Motorcycling
Smaller, efficient motorcycles and mopeds can reduce your driving costs. They can also help reduce congestion and carbon dioxide emissions. The average motorcycle emits 110g/km of carbon dioxide compared to an average of around 150g/km for cars. However, some large motorcycles are more polluting than an SUV.
Wheels to work is a moped loan scheme for people aged 16+ living in Wiltshire.
Top tips for motorcyclists
- Improve your driving skills and keep your revs down. Excessive breaking and accelerating can use up to 50% more fuel on your journey. You’ll also wear out your brake pads and tyres more quickly.
- Avoid flapping clothes, which increase drag, or any weight you don’t need to carry. This will also improve your vehicle handling.
- Drive at an appropriate speed. Driving at 70mph uses 15% more fuel than driving at 50mph.
- Keep your bike in good condition. Regular servicing can reduce fuel use by up to 10%. Underinflated tyres reduce fuel efficiency and will need replacing more frequently. Overinflated tyres can make your bike unsafe.
- Go electric. Newer electric motorcycles emit no air pollution and are also much cheaper to run.
Motorcyclists are more likely to be injured than any other road users. Many of these accidents are due to poor riding skills. Wiltshire Council offers free Bike Safe training.
You can also have your riding assessed or organise advanced driver training through Wiltshire RoSPA.
If you discover any road surfaces that are unsafe due to potholes, diesel spills or slippery manhole covers, please report them to Wiltshire Council immediately.