UK Motorcyclists Overlooked in Parking Provision

Strategic Insights -

Across the UK, only 0.76% of registered motorcycles have dedicated parking slots, with a staggering 11,667 spaces available out of 1.4 million licensed bikes. The South East region has the highest provision, able to accommodate 2,606 motorcycles in dedicated parking, but still only serves 1.06% of the region's 246,400 registered bikes. Hampshire's council offers the most motorcycle-friendly spaces in the region, with dedicated bays for 658 bikes, exceeding the national average.

Key Takeaways:

  • Only 0.76% of the 1.4 million registered motorcycles in the UK have dedicated parking slots, with a total of 11,667 spaces available.
  • The South East region has the highest provision, able to accommodate 2,606 motorcycles in dedicated parking, serving 1.06% of the region's 246,400 registered bikes.
  • Hampshire's council offers the most motorcycle-friendly spaces in the region, with dedicated bays for 658 bikes, exceeding the national average.
  • Only 1 in 1,000 motorbikes have dedicated parking spots compared to 1 in 30 cars.
  • Confusion reigned over rules around parking in off-street car parks, with no uniformity in the size of dedicated bays and unclear parking communications.
  • Some councils prohibit motorbikes from leaving them in certain car parks, or instruct them to park in a "sensible area" but not in bays.
  • Bikesure general manager Rob Balls stated that the findings lay bare the reality that UK motorcyclists are being overlooked when it comes to the safe and secure parking of their machines.
  • The numbers just don't add up, and bikers deserve better.
  • In the South East, Lewes District Council's figures do not consider a small number of unmarked car parks in their remit.
  • Data obtained from 362 authorities across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland shows a significant under-representation of motorcycle parking provision in the UK.

Statistics:

  • 11,667 motorcycle parking spaces are available in the UK for 1.4 million licensed bikes (0.76%).
  • The South East region has 2,606 dedicated motorcycle parking spaces for 246,400 registered bikes (1.06%).
  • Hampshire's council provides the most motorcycle-friendly spaces in the region with dedicated bays for 658 bikes.
  • Only 1 in 30 cars (every 30 in 1,000 cars) has dedicated parking spots, while only 1 in 1,000 motorbikes (every 1,000 in 7,000 motorcycles) have dedicated parking spots.
  • The UK has 34 million registered cars and 1.4 million licensed motorcycles.

Sources:

  • Bikesure, the UK's largest motorcycle insurance broker, produced an in-depth report on motorcycle parking provision.
  • The report was based on data from 362 authorities across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.
  • Bikesure general manager Rob Balls stated that the findings lay bare the reality that UK motorcyclists are being overlooked when it comes to the safe and secure parking of their machines.