A fundamental outcome of the current hike in the prices of fuel, including soaring cost of insurance and vehicle maintenance, is the decision by many a motorist to trade off their four wheel for a more convenient means of mobility. Motorcycle, due to its relatively cheaper cost of fuelling and general maintenance, and bicycle, which has the added advantage of being the most environmentally friendly means of transportation, readily became the alternative.

In the last six months, for instance, bikes have enjoyed increasing patronage from even people who once cruised around in cars - choice ones at that. Although many are still wanting to hold on to their car, the rising cost irrespective, those that bought the idea of swapping it for bike have had several reasons to thank their wisdom.

Continuously, bike insurance companies are introducing new insurance policies that are not only making cover for bikes easily accessible but also cheaper. A very recent product launched is dubbed the Enhanced Riders Scheme, which will attempt to enhance road safety while minimising the involvement of motorcycles in road accidents. Lets not forget that a study last month revealed that bikers in the UK are much more likely to be involved in road accidents than other road users. More startling, according to the finding by Carole Nash, is that in most of the accidents motorcyclists are hardly at fault. Whereas bikers are cautious on the road other road users are not so mindful of them, the firm claimed.

In addition to reducing road accidents, the scheme, which was launched by the Driving Standards Authority in collaboration with the Motorcycle Industry Association, will also help bikers enjoy cheaper insurance premiums.

Getting the certificate that would qualify one for the insurance discount does not come on a platter of gold, as each biker has to meet certain standard stipulated by those behind the scheme. On passing the required verification they are issued with the DSA certificate of competence, also known as Enhanced Riders Bonus. This automatically serves as the gateway to cheaper bike insurance premiums.

As the scheme seeks to be as fair as possible, bikers that fail to meet the requirement are given tutorials to enhance their driving skills and the DSA makes provision for instructors.

This is just one of the many rewards insurers are rolling out for deserving bikers.

In contrast to the above, for cars or vans or other vehicles that are seen to be effectively contributing in polluting the environment ‘Green’ taxes are being imposed by the Government. Although the logic in this is to encourage more people to take to biking and reduce pollution, motorists feel they are unfairly hit. But environmental activists argue governments are not doing enough to reduce global warning.

While switching from driving a car to biking can greatly help people save cost, the height of its benefits is the promotion of a greener environment. And insurance companies can safely hoist their argument for safer driving on this. After all, safer driving could mean fewer accidents and, by implication, reduced insurance claims.

In the end it is not only insurers that will benefit from a scenario like this, everyone – from bikers to the ordinary pedestrian – has something to gain.

Last line, as much as it appears that biking could save one a lot of money, the fact that the credit crunch is gallantly enduring is enough to make many of us lose some sleep. As from next year the prices of motorcycles are predicted to shoot up. This could easily dash the hope of those looking to save cost by switching.

In the meantime, the wisest thing to do is to go ahead and acquire a bike as soon as possible and get it effectively insured. At least there’s a guarantee to enjoy all the available benefits.