Many motorbike riders use their bikes purely for leisure, keeping them stored away in the garage until the weekend arrives and they’re able to take their bikes out for a fun ride.
But there are many other motorbikers who use their bikes for practical purposes, such as commuting to and from work. Of the 3.5+ million UK people who hold a motorbike license, it’s estimated that around 1.4 million use their bikes daily.
There are pros and cons to riding a motorbike to work. Below, we’ll run through some of the key advantages/disadvantages, allowing you to make the right decision for you.
Pro: Faster Commute Times
One of the primary problems with driving a car to work is that, just at the time you want to make your journey, millions of other drivers also want to make their journey. What might have been a quick 25-minute journey to work can easily turn into 45 minutes or longer if there’s heavy traffic.
Motorbike riders mostly get to avoid this issue, since they can simply bypass long lines and put themselves at the front of the queue.
Cons: It’s More Dangerous Than Driving
It’s no secret that riding a motorcycle is more dangerous than driving, and that’s especially true when there are more cars on the road. It’s estimated that cars are responsible for around 70% – 80% of all motorcycle accident compensation claims, which demonstrates just how much more precarious motorbike riding can be when there are many other vehicles on the road. Things might be relatively safe on quiet Sunday afternoons, but it can be a lot different on a busy midweek evening. If you do decide to commute to/from work, then you’ll need to take extra steps to ensure that you’re kept safe.
Pro: It’s Easier to Park
Many people who drive to work not only find that it takes them longer than they’d like to reach their workplace, but that it’s difficult to find a parking spot when they do get there. Having a motorbike doesn’t completely remove this issue — there are still no guarantees — but it’s generally much, much easier to find a space. It’s also a lot better for your finances; many major cities offer free parking for motorbikes, and even paid places are often around 50% less than car parking.
Con: It Can Be Uncomfortable During Inclement Weather
It can be nice to take a motorbike ride on a balmy spring evening, but it’s much less enjoyable when it’s a cold and rainy January morning. While it’s still more than doable, it’s one of those times when you might just wish that you were in the inside of a warm car.
Pro: It Can Be Therapeutic
Finally, one underrated advantage of riding a motorbike to work is that it can offer therapeutic value that driving a car just can’t match. One study found that riding a motorbike decreased stress levels by 28%, which sounds like something many of us need after a long day at the office.
