Bmf Welcomes Wheels 2 Work Boost 20 January 2011
News that the motorcycle based ‘Wheels 2 Work’ scheme is to share in a £560m Government fund designed to boost sustainable transport projects is at last formal recognition of the role that motorcycles can play in the ‘Big Society’ in helping to create economic growth and reduce carbon emissions says the British Motorcyclists Federation.
In the Government’s white paper ‘Creating Growth, Cutting Carbon’1 published yesterday, the Wheels 2 Work2 scheme is included in a range of sustainable transport schemes primarily covering public transport, walking, cycling but all designed to encourage local initiatives, especially where they can help create jobs.
A long time supporter of the Wheels 2 Work scheme, the bmf have consistently lobbied Government that more support should be given to a scheme whereby local communities, supported by motorcycle dealers, help people get into work through the loan of a cheap-to-run moped. This is the Big Society at work say the bmf.
Local Transport Minister Norman Baker said: "We are clear you can have your green cake and eat it. Money invested wisely in local transport initiatives can both help the economy and cut carbon. It’s a win-win for local people and for the country as a whole.”
The bmf’s Government Relations Executive Chris Hodder said: “The bmf has long called for support for Wheels 2 Work and is glad to see high-level support from a minister. This is a really important step for motorcycling as Wheels to Work is a low-cost initiative compared to the massive sums put into other transport schemes and shows the benefits of motorcycle use within the Big Society.”
With such schemes showing how the motorcycle community supports young people all over the country, the bmf intends to press that with rising costs and less local government funding, Wheels 2 Work schemes continue to receive such tangible support.
Note 1 Government White Paper: wheels2work.co.uk/Casestudies.html