Resumen
Compared to cars motorcycles are potentially the more sustainable means of transport. Motorcycles need less space, consume fewer resources, and pollute less than cars with typically low occupancy. Thus, can the promotion of motorcycles potentially improve the sustainability of urban transport systems within an Asian context? The objective of this study is to investigate how pursuing this idea might impact urban transport systems beyond its apparent and immediate benefits by considering the wider consequences over an extended period of time. Chiang Mai, a medium-sized regional city in Thailand was chosen for the case study. The analysis carried out highlights the unique features of trips made by motorcycle and quantifies the effects of policies that promote motorcycle ownership and use. The result of the study is that despite its apparent benefits, promotion of motorcycle even can worsen the sustainability of a transport system. However, implementation of certain mitigations, such as parking organisation, can improve the outcomes. The findings emphasize the need to consider a systemic perspective in implementing urban transport measures. The urban transport system is complex and can react to certain intervention in an unexpected manner that may conflict with intended goals.