation partner, is in the process of analysing whether the municipality has listened to its previous objections or whether there is a need to file a new, sharp consultation response. DMC continues to believe that the motorcycle should be seen as a flexible and space-saving means of transport that should be exempted from the most restrictive zones, just as you see it in several other European cities. DMC is fighting for Copenhagen to remain open to all motorcyclists – whether they are local commuters or tourists visiting.

Source: DMC

Top image: MS Copilot

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