Motorcycling’s not had much love from the new Labour government in Westminster so far. The various political motorcycle lobbying groups have been rebuffed on default bus lane use, and there’s little sign of positive change in licensing or other areas of concern.
But the fight goes on into 2025, with the government’s Integrated Transport Strategy the next issue. The Department for Transport is consulting on the new Strategy, and the National Motorcyclists Council (NMC) is urging riders to respond to the consultation. The government’s “Call for Ideas” (www.gov.uk/government/calls-for-evidence/integrated-national-transport-strategy-a-call-for-ideas#ways-to-respond) specifically asks for the views of ordinary motorcyclists, plus the views of motorcycle sector organisations.
The NMC has already set out its position on what it says is needed to bring motorcycling into mainstream transport policy in a strategic document: Motorcycling and the Future of Transport. This is available on the NMC website and the group will build on this as part of its response to government.
In addition, the NMC is getting set for another 2025 policy move from Westminster: the promised Road Safety Strategy. Although this was announced in early autumn, when the NMC met the transport secretary to discuss the Strategy, little has happened since, though the NMC says it expects work to accelerate in that area.
There are also several outstanding issues where the industry has yet to be told of government proposals – not least plans for motorcycle decarbonisation. Other key areas of policy of interest to the bike trade include road condition and potholes, traffic engineering, urban/rural access, heritage protection, plus regulations related to 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 its 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.”
More info: www.uknmc.org