Motorcycling (with distance restrictions)

Allowing motorcyclists to use their bikes within a designated distance (similar to Australia's self isolation rules) for more than just groceries and medical purchases.

Why the contribution is important

Motorcycling is not only a form of transport but like cycling can be a form of exercise, an aid to mental health and wellbeing and is a healthy, solo activity in the main. Motorcyclists already have head and face coverings by way of a helmet and do not usually have passengers or come anywhere near the 2 metres, vital for social distancing.

by DoogiesDad on May 05, 2020 at 01:07PM

Current Rating

Average rating: 4.4
Based on: 52 votes

Comments

  • Posted by dav80srebal May 05, 2020 at 20:19

    Totally agree I find being able to go out for a bike ride is important for my mental health and must admit these last few weeks have been hard not being able to and I am starting to feel depressed. What is wrong with a short bike ride we are basically self isolating on the bike anyway and if we do come in to contact with other people we follow the social distancing rules.

  • Posted by MikeP67 May 06, 2020 at 17:26

    As long as social distancing is maintained I really don’t see a problem.
    1 person 1 bike.
    I’m not advocating meeting up with mates or parking up for long periods.

  • Posted by AdamClucas May 06, 2020 at 17:41

    Totally agree with the above, we are trained, licensed and insured and many use bikes for exercise and mental well being. It’s certainly the only thing that keeps me sane and
    coming out of a long winter with little to no bike use is difficult.

    Other countries have opened up restrictions to allow for pleasure riding rather than just commuting, adhering to social distancing measure still in place but recognising what benefits it brings to peoples wellbeing.

    What harm is a solo run into the countryside where it is empty?

  • Posted by fixitsan May 06, 2020 at 17:59

    Difficult to see a reason not to allow this suggestion to be realised.

  • Posted by Vonniebsb May 06, 2020 at 18:03

    Yes totally agree! Motor biking should be allowed as excerise/pleasure . The wellbeing and mental health aspects are huge. We are self isolated in our riding gear and the feel good benefits outweigh the negatives.

  • Posted by Rob1985 May 06, 2020 at 18:07

    I totally agree with this. I use motorcycling as my hobby and stress relief. When out for essentials on the bike, I am being extra careful in the current climate. We are used to risk as bikers- we ride alone and take the same risks we take every day on the bike. This is an excellent social isolation activity and we fully acknowledge and understand our responsibilities and the danger.

  • Posted by Allan77 May 06, 2020 at 18:09

    Agree with this. Motorcyling is good for mental health and riders already have face coverings/helmets/ gloves etc.
    Solo riding, not groups and social distancing will be maintained.
    Most people have been waiting up to 6months already to use thier bikes.. this would definitely help mental health.

  • Posted by Ross63 May 06, 2020 at 19:31

    I agree with this entirely. It's of immeasurable mental health benefit to many Scots. Pursuits that still promote social distancing are few and far between. They should be encouraged wherever possible.

  • Posted by Boblaidlaw May 06, 2020 at 20:09

    While I have always understood the need to reduce potential draw on our emegency services and those in particular of the NHS caused by motorbike accidents, I strongly feel the limited and conditional allowing of motorbike riding for recreational purposes with personal distance rules, would now not threaten NHS resourses or risk any spread of the Covid19.

  • Posted by Colozzie May 06, 2020 at 20:29

    Totally agree with this as long as people ride within a social bubble or solo ridding as strain on the NHS would be comparable to road cycling.

  • Posted by DonaldB May 06, 2020 at 20:30

    I agree that motorcycling is good for mental health.
    I manage a small mechanical seal company (pump seals) and as a key worker with staff on furlough leave the stress of keeping key pharmaceutical customers operational is becoming a bit much. Motorcycling is one of the few pastimes I can do solitary that enables me to unwind from the stress of running a small business single handed.

     I am following the rules and have not taken my bike out but would love to do so on solitary runs to get fresh air, exercise and unwind from the daily pressure of my job.

  • Posted by Dingo10 May 06, 2020 at 20:42

    I agree that motorcycling is good for mental health. But.... , having seen the lengths some have currently gone to try justifying going out on their motorcycle, allowing this to be relaxed along with the empty roads some will see this as an opportunity to ride at excessive speeds potentially putting themselves and others at risk. We have seen Police Scotland publicise the excessive speeds car drivers have been caught at recently and I'm afraid a large proportion of motorcyclists will take relaxation of current restrictions as an open door to ride irresponsibly. Leave the restriction as it is, there will be another year they can use their motorcycles.

  • Posted by Piper293 May 06, 2020 at 20:56

    As a motorcycle rider I find that riding the bike certainly relieves some stresses and is a good form of exercise. I would like to think that if we are allowed back on to the roads that people will ride with the NHS in mind and not look to add to the current situation

  • Posted by Campbelljohn0 May 06, 2020 at 21:01

    My mental health is seriously suffering as a result of being unable to ride. Can’t see the problem

  • Posted by Kevinjwilson76 May 06, 2020 at 21:31

    As stated many times, Motorcycling has extremely good mental health benefits.
    Being able to ride breaks the monotony and allows us to enjoy solitude.

  • Posted by Mofff May 06, 2020 at 21:34

    This is an excellent idea and will help many people.
    The use of motorcycles is to be encouraged in all aspects as the lockdown restrictions ease as they offer the greatest opportunity for social distancing without overloading the roads with traffic as people avoid public transport.

  • Posted by stuvfr May 06, 2020 at 21:53

    Nothing to add
    well put

  • Posted by Makrob May 06, 2020 at 22:00

    100% agree, 1 man 1 bike, social distancing adhered to. No better stress reliever & excercise tool.

  • Posted by Deigers132 May 06, 2020 at 22:14

    More bikers on the road could mean more accidents, how many of those accidents could be serious and require the use of ICUs in a time of pandemic could be conflicting, especially since the Highlands only have 7 ICU beds (or there abouts).
    However, during a time of social distancing I feel the ramifications of keeping people from doing there hobby on a mental health level would be much more costly. I believe that without social interactions and needless stops, allowing motorcycle riders a touch of freedom outweighs the downsides of very slightly busier traffic than to have many more people suffer from the monotonous surroundings that could be their very own home.
    I'm all for it.

  • Posted by andymcenroe May 06, 2020 at 22:43

    I agree .

  • Posted by Auldian May 06, 2020 at 23:21

    Motorcycling fits all the requirements of social distancing and also is a valuable tool to help those with motorbikes for recreational use, maintain good mental health. So I think allowing motor cycle journeys would be a good thing.

  • Posted by Cheesyhaggisandblackpuddingsandwich May 07, 2020 at 00:11

    I fully support the idea of allowing motorcycle use on a one person one bike basis. It improves my mental health and is unlikely to increase infection risk.

  • Posted by JohnHarvey May 07, 2020 at 00:37

    Personally I took up motorcycling to aid with my mental health issues (I suffer from depression) since taking up this past time I found a vast improvement in my mental wellbeing.
    Also it's a proven fact that riding exercises core muscle groups & can burn calories. I agree that motorcycling should be permitted with the following restrictions & requirements.
    1, full protective motorcycle wear must be wore (present law states only a helmet must be worn) appropriate CE jacket, gloves & helmet as minimum requirement, social distancing fines if broken.
    2, solo rider only (pillion if from same household only, again full protective wear for both) again fine for breach.
    3, maximum of 2 hour ride per day within a permitted distance from place of the registered keeping of the vehicle. Fine for breach of condition.
    4, those whom are found to be speeding or riding in a unsafe manner face not only the full extent of the law but also face a fine for reckless conduct leading to a potential strain upon health services (this fine is made payable to the NHS).

    Finally let me add that those persons deemed essential workforce I.e health care providers whom require to renew their CBT should either be granted an unconditional extension to their CBT or receive a free CBT renewal provided they use own vehicle & protective equipment.

    Scotland has a strong & proud biker community & I truly believe we as a nation should be encouraging more people to be taking up motorcycling as a form of transport it is both efficient & environmentally sustainable. We must also change our attitude towards motorcycle use perhaps even teaching our young in schools about the proficient use of such so that future generations of road users are more motorcycle aware therefore saving more lives on our highways and byways & hopefully reducing the amount of motorcycle related accidents.
    Stay safe, ride safe & enjoy.
    John Harvey

  • Posted by JamesM70 May 07, 2020 at 08:31

    A great idea as motorcyclists have a short season in which to enjoy their pasttime. Its not so much about where one is going its more about the journey. Leaving from home and returning home does not represent a risk to others.

  • Posted by AllanG57 May 07, 2020 at 08:36

    Motorcycling should be permitted with restrictions that no gathering of groups are permitted or riding in groups. Members of the same family should be permitted as being involved in an activity such as motor cycle riding had a positive effect on well being both physically and mentally. Penalties for breaching any agreed criteria should be severe and immediate as this will ensure that a responsible attitude is taken by all genuine bikers as always

  • Posted by Jerryedwards May 07, 2020 at 08:47

     As a parent of a severely autistic, locked down child. A run on my bike, on my own would provide a break and support my wellbeing. I would then be refreshed to support the family.

  • Posted by MarMcE May 07, 2020 at 10:33

    I believe this should be permitted, as one of the first measures, agreeing with so many comments above, but I dont think we are ready yet based on the continued death count from this virus............

    but why are we not be allowed out when our borders are open and thousands of people arrive to the UK unchecked

  • Posted by NKTC May 07, 2020 at 11:59

    Sorry but I disagree, perhaps as a result of where I live. Motorbikes are vehicles not a form of exercise. (yes I have ridden one, plus have family who are avide bikers) Every year there are multiple motorcycle deaths due to poor rider behaviour leading to excessive speed and lack of control. There are already people starting to race about here (they can be heard for a long time, and no way are they complying with the speed limit or driving to conditions where wildlife and other road users might be round the next bend). I know the poor behaviour probably reflects a minority, but the actions of a few would put many at risk through emergency service call outs.

  • Posted by EckShielding May 08, 2020 at 09:50

    Have an accident, need the AA or an ambulance or the police and suddenly not so solo. Use it to go shopping or approved job, sure. Go for a joyride while everyone else follows the rules, no.

  • Posted by dodgydeacon May 08, 2020 at 11:08

    Traffic laws still apply during Covid lockdown. Roads are quieter so fewer car drivers to risk motorcyclists' lives. I agree with the proposal with the suggested limitations.
    Let us have a couple of hours riding in this beautiful weather.

  • Posted by BillWinton May 08, 2020 at 17:11

    As a poster says
    "You never see a motorcyle parked outside a psychiatrist office"

  • Posted by Bobby1958 May 08, 2020 at 18:54

    No problems at all with this suggestion.

  • Posted by MelS May 09, 2020 at 10:50

    Yes, totally agree with this. Motorcycling is a form of physical exercise and great, often vital, for mental health. It is a solo activity so social distancing is easy to maintain. Please allow motorcycling for exercise/mental heath reasons as soon as possible, even with some restrictions (such as solo/household groups only or no gathering at popular biker places or cafes).

  • Posted by gunner May 09, 2020 at 18:41

    It is ideal for both physical and mental health and we are already wearing full ppe

  • Posted by MacD1985 May 09, 2020 at 18:42

    Lone parent here struggling to juggle being a mum, being a carer and a teacher...A bit of self isolation on my bike would do me the power of good and give my emotional wellbeing a well deserved boost!

  • Posted by Feldspar May 10, 2020 at 13:19

    Completely agree with John Harvey's proposals, they should be adopted as a blueprint to make this idea work.

  • Posted by GillG May 10, 2020 at 21:52

    From a well-being perspective 100% agree . V low risk of spreading the virus Please don’t let a few spoil it for those who will not abuse this and keep their heads on the quieter roads .

  • Posted by pam382 May 10, 2020 at 22:28

    I agree that with specific guidelines motorbike use for "non essential" travel should be allowed. As suggested earlier, restrictions re time (eg.2 hrs from home) or distance (eg. 100 round trip) and only pillions from same house. Also, only group rides from same household.

  • Posted by Robo May 11, 2020 at 15:57

    I agree with everything that's been said, keep the group to a small number, no more than 2 bikes travelling together within a distance no more than 100 miles from home.

  • Posted by dave145 May 11, 2020 at 16:41

    as a biker I feel that my well being would greatly improve as a key worker I am already under stress and a ride out on my bike would greatly reduce the stress and as already stated we wear face coverings in the shape of crash helmets and wear gloves and would be no risk to others as I ride my bike on my own so think an 2 hour ride in the local area would not be out of the question

  • Posted by Brinny66 May 11, 2020 at 19:44

    I agree 100% with this idea so long as we all stick to the guidance given. For my mental health going for a ride sorts me out every time. Would be happy to stick to the 2 hour/100 mile limit.

  • Posted by WendyG May 11, 2020 at 21:57

    Maybe also suggest that when outwith their own area, in the initial stages of any easing of lock-down, bikers take their snacks and drinks with them rather than buying en route, just to avoid the possibility of transmission to themselves or from them to folk in another area. .
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