The bar graphs illustrate the proportion of individuals, disaggregated by gender, who had a motorcycle driving licence in a European country; the first chart shows the total proportions between 1976 and 2006, while the second presents information on possession rates among young drivers (17-20) over a shorter period, from 1996 to 2006.
Overall, a discernible gender gap existed in motorcycle licence ownership between the two genders at the beginning of the period, as the prevalence of ownership was consistently higher among men. However, the gap gradually narrowed over the period, although the proportions for both genders rose steadily across the timeframe. Likewise, male younger drivers maintained a substantial lead despite a slight decline, while females experienced an even steeper drop, with the difference becoming more evident over time.
The overall ownership of motorcycle licences increased steadily over time, indicating a growing preference among the population of this country for motorcycles as a means of transport. In 1976, about two-thirds (68%) of the male population held a licence, as opposed to the corresponding figure for their female counterparts, which stood at 30%. Both levels then recorded moderate growth through to 2006, rising to 80% and 60%, respectively, with every eight out of ten males possessing a motorcycle licence, compared to six out of ten females in that year – a figure that more than doubled over the 30 years.
Turning to younger drivers, half of the male population aged 17-20 were motorbike licence holders in 1996, whereas around 30% of females owned this licence. By the final year, males’ level dropped by 5% percentage points, while females’ level decreased at a much higher pace, falling to just 20%.