The first week of the New Year saw the long-awaited road safety strategy released by the Department for Transport – the first in more than ten years. Mainstream news headlines about the strategy focused on changes such as lower drink-driving limits, eye tests for older road users, and improved training for young car drivers. All of which should benefit more vulnerable road users, such as motorcyclists.
There were also specific mentions of motorcycling, with the announcement of a review into two-wheeled training, testing and licensing – something the industry has been lobbying hard for over the past five years or so. And there was also support for trials to improve motorcycle safety on rural roads.
The licensing review has been called for by both the MCIA and the NMC, and both organisations welcomed the news. The NMC’s executive director, Craig Carey-Clinch, said: “The NMC strongly welcomes news that there is to be a consultation on reforms to motorcycle training, testing and licensing. These are fundamental to motorcycle safety, and several options can be considered as part of a structured new approach to motorcycle licensing that delivers short-, medium-, and long-term safety improvements in line with new road safety targets. We also welcome news that the strategy will have a focus on improving rural motorcycle safety.
“The strategy contains a wide range of proposals and consultations on different areas, and the NMC looks forward to responding to these. But it is vital that, if the strategy is to fully deliver on motorcycle safety, a positive approach is taken to the inclusion of motorcycling in wider strategic safety and transport policy development, as part of the Safe System and also as part of the work of the new Road Safety Board. This is why we particularly welcome the announcement that the strategy depends on strong partnerships. We look forward to discussing the NMC’s proposals in relation to the strategy with DfT ministers.”
At the MCIA, CEO, Tony Campbell, said: “This is a hugely significant moment for the motorcycle sector and a massive campaign win for MCIA. For several years, through our ‘A Licence to Net Zero’ campaign, we have been calling for a full review of motorcycle licensing, training and testing – and today the government has formally committed to doing exactly that.
“The minister’s announcement at our annual conference last year was a critical turning point, and since then, we have worked relentlessly to ensure this issue stayed firmly on the agenda. This review would not be happening without that sustained engagement.
“There is still a lot of work to do, and the detail will matter enormously. We will work constructively alongside government to ensure any reforms make licensing less complex, more affordable and, above all, safer – not more restrictive. This is a monumental opportunity to support motorcycling as a safe, sustainable and practical transport mode that can help deliver the government’s ambitions on road safety, net zero and growth. We must not waste it.”