Government Launches National Integrated Transport Strategy Consultation-Make Your Voice Heard

The Government has set out its vision for a new Integrated National Transport Strategy built on a “people first” approach to transport that “seamlessly joins all modes of transport together and puts people at the heart of our transport system.” Click here for link

In launching a public consultation on the new strategy, the Department for Transport has said they want everyone to be able to contribute to the new vision and to provide ideas on how the new strategy can best deliver greater opportunity, healthier communities and better lives. The new strategy will “set the framework for how they meet people’s transport needs today and in the future.” Motorcyclists have been specifically asked to contribute to the consultation.

It is clear however that, in order to deliver a truly national integrated transport strategy, the Government needs to consider all modes of transport as part of the planning process. Motorcycles and motorcyclists have unfortunately been frequently been overlooked in transport planning by previous UK governments, with the specific needs of motorcyclists often ignored, or scarcely considered, by policy officials. Previous transport policy papers have been heavy on plans for so called “active travel” (defined by government as walking, wheeling and cycling) but contain little or no reference to motorcycles. The National Networks National Policy Statement here, which supplies guidance for major transport developments contains no specific reference to motorcycling.

The new National Design Guide, here, which forms part of the government’s collection of planning practice guidance, likewise contains no reference to motorcyclists. Yet motorcyclists remain among the most “at risk” road users with casualties involving motorcyclists remaining unacceptably high. Reform of current licensing regulations and proper investment in motorcycle safety under a “Safe Systems” approach, with motorcycling front and centre of future transport policy, is urgently needed.

And for many people, reliance on personal transport remains essential, especially where public transport and other forms of transport are not a realistic option. Motorcycling offers a hugely versatile, low-cost and accessible transport option: one that supports personal choice in how we travel, which is affordable, efficient and sustainable; providing shorter journey times, lower energy use, reduced congestion and lower pollution; factors which should be integral to a fully integrated transport strategy fit for the 21st century. There are around 1.4 million people in the UK who regularly ride, with around 4 million who hold a motorbike licence. Around 50,000 people work in over 5,000 motorcycle-related businesses which form part of a £7 billion motorcycling sector, contributing significantly to overall GDP and the UK’s economic health.

The current consultation process therefore presents a real opportunity to ensure that motorcycling plays an integral part in a future, sustainable government transport strategy, with motorcycling brought into the mainstream of future transport policy and fully recognised as an important, accessible, cost-effective travelling solution for the future. It is critical that motorcycling is fully represented in the current debate and that all motorcyclists take the opportunity to comment on the strategy and provide their individual ideas on why motorcycling must be fully integrated into the Government’s new transport vision.

The consultation period is short, closing on 30 January 2025. Now, more than ever, is the time for motorcyclists to contribute ideas to this debate. The BMF and its key partner the National Motorcyclists Council (NMC) are calling on all motorcyclists to engage fully in this debate and send in your thoughts and ideas. Now, more than ever, is the time to make your voice heard.

You can access and reply to the consultation here.

The key points to make are also in the NMC summary position on motorcycling and the future of transport, which can be found here

Written by Paul Morgan CBE – BMF Government Relations Executive