Motorcycling

Travelling by motorbike, scooter or moped can be great fun, but they are also an aid to reducing congestion and pollution.

Powered two wheelers are generally cheaper to run, easier to park and can be quicker from place to place than cars, particularly in an urban setting. They also take up less road space. However, concerns are often raised over their safety and security.

Did you know that motorcycles account for around 1 per cent of UK road traffic. There are around 1 million motorcycles on the road in the UK, up on the mid-1990s but down on the 1960s and late 1970s. (Source: Guardian 2006)

Campus information

There is some dedicated parking for motorcycles on both of the University's campuses, so staff and students should use these facilities when feasible:

• Park Campus - on the edge of Car Park 3 (main student car park) opposite John Clare Hall of Residence
• Avenue Campus - next to the Portfolio Innovation Centre.

A barrier access card is not required to park in these motorcycle parking areas; however, you will need a barrier card if you wish to park in the campus car parks.  

Environment

In general, the smaller the motorcycle, the better the fuel consumption will be and the lower the emissions of carbon dioxide. Some larger motorbikes will actually have higher fuel consumption than small cars, but mopeds should be generally more fuel efficient than cars. Motorcycles made after June 2003 are subject to EU standards on noise and emissions.

Safety

The Department for Transport has produced a range of information about motorcycle safety, designed for both motorbike riders and other motorists.

Northamptonshire Casualty Reduction Partnership has information for riders, including details of BikeKraft, a rider improvement scheme co-ordinated by Northamptonshire Police in partnership with the Northamptonshire County Council Road Safety Centre, the Institute of Advanced Motorists and RoSPA / RoADA.

Report a pothole or road hazard using Northamptonshire County Council's Street Doctor service