Motorcycles a Solution to Freeway Congestion

I was reading a letter published in the Orange County Register about freeway congestion. The writer wanted to know why light rail and monor...

I was reading a letter published in the Orange County Register about freeway congestion. The writer wanted to know why light rail and monorail would not relieve congestion. I posted an answer on one of my other blogs.

But I wanted to propose the use of motorcycles as a way to relieve congestion. Perhaps States across our country can make legislative changes to encourage the use of motorcycles as commuter vehicles.

Some ideas that States can implement:

1. Eliminate registration fees for motorcycles, or incorporate a registration fee based on engine displacement size. Perhaps engines ranging from 0-650cc, have free registration. 651-1000cc have a certain fee. While 1001-1999 have a higher fee, and 2000 and up have the highest registration fee. The important part is to offer free registration for commuter-size motorcycles.



2. Eliminate motorcycle licensing endorsements - This can be limited to motorcycles with 650cc engines or smaller. If you're riding such a motorcycle, then you don't need to get a special license to operate it.



3. Allow motorcycles to ride for free on toll roads and toll bridges, and allow motorcycles to ride on car pool lanes. I think most states allow motorcycles on car pool lanes, but I don't know about allowing them to ride for free on toll roads and bridges.



4. Eliminate laws against lane splitting. Many states still allow lane-splitting, some don't.



5. Got any other ideas?

The politically-correct crowd will take pleasure in knowing that most motorcycles can get between 40-60 MPG, and that small-displacement motorcycles are very affordable to low-income households.

But if 25% of the daily commuters could make a switch from cars to motorcycles, then perhaps we could see some improvement in the flow of traffic.