Motorcyclists say ‘no’ to ban on new petrol-powered bikes

A FEMA survey shows that a possible ban on the sale of new petrol-powered motorcycles is rejected by more than 90 percent of the motorcyclists that took part in the survey. In July and August 2021 FEMA conducted an online survey on motorcycle emissions and a possible ban on the sale of new petrol-powered motorcycles. The survey was available in 12 languages and was filled out by 23,768 people (1,188 women and 22,580 men). When asked ‘What do you think about a possible ban on the sale of new petrol-powered motorcycles?’, 92.91% of the motorcyclists that responded rejected such a ban. There are differences between countries, but the disapproval rate of a possible ban on the sale of new petrol-powered motorcycles does

Save the date: BMF’s Annual General Meeting 2021

BMF's chair Jim Freeman invites all BMF members to take part in the 2021 Annual General Meeting Saturday 9 October. Notice is hereby given that the 2021 Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the British Motorcyclists Federation (BMF) will take place on Saturday 9 October 2021 at 11am. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it is intended that the meeting will be held virtually using the electronic meeting software, Zoom. All full and affiliate members of the BMF are cordially invited to register their intention to take part in the AGM. Voting rights of those taking part are set out in Section 6 of the BMF Constitution. Registration of your intention to attend the AGM will be through the BMF membership administration – please contact

Yamaha develops fake exhaust sounds

It's been suggested as a joke in the past, but now Yamaha is developing it for real – computer generated exhaust notes for electric motorcycles and cars. Electric bikes have been criticised by some for lacking the soul of a petrol motorcycle, whether it's the deep rumble of a V-twin or the high pitched wail for a four-cylinder superbike. Hideo Fujita, a sound developer at the company, told the business news service Bloomberg that the device would mimic the sound of an ICE engine as well as other noises. “Even one that sounds like Star Wars.” But it's not just about emotion – Yamaha engineers believe that sound is crucial for the rider to have a sense of control and speed. Yamaha

‘Climate change doesn’t mean we have to stop riding motorcycles’

A report by the All Party Parliamentary Group of MPs on Fair Fuel condems the Government’s plans to ban the sale of new fossil fuelled car and bikes. BMF's Peter Henshaw calls the report a travesty. It sounds pretty official, doesn't it? A report by the All Party Parliamentary Group of MPs on Fair Fuel finds that the Government's decision to end sales of new petrol and diesel cars in 2030 is wrong headed and demands that it be abandoned. It says that MPs are 'lining up' to support its stance and that a survey of the public backs this up. 'Just 19 MPs supported this report – out of 600+ MPs, it's not a landslide majority.' Except that this 'report' is a

France’s president Macron: ‘no technical motorcycle inspections now’

French president Macron postponed the implementation of the European Union’s requirements for periodic motorcycle inspections. France’s transport ministry hit the brakes on an order for the nation’s army of motorbikers to get their machines tested every two years, after President Emmanuel Macron got wind of the plan. “Now is not the time to bother the French public,” said an aide to the president who asked not to be identified, adding that the government was “already asking a lot” during the Covid crisis. A decree had been issued on Wednesday 11 August 2021, ordering regular roadworthiness tests for motorbikes from 2023, in a long-delayed move to bring France into line with EU legislation. Macron’s move to rescind a decree issued by his own government

What does the ban on fossil fuelled vehicles really mean?

MPs come out to condemn the Government’s 2030 ban on new fossil fuelled car sales and the ill-informed push for us all to drive electric. MPs have endorsed a ground-breaking new report from the APPG for Fair Fuel for UK motorists and UK hauliers. It brings to the attention of decision makers that UK’s 37m drivers also want clean air to breathe. But at the same time to show that the current unilateral Government policies for road users, whilst on the surface seem laudable, are instead set to be damaging for the economy and the Nation’s role in ‘helping out’ with global climate change. APPG Chair, Craig Mackinlay says: “The only thing that’s protecting the Government from electoral harm on

£5 million extra for London scrappage scheme

The BMF has welcomed the London Mayor's announcement of an extra £5 million for the capital's scrappage scheme in advance of the expansion of Ultra Low Emissions Zone (ULEZ) in October 2021. “This is good news for owners of older pre-Euro 3 but non-historic machines,” said BMF Chair Jim Freeman. “For commuters on these bikes, the £12.50 daily ULEZ charge from October 2021 will be a hammer blow. Helping them to upgrade to a compliant motorcycle or scooter is a positive step, especially for those on low incomes.” Under the scheme, which was announced in 2019, riders can apply for a grant of £1000 when scrapping a non-compliant motorcycle or moped. Nearly 10,000 vehicles have been scrapped or retro-fitted under the scheme. London

Highway Code updated – Motorcyclists ‘ignored’ says NMC

The UK Government is to change Highway Code advice to favour walkers and cyclists as part of a £338 million package to boost the boom in active travel. "The more vulnerable you are as a road user, the more priority you will have on the road system,” said Secretary of State Grant Shapps when interviewed on BBC Radio 4's Today programme. The changes see a 'hierarchy of road users' classed according to the damage they can to do others: pedestrians are at the top, followed by cyclists and horse riders. However, little mention was made of motorcycle and scooter riders, despite this group being more vulnerable road users than car, van and HGV drivers. “The BMF have pushed the inclusion of motorcycling, as

Germany opens roads to autonomous vehicles

The German parliament has passed a law which allows Level 4 autonomous cars to use public roads for the first time. This is a big step forward for autonomous vehicles, with Germany the first country in the world to allow cars with this high-level autonomy onto the roads. Japan currently allows Level 3 cars while the UK allows Level 2, which includes features such as lane-keep assist and automatic parking. Until now self-driving permits across the world have only been allowed for testing purposes. Autonomous cars are classified according to six levels. Level 0 includes traditional vehicles with no autonomous controls whatsoever. Level 1 encompasses basic help such as automatic emergency braking and lane control; Level 2 adds automatic steering, acceleration and

NMC ‘Encouraging involvement in Welcoming Roads Approach.’

The BMF is whole-heartedly supporting the National Motorcyclists Council (NMC) encouragement of government, public authorities and organisations involved in road safety to adopt the ‘Welcoming Roads’ approach to Vision Zero messaging which was put forward by the Motorcycle Action Group (MAG) in June. The NMC welcomed the approach as an important contribution to the road safety messaging debate when Welcoming Roads was launched. It has since been supported by several organisations and has been promoted to the Government.  MAG has since made available a new edition of the core Welcoming Roads message, which is available for download on the NMC website and is in a form which can be used by any organisation or individual. Vision Zero has been at the core of international

Top