The National Motorcyclists Council (NMC) has released a positive message after a sit-down meeting with transport minister Richard Holden MP. And, according to the NMC, the minister is open to developing better government policies on motorcycling.
An NMC delegation that included members from the British Motorcyclists Federation (BMF), IAM RoadSmart and the Trail Riders Fellowship (TRF) held wide-ranging talks with Holden, with a focus on the role of motorcycling in transport policy, advances in PPE protective kit, green lane access, and licensing reform, amongst other areas.
The BMF’s Anna Zee raised the need for emerging ‘smart’ roads and vehicle technologies, plus automated systems, to take motorcycles into account in both R&D and in practice, as well as motorcycle taxation. TRF delegate Graeme Collins highlighted the issue of the confusing patchwork of regulations and how a more common-sense approach to Traffic Regulation Orders (TRO) needs to be established. IAM Roadsmart’s Antony Kildare spoke about the need for improved rider skills, especially amongst gig economy delivery riders, as well as issues around potholes and general road conditions. The NMC’s Craig Carey-Clinch brought up the need for positive changes to Compulsory Basic Training – announced by the government in 2018 but never implemented, and wider rider licensing policy. This was taken on board, and there was consensus in the meeting about the need to take positive steps on CBT regulation.
Finally, Holden was asked to provide DfT officials with the tools and the mandate needed to develop the work of the recently formed government Motorcycle Strategy Group so that it can move towards creating strategic policies for motorcycling in transport policy overall.
Positive response
NMC executive director Craig Carey-Clinch said: “This was a very positive ministerial meeting, and Mr Holden was clear about what he does and doesn’t know about motorcycling and was keen to know more. His strong support for motorcycles in bus lanes was very welcome, as was his open mind about many of the issues that the NMC raised. NMC members were able to raise individual issues and received a positive reception to these.
“But although Mr Holden seems open to developing motorcycling as a transport option, it was evident that the longstanding view that motorcycling is a safety problem to be solved and not a transport opportunity to be supported, is still firmly embedded in some parts of the DfT. NMC members contend that this viewpoint continues to act against motorcycle safety and made that point firmly. Though more positive, the Council is now engaged in a series of policy processes with the DfT in addition to safety. The Council is gradually working towards creating a much better government policy environment. Key to this will be the development of a new motorcycling strategy. We welcome the minister’s support for the work of the Motorcycle Strategy Group, and we look forward to working with officials on a range of matters relating to this”.