Through RAG (see current membership below) the VMCC continues to monitor legislative and other developments which might threaten the ability of riders to go on using and enjoying older machines, working together with other rider and heritage organisations to secure a safe and sustainable future for vintage and classic motorcycling.
The VMCC advocates that restoring, riding and maintaining vintage and classic motorcycles:
- provides a worthwhile hobby and enjoyment for tens of thousands of people;
- facilitates a thriving local social scene that promotes self-help and the development and maintenance of numerous practical skills;
- helps preserve an important element in Britain’s engineering heritage and supports the handing on of knowledge and enthusiasm to subsequent generations;
- supports a conservation industry worth millions of pounds to the economy;
- provides a source of interest and fascination for the wider public, through participation in events, helping to support museums and tourism as part of Britain’s rich heritage industry;
- has a good safety record (particularly when compared with other classes of vehicle);
- has a tiny environmental impact, particularly given the limited overall mileage ridden and when compared with the far greater contribution to emissions made by other classes of vehicle; and
- is ‘green’ by definition, in the preservation and recycling of machines and materials.
RAG continues to scan the horizon for any policy developments that could possibly concern our members; recent priorities include: levy charging of ‘classic' motorcycles for access to Low Emission Zones; licensing issues; access to unsurfaced roads; and fuel issues. Another new issue being explored is preventing mud being left on roads by agricultural vehicles. Over the last nine months the Group have been focused on how Club members can continue to function safely within Government COVID 19 guidelines and they are keeping this challenge under review as official rules and advice change. This includes thinking about how Sections might work within the regulations to enable the resumption of more major events like long distance trials and riding challenges so that riders either individually, or in small groups, can create their own routes between given locations and in effect participate safely in an ‘event’. News of such COVID safe innovations by Sections would be much appreciated for the benefit of all.
More volunteers to help with RAG's work are always welcome.
RAG members' areas of expertise:
- Roger Bibbings MBE (Convenor) - Safety and risk management, regulation, lobbying
- Graham Leake- Debris and highways issues
- Bernard Kuropka - Engineering
- Jacqueline Bickerstaff - Legislation Committee FBHVC
- Dennis Beale - Flat tankers, DVLA, C&U issues, licensing, testing
- David Giles - Minor Roads & Unsurfaced Byways
- Peter Henshaw (Records/documents keeper) - Motorcycling journalism and deep marque knowledge
Contact: RAG@vmcc.net
The next LARA Steering Committee Meeting will be held, via Zoom, at 11:00 on Tuesday 10 September.
Here is a copy of the draft agenda.
It would be particularly helpful if delegates could come to the meeting with a view about the questions set out in the LARA structure & funding paper (agenda item 5). In case it helps, here in the form of an editable questionnaire is a list of the questions posed by the paper.
If you have any suggestions for additional agenda items, could you please submit them, along with any related papers, no later than Friday 23 August, by replying to this email.
The finalised agenda, including joining details will be circulated no later than two weeks before the date of the meeting, i.e. 27 August
Members may wish to see the latest press release from the National Motorcyclists Council.
Election Manifestos: ‘Cut Through’ on Potholes, but More Commitment to Motorcycling Needed
In the context of minute 3.3 (proposed car cruise PSPO in South Gloucestershire) you might be interested to see this news item on the BBC website.
NMC Acts on Rider Concerns about Inappropriate Motorcycle Seizures Under New Crime and Policing Act
Rider reports prompt letters to the National Police Chiefs’ Council and the Policing Minister over misuse of Section 59 powers
The National Motorcyclists Council (NMC) has called for clearer guidance for front line police officers to be issued, following reports of motorcycles being seized, or riders threatened with seizure, in circumstances that appear to fall outside the intended scope of strengthened Section 59 powers. These were introduced as part of the Policing and Crime Act 2026.
Since the removal of the prior-warning requirement in June 2026, NMC organisations the British Motorcyclists Federation (BMF) and Trail Riders Fellowship (TRF) have received member reports raising concerns about how the powers are being applied.
Examples reported to the BMF include seizures or threats of seizure over non-standard registration plates, noise from OEM factory-fitted quick-shifters and auto-blippers, and riders filtering through traffic.
The TRF is concerned that the removal of the prior-warning requirement could lead to Section 59 being used against motorcyclists undertaking lawful trail riding on public rights of way (green roads) where motor vehicle use is legally permitted.
The NMC and TRF strongly support action against illegal off-road riding, damage to land and genuinely anti-social behaviour. However, lawful trail riding on the UK’s around 6,000 miles of green roads where vehicular access is permitted, should not be discouraged or curtailed merely because some members of the public might have a personal objection to motorcycles using these legal routes and raise a nuisance complaint.
A high proportion of illegal ‘off road motorcycling’ may actually involve illegally used high powered eBikes in a range of settings, both urban and rural. We are concerned this is being conflated in the public consciousness with legal motorcycling on legally accessible green roads, where incorrect assumptions may be drawn by some individuals.
The NMC has written to the National Police Chiefs’ Council and the Policing Minister seeking updated operational guidance to ensure that front line officers apply Section 59 lawfully and consistently.
NMC Executive Director Craig Carey-Clinch said: “Police need effective powers to tackle dangerous and anti-social vehicle use, and we support proportionate enforcement against behaviour that threatens public safety or causes genuine nuisance.
“But removing the requirement for a warning before seizure makes clear guidance, safeguards and accountability essential. Riders must not risk losing their motorcycles simply because someone objects to lawful riding, or because they may have committed a minor offence which does not involve anti-social or dangerous behaviour.”
Section 59 requires reasonable grounds to believe that a vehicle’s use both contravenes Section 3 or Section 34 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 and causes, or is likely to cause, alarm, distress or annoyance to the public. Both conditions must be met.
The NMC warns that inappropriate enforcement risks undermining confidence in the police and damaging relationships with responsible motorcyclists.
NMC Welcomes Additional Funding for Pothole Repairs
https://www.uknmc.org/news/nmc-welcomes-additional-funding-for-pothole-repairs
£220 million in further funding has been released for roads repairs and maintenance and The NMC calls for repairs to be permanent and warrantied.
The National Motorcyclists Council has today welcomed the DfT’s announcement of additional for pothole repairs. The DfT has also said that Nearly 7,000 miles of road resurfacing will be completed this year according to new figures published today. Data from local councils shows over 10% more resurfacing than took place last year as data also shows that councils are starting to increase roads funding, with £4.9 billion being spent this year.
The additional £220 million is intended to be incentive-based funding to councils across England for meeting performance-based targets. Further funding will be released later in the year only if councils reach their performance targets, and can be withheld if they fail to reach them.
The NMC is a founder member of the Pothole Partnership which since 2024 has spearheaded cross-transport sector efforts with the Government to tackle the appalling state of the roads. This announcement follows a recent Partnership meeting with DfT Ministers and is a welcome step on the path to better roads. The announcement ties funding to performance, which is a key part of the Partnership’s ‘Pothole Pledge’.
NMC Executive Director Craig Carey-Clinch said: “The focus is now moving onto delivery standards. Central Government money must not be wasted by local authorities through poor quality repairs which won’t last long and the Pothole Partnership continues to push the case for properly warrantied pothole repairs, so that we don’t find ourselves back in the same place within a few years.
“This is essential given that despite increased levels of repairs, the pothole problem is still growing, with the AA reporting an increase in related incidents this year.
“The NMC also urges local authorities to look at other potential additional sources of funding for roads maintenance, so that long term maintenance programmes can be secured across the country. We welcome the publication of a report by the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Better Roads which calls for central government to make it easier and more transparent for local authorities to invest funds from the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) to improving local roads.”
IAM RoadSmart, a Pothole Partnership member, also welcomes the announcement. Director of Policy and External Communications Nicholas Lyes said: “It’s encouraging that we’re seeing a shift towards preventative rather than just reactive road maintenance. Every mile of resurfaced road means that drivers and motorcyclists can focus more on the route ahead, rather than spending time looking at potential surface hazards.”
Edmund King, AA President and member of the Pothole Partnership, said; "The journey to get our roads back to a smooth and safe condition is a long one, but there are some early signs of positivity.
“However, this boost in cash comes at a crucial moment as the nation is about to enter peak pothole season.
"While councils have made good progress so far, sadly we have seen a 4.6% increase in pothole related incidents between January and September this year compared to the same period last year.
"The challenge for councils will be to use this money wisely, and as advocated by the Pothole Partnership, focus on long-term resurfacing solutions and act quickly to protect drivers, motorcyclists and cyclists as we head into winter."
Stuart Lovatt, Chairman of TyreSafe and a Partnership member added: "We also welcome this announcement. Potholes and other poor road conditions have a serious effect on the integrity of tyres on all vehicles, which in turn can affect vehicle stability - a very clear safety concern. This is why we support the call for repairs to be long term and warrantied."
Parliamentary Launch of the 2027 ISDE Highlights Motorcycling's Value to Society https://www.uknmc.org/news/parliamentary-launch-of-the-2027-isde-highlights-motorcyclings-value-to-society
NMC highlights motorcycling's wider contribution to society during Parliamentary launch for the 2027 FIM International Six Days Enduro
Plans for the 2027 FIM International Six Days Enduro (ISDE) – the world's largest standalone motorcycle event – were unveiled at the House of Commons yesterday (7 July), ahead of the competition's return to the UK for the first time in 44 years.
The ISDE will be held in Wales in 2027 and will bring together around 600 of the world's leading male and female Enduro riders from more than 30 countries, including Great Britain. Competitors will ride approximately 900 miles over six days in what is regarded as the ultimate test of rider skill, endurance and machine reliability.
Held under the authority of the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) and organised by the Auto-Cycle Union (ACU), the UK's national governing body for motorcycle sport, the ISDE is the world's oldest and most prestigious off-road motorcycle competition.
The Parliamentary presentation was jointly organised by the ACU and the National Motorcyclists Council (NMC). It was attended by Parliamentarians, Government representatives, leaders from across motorcycle sport, NMC member organisations, industry representatives and other stakeholders.
A keynote address was delivered by FIM President Jorge Viegas, who said: “Bringing the 6DAYS back to Great Britain next year is a truly special milestone for this historic event, as the very first edition was held in Carlisle in 1913. Since then, the competition has grown immensely and is now recognised as one of the most prestigious events on the FIM calendar.
"The 6DAYS last visited Great Britain in 1983 when it was hosted in Wales, so it is especially fitting that the 101st edition will return to a nation and a region with such a deep-rooted and proud Enduro heritage."
Alongside celebrating the return of the ISDE, the event also highlighted the wider contribution that motorcycling makes to society. In his address, Craig Carey-Clinch, Executive Director of the National Motorcyclists Council, outlined the significant benefits that motorcycling brings to those who ride, particularly in terms of personal wellbeing, community and social connection, while also emphasising the sector's wider contribution to the economy, transport, tourism and the environment.
He called for motorcycling to be properly recognised as an accessible, affordable and, in many circumstances, lower-impact form of private powered transport and leisure activity, with its potential reflected more fully in national and local government policy.
Greater recognition within transport and road safety strategies would enable motorcycling's contribution to social mobility, economic growth, youth engagement and safer roads to be more fully realised. Likewise, stronger recognition within sport, tourism and countryside policy would help unlock the substantial economic and social benefits the sector delivers across the UK.
Today's Parliamentary event marks the beginning of a year of activity leading up to the 2027 ISDE, celebrating both the return of one of the world's greatest motorcycle sporting events and the wider value of motorcycling to British society.
The event was hosted by John Slinger MP, who said: "I was delighted to help host the launch of the FIM Six Days Enduro of Nations alongside the Auto-Cycle Union, based in my constituency of Rugby.
"It is fantastic to see this prestigious event returning to the UK for the first time in over 40 years, with its 101st edition set against the stunning backdrop of the Welsh countryside. The UK has long been a global leader and pioneer in this sport, so events like this are a brilliant opportunity to showcase that heritage and inspire the next generation. While I may be new to Enduro, there's always a first time for everything – and I will certainly be cheering on the British team in 2027."
Craig Carey-Clinch added: "The FIM International Six Days Enduro showcases everything that is great about motorcycle sport while shining a positive light on the UK's £7 billion motorcycle sector and its 1.4 million riders.
"Motorcycling has enormous potential to help deliver wider transport, mobility and economic objectives. That potential can be unlocked through greater recognition within national and local transport policy and by ensuring motorcycling is properly considered as part of future mobility planning.
"UK motorcycle sport enjoys an outstanding international reputation and is one of this country's great sporting success stories, although it is not always recognised as such within the wider sporting landscape. We look forward to working with Government to develop initiatives that support the sport's important contribution to youth engagement, sustainability, environmental stewardship and road safety."
New Ride Right Initiative Aims to Protect Motorcycling
https://www.uknmc.org/news/new-ride-right-initiative-aims-to-protect-motorcycling
Campaign supports riders who take action to protect the future of legal on and off-road motorcycling
With the support of the National Motorcyclists Council (NMC), the Trail Riders Fellowship (TRF) and Auto Cycle Union (ACU) alongside the Motorcycle Industry Association (MCIA) and other motorcycle sector partners have joined forces to launch Ride Right (www.rideright.org.uk). This is a national campaign to protect the future of legal on and off-road motorcycling in the UK.
Motorcycle trail riding on unsealed roads and also off-road sport are part of Britain's countryside heritage. Responsible riders explore around 6,000 miles of legal unsealed green roads (part of the highways network) across England and Wales, or compete at venues and events managed by the ACU as the national Governing Body, plus clubs and other event organisers. For the vast majority, this is a responsible, joyful, and lawful pursuit, with quality of life, health and wellbeing benefits — as legitimate as mountain biking or horse riding.
But a visible minority of riders are putting these much-loved forms of active outdoor recreation under threat by riding illegally — on footpaths, bridleways, private and common land, and open moorland where no motor vehicle rights exist. This can be either via motorcycles or illegally used high powered eBikes. Their actions cause damage to the reputation of the responsible majority, damaging relations with landowners and local communities, and fuelling calls to close the very routes and venues that responsible riders depend on.
A single incident of illegal riding can violate multiple laws simultaneously — and the consequences stack. Fines, licence endorsements, seizure, even imprisonment. The risks are real, and they're not worth it.
Increasing frustration within the rider community at the behaviour of this minority has driven action to create Ride Right campaign. This is a shared, national effort, coordinated by the sport's Governing Body and the TRF as the leading authority on green road riding, to educate riders, promote responsible behaviour. The campaign also makes the case that those who ride within the law are proud stewards of the countryside, not a threat to it.
Keep it legal. Keep it courteous. Keep it open.
The campaign is built around four clear principles that every rider can adopt — whether they're exploring green roads on a sunny weekend or competing at a club enduro:
Ride Right
Use only legal public roads, follow signage, and know your responsibilities before you ride.
Right Place
Access practice tracks and private land only with landowner permission or at officially organised events.
Right Approach
Protect the landscape, follow the Countryside Code, and help keep routes open for future riders.
Right Attitude
Share the countryside courteously with walkers, cyclists, horse riders, residents, and those who work the land.
What's at stake
The scale of what legal riders stand to lose is easy to underestimate. The network of accessible unsealed green roads is already limited. Every incident of illegal riding generates complaints that fuel Traffic Regulation Orders, reclassifications, and permanent closures. Every confrontation with a landowner or the local community makes it harder for responsible riders to negotiate or maintain access.
Illegal riding has far reaching consequences. Riding without insurance, without road tax, on private land or on public highways where public motoring rights don’t exist — each is a separate offence, each carrying separate penalties. The cumulative impact can end a rider's licence, affect their livelihood and even result in a custodial sentence.
Driven by the riding community
Responsible riders have long criticised the behaviours of this minority and Ride Right is a campaign to galvanise efforts to drive out these unacceptable behaviours which sees the majority of responsible riders being penalised though reductions in opportunities and access.
Therefore, the campaign is designed to support the existing efforts of the riding community, because the most powerful influence on behaviour is the culture of the community itself. Changes in legislation and greater action by the Police with the support of the MCIA and NMC are supporting this drive for change.
It can be seen that when experienced and respected riders make clear that illegal riding is unacceptable — not just risky, but wrong — it changes what riders consider normal. The further development of mentoring, club culture, social media, and peer conversation are all part of the solution. National organisations such as the TRF and ACU are committed to amplifying those voices and supporting existing rider efforts.
Trail riding and off-road motorcycle sport have a long and proud place in British countryside culture. Ride Right exists to keep it that way — by supporting the people who love it most to protect it.
TRF CEO Graeme Collins Commented: “Although some of this minority of individuals may also behave anti-socially in other areas of their lives, many others will be genuinely misinformed and inadvertently ride where they shouldn’t. The TRF’s Green Road Map https://www.trf.org.uk/conservation/green-road-map/ overcomes this issue and shows people where they can ride on unsealed public highways.
“TRF membership is great value for money and unlocks access to a community of riders with knowledge of the best places to ride and explore the countryside in a responsible way.”
Graeme added “Feedback from our members reveals they are as frustrated and angry about anti-social behaviour as general members of the public in local communities”
Matthew Edwards-Wear CEO of the ACU explained: “There are countless fantastic clubs which can be found at https://acu.sport80.com/public/widget/1 . They run all kind of events throughout England and Wales” Practice tracks offer riders a closed course off road environment for those who are less inclined to compete so there really are no excuses”
Tony Campbell, CEO of the Motorcycle Industry Association (MCIA), said: “The vast majority of off-road motorcyclists do so legally and with full consideration to other people enjoying the countryside, unfortunately there are the few that ignore access rules causing significant reputational damage to Green Lane Motorcycling. That’s why the “Ride Right” campaign is such an important step forward, supporting riders to make informed and responsible choices that help safeguard the future of off-road riding and access to lawful green lanes.
“As a supporter of this campaign, MCIA is committed to working alongside other industry partners to promote safe, legal and considerate riding. By encouraging the right behaviours and challenging illegal activity, we can help protect riders, preserve access and maintain positive relationships with landowners and local communities over the long term.”
Craig Carey-Clinch, the NMC’s Executive Director said: “This new campaign aims to ramp up pressure to stamp out anti-social and illegal motorcycling and the illegal use of high powered e-bikes. It sits alongside the industry’s work with the police in this area, with both initiatives forming part of a new framework to tackle motorcycle crime, which will be launched in the coming weeks.”
Motorcycles Included in Government’s Next Steps on Autonomous Vehicle Safety
NMC’s liaison with the Government on crucial motorcycle safety concerns with AVs leads to recognition in new Consultation on ‘Statement of Safety Principles’ for AVs
As part of the implementation of the 2024 Autonomous Vehicles Act, the Government has launched a consultation on the ‘Statement of Safety Principles’ (SoSP) which will underpin the development of AVs and will guide the Secretary of State for Transport’s decisions on whether an automated vehicle can be deployed on Great Britain’s roads. It will also inform ongoing monitoring of authorised vehicles.
The draft Principles are framed around the AV Act 2024 safety standard, which the Government describes as 'a level of safety equivalent to at least that of careful and competent human drivers. The principles cover five broad themes: vehicle control; hazard anticipation, perception and reaction; obeying traffic rules; interaction with other road users; and adaptability to road conditions.'
This follows significant work by the NMC and its members, alongside road safety interests and other transport organisations, since the AV act was first mooted under the previous administration. Activities included discussions with DfT officials and the Centre for Connected and Autonomous Vehicles, plus meeting the then Secretary of State and the ministerial team, alongside several road safety focussed organisations, during the Act’s passage through Parliament, to discuss vulnerable user safety and the significant risk to motorcyclists and other vulnerable road users if they are not specifically included in the SoSP. Additionally, the NMC liaised with its international partners, the FEMA and FIM to understand wider developments in AVs and their impact on motorcyclists in other jurisdictions. The work of the Connected Motorcycle Consortium was also followed closely so that the NMC was able to understand the full picture of developments in an area which seems set to underpin the future of transport. The Council also took part in discussions on the issue as part of its membership of PACTS and responded to previous consultations.
The new consultation is the next step in the process towards the finalisation of the SoSP and the NMC strongly welcomes the inclusion and consideration of motorcycles within it. The consultation on the draft SoSP will be open until 9 September 2026. Depending on the outcome of this, the Government currently plans to lay a statutory SoSP before Parliament next year for approval by MPs.
NMC Executive Director Craig Carey-Clinch said: “We are very pleased that work on the SoSP is progressing with motorcycling in mind. Getting to this point has involved considerable background work on a topic which is very technical in nature. Getting the SoSP right is absolutely crucial for motorcyclists and other vulnerable road user safety and the consultation is an opportunity to ensure that motorcycle awareness and safety is fully embedded in the thinking of those involved in the development of AVs and the technology that sits behind these vehicles.
“This is also another example of how partnership both in the UK and Internationally can bring positive results, particularly in areas such as this, where policy surrounding the future of transport has such a significant impact on those who ride.”
Graduated Licensing Introduced in Northern Ireland
https://www.uknmc.org/news/graduated-licensing-introduced-in-northern-ireland
Better Training Must Deliver Safer Riders, Not New Barriers.
Major changes to the way new drivers and motorcycle riders are trained and licensed in Northern Ireland come into force from 1 October, with National Motorcyclists Council member, the British Motorcyclists Federation (BMF) taking a close interest in whether the new approach can improve novice rider safety without creating unnecessary barriers to motorcycling. The introduction of Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) represents one of the most significant reforms of driver and rider training and licensing there for decades.
The underlying principle is that learning to drive or ride should be about developing a safe and responsible road user, rather than simply acquiring sufficient technical competence to pass a test. The reforms are intended particularly to address the disproportionate involvement of younger and inexperienced road users in serious collisions.
Although much of the publicity surrounding GDL in Northern Ireland has concentrated on young car drivers, motorcycles are explicitly included in important elements of the new system. From 1 October, new Category A1, A2 and A motorcycle learners will enter a more structured learning regime. A new Programme of Training and Compulsory Logbook will record their development before they can take their practical test.
The motorcycle programme contains 10 mandatory modules plus an optional motorway-riding module, covering knowledge, practical riding skills and the development of safer attitudes and behaviours. Each mandatory module must be completed and recorded, with final sign-off required before the practical test.
Importantly, the six-month Mandatory Minimum Learning Period being introduced for car drivers does not apply to motorcyclists. Nor will the new restrictions on young newly qualified drivers carrying young passengers late at night apply to motorcycle riders. Other changes include extending Northern Ireland’s existing new-driver/rider restriction period from 12 months to two years, during which the appropriate R plate must be displayed. The existing 45mph restriction will also disappear under the new arrangements, allowing newly qualified riders to ride at the posted speed limit.
There are transitional arrangements. Riders whose Category A provisional entitlement began before 1 October can continue under the existing arrangements and take the current practical test until 31 March 2027. From 1 April 2027, learners will need to have completed the new Programme of Training and Logbook before booking their practical test.
The NMC and BMF supports the principle that effective, high-quality training can play an important part in reducing motorcycle casualties. However, graduated licensing should not automatically be regarded as synonymous with better road safety. Any changes need to be supported by evidence that they will produce measurable safety benefits.
They must also take account of the potential consequences of making motorcycle licensing more complicated, expensive or difficult to access. Creating additional hurdles could discourage riders from undertaking further training and progressing towards a full motorcycle licence – precisely the opposite of what good licensing policy should seek to achieve.
Motorcycle training and testing is devolved in Northern Ireland, so the new system is distinct from the proposals being considered by the UK Government for England, Scotland and Wales.
The Government’s Road Safety Strategy, published in January 2026, includes a specific review of motorcycle training, testing and licensing. A accompanying DVSA consultation sought views on changes intended both to improve road safety and simplify access to motorcycling.
The Government has specifically identified the issue of riders continually remaining on provisional licences after taking the CBT and says it wants to encourage more riders to undertake further training and obtain a full motorcycle licence. It has highlighted riders using motorcycles for work, including delivery riders, as a particular priority.
The NMC believes the objective should be to create a clear, affordable and attractive pathway from novice rider through structured training to a full motorcycle licence. Northern Ireland could provide valuable evidence to inform wider Road Safety proposals across the UK.
Northern Ireland is not simply introducing the same reforms currently being considered in Great Britain. There are important differences between the two systems. However, there is a common theme: moving motorcycle training away from treating minimum competence as the end point and towards structured learning, improved hazard awareness, better rider behaviour and progression through further training.
The Northern Ireland reforms therefore provide an important opportunity to analyse how this will work in practice, providing valuable evidence for future motorcycle training and licensing policy across the rest of the UK.
Commenting on the changes, BMF Chair Jim Freeman said: “The BMF and NMC support structured, high-quality training which demonstrably helps develop safer riders and reduce casualties. We all share the objective of reducing the unacceptable number of motorcyclists killed or seriously injured on our roads.
“But we must also be careful not to assume that simply making motorcycle licensing more restrictive or complicated will automatically make riders safer. Any changes must be evidence-led, proportionate and affordable and should encourage, rather than discourage, riders to undertake further training and progress towards a full motorcycle licence.
“Northern Ireland is taking a distinctive approach and we will be watching closely to see what the evidence tells us. If structured training produces safer riders, better hazard awareness and increased progression towards full licences, there may be valuable lessons for the rest of the UK. Equally, we need to understand whether any elements create unintended barriers to people taking up motorcycling or continuing their training.
“The BMF and NMC will remain fully engaged with Government, the DVSA, and our other partners and key stakeholders as the Government develops and implements its new Road Safety Strategy. We want motorcycling to be at the heart of that work and riders themselves to have a strong voice in shaping the future of motorcycle training and road safety.
“Our shared objective is better-trained, safer riders, with an accessible and affordable route towards gaining a full motorcycle licence.”
New VMCC Policy Paper Sets Out Key Issues for the Sector
As part of the VMCC’s rapidly developing work to secure the future of legacy and historic motorcycling in public policy, the Club has been working with the National Motorcyclists Council (NMC) to develop a new position paper which sets out key facts and issues relating to vintage and classic motorcycling.
This new paper will be used by the Club when dealing with a variety of audiences as we seek to protect legacy and historic motorcycling against a backdrop of evolving transport and road safety policy which does not always recognise motorcycling as part of the UK’s transport and social ‘tapestry’. With policies on roads access, the environment and safety which impacts not just modern motorcycling, but also the vintage and classic motorcycle world.
The paper comes in two versions – a summary which can be found here: (Summary (PDF)) and a more detailed paper which can be found here: (Detailed version (PDF))