As a motorcyclist, I am deeply disappointed by the Accident Compensation Corporation’s (ACC) decision to increase already exorbitant levies on motorcycles, citing the perceived higher risk of injury. This short-sighted approach not only penalizes riders but also undermines broader efforts to reduce congestion, lessen environmental impact, and cut infrastructure costs. Instead of prioritizing safety and fostering a more balanced transportation system, ACC appears more focused on revenue generation than on meaningful solutions to improve road safety for all.
Congestion in New Zealand’s major cities, such as Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch, continues to pose significant challenges, leading to increased travel times, pollution, and billions in economic losses. Traditional responses to urban congestion include extensive and expensive infrastructure projects, like expanding roads and public transport networks. However, an often overlooked and much more cost-effective solution lies in increasing motorcycle usage. By encouraging a shift from cars to motorcycles, New Zealand can dramatically reduce congestion and save billions in infrastructure costs.
The Cost of Current Congestion Solutions
Efforts to alleviate congestion often come with hefty price tags. Proposed infrastructure improvements in New Zealand cities include expanding public transport networks, building new roads, and upgrading existing transport systems. Major projects like Auckland’s City Rail Link and Wellington’s Let’s Get Wellington Moving are expected to cost billions:
City Rail Link (Auckland): Estimated cost of NZD 4.4 billion.
Let’s Get Wellington Moving: Projected cost of NZD 7.4 billion. –
Northern Corridor Improvements (Auckland): Approximately NZD 700 million.
These investments, while necessary for the long-term future of urban mobility, represent a massive financial burden. Moreover, they take years to complete and don’t always offer immediate relief for congested roads. In contrast, promoting motorcycles as a primary mode of transport provides an immediate, low-cost solution that significantly reduces congestion without the need for such extensive investment.
Motorcycles: The Low-Cost, High-Impact Solution
Motorcycles offer a range of advantages over cars in urban settings, primarily due to their smaller size, agility, and lower environmental impact. A modest increase in motorcycle usage could significantly reduce traffic congestion and related costs.
Space Efficiency: Motorcycles take up significantly less space on the road thancars. A single lane can accommodate multiple motorcycles, meaning they make far better use of existing road space.
Reduced Travel Times: Motorcycles can navigate through traffic more easily and reduce overall travel times for all road users. A study by Transport New Zealand suggests that if 10% of car users switched to motorcycles, congestion could be reduced by up to 40%.
Lower Emissions: Motorcycles are generally more fuel-efficient and produce fewer emissions than cars, particularly in urban environments where stop-and-go traffic is prevalent. This not only helps reduce congestion but also contributes to New Zealand’s climate goals.
Insights from the Belgian Study: Dramatic Congestion Reduction
A study by Transport & Mobility Leuven in Belgium demonstrated the significant impact motorcycles can have on urban congestion:
10% Shift from Cars to Motorcycles:If just 10% of car drivers switched to motorcycles, total travel time for all vehicles, including cars, motorcycles, and buses, would decrease by 40%.
25% Shift: A 25% shift would almost completely eliminate congestion, illustrating how effective motorcycles can be in reducing traffic woes.
These findings underline that even small shifts towards motorcycle usage can lead to substantial improvements in traffic flow, demonstrating a clear, low-cost strategy for New Zealand cities to reduce congestion and save billions in infrastructure spending.
Billions Saved with Increased Motorcycle Use
Encouraging motorcycle use can substantially reduce the need for expensive new roads and public transport expansions. By integrating motorcycles into the broader transportation strategy, New Zealand could:
Reduce Infrastructure Costs: More motorcycles on the road mean less pressure on existing infrastructure, allowing the government to delay or scale back some costly projects.
Maximize Current Road Capacity: Motorcycles optimize existing road space, making them a highly efficient alternative that leverages current infrastructure without the need for major upgrades.
Motorcycle Levies: A Counterproductive Measure?
Despite the clear benefits of increasing motorcycle use, recent increases in motorcycle levies in New Zealand have raised concerns. The Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) has raised levies on motorcycles to cover the perceived higher risk of injury associated with their use. However, this approach appears counterproductive in the broader context of reducing congestion and saving on infrastructure costs:
Discouraging Motorcycle Use: Higher levies make motorcycles less attractive financially, discouraging potential riders who could help alleviate congestion.
Misalignment with Policy Goals: Increased levies contradict the broader public policy goals of reducing traffic and emissions. By penalizing motorcycle use, these levies undermine an effective, low-cost solution to congestion.
New Zealand needs to rethink this approach, aligning levies and policies to encourage, rather than hinder, motorcycle use as part of the urban transport mix.
Managing the Shift Safely
While motorcycles offer a promising solution, increasing their use requires a focus on safety to minimize risks:
Dedicated Motorcycle Lanes: These can help separate motorcycles from cars, improving safety and reducing the likelihood of accidents.
Enhanced Rider Training and Awareness Campaigns: Comprehensive training programs and public awareness campaigns can educate both riders and car drivers on safe road-sharing practices. – Protective Gear and Technologies: Promoting the use of high-quality safety gear and modern motorcycle technologies like ABS and traction control can further enhance rider safety.
Conclusion
Encouraging motorcycle usage in New Zealand cities presents a highly effective and economically viable strategy for reducing congestion. Motorcycles provide a low-cost, immediate solution that leverages existing road infrastructure without the need for billions in new spending. However, the recent increase in motorcycle levies undermines this potential by discouraging use, running counter to the broader goals of congestion reduction. By making motorcycles a central component of urban transport planning and aligning policies to support this shift, New Zealand can reduce congestion, improve traffic flow, and save billions in public funds, all while enhancing the commuting experience for city residents.
