MSE News: Fuel rise 'will force job changes'

custardy

Cash-Strapped.T32 wrote: »

Stuff it up yer' bum sister, broom-broom!
To be a shade more serious, I manage to run 2 bikes, one a 400 el-cheapo scoot & a big bike on a fraction of what most people spend on their cars; It really is the way forward if you're finding travel costs to be prohibitive.

Loads of people I work with ask the question "so when are you going to get a proper car?"
.

I get slated for not being able ot aford to use the car,because I choose to use the bike.
this from the same people who I have seen panicking about running out of fuel before pay day!

Lizling

TrickyWicky wrote: »

So what about black ice? Lack of heating, rain, drivers who don't see you because you're speeding like a maniac etc? Lack of protection...

Then there is the fact that every single motorcyclist I have known in my life has had a serious accident and ended up in hospital - every single one. One bloke was in a coma for weeks.

They might be good for fun but they're incredibly dangerous things. The most recent rider I know to of had an accident still can't use his hand properly.

Well, speaking as another person who can't understand why more people (particularly everyone commuting in London) doesn't use a motorbike or scooter if they're not running or cycling in, those are all easily answered.

Black ice? Depends where you live of course, but how many days a year is black ice a problem in the south?

Lack of heating? Wear proper gear, get some muffs for your hands if you're still cold and it's fine. I've just commuted by motorbike right through the winter, no problem.

Rain? What about it? Wear waterproofs.

Drivers who don't see you because you're speeding? Well, don't speed then! :rotfl: And then still ride as if you're invisible instead of relying on drivers seeing you. No one's going to make you ride at 70mph down the wrong side of the road. Ride like you're in a car and sit in the traffic if you want to. It's slower, but still cheap.

Lack of protection? You can't replace the big metal box around you of course, but your can wear a hell of a lot more protection than a cyclist and you'll be going about the same speed in towns and cities.

Take out the guys speeding and taking stupid risks on their bikes from the statistics, and it'd start looking a lot safer. Not saying it's completely safe, but then a friend of mine was hit by a car that veered onto the pavement while she was walking to work. These things happen.

Anyway, I think it's a great way to commute. Nothing like starting the day by bimbling along the bus lane past all the car drivers sitting in their queues.

thelawnet

Lizling wrote: »

Lack of protection? You can't replace the big metal box around you of course, but your can wear a hell of a lot more protection than a cyclist and you'll be going about the same speed in towns and cities.

Per mile, motorcycling is 3* more dangerous than cycling or walking.

pinkteapot

Is there any hard evidence that people are being priced off the road? Has the number of cars registered in the UK reduced?

Has anyone on here seen a noticeable reduction in congestion in their area?

custardy

pinkteapot wrote: »

Is there any hard evidence that people are being priced off the road? Has the number of cars registered in the UK reduced?

Has anyone on here seen a noticeable reduction in congestion in their area?

I would say (from mine and others observations) that cycling has increased in Edinburgh.
So I would say thats probably due to costs
Bus fares have risen in the city too,but its a £3.50 max per day

custardy

thelawnet wrote: »

Per mile, motorcycling is 3* more dangerous than cycling or walking.

maybe
however theres been 4 cyclists deaths in Edinburgh,over the last year.
I dont recall there being 12 motorbiker deaths.

samba

I live about 13 miles from work and I usually cycle and/or catch the bus (well I did until they moved it forward by 5 minutes, meaning I would now have to wait an hour for the next one). By car takes me 30-35 minutes outside rush hour, and 45-60 minutes at peak times. Cycling takes 45-50 minutes regardless, plus I get fit. Now the weather is getting better there is nothing nicer than an early morning bike ride down country lanes in the sunshine

People where I work think I'm crazy coz I also have a car - "you've paid for it might as well use it" they say - except it's still cheaper to keep it on the drive and cycle (or catch the bus).

When I get to work I have a wash and get changed - takes all of 5 minutes. Once you're used to it it don't take long to cool down/recover.

Lizling

thelawnet wrote: »

Per mile, motorcycling is 3* more dangerous than cycling or walking.

Unless those are commuting on roads figures, that's not comparing like for like. I don't motorcycle along nice footpaths through the park or along the beach.

Anyway, I'm not saying it's safer. I'm saying that the statistics are likely skewed by the proportion of motorbike and scooter owners who ride far too fast and take stupid risks - i.e. it's often the people who ride them that make it more dangerous than cycling, not necessarily the mode of transport itself.

Idiophreak

Lizling wrote: »

Anyway, I'm not saying it's safer. I'm saying that the statistics are likely skewed by the proportion of motorbike and scooter owners who ride far too fast and take stupid risks - i.e. it's often the people who ride them that make it more dangerous than cycling, not necessarily the mode of transport itself.

I was thinking about this earlier today, as a motorbike undertook me as I was exiting a roundabout. I wonder how many people that get hurt on motorbikes are speeding / squeezing through gaps / sitting in blindspots / doing other stupid stuff. I imagine if you drove a bike "like a car" it would have to be much safer...But I just don't know

custardy

Idiophreak wrote: »

I was thinking about this earlier today, as a motorbike undertook me as I was exiting a roundabout. I wonder how many people that get hurt on motorbikes are speeding / squeezing through gaps / sitting in blindspots / doing other stupid stuff. I imagine if you drove a bike "like a car" it would have to be much safer...But I just don't know

lol,can tell you are a car driver