New Dutch in-depth study into motorcycle accidents FEMA News 21 April 202621 April 2026 In the Netherlands an in-depth study into motorcycle accidents shows that in more than half of the crashes, a collision with another road user resulted in the most serious injury. The crash opponent was most often a passenger car. The aim of this in-depth study by SWOV Institute for Road Safety Research was to contribute to promoting the road safety of motorcyclists by providing qualitative insight into the factors that play a role in the occurrence and outcome of motorcycle accidents. In this report, the following four research questions are answered: 1. Which crash patterns or sub-types of motorcycle crashes can be distinguished? 2. Which crash and injury factors contribute to the occurrence of these crashes? 3. Do these factors differ from those reported in
MCIA Calls for Coordinated National Action on Illegal E-Bikes Following Extensive Engagement with Police Leaders Other news 16 April 202616 April 2026 The Motorcycle Industry Association (MCIA) is calling for coordinated national action to tackle the rapid growth of illegal, high-powered and tampered e-bikes, following extensive engagement with police forces and Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs) across the UK – and ahead of the Second Reading of the Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycles (EAPC) Bill. Illegal vehicles – including illegally modified e-bikes and non-compliant products marketed as “e-bikes” which are capable of moped and motorcycle performance – are increasingly being used on public roads without licensing, registration, insurance or safety oversight. MCIA warns that this is creating a parallel, unregulated mobility market with significant implications for road safety, policing resources and legitimate businesses. The impact on the legal sector is significant. Registrations of new L1
Survey: motorcyclists and protective clothing FEMA News 15 April 2026 FEMA, FIM Europe and NMC published an online survey about (mandatory) protective gear for motorcyclists, to gauge the European riders’ points of view. We receive information from a growing number of countries that governments are suggesting the mandatory use of (parts of) mandatory PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) and we think it is important to have an understanding of today's riders’ opinions. We invite all riders to take part in the survey, and to share the survey with as many motorcycling friends and colleagues as possible. Please fill out the survey before Monday 11 May 2026. ----------------------------------------------------- CLICK HERE TO OPEN THE SURVEY. -----------------------------------------------------
Better Connected: A Strategy for Integrated Transport BMF News 2 April 20262 April 2026 The Government’s long-awaited Transport Strategy Better Connected – A Strategy for Integrated Transport was published today. The strategy sets out the Government’s plans for future transport provision and connectivity for the next decade. Anna Zee, BMF's Political and Technical Services Director said: " The BMF welcomes the publication today by the Government of its new Integrated Transport Strategy. The BMF submitted detailed comments in response to the original consultation on the strategy launched in early 2025, when we called on the Government to recognise motorcycling as an integral part of the UK’s future transport model. We are pleased to see that motorcycling has been included in the strategy as a future sustainable transport option that can both cut congestion and reduce overall UK carbon
New Government Transport Strategy Only a Starting Place for Motorcycle Policy Development NMC News 2 April 20262 April 2026 Motorcycling gains positive mentions in sections covering the main transport settings, but the Government’s new strategy needs development if it is to be meaningful for motorcyclists The National Motorcyclists Council (NMC) has today (2/4/26) welcomed the publication of the Government’s transport strategy ‘Better Connected – A Strategy for Integrated Transport’. The Strategy says that the DfT needs: ‘… to consider transport through a new lens; rather than a traditional approach to transport which thinks in terms of buses, cars or trains, we must instead prioritise how people experience the transport network as a whole, and the transformative change we want everyone to see and feel when using transport’. This is a positive ambition, provided it is inclusive of all alternative transport
NMC and VMCC Highlight Significance of Legacy and Historic Motorcycling NMC News 1 April 20262 April 2026 New policy paper sets out how the sector is an important part of the fabric of the UK’s economy, sport, heritage and society The National Motorcyclists Council (NMC) and the Vintage Motor Cycle Club (VMCC) have published a keynote policy paper which brings to light the significance of the legacy and historic motorcycle sector. The UK has significant motorcycling cultural heritage, with a long and proud history boasting over 125 years of invention, technical development and world record setting. The sector is of significant value. It was estimated in 2023 that there were 624,805 vintage and classic motorcycles (Loop report) which in 2020 had an estimated f leet value of nearly £1.2 billion (HERO-ERA report). This represents nearly 30% of the value
Government Faces £50m Market Hit to Electric Motorcycle Market as Industry Coalition Warns of “Cliff Edge” BMF News 30 March 20262 April 2026 New economic analysis commissioned by the Motorcycle Industry Association (MCIA) has revealed that ending the Plug-in Motorcycle Grant (PiMG) could wipe £50 million from the UK’s electric motorcycle market and significantly stall uptake of zero emission vehicles. The analysis, undertaken by WPI Economics, suggests that removing the grant could result in around 6,500 fewer zero emission motorcycles being sold by 2030. This is equivalent to losing two and a half years of current sales in the sector. The findings have been highlighted in national media coverage today (30.03.26), underlining the growing concern around the potential impact of the scheme’s expiry. (click to read the Telegraph 's article) In response to the findings, an MCIA-led coalition of manufacturers, retailers, logistics operators, road safety groups
Spring Forward: The Riding Season Begins BMF News 28 March 202626 March 2026 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 FEMA News 26 March 202623 March 2026 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 NMC News 26 March 2026 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 FEMA News 18 March 2026 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 BMF News 9 March 202619 March 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