SIR – You asked for comments on solving the problem of congestion on Bradford roads (T&A, November 13).

For those who need or prefer the flexibility of personal transport, motorcycles and scooters offer an antidote to the drudgery of the urban commute. A study published earlier this year by ACEM (European Motorcycle Association) considered the impact of a relatively small shift from cars to motorcycles for a congested urban area in Belgium. When just ten per cent of drivers swapped their cars for motorcycles, time spent in traffic decreased by 40 per cent. When 25 per cent of car drivers switched, congestion was eliminated entirely. It is obvious that even a small modal shift towards motorcycles would benefit all road users. It is also likely that safety for all two-wheel users would improve, as they would be a far more visible presence.

The Motorcycle Industry Association is in talks with the Government about recognising the contribution motorcycles can make to urban transport planning.

For those who want to see if motorcycling is for them, the industry sponsors a programme called Get On, which allows anyone over the age of 16 to try it for free – see geton.co.uk.

The Motorcycle Industry Association