Employers should promote commuting by motorcycle, says Federation of Europeans’ Motorcyclist Associations (FEMA)—because it’s good for everyone.

It should come as no surprise that a non-profit representing motorcyclists would also recommend motorbikes as a good idea. Nevertheless, FEMA’s recent survey on the commuting habits of motorcyclists bears examination, and FEMA’s resulting write-up (seen here) bears consideration.

FEMA did a two-week study of moto-commuters in Europe through two weeks in early February, asking why they might or might not take their motorcycle to work. The most common reasons to take the bike: Because riding is enjoyable (no shocker there), and because it helps the riders avoid traffic jams, and find easier parking.

The reasons they might choose not to commute by motorcycle? The top reason is weather (again, no shocker). After that, the most common reasons to avoid commuting by motorcycle are due to lack of safe parking facilities at their workplace, and because of the inconveniences of motorcycle gear and helmet.

There were other interesting findings related to motorcycle commuting, which you can view at FEMA’s website& here.

FEMA’s conclusion

FEMA’s write-up here says that because employees are more likely to arrive at work on time when they ride a motorcycle (because they aren’t stuck in traffic), employers should make it easier to commute by motorcycle to work. This could include such ideas as providing secure motorcycle parking, or gear storage lockers for helmets and jackets. As per FEMA:

What we need from local governments and from employers first is the recognition of motorcycles and other powered two-wheelers as a part of the solution for urban traffic problems. By providing safe parking spaces and storage facilities for motorcycle clothing and helmets, up to 30 percent more riders would consider taking their bike to work, thus improving the traffic flow in our cities, and significantly reducing the need for space dedicated to parking cars. There are large economic benefits to be gained by actively promoting and facilitating the use of powered two-wheelers.

Uh… assuming that employees will automatically arrive at work on time just because they’re aboard a motorcycle seems like a cheeky stretch to us! However, we do believe that motorcycle commuting offers a lot of advantages, particularly if your jurisdiction allows lane filtering or lanesplitting, like most places in Europe. That’s why we remind you about Ride To Work Day every year—who knows? If you try it for the first time, you might just find you like it.