The Norwegian motorcyclists’ organisation NMCU believes that investing in young motorcyclists is one of the most important things we can do for the future of road safety. Here is their story:

Young riders bring enthusiasm, curiosity and a genuine passion for motorcycling, qualities we value deeply. At the same time, we know that limited experience and developing risk awareness place young riders, especially those aged 16–18 with A1 license, in a vulnerable position. That is why we have chosen to meet young motorcyclists with support rather than restrictions, and with trust rather than blame.

‘We focus on responsibility, but we also emphasize the joy and freedom that motorcycling brings’

Why parents matter more than ever
For us in NMCU, it quickly became clear that meaningful road safety work for young riders cannot stop with the riders themselves. Parents play a decisive role, often without fully realizing how much influence they actually have. Parents help shape attitudes, expectations and boundaries. They influence which motorcycles are chosen, how maintenance is prioritized and what kind of riding behaviour is considered acceptable. Many parents, however, have little or no experience with motorcycles, which can make these conversations challenging. To reach parents where they are, NMCU has therefore developed digital parent meetings. The digital format makes it easier for parents to participate, regardless of geography, work schedules or previous involvement in motorcycling. Through these meetings, parents receive practical knowledge, research-based insight and concrete advice and, just as importantly, the opportunity to reflect and ask questions. Our aim is to promote meaningful dialogue between parents and young people. We want to emphasize that this is not about lecturing or issuing warnings, but about showing care, interest, and love. By actively including parents in this way, we aim to strengthen the confidence and understanding they need to be supportive partners for their children. Open dialogue, shared knowledge, and mutual trust create far better conditions for making safe choices than rules alone ever could.

NMCU Ung – meeting young riders where they are
Our efforts are organized through NMCU Ung, our national initiative for riders aged 16–25. Through this programmed, we meet young people in their everyday environments – in schools, local communities and organized activities – and talk about motorcycling in a way that feels relevant and realistic. We focus on behaviour, awareness and responsibility, while also emphasizing the joy and freedom that motorcycling represents. Just as importantly, NMCU Ung offers a sense of community and belonging, showing young riders that there is a positive, organised motorcycle culture built on respect for both fellow riders and other road users.

Strong cooperation creates real impact
One of the things we are most proud of is the strong cooperation behind this work. Our digital parent meetings and school-based road safety activities are developed in close collaboration with county authorities, national research institutions, traffic safety organizations, motorcycle dealers, police, emergency services and local volunteers. Each partner contributes valuable expertise, from research on young people’s behaviour in traffic, to practical knowledge about motorcycle maintenance, accident consequences and preventive measures. When these perspectives come together, parents and young riders receive consistent, credible and knowledge-based messages. For us, this cooperation is not just effective, it is essential. Road safety is a shared responsibility, and real progress is achieved when knowledge, experience and engagement are combined.

A long-term commitment to safe motorcycle culture
At NMCU, we are convinced that lasting road safety is built through knowledge, good behaviour and responsibility; not through additional mandatory requirements. Our approach is therefore preventive, voluntary and based on dialogue. By combining targeted efforts for young riders with accessible, digital involvement of parents, we aim to build a strong and sustainable motorcycle culture for the future. This work reflects our core values: responsibility, respect, knowledge and voluntary engagement.

NMCU values the close cooperation with national and European partners and are proud to contribute to this shared goal through our work within FEMA. Together with young riders, parents and partners, NMCU will continue to stand for a road safety culture built on trust, knowledge and shared responsibility, ensuring that the next generation can enjoy motorcycling with both freedom and safety.

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