Motorcycles damage the ozone layer more than cars
By Astrid Bidanec

Even though motorcycles are still a minority on any road, they nevertheless contribute a major part to the environmental crisis because their emissions per mile are more harmful than those of any passenger vehicles, or even trucks, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Is it time for a smarter and greener motorcycle to enter the market?

While there are already several models of electric scooters available in India and China, the eco-friendly motorcycle is still a dream of the future. Brands like Evera in India come with a 250 Watt motor and run for about 80 kilometers (ca. 50miles) at a maximum speed of 25 km (15.5 miles) per hour. Needless to say, this model would be ineffective for any long distances and is only intended for city commutes. This is by any means a long shot from becoming the concept for an electric motorcycle.

Some bikers however, have given the possibility of riding a greener motorcycle some thought. The Devitt motorcycle insurance company conducted a study on the general consensus in regards to the protection of the environment among motorcyclists. Interestingly, more than 50 percent of the participants stated they would prefer an eco-friendly motorcycle over style and appearance, even if performance would be diminished.

The equivalent concept of a more eco-friendly passenger vehicle has been quite successful in Europe where Hybrids and SMART cars (brand of micro cars with innovative features) enjoy great popularity in light of their benefits and prevention of the green house effect. Motorcycles on the other hand, are still trailing behind. Only few motorcycle manufacturers have considered the development and production of a more environmentally friendly model. One of them is Hengton in China, which plans to launch a new model meeting the eco-friendly criteria by 2008.

In spite of the progress the EPA has made in its mission to reduce the most harmful hydrocarbons (HC) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) worldwide, the vital ozone layer is still in jeopardy. The established new emission standards for all motor vehicles world wide are nothing but a drop in the ocean.

Regardless of the wide open spaces Americans love and enjoy, these elements are reason for concern.

“HC and NOx are precursors to ground-level ozone, a serious air pollutant in cities across the United States. A key component of smog, ground-level ozone is formed by reactions involving hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides in the presence of sunlight. Hydrocarbon emissions result from incomplete fuel combustion and from fuel evaporation. Ground-level ozone causes health problems such as difficulty breathing, lung damage, and reduced cardiovascular functioning. A number of hydrocarbons are also considered toxic, meaning they can cause cancer or other health problems,” as stated in an EPA report on the improvements on air quality due to the new standards for highway motorcycles. (place the EPA reference earlier in the piece so readers know the source of the quote.)

With these facts in mind it seems only natural to choose the eco-friendly version of a motorcycle once it becomes available.