CBT - let's talk motorbikes etc.

[Splodgetastic]

So no trains for more than 10% of us, no car parking at work but too far to walk or cycle. Facing a 70-mile round trip every day. Can I do it on a moped and is there any way of getting my CBT in the next three weeks?

In a slight panic as don't think I can walk or cycle my commute just yet!

Or do you think it will be possible to bribe a police officer as everyone is going to be so desperate for money so you don't have to have to have s driving licence?

You COULD do it on a moped or 125cc bike, but remember you can't go on motorways. If that's not an issue then yes, I'd say it's an option.

The only thing I would say is, can you shower when you get to work? I found bike gear and helmet to be really sweaty in summer!

(I'm gonna say don't attempt to bribe a police officer )

Great. It sounds like it's feasible, but I doubt showering is going to be an option as it looks like we will have to bring our own food, water etc., but are any places doing the CBT at the moment?

But I reckon I could always use wipes in the worst case for cleaning up. That's what I did when I cycled a shorter distance:

A moped is restricted to about 30 mph, that's a looong commute.

When did you pass your car test?

If I can do 30mph that will be just fine. I am used to four hours in total on public transport. I imagine I'll need to be careful on the way home. Most of my mishaps on my cycling commute were through lack of concentration on the way home (all apart from my my brake cables contracting in the cold overnight).

@HirplesWithHaggis sadly I don't have a car licence.

Have you ever had a car license / driven? I'd worry about you passing a CBT without having been on the road before.

Sorry just googled and seen it's not a pass / fail test. Couldn't see anything on whether they are running at the moment.

I've checked a couple of local schools, none doing CBT atm. So you have a provisional licence at least, OP?

I commute on a 125cc which can happily reach 60mph. If you're serious about training and riding then you'd need to invest in all the proper gear which is really pricey. You need to be hyper aware of everything, all the time as you are so vulnerable. I love riding and like you it's my freedom as I don't have a car, but please don't rush into it through fear of not being able to use public transport, you need to really want to do it!

You will need to do a theory test before you can book your actual CBT. I don't know if they are running those at the moment. I am an ex biker - got a moped aged 16 and then progressed up to proper bikes, and I wouldn't even consider a 70 mile daily commute. Hell I wouldn't do that on a 125. A 4 hour commute on public transport is not comparable to a 4 hour drive/ride, for a start if you are on a moped you will need to be TOTALLY focused on all the other bastards on the road trying to kill you. Seriously.

Well riding a motor bike (for me) carries more danger of dying than coronavirus! So maybe one to avoid...

panicstations you don't need to do a theory test before the CBT - it's just a day's training with some theory thrown in. I had to do the proper theory test before taking the full license test. You're totally right - no way on earth I'd be commuting those distances by bike. OP in cold weather it's really hard going, even on short journeys

I'm not afraid of coronavirus. I have an underlying condition, but that's not the reason. If only 10% of passengers will be able to get on the trains I obviously need another option. I'm very comfortable cycling on the roads in that I'm used to watching out for cars and the roads are busy where I live, but I find driving a car difficult for reasons I don't understand. I don't have a problem cycling though so I think a moped would be okay. Obviously I can't be cycling 30 plus miles to get to work.

Don't get me wrong, I know it's not an easy option, but if there is no other option, then what can I do really?

If you do it, invest in good gear. Helmets can be very uncomfortable if they don't fit right but if you can't try on in shops right now I'm not sure how you'll get round that. Make sure you have proper bike trousers and jacket with a back protector as a bare minimum. Jeans will not save your skin (literally) if you come off, I've seen DH's scars from his very 'mild' crashes fifteen years ago. Always, always, always wear gloves. If you come off, you will instinctively put you hands out to save the rest of you. Tarmac at 30mph+ will take the skin off your hands in an instant. You will need thermals underneath if you're riding in winter, and winter gloves, and a neck buff or balaclava for under your helmet. Wear proper bike boots, or you'll snap your ankles in a crash.

With so few cars on the road at the moment it’s a good time to have moped or motorcycle - much safer now than normal

Don’t think cbt courses are happening right now. Mine was booked for April but has been cancelled for the foreseeable