Is it worth driving a motorcycle to avoid the congestion charge?

Question

I'm considering getting a job in London but the travel is a key issue. I live 30 miles north of London in St. Albans, near Hatfield. I hated commuting by train before, it was always crowded, standing up, and a rip off. I would drive if it wasn't for the blasted Congestion Charge.

Is it worth buying and driving a motorcycle into London, thus avoiding the congestion charge, and being able to over take some traffic?

What kind of motor bike is suitable size wise, to get away with, and is wearing leathers and jeans really necessary? If so, any tips on making it easier, i.e. carry a suite separately. All tips and advice welcome, thanks!

Answer 1

Having a motorcycle is a good idea, only downside is the distance of 30 miles. I know St Albans and I also know just how far that means to ride from St Albans to London, might sound good at first, you would have to contend first with the weather like rain or shine, hot sticky days and the cold and frosty mornings then the traffic it will be all there for you,

wear good protection when you ride any sort of motorcycle leathers are best, then the Belstaff wax cotton jackets and trousers. and wear a proper fitting crash helmet, if you wear a suit then that can be put in the side panniers.

good luck

Answer 2

my bike is quickly paying for itself in fuel savings

Answer 3

yes it is ...but learn to ride a motorcycle with a good school,,

it will be quicker less stressful and a lot cheaper

from st albans to London you would need a bike of at least 400cc

but you have to learn to ride first,, that means cbt test first on a 125cc then lessons on a 125cc and when you pass your test and have a full licence (Acat  licence) you can upgrade to a bigger bike

as for the leathers and motorcycle boots,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

YES they are a must..they protect you

I have seen so many riders who have lost there feet and legs because they did not wear boots

and the leathers act like a skin and take the damage if you do come off

but most(90%) of riders who take lessons and stick to the rules of the road for motorcyclists are safe

Answer 4

by a minibus or an ex taxi, as these are excempt from paying the congestion charge,

Answer 5

it is worth it as many now commute in by bike instead of train etc.

  a larger bike that can carry a pannier which  can hold a suit ( you may have to carefully fold it) will be a bonus.

leathers are almost de rigour as if you fall off or get knocked off they will save the skin etc. always use gloves too even in summer and proper  motor cylcle boots.

  the downside is. easy to get knocked of as nobody ever looks for motorcyclists, you get wet and cold, icy roads are treachorous. not easy to have a conversation ? even if you have a passenger.

  use high visibility  belt or jacket too.

easy to park though and cheap to run, eats through traffic but do NOT get carried away with the acceleration and overtaking as so many biker's do. that's when accidents hapen and not being in a car you WIIl get seriuosly hurt.

jeans are no good at all use leather at very least. when you have to have your kneecap replaced with plastic as the old one was ground away (extremly painful)  it will be too late to think of a little extra protection afforded by a leather  suit was worth it.

there are the kevlar jackets that the polie wear, these have a slightly higher resistance to wear and oyyouget mainly friction burns but keep your skin. more expensive soo.. good luck and DO take care out there.

  do not get carried away  with the instant acceleration a bike offers. I have seen too many bikers being picked up off roads  when they get overconfident. it is not always a bikers fault he gets hurt. it's a mot point when it's you laying in a hospiltal bed (or worse) and looking back at an accident and no possibly no future if you have lost parts fo your body etc

Answer 6

yes it is a good idea to get a motorbike to stop you from paying congestion charges because the nhs is free when you get ran down by a crazy furiuos man thats just had to pay you can just relax in your hospital room knowing you saved a few squid............

Answer 7

I used to live in St Albans, (then Redbourn) and used to commute daily to London, all weathers. Once you get into the mindset , it can be very relaxing, I never once got to work in a stressed frame of mind,

The correct clothing is essential. I  had leathers for the summer and good warm, waterproof gear for the winter, it was great fun. You can pretty much guarantee what time you will get to work, allow yourself an hour (I once did it in 40 minutes, with green lights all the way.)

Also get yourself a decent sized bike, a Honda VFR is a very good bike for commuting.

Answer 8

As far as I know ALL vehicles - cars, vans, lorries, buses, motorcycles - have to pay the congestion charge.

Answer 9

it could be you can get those fold away bikes i don't know what they are called but they showed them on top gear they fold right down and go into a bag, so i suppose it would save you parking charges too, or those new electric cars are supposed to be good they are supposed to get away with the congestion charge. good luck

Answer 10

30 miles isn't too far to ride a motorcycle. You might actually start looking forward to the commute. Leathers are a good idea for warmth and protections in case of accident (to save your skin). A helmet's a must.

You can do the ride easy enough with under a 400 cc bike.  If you get a scooter, get one that can do the speed limit on the roads you normally drive.  Some types of scooters have storage built in under the seats. If you get a scooter it would probably have to be at least a 250 cc size. You can add a rack with a lockbox  to any motorcycle to carry your personal items tho a daypack (little backpack) works fine.  You'll need a rainsuit if you plan to ride in the rain. You'll need to treat your visor or goggles with something like RainX so they don't fog up.  You'll save alot on gas and insurance.