For those of us in the USA the Green party does not really ring a bell. For those in the U.K. however they are one of their political parties and as the name implies they are "protectors" of the planet.
Their latest policy for protecting the environment from heathen drivers and motorcyclists is certainly the most progressive policy outside of France. In this case progress is not a good thing. Here are some of the highlights.
They propose to introduce speed limiters for powerful motorcycles to encourage riders onto small ones such as ‘scooters and mopeds’.
They would impose strict noise limits. Apparently natures ears hurt from too much noise emanating from the motorcycle exhaust. The Green party specifically does not want increased use of motorcycles as they emit pollution, noise, and are a danger to other drivers.
"For the safety of other users, the Green Party does not feel it appropriate for motorcyclists to be able to use any priority measures put in for pedestrians and cyclists, including those shared with public transport."
To be fair the latest policy is not simply for motorcycles, they also advocate speed restrictions for all cars to the maximum speed limit in the EU.
Here are some excerpts directly from the policy: (Source: Green Party Policy)
TR320 Smaller, low powered motorcycles are generally preferable to cars (especially those with a single occupant) as they take up less road space and are more economic consumers of fuel. However, the Green Party does not wish to see increased use of motorcycles because they emit pollution and noise and can endanger road users. The aim is to encourage much less use of high powered machines and for low powered machines to offer an alternative for those who currently use these or cars and could not transfer to more sustainable modes. TR321 The Green Party would take measures to encourage a transfer of motor cycle manufacture and use from larger, powerful machines to less powerful ones including scooters and mopeds. These would include setting and enforcing strict noise limits and, for higher powered machines, speed limiters. TR322 For the safety of other users, the Green Party does not feel it appropriate for motorcyclists to be able to use any priority measures put in for pedestrians and cyclists, including those shared with public transport.
A Green Party spokesperson said: "Green Party transport policy priorities journeys on foot, by bicycle and by public transport. This is to ensure that wherever people live and whatever their financial situation, they have convenient and affordable access to shops, health services, employment and education."
"Our policy aims to minimize potential harm to others. Motorbikes with smaller engines and mopeds are useful additions to the transport mix in areas where public transport options are scarce, but it is right to prioritize journeys by public transport on foot and by bike as these reduce carbon emissions, reduce danger and keep pollution to a minimum."
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