There could potentially be a radical development in how companies choose to manage their fleet vehicles. Honda UK has proposed the introduction of a specialist motorcycle fleet dealer network which will encourage businesses, where possible, to replace the use of their cars with motorcycles. Honda also aims to give support and advice to business customers while hopefully growing its corporate market.
It has been announced that six Honda UK motorcycle dealers have already signed up to the new scheme. Each dealership will be aiming to promote the many benefits of this motorcycle hire service, for example the cost effectiveness, the low CO2 emissions and the decrease in the journey times.
This new scheme will not only be attractive to businesses but will also be beneficial to the general public by decreasing congestion; considering the vast number of cars on the road causing traffic jams, especially during rush hour, that could easily be swapped for motorcycles.
Riders for Health states that “A mobilised health worker on a well-managed motorcycle can reach up to six times more people” this not only makes the journey faster as riders can filter through the traffic but it’s great news for patients in need of attention. SERV Bloodrunners use motorcycles to transport and deliver urgently needed blood. Motorcycles allow the Bloodrunners to do their job in the quickest and most efficient way possible.
Other examples of successful motorcycle fleet operators are the police, ambulance service and AA breakdown services.
The Motorcycle Industry Association (MCIA) supports this development and agrees that the introduction of this service will not only be beneficial to businesses but it is also in the interest of the public. Studies have been carried out to highlight what affects the replacement of motorcycles to cars has on congestion. A particular Belgian study carried out on one of the busiest roads in Europe shows that when 10% of car drivers swapped to motorcycles, congestion was cut by 40%, and when 25% of drivers swapped, congestion was completely eradicated.
A survey by CBI predicts that journey times will increase by 50% within 25 years. However, if fleet operators were to take charge and encourage doing business on two wheels then this could all change and congestion could be reduced.
The MCIA is working hard to make this a viable proposition. Earlier this year the MCIA introduced two new courses that provide new training assessment programmes for motorcycle instructors and motorcycle training businesses; so companies can feel safe in the knowledge that their employees are receiving quality, up to date motorcycle training.
Not only is the MCIA doing its best to support the new scheme but with such a successful manufacturer such as Honda leading the scheme it is predicted that other manufacturers will soon follow suit.