Graduated Licensing in Northern Ireland: Better Training Must Deliver Safer Riders – Not New Barriers

Major changes to the way new drivers and motorcycle riders are trained and licensed in Northern Ireland come into force from 1 October, with the British Motorcyclists Federation (BMF) taking a close interest in whether the new approach can improve novice rider safety without creating unnecessary barriers to motorcycling. Northern Ireland will introduce Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) from 1 October 2026, representing one of the most significant reforms of driver and rider training and licensing there for decades. The underlying principle is that learning to drive or ride should be about developing a safe and responsible road user, rather than simply acquiring sufficient technical competence to pass a test. The reforms are intended particularly to address the disproportionate involvement of younger and inexperienced

Bike & Brew Passport 2026: Final Days to Collect Your Stamps

There are only a few days left to collect your final Bike & Brew Passport stamps, with the 2026 event drawing to an end on the 30th of September. The Bike & Brew Passport, a Make Your Mark initiative, gives motorcyclists the opportunity to discover new roads and places across England and Wales (and Scotland next year), visit biker-friendly venues and enjoy a brew along the way, while bringing riders together through a shared love of motorcycles and exploring. If you have been taking part this year, here is what you need to know about what happens next. What happens after the 30th of September? Although the event finishes on the 30th of September, there will be an opportunity to have your passport stamps counted on

THAT’S A WRAP ON OUR 2026 BMF BIKE MEETS! 

What a fantastic year it has been! Since our first meet in April, we’ve welcomed thousands of bikes, riders, traders and supporters to Mallory Park, with every month bringing its own unique atmosphere and plenty of fantastic memories. A huge thank you to everyone who has supported our meets throughout 2026 - whether you rode along, brought your friends, supported our traders, enjoyed the entertainment, shared our posts or simply came along to be part of the evening. We’d also like to thank our BMF team, our marshals, who have all volunteered their time, traders, photographers, entertainment, the Lakeside Diner, Cupola Coffee and Cakes and everyone working behind the scenes who helped make each meet possible. It’s been fantastic to see these evenings continue to

Motorcycling Bodies Launch Ten-Point Plan to Tackle Theft and Anti-Social Behaviour

Ten-Point Plan aims to clear the road for motorcycling to help solve the UK’s mobility and personal transport challenges. Motorcycling has real potential to help solve some of society's key transport challenges: cutting congestion and emissions, easing pressure on transport networks, supporting social mobility, reducing transport inequality and improving health and wellbeing. Over a million riders already contribute to this. But that potential is being held back by a set of very real problems that divert attention from motorcycling’s broader contribution to wider society. The National Motorcyclists Council has today launched a strategic ten-point plan with industry support, which proposes a blue print for action to tackle these problems. Motorcycle theft, anti-social behaviour (ASB) and motorcycle-enabled crime affects motorcyclists directly, but it

No One Rides Alone: Riders Unite for the Elysium Memorial Unveiling

Sunday 13th September saw nearly 500 riders, families and members of the public come together at the National Memorial Arboretum in Alrewas, Staffordshire, for the unveiling of the Elysium Memorial, a memorial dedicated to veterans and serving personnel who have lost their lives to suicide, and their families. The event was organised by Wheels for Wishes, with riders travelling to the Arboretum as part of a large group ride. Members of the public also came out along the route to show their support, despite the poor weather at the start of the morning. A turnout bigger than expected According to Wheels for Wishes organiser Ally, nearly 500 bikes took part, with riders travelling from across the UK, as far afield as Bristol. Ally

Women in Moto 2026: More Than Just a Weekend of Bikes

Two weeks ago, the BMF team were at Uttoxeter Racecourse for Women in Moto 2026. Looking at the weather now, those two days of sunshine already seem a long way away. Now in its sixth year, Women in Moto has become something of an annual reunion for those who have supported it from the beginning. Familiar faces return, friends catch up, clubs meet, new riders arrive and, alongside them, there are always people experiencing the event for the very first time. For the BMF, being there is about much more than putting up a gazebo and handing out membership information. Throughout the weekend, the BMF stand provided a place for riders to stop, chat and ask questions about everything from membership and

Padgett’s Motorcycles Awarded Prestigious Royal Automobile Club Torrens Trophy

Padgett’s Motorcycles, one of the most respected and successful names in British motorcycle racing, has been awarded the historic Torrens Trophy by the Royal Automobile Club in recognition of more than six decades of outstanding contribution to the sport. Presented only in exceptional circumstances, the Torrens Trophy recognises an individual or organisation that has made an outstanding contribution to the cause or technical excellence of safe and skilful motorcycling in the United Kingdom. This rare accolade reflects Padgett’s extraordinary legacy in the sport, spanning more than six decades of success at the highest levels of international racing and road racing. Padgett’s has supported and developed generations of world-class riders, achieving sustained success at the very highest level. Over this period, no other

BMF AGM 2026 – October 10th

This is formal notice that the 2026 Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the British Motorcyclists Federation (BMF) will take place on Saturday 10 October 2026 at 10.00am The meeting will be held on 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 administration – please contact admin@bmf.co.uk Please take the opportunity to update your bmf membership contact details as soon as possible. All future communications regarding the AGM, including the issuing of all papers and documents will be through the BMF membership database.

‘One in two motorcyclists misjudges the required braking distance’

Estimating the required braking distance on the motorcycle during an emergency manoeuvre: this is the subject of the latest study by the German Institute for Two-Wheeler Safety (ifz). The fact that a large proportion of motorcyclists reach their limits here is shown by the results of the practical study carried out by the ifz. About one in two motorcyclists misjudges the required braking distance and needs more distance to brake than previously estimated. This is one of the central findings of the recently published and thus most recent ifz study "Limits of Perception When Braking – Estimation and Reality of Braking Distances with the Motorcycle in Comparison". The visibility estimates of the braking distances were "checked" by the test subjects through their

Hammersmith & Fulham Council PARKING!

Hammersmith & Fulham Council has just put out a consultation on charging motorcycles to park - we need your help to keep bike parking free. At the moment motorcycles park for free in all bays across most of Hammersmith & Fulham, including solo motorcycle bays. The Council is now considering changing that, but importantly they have not yet decided on the details. Crucially, it appears from council documents that they are open to retaining free parking in solo motorcycle bays, but we need your help to make sure that happens! Respond now! We need all riders to respond to this - before 5pm on Friday 18 September, to tell the council   💥No to charges for bikes throughout Hammersmith and Fulham 💥Parking in solo motorcycle bays

The Scottish National Road Rally 2026

11th & 12th September 2026  **Entries NOW OPEN** The BEST excuse ever for a “Ride out!" Ride the best roads in the Scotland, meet fellow riders and test you navigational skills to achieve a Platinum Rally award. The Scottish National Road Rally (SNRR) is one of the three NATIONS of navigational motorcycle road rallies organised by the Auto Cycle Union (ACU). The original ACU National Road Rally was first run in 1933, and will soon celebrate its centenary. The Navigational Road Rally (U.K.) was originally a distance rally for motorcycle manufacturers to test the reliability of their machines. In modern times the rally has evolved into a navigational scatter rally and now encompasses 3 National Rallies. The Welsh National Road Rally (WNRR) in May The

Ride 2 Buxton: Bringing Motorcycle Safety into Focus

The British Motorcyclists Federation (BMF) joined riders and road safety organisations for the Ride 2 Buxton Motorcycle Safety Event at Buxton Fire Station last Friday (14th August) evening. The event, hosted by Steve Green from Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service and Mary Lomas from Fletchers Solicitors, was organised as a motorcycle safety initiative, bringing together riders and organisations to share information, experience and practical advice. Taking place within the fire station car park, the evening gave riders the opportunity to visit the different stands, talk directly to those involved and find out more about the work being carried out across motorcycle and road safety. There was also a welcome incentive for riders making the journey, with the first 100 attendees receiving a free

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