The MCIA and NMC report “positive discussions” with the transport minister, who is: “considering a review”
Good news from the political wing of the bike trade at the start of the year, after the Motor Cycle Industry Association (MCIA) and the National Motorcyclists Council (NMC) had a productive meeting with transport minister Lilian Greenwood. The Motorcycle Strategic Focus Group discussion covered a number of areas, including motorcycle licence reform, road safety improvements, mobility, and de-carbonisation. According to the MCIA and NMC, the minister’s responses suggested there might be a better future for two wheel transport under the current government after all.
Greenwood, MP for Nottingham South, confirmed the Department for Transport (DfT) is considering conducting a review of motorcycle licensing, though a full review hasn’t been confirmed yet. Greenwood acknowledged the motorcycle industry’s role in helping the government evaluate potential reforms. Together with DfT officials, she commended the MCIA for its constructive approach and recent evidence-based proposals, which she described as vital to the decision-making process. Long overdue, the simplification of the motorcycle licensing, training and testing regime has been at the top of the MCIA, NMC and training organisation’s agendas for some ears.
Transport minister Lilian Greenwood MPWhen it came to road safety, Greenwood noted that motorcycle casualty rates are still unacceptably high but said that any future licensing reform would not solely focus on road safety. Instead they would work in tandem with de-carbonisation and mobility objectives. “Road safety should not be in competition with de-carbonisation goals; it will complement them”, was her message.
NMC executive director Craig Carey-Clinch said: “Minister Greenwood’s attendance at the Motorcycle Strategic Focus Group was welcomed by all organisations present, and news that a training, testing and licensing review is under active consideration is incredibly welcome. The NMC looks forward to developments in this area and will continue working with the Department to develop ideas and proposals.”
Tony Campbell, CEO for the MCIA, also responded positively to the meeting: “We are encouraged by the minister’s recognition of the industry’s contributions and her commitment to aligning safety, de-carbonisation, and mobility goals. Furthermore, any review must consider the whole of the L-Category sector, not just motorcycles. We cannot let this be a missed opportunity – it is essential we get this right rather than opting for a quick fix.
“The MCIA has a detailed set of proposals spanning the entire L-Category sector, supported by strong evidence. This includes making access easier, less costly, and more accessible while creating a regulatory landscape that allows manufacturers to innovate, such as developing new vehicle categories and addressing emerging micromobility vehicles within the broader framework.”
Setting out its position after the meeting, a spokesperson for the Department for Transport said: “The government is considering plans to review existing requirements for motorcycle training, testing and licensing, and we will take account of the long-standing plans in the DfT and DVSA, and recent information and proposals that we’ve had from the industry.”