The role of motorized 2-wheelers in an energy efficient transport system

Panel: Panel 6. Energy efficiency in transport and mobility

Authors:
Paul Pfaffenbichler, Vienna University of Technology – Institute for Transport Planning and Traffic Engineering, Austria
Giovanni Circella, Institute of Transportation Studies, University of California, USA

Abstract

In Middle and Northern Europe motorcycling is mainly seen as leisure or sport activity. However, in many South European cities motorcycles play a vital role in daily transport. In the Asian mega cities they are even the backbone of the transport system. Some experts have expressed the opinion that motorcycles are the appropriate compromise to find a sustainable balance between the necessity to decrease the consumption of fossil fuels and the human desire for motorized mobility. One main advantage of motorcycles in comparison with private cars is their lower consumption of space. This allows higher densities and hence less congestion on the road network. While motorcycles with low cubic capacity definitely consume less fuel (per person-kilometers) than cars, the situation might be reverse for more powerful motorcycles with bigger engines. Additionally, the overall energy efficiency of the transport system decreases if short non motorized trips are replaced by longer motorcycle trips. The proposed paper aims at discussing what the circumstances are under which motorcycles can play a significant role in creating an energy efficient and sustainable transport system. Results from case studies in Hanoi (Vietnam), Bari (Italy) and Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam) will be used for this purpose.