The BMF will oppose any efforts to prevent the use of any internal combustion engine powered bike.

The Motorcycle Industry Association (MCIA) and transport decarbonisation specialists, Zemo Partnership, were tasked in the Government’s Transport Decarbonisation Plan to identify the actions needed to create new UK business and consumer opportunities for zero emission ‘powered light vehicles’ (PLVs). This includes powered two wheelers and other ‘L-Category’ vehicles, as regulation defines them.

The publication of the ‘Action Plan’ shows how, working together with industry, the Government can remove barriers, which will allow zero emission PLVs to become significant modes of transport and help ensure industry and consumers are able to fully harness the opportunities they present for the environment, congestion and as affordable personal mobility solutions.

Anna Zee, BMF political Technical Services Director said “The BMF believes motorcycles, regardless of power source, have much to contribute to transport and we will oppose any efforts to prevent the use of any ICE powered bikes while they are capable of being run. Nor do we want a ban on the manufacture of ICE powered bikes while they offer a more fuel efficient mode than most other transport.”

Anna then added “In the foreword to the MCIA’S Action Plan Trudy Harrison says she can’t endorse and commit to everything in the plan; apart from that it might as well be government policy. It may be a good plan for developing battery electric bikes for the market but it is very disappointing that that is all it seems to be about, with no mention of any alternative fuels. It is also a plan which does not recognise what riders want other than pure utility. The plan may encourage new participants in the motorcycle market but I doubt if this is the only route for the existing principal manufacturers.”

The Action Plan recommends 10 actions:

1. A review of existing L-Category vehicle regulation to ensure it remains fit for purpose and caters for the evolution of future zero emission PLVs, including assessing the potential for a new vehicle category.
2. Developing the component and system supply chain in the UK for zero emission L3-Category powered two-wheelers (PTWs) to encourage new entrants to the market, lower manufacturing costs and maximise the potential for GHG emission savings.
3. Developing the manufacturing base and supply chain in the UK for zero emission L7 cargo vehicles to increase the number and availability of models on the market, providing a greater degree of consumer and fleet choice.
4. A review of the current grant and incentivisation structure in the PLV sector, including adopting learning from other vehicle categories where the roll out of zero emission tailpipe vehicles has proven successful.
5. Conducting a public awareness campaign jointly led by Government and industry to promote the existence, availability, and benefits of zero emission PLVs to consumers and businesses.
6. Simplifying the existing licensing regime across all L-Category segments to improve access to zero emission PLVs for a wider section of the community, increasing access, uptake and adoption.
7. Increasing mobility in rural communities by providing access to affordable zero emission PLV solutions using initiatives such as Wheels to Work.
8. Engaging with local authorities through the Local Authority Transport Decarbonisation Toolkit to ensure zero emission PLVs form part of an integrated transport solution for the UK.
9. Creating a formal L-Category community to engage with the Government and monitor the delivery of this Action Plan.
10. Engaging with industry to ensure zero emission PLVs are considered and incorporated into the development of the EV charging infrastructure.

Press release by MCIA

Top photograph courtesy of BMW Motorrad UK