Spring Forward: The Riding Season Begins

With the clocks moving forward this weekend, 29th March, riders across the UK can look forward to longer days and more time on the road. Spring marks the start of the riding season for many, making it the ideal time to carry out essential bike checks, refresh your gear and get back into the rhythm of riding. As activity increases on the roads, awareness and preparation are key to staying safe. The British Motorcyclists Federation continues to represent and protect riders’ interests, ensuring your voice is heard where it matters most. As we head into a new season, we encourage all riders to enjoy the freedom of motorcycling responsibly and safely. Your ride, Your rights, Your BMF. Top image courtesy of Surja Sen Das

FEMA, FIM Europe & NMC update their position papers on motorcycling

Motorcyclists’ organisations FEMA, FIM Europe and NMC unveil a new set of joint position papers designed as powerful lobbying tools for the European motorcycling community. As the EU accelerates its work on mobility, climate policy, and road safety, these documents ensure that the voice of Europe’s riders is not only heard but taken seriously in the legislative process. The position papers present clear, evidence‑based recommendations for EU decision‑makers. They address the most pressing issues affecting motorcycling, from sustainable transport strategies and infrastructure design to licensing, training, and emerging technologies; they translate the concerns of millions of riders into concrete political wishes. With these joint position papers, FEMA, FIM Europe and NMC reaffirm their shared commitment to shaping policy in a way that protects

Proposals for Motorcycle Parking Charges in Hackney Scaled Back

In a major success for motorcyclists, Hackney Council has been forced to back down after a costly legal battle with residents and motorcycling organisations over motorcycle parking charges The National Motorcyclists Council (NMC) has welcomed the news that Hackney Council has been forced to significantly scale back its unsustainable proposals for motorcycle parking charges. This followed sustained political pressure and legal action from the local community. This was spearheaded by grassroots campaign group Save London Motorcycling (SLM), with support from the NMC, the British Motorcyclists Federation (BMF) and the Trail Riders Fellowship (TRF). The Council's original policy, first proposed in 2020, would have seen riders facing charges of up to £12,500 per year (£50 a per day). This was part of an

FIM & FEMA: no mandatory testing of motorcycles

FIM, supported by FEMA, has sent a letter to Jens Gieseke MEP, rapporteur on the revision of the Roadworthiness Package, urging him to maintain Member State flexibility regarding periodic technical inspections (PTIs) for motorcycles. The letter is also co-signed by 21 national motorcyclists' associations, in a historical cooperative effort to prevent the European Parliament from making a big mistake. The letter states: "We recognise and support the shared objective of improving road safety across the European Union and are involved in many projects to improve rider safety. However, extending mandatory PTIs to motorcycles – particularly through lowering the threshold to include motorcycles under 125cm3 as suggested in your draft report – raises serious concerns regarding proportionality, cost-effectiveness, and territorial fairness. Mandatory PTIs

International Women’s Day 2026

Police, Industry and Riders Unite for International Women’s Day Motorcycling Event Women riders from across the regions gathered at BMW Motorrad Chester to celebrate International Women’s Day with a special event focused on community, rider development and road safety. Hosted in partnership with Cheshire Police, the event welcomed female riders of all experience levels and provided an opportunity to connect with fellow motorcyclists while learning more about improving riding skills. The event was organised by Jen Whelan of Cheshire Police’s Motorcycle Unit. PC Whelan is currently the Constabulary’s only female police motorcyclist and previously became the first woman within the force and only the fifth woman nationally to pass the National VIPEX course, which qualifies officers to escort high-profile individuals including royalty and

Royal Enfield Launch ‘Ready to Ride’ Scheme…

...A New Route into Motorcycling for the Next Generation 🏍️ Getting into motorcycling can feel like a big step, not just learning to ride but covering the cost of training, the bike, the gear and the licence. Now, a new initiative from Royal Enfield and CA Auto Finance UK aims to make that journey far simpler and more accessible for the next generation of riders as the newly launched “Ready to Ride” programme introduces a straightforward, all-in-one finance package designed specifically to help new and aspiring riders get started on two wheels. For parents with teenagers looking at their first bike licence, or young adults eager to join the motorcycling community, this scheme could make the dream far more achievable. A Simpler

H&H Classics Auction return to the iconic National Motorcycle Museum

H&H Classics return to the iconic National Motorcycle Museum, Solihull on Wednesday 25th March 2026 (10am start) for their Motorcycle & Vintage Scooter Auction  and it’s always a fantastic day in the company of like-minded enthusiasts.   Whether you’re searching for your next classic addition, looking to sell a cherished machine or simply fancy a day surrounded by some stunning two-wheeled history, this is well worth putting in the diary.   📍 National Motorcycle Museum, Solihull 📅 Wednesday 25 March 2026 ⏰ Auction begins 10:00am   You can attend in person, bid online, via telephone or by commission, making it accessible wherever you are in the UK. 👉 Link to the auction   📅 Planning Ahead? View All Upcoming H&H Auctions   H&H host a full calendar of auctions throughout the year,

MCIA – Motorcycle Sector Faces April Cliff Edge as Only Personal Use Transport Mode Without Government Support

The Motorcycle Industry Association (MCIA) has today (25 February 2026) warned that the UK’s motorcycle sector faces an imminent policy cliff edge, as the Plug-in Motorcycle Grant (PiMG) is set to expire in April with no replacement currently proposed. If the scheme ends, L-Category vehicles – including mopeds, motorcycles, tricycles and light four-wheeled vehicles – will become the only road transport segment without any form of government subsidy support. MCIA warns this risks creating avoidable market disruption, at precisely the moment the Government is seeking to encourage the uptake in low and zero emission vehicles, reduce congestion and deliver economic growth. Mopeds, motorcycles and other powered light vehicles play a critical role in urban mobility, last mile logistics, affordable commuting and air quality

The BMF to Attend ABR Festival 2026

The British Motorcyclists Federation is delighted to confirm that 2026 will mark our very first attendance at the renowned ABR Festival, one of the UK’s most respected and vibrant motorcycle events. Our BMF stand will be set up from Thursday 25th to Sunday 28th June 2026 at the magnificent Ragley Hall Estate in Warwickshire, where our team will be based at the BMF gazebo throughout the event. A Festival Celebrating Motorcycling Set within acres of historic parkland and beautifully landscaped grounds, this years ABR Festival is expected to welcome around 20,000 riders, creating a unique atmosphere defined by community spirit, adventure and a shared passion for two wheels. The festival programme offers something for every rider. Mornings can begin with biker yoga led by

Women in Moto 2026 – The BMF Returns to Support Six Years of Rider Empowerment and Community

The British Motorcyclists Federation (BMF) is proud to confirm our return to Women in Moto 2026, taking place at Uttoxeter Racecourse on 22–23 August 2026, with camping available from Friday 21 August. Now entering its sixth year, Women in Moto has become one of the UK’s most respected and welcoming motorcycling events, bringing riders together in a supportive & inclusive environment focused on confidence, skills and community. Set within the extensive Staffordshire venue, Uttoxeter Racecourse provides the ideal setting, offering dedicated camping, riding areas, exhibitor zones and full facilities to support a diverse and growing rider community. The BMF events team will once again be present throughout the weekend, providing advocacy support, rider guidance and the opportunity for motorcyclists to connect directly with

FEMA President re-elected by Europe’s motorcycling organisations

For the second year in a row Olea Kvalsvik has been elected as FEMA's President. All members of the FEMA Management Board have also been re-elected: Eric Maldiney (treasurer), Jesper Christensen, Jari Kielinen, Michael Noonan and Kristrún Tryggvadóttir. During this year's annual general meeting, held in the Netherlands, we also welcomed two new organisations with observer status: Moto Touring Croatia and WIMA Norway. Both motorcyclists' organisations will now have a full year to get to know FEMA's inner working before they apply for full membership. Written by Wim Taal This article is subject to FEMA’s copyright

Dangerous fake motorcycle gear!

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

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