January 13, 2025
As we move forwards into 2025, it’s already clear that this will be a busy year for motorcycling and the organisations which represent riders and other motorcycle sectors.
To kick off the year, attention is focusing on the Government’s consultation on a new Integrated Transport Strategy. This ‘Call for Ideas’ specifically asks for the views of ordinary motorcyclists, plus the views of motorcycle sector organisations. The National Motorcyclists Council (NMC) is urging riders to respond to the consultation and set out their views on what Government should be doing for motorcycling before the consultation closes on January 30th .
The NMC has already set out it’s position on what is needed to bring motorcycling into the mainstream of transport policy, as part of its recently published strategic document ‘Motorcycling and the Future of Transport’ and will be building on this as part of its response to Government.
Also in the ‘pipeline’ for 2025, is a promised Road Safety Strategy from the Government. Although this was announced in early autumn, with the NMC called to meet the Transport Secretary to discuss Strategy themes, as part of a group of expert organisations, little has happened since, though the NMC expects work to accelerate in this area as we move into late winter and early Spring. Further discussions with the DfT on safety are already in the diary.
There are also several outstanding issues where we have yet to hear the Government’s proposals – not least their plans for motorcycle decarbonisation. On this, the NMC’s views remain consistent – that policy should not just focus on the single technology of battery electric, but instead also encompass other zero carbon technologies for both the motorcycle and broader powered light vehicle sectors. With policy moving at a pace which recognises international developments and market acceptability - so that we don’t see the kind of chaos which recently engulfed the Zero Emission Vehicle Mandate in the wider automotive sector. Other key areas of work include road conditions and potholes, traffic engineering, urban/rural access, heritage protection, plus regulations related to the sport.
NMC Executive Director Craig Carey-Clinch said: “2024 saw a roller coaster of activities in the public policy area, with both successes and disappointments. But in 2025, the NMC will look forwards, not backwards and focus on a busy motorcycling policy agenda as part of its longer-term aim to achieve a new Government Motorcycling Strategy.
The Integrated Transport Strategy consultation and call for ideas is a key part of this. All riders have the opportunity to express their views and share their experiences. This is an opportunity to place motorcycling front and centre in transport policy and the NMC urges riders to take advantage of it.”
Following the successful parliamentary reception that the NMC organised in partnership with the National Motorcycle Dealers Association in December, which set out the motorcyclists and motorcycle trade policy agenda, a number of further events are also taking place where key matters will be discussed. Road Safety GB is organising a key note motorcycling conference on February 13th with the support of the NMC and the industry will be holding their annual conference on February 18th. Two events which will also help shape the debate as 2025 progresses.
ENDS.
Notes to Editors:
1. For further comment from the NMC please contact Craig Carey-Clinch, on 07979 757484 | craig@uknmc.org
