The NMC Calls on Local Government to Engage The UK’s Motorcycling Revolution.

With new local government administrations commencing work around the UK, the National Motorcyclists Council (NMC) is today calling on all local, city and regional authorities to incorporate motorcycling in their plans for transport and to work positively with local motorcycling organisations as they develop their strategies. This is essential given that motorcycling’s popularity as commuter and practical transport has grown strongly during the Covid-19 pandemic and continues to do so as the UK emerges from lockdown. 

Despite the Covid-19 pandemic leading to decline in overall vehicle sales and use in 2020, Government statistics reveal that the second half of 2020 saw a significant increase in the registrations of new motorcycles and mopeds in the commuter and utility sector of the market. This reversed much of the impact of the first lockdown. New registration figures also reveal that as pandemic restrictions ease, motorcycling continues to surge. Industry figures reveal that new registrations of scooters in particular have approached a 40% increase compared to 2020, with overall market increases in April alone measuring several hundred percent.  

During 2020, the pandemic lockdowns saw an initial decease in the use of all vehicles. But given the Covid-safe characteristics of motorcycling, the lower percentage of lockdown related decline in motorcycling compared to other vehicle types, was quickly reversed as commuters switched from less Covid safe transport options to ride motorcycles for work and other practical transport activities.

NMC Executive Director Craig Carey-Clinch said: “Motorcycling is a key part of the transport mix and is increasingly becoming the transport alternative of choice for the commuting public. Local, city and regional authorities need to recognise this and work with motorcycle groups locally to create transport plans which recognise motorcycling as an important part of the transport mix. They must ensure that local policies supports those who wish to ride to work through the provision of supportive measures. This will lead to a safer and more sustainable environment for motorcycling.”

Ride to Work Day 2021 takes place on June 21st and the NMC urges all to visit the Ride to Work website and support the event

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ENDS

Notes to Editors:

1. Information about Ride to Work Day can be found here: http://ride-to-work-day.mag-uk.org/    
2. Government vehicle licensing stats can be found here: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/985555/vehicle-licensing-statistics-2020.pdf
3. Industry information from the MCIA can be found here: https://www.mcia.co.uk/posts/riding-the-lockdown-rollercoaster    
4. For further information please contact Craig Carey-Clinch, on 07979 757484 / craig@uknmc.org
5. National Motorcyclists Council members are: The Auto Cycle Union, the British Motorcyclists Federation, IAM RoadSmart, the Motorcycle Action Group and the Trail     Riders Fellowship

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