As part of the shake up of the way transport is delivered in Scotland the Transport (Scotland) Act 2005 created seven Regional Transport Partnerships across Scotland to review transport needs in their areas and produce regional transport strategies which can help achieve objectives in their areas, which tie in and complement the goals of the National Transport Strategy.

The National Transport Strategy seeks to:

• Promote economic growth by improving maintenance, transport infrastructure and services to increase efficiency.
• Promote social inclusion by connecting rural and disadvantaged communities and increasing the accessibility of the transport network for all.
• Protect our environment and improve health by building and investing in public transport and other types of sustainable transport which minimise emissions and consumption of resources and energy.
• Improve safety of journeys by reducing accidents and enhancing personal security of users and staff.
• Improve integration by making journey planning and ticketing easier and working to ensure smooth connection between different forms of transport.

It is of necessity a high level document which seeks to guide Regional and Local Strategies towards measures and interventions that can be taken to effect the changes necessary to meet their needs and contribute towards the goals of the National strategy. Among the issues the National Strategy seeks to address is the reduction of congestion and emissions that increased car use is causing in parts of Scotland. It sees modal shift away from the car onto more sustainable modes of transport and a reduction in the need to travel as key to achieving this aim.

The Regional Transport Partnerships were tasked with producing Regional Transport Strategies which reflected the goals of the National Strategy and the needs of their communities and areas. They have been consulting with key stakeholders including transport providers, community councils, chambers of commerce, the freight industry, users and interest groups such as MAG in drawing up their Regional Transport Strategies.

These Strategies, which will shape and guide the investment in transport over the next 15 years, are now open for public consultation before being finalised and submitted to the Transport Minister for approval. As they stand the draft strategies, with the notable exception of that for the North East (NESTRANS), barely acknowledge our existence let alone cater for our needs.

The Scottish Executive directions on producing Regional Transport Strategies gives clear guidance that all users and modes should be considered.

This is where you come in if we as motorcyclists are not to be further marginalised, ignored and penalised for daring to use personal powered transport, we need to stress the benefits that motorcycles, scooters and mopeds can provide as part of an integrated transport system.

Motorcycles, scooters and mopeds (Powered Two Wheelers - PTW's in the jargon of planners and transport experts) have a role to play in helping meet some of the objectives of the National and Regional Transport Strategies and highlighting the positive contributions we can make will be key to achieving the recognition, consideration and facilities we need and deserve.

Doing nothing is not an option if we want to be able to continue to enjoy the freedom that our bikes represent to us without incurring increased penalties and restrictions.

Fortunately bikes can contribute to reducing congestion, emissions, land use and social exclusion, while our single largest problem, safety although currently poor in overall transport terms can be improved by increasing awareness and expectation among other drivers of the likelihood of encountering bikes.

We need to ensure that the very reasons we choose to ride bikes are recognised and the facilities available encourage their use in preference to the car, especially single car commuting. We all know that bikes do not cause congestion and can often make progress through otherwise snarled up traffic. On a like for like basis bikes are more fuel efficient than cars, especially when they are moving through stationary traffic and are getting cleaner all the time. We do not need the same amount of space to park and can provide an affordable time efficient alternative to the private car for those whose access to public transport is limited.

Though if we are to deliver these benefits we need to be recognised as distinct from the car, be exempt from congestion charging. Have adequate and secure free bike parking provision near to our destinations. Enjoy access to High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes and bus-lanes and have maintenance and design of the road network reflect the needs of motorcyclists as detailed in the IHIE Guidelines for Motorcycling.

Official MAG responses are being finalised for each of the Regional Transport Strategies and will be posted on the web site as and when they are approved. Please feel free to use any of the points or arguments detailed in our responses. Though for maximum effect it is advantageous if you can use your own words to express your sentiments. Details of dates when responses should be submitted by as well as links to the Draft Regional Transport Strategies are also included for your information.

I hope that you will be able to join with me in pressing our case and getting the recognition that we deserve.

Best regards,
Steve Wykes
Regional representative
MAG Scotland

Regional Partnership	Areas Covered	Consultation Close Date	MAG's Response	RESULT
HITRANS	Argyll & Bute, Highland, Moray, Orkney and Western Isles	31/01/2007
NESTRANS	Aberdeen City, Aberdeenshire	07/02/2007
TACTRAN	Dundee City, Angus, Perth & Kinross, Stirling City	16/03/2007
SESTRAN	Edinburgh City, Midlothian, West Lothian, East Lothian, Scottish Borders, Falkirk, Clackmannanshire, Fife	26/01/2007
Shetland	Shetland	26/01/2007		"Para 3.3.6.4 Motorcycling Consultation also revealed the need to include greater reference to motorcyles, mopeds and scooters (powered two wheelers (PTWs)) within the Transport Strategy, recognising their role in providing affordable alternatives to the car where public transport is not readily available and where walking or cycling is impractical. It was suggested that the opportunity to develop tourism initiatives associated with motorcycling should also be developed within the strategy. Rather than amend existing strategies within the Final Strategy, consideration will be given to developing a new policy section within Internal Links on PTWs. Key policies will include the development if appropriate facilities (e.g. Parking), promotion and PTW safety initiative." http://www.shetland.gov.uk/transport/stp/transportstrategy/consultation.asp Transport Strategy - Outcomes of 2nd Consultation Exercise
South West Scotland	Dumfries & Galloway	09/02/2007
SPT	Glasgow City, Renfrewshire, East Renfrewshire, South Lanarkshire, North Lanarkshire, North Ayrshire, South Ayrshire, East Ayrshire, Inverclyde, West Dunbartonshire, East Dunbartonshire	12/02/2007