Why aren't disabled cyclists treated the same as disabled motorists?

Not only are disabled cyclists not generally recognised as such and
are banned from many areas where wheelchair users are allowed but they
are also excluded from many of the benefits enjoyed by disabled
motorists, such as the following.

"If you have difficulty getting around, having your own car can make
all the difference to your independence. Several organisations offer
information and advice about buying and driving a car specially
adapted for a disabled person. These include the Mobility Information
Service, the Mobility Advice and Vehicle Information Service (MAVIS)
and the Queen Elizabeth’s Foundation Mobility Centre.

Motability is a charity that helps people to use the higher rate
mobility component of their Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or their
War Pensioner’s Mobility Supplement to buy powered wheelchairs,
personal vehicles and cars through a hire purchase scheme.

For cars, Motability covers:

* a new car every three years
* free tyres
* insurance
* road tax
* servicing, maintenance and repairs
* breakdown cover
* window or windscreen replacement.

However, your DLA or Mobility Supplement won't necessarily cover all
the costs: you may also have to pay a deposit, the cost of necessary
adaptations, running costs and so on. Do check exactly what you will
need to pay before committing yourself.

Exemption from VAT and road tax

Disabled people do not have to pay VAT on equipment for daily living,
wheelchairs, personal vehicles or on cars specially adapted to carry a
disabled person in a wheelchair. See VAT Notice 701/7, VAT reliefs for
disabled people for more information. You can get a copy from the HM
Revenue and Customs helpline on 0845 010 9000 (you will need to give
your postcode when you call).

People who receive the higher rate mobility component of Disability
Living Allowance don’t usually have to pay Vehicle Excise Duty (road
tax) on their car."

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Carfree Cities
http://www.carfree.com/
Promoting practical alternatives to car dependence - walking, cycling
and public transport.