Great work here once again by Paul Varnsverry the Personal Protective Equipment, Clothing Standards, Testing and Certification Specialist for the BMF, in helping to keep our UK riders protected Two companies selling motorcycle clothing: one based in the UK and one in Australia, recently joined tour bmf community Facebook group. The BMF’s PPE Specialist, Paul Varnsverry, asked both companies to provide evidence that their products have been independently tested and certified in accordance with the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Regulation that came into force on 21 April 2018. Both companies were tagged to ensure they were aware of the request and were invited to respond on two separate occasions. At the time of writing, no response has been received. Members are reminded to exercise

.....It’s Time the System Did the Same. The recent National Young Rider Forum meeting confirmed something that should reshape how we talk about 16–24 year old motorcyclists in the UK. Young riders are not ignoring safety. The evidence shows many are wearing appropriate protective equipment and using their motorcycles primarily for commuting, employment and education. For this generation, a motorcycle is not just leisure. It is mobility, income and independence. Yet the risk environment they face remains disproportionately high. When Risk Peaks Data from the Young Riders Matter report highlights clear patterns: • Increased collisions on Fridays • A concentration between 3pm and 6pm during peak commuting • The highest KSI rates in September, as schools return and traffic density rises These are not late-night thrill-seeking hours. They are rush-hour

January may have passed, but winter isn’t quite over just yet. February is often when riders begin preparing for the season ahead, upgrading kit, servicing bikes and replacing worn equipment before spring arrives. At the BMF, we’ll always say it plainly: A helmet is not a fashion item or a clearance bargain. It is life-saving equipment. A discount is only a deal if the helmet meets the standards designed for one purpose - to protect your life or the life of someone you love. --- ⭐ 1. Why Helmet Safety Still Matters - Every Month Head injuries remain one of the leading causes of fatal and life-changing outcomes for motorcyclists. Helmets are engineered to: * Absorb impact energy * Manage force distribution * Reduce rotational forces * Protect the brain

Paul Varnsverry Joins Forces with the BMF in the Fight Against Fake Riding Gear Paul Varnsverry, a leading expert in the design, manufacture and use of specialist motorcycle personal protective equipment, and who has been directly involved in the development of clothing standards and in testing and certification over many years, has formally joined forces with the BMF to tackle the growing trade in counterfeit and unsafe riding gear. Paul was previously involved with the BMF back in the 1990s, when he worked on the development of the earlier "High Performance Garment Scheme" which was endorsed by the BMF and, at that time, utilised the BMF logo to assist riders in identifying the authenticity of official motorcycle clothing. Paul has, over the course

The British Motorcyclists Federation is inviting riders to take part in the National Young Rider Forum, an online event launching the Young Riders Matter research report . A study built on real rider experiences from across the UK. This forum is about young riders being heard. The research draws on five years of surveys and interviews, looking at how young motorcyclists ride today, what pressures they face, and how changes in work, costs and daily travel are shaping life on two wheels. But this isn’t just about statistics, it’s about real people and real riding. The forum gives riders the chance to: • hear what young riders are saying nationwide • understand how these experiences affect road safety decisions • see why rider voices matter when

New BMF Partnership: Supporting the Human Side of Riding The British Motorcyclists Federation is pleased to announce a new partnership focused on the human side of riding. We’ve teamed up with Claire Jones, founder of YourOneLife Motorcycle Mindset Coaching. Claire is an award-winning life coach and she specialises in motorcycle mindset and confidence. Claire is not a riding instructor and doesn’t teach technical skills. Instead, she helps riders develop the psychological and emotional tools that underpin safe, confident and enjoyable motorcycling. Tools that enable riders to make the most of their training. Mindset is a vital human factor in riding. It influences posture, hazard perception, decision-making, emotional regulation, and the ability to assess and manage risk, especially under pressure. Whether you're just starting out,

The BMF attended a round table meeting in Parliament earlier today (January 21st), hosted by the Shadow Transport Secretary Mr. Richard Holden. In a wide ranging discussion, covering key motorcycling issues, attended by senior representatives from across the motorcycling sector, those present were able to update the Shadow Transport Secretary on key motorcycling priorities, including the pressing need for the positive inclusion of motorcycling in a a future national transport strategy. Paul Morgan CBE, the BMF’s Government Relations Executive who attended the meeting said: “This was a positive and constructive meeting with the Shadow Transport Secretary, where motorcycle sector representatives were able to come together to discuss the shared aim to deliver a positive future for motorcycling as an important and sustainable future

...including the Introduction of 5-Year Warranties on Pothole Repairs On National Pothole Day, the "Pothole Partnership", which is supported by the British Motorcyclists Federation, has called for a radical new approach to fixing potholes to protect all road users from the significant safety risks presented by the continuing poor state of the UK's roads and, in particular, from the scourge of potholes across the UK's road network which present a heightened danger to the safety and wellbeing of motorcyclists. The Pothole Partnership – founded by the AA, JCB, British Cycling, and the National Motorcyclists Council (NMC) and supported by the BMF since its inception – is today calling for a step change in road maintenance standards and a minimum five-year warranty issued

Government Announces New Road Safety Strategy, Including a Consultation on Reforms to Motorcycle Training, Testing and Licensing and Separate Trials to Improve Motorcycle Safety on Rural Roads The Government has today (7th January 2026) announced the launch of its new Road Safety Strategy, the first in over a decade, with the aim to reduce deaths and serious injuries on Britain’s roads by 65% by 2035. The strategy includes specific measures to crack down on uninsured drivers, drug and drink drivers, and vehicles being used without a valid MOT. As part of the new strategy, a consultation is to be launched on potential reform to the current motorcycle training, testing and licensing regime, with wider work to be taken forward to improve

As we begin a new year, many parts of the UK are experiencing true winter conditions, from light snow flurries to extreme snowfall and icy roads. While January often sees fewer motorcycles on the road, riders are very much still out there and winter conditions bring increased risks for everyone. For motorcyclists, snow, ice, slush and grit can dramatically reduce grip, visibility and reaction time. Even roads that appear clear can hide frozen patches, particularly on shaded lanes, bridges and higher ground. For drivers, spotting motorcycles in poor weather can be more challenging, making awareness and patience more important than ever. A shared responsibility Motorcycle safety is not just about the rider; it’s about how all road users behave. Taking an extra moment