The United Kingdom may no longer be part of the European Union, the British motorcyclists are certainly still part of the European motorcycling community. FEMA has strong bonds with the riders’ organisation BMF, the British Motorcyclists Federation and with the National Motorcyclists Council (NMC), which is the coalition of organisations that work on motorcycling issues in the UK. Here are some of the current issues:

The UK Government should accelerate efforts to improve road maintenance.
The National Motorcyclists Council (NMC) is urging the Government to accelerate efforts to improve road maintenance, following the Asphalt Industry Alliance’s (AIA) 2025 report. The report reveals a staggering £17 billion backlog in carriageway repairs across England and Wales, with roads resurfaced on average once every 93 years. Over half of local roads – approximately 106,000 miles – have less than 15 years of structural life remaining, with 34,600 miles at risk within five years. Local authorities report deteriorating conditions, with 65% noting a decline over the past year, despite over £20 billion spent on maintenance over the last decade. Poor road conditions pose significant safety risks to motorcyclists and vulnerable road users. The Pothole Partnership, including The AA, British Cycling, JCB, and the NMC, welcomed the Government’s £1.6 billion commitment to road maintenance but stresses this is insufficient for meaningful change. The Partnership advocates for local authorities to adopt the ‘Pothole Pledge,’ emphasizing permanent repairs over temporary fixes. NMC Executive Director Craig Carey-Clinch urges a shift from short-term solutions to sustainable, long-term funding, highlighting that every £1 invested yields at least £2.20 in returns, with potential returns up to £9.10 nationally. Additionally, NMC supporter TyreSafe has released new guidelines for motorcyclists, stressing the importance of regular tyre checks to enhance safety on poorly maintained roads. TyreSafe aims to promote safer and more sustainable riding practices.

Motorcycling must be fully included in the Integrated Transport Strategy.
The National Motorcyclists Council urges the Department for Transport (DfT) to fully integrate motorcycling into the forthcoming Integrated National Transport Strategy. Responding to the DfT’s ‘Call for Evidence,’ the NMC emphasizes that transport policy should enhance individual choice by supporting diverse transport modes, including motorcycles, as viable alternatives to cars. Over a million riders use motorcycles regularly for commuting and essential travel, often in conditions that increase their vulnerability on the roads. Motorcycles play a crucial role in reducing car dependency, especially where public transport is limited and distances are too long for walking or cycling. They also complement multi-modal travel systems. The NMC advocates for integrating motorcycling at all policy levels, improving connectivity between motorcycles and other transport modes, reducing rider vulnerability through local policies, and updating the Government Motorcycling Strategy to better support motorcycling within the national transport network. Despite efforts since the early 2000s to reduce car reliance, congestion and pollution remain major challenges, affecting public health, social development, and the economy. Motorcycles, as a low-polluting and congestion-free option, have been overlooked in transport policy, leading to insufficient investment in safety and infrastructure. This neglect perpetuates a ‘dis-virtuous circle’ where safety concerns prevent policy support for motorcycling, which in turn maintains high rider vulnerability. NMC Executive Director Craig Carey-Clinch highlights motorcycling’s potential to reduce congestion and pollution while supporting a low-carbon future. He calls on the DfT to recognize motorcycling’s benefits and collaborate with the NMC to enhance transport policy, improving safety and accessibility for riders now and in the future.

Dialogue with motorcycling organisations on motorcycle licensing and safety.

The National Motorcyclists Council (NMC) has welcomed the Department for Transport’s (DfT) consideration of reviewing the current motorcycle training, testing, and licensing system. This development was announced by Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport, Lilian Greenwood MP, during a Government Motorcycle Strategic Focus Group meeting, where licensing and motorcycle safety policies were discussed. The NMC has actively advocated for this review since publishing proposals in 2022. Their efforts, supported by various motorcycling organisations and road safety stakeholders, have fostered constructive dialogue with DfT officials and the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA). These discussions have helped spark a long-overdue debate on improving motorcycle licensing regulations. Beyond licensing, the meeting addressed broader safety and transport policy issues. The NMC anticipates further developments in the DfT Road Safety Strategy, following their participation in a road safety round table with the Secretary of State. The NMC is also pushing for a new government motorcycling strategy, to be included in the upcoming Integrated Transport Strategy currently under government consultation. NMC Executive Director Craig Carey-Clinch expressed optimism about the review, highlighting the importance of Minister Greenwood’s involvement and the government’s commitment to enhancing motorcycle safety. Carey-Clinch affirmed the NMC’s dedication to collaborating with the DfT on proposals to improve training, testing, and licensing, emphasizing the need for ongoing policy development to enhance rider safety and support motorcycling as a vital transport option.

Written by Wim taal

Source: NMC

Top photograph courtesy of NMC