Motorcycling gains positive mentions in sections covering the main transport settings, but the Government’s new strategy needs development if it is to be meaningful for motorcyclists

The National Motorcyclists Council (NMC) has today  (2/4/26) welcomed the publication of the Government’s transport strategy ‘Better Connected – A Strategy for Integrated Transport’. The Strategy says that the DfT needs: ‘… to consider transport through a new lens; rather than a traditional approach to transport which thinks in terms of buses, cars or trains, we must instead prioritise how people experience the transport network as a whole, and the transformative change we want everyone to see and feel when using transport’. This is a positive ambition, provided it is inclusive of all alternative transport modes – including motorcycles.

Motorcycling receives positive, though only brief, mentions in relation to the main transport settings of Urban, Suburban and Rural, with motorcycle imagery appearing in the document. Unfortunately, it does not go into further detail on these positive points. While it can be argued that motorcycling is implicit in certain other areas of the strategy which covers ‘all’ transport modes, this is not made clear. Instead, only walking, wheeling and cycling feature heavily as alternative modes to the car. Additionally, the significant engagement by individual motorcyclists in the regional roadshows, which were part of the consultation process, is also not reflected in the section that reports upon feedback received at these events.

However, motorcycle access to bus lanes is indicated specifically in relation to access being a congestion management tool, with the decision devolved to local authorities. This is welcome, though the NMC maintains its view that access should be a default unless there are special circumstances. Also welcome is the acknowledgment that motorcycles have a role to play in first and last mile connectivity in the suburban context, plus the explicit recognition of the threat to riders from poor road conditions.

Importantly, the role that motorcycles play in rural areas, where public transport is limited and car dependency is highest, is recognised, with motorcycles regarded as a distinct mobility solution. The NMC urges the Government to build on this recognition through discussing with the NMC what can be done to restart the support that was given to ‘Wheels 2 Work’ programmes before this was cut in 2016.

Under a section on delivery of ‘cross-modal integrated and transparent decision making’, the DfT do acknowledge that: ‘… some projects and funding programmes have historically been developed without proper consideration of a range of transport modes and limited early-stage exploration of alternative solutions. This can lead to premature commitment to specific options, with appraisal used to refine design rather than evaluate a range of approaches’. This is a welcome admission and one which the NMC looks forward to the Department addressing, through commencing wider engagement with motorcycling organisations on the alternative solution that motorcycling offers transport mobility. As part of this, there also needs to be proper engagement with motorcycle groups on the section in the Strategy on planning.

Craig Carey-Clinch, Executive Director of the NMC said: “While recognition of motorcycling in the Strategy is very welcome, this in no way compares to the broad range of mentions for other alternative transport modes, so the strategy cannot be described as properly inclusive of motorcycling. We urge the Government to regard what is said in the Strategy as only a starting place for the proper development of motorcycling’s role in integrated transport. All too often in the past, positive references in strategic documents are followed by no further engagement. We hope that ‘Better Connected’ can finally break out of this cycle of inaction when it comes to motorcycles as a mobility solution.
“When it comes to safety, a matter where the Government often expresses clear concerns, this will be essential. This is because the Government’s approach to transport policy overall, is fundamental to delivering the motorcycle safety gains it seeks in its Road Safety Strategy.
Unless motorcycling features fully as a recognised alternative transport mode, then investment in and attention to safety will remain a low priority at the local and regional levels where the Government seeks delivery of the aims in ‘Better Connected’. In short – if the Strategy doesn’t support motorcycling, there will be little impetus or incentive for local authorities to act further to improve rider safety and improve conditions for those who ride.
“So, while the new Strategy is a step forward, from the motorcyclists’ perspective there is a long way to go and more commitment to specific actions, plus integration into the wider context of transport delivery is needed. The NMC looks forward to working with the DfT as ‘Better Connected’ is further developed.”

The Government’s Strategy can be found here
The NMC’s response to the Integrated National Transport Strategy 2025 consultation can be found here

Written by Craig Carey-Clinch

More information about the National Motorcyclists Council and its members can be found here