N EWS

www.uknmc.org/news/mcia-and-nmc-deliver-key-messagesto-parliament-on-decarbonisation

After working with the Cabinet Office, we published advice on the transportation of motorcycles across the EU and other borders, creating more certainty for the many who transport their bikes in vans or on trailers to and from the EU in particular.

The NMC also played an active part in the safety debate, and with the Land Access and Recreational Association (LARA), built a partnership of over 20 organisations to respond to the Government’s Landscapes Review, which considers motorised access to green roads, among other issues. This has resulted in a new DEFRA group looking at green roads access, which includes both LARA and the NMC.

Classics & Parking

2023: Year of Promise?

Craig Carey-Clinch – Executive Director, National Motorcyclists Council (NMC)

We can be cautiously optimistic about 2023 for motorcycling, and it seems timely to look back at last year as well.

The NMC opened 2022 by launching its policy programme with a parliamentary reception, which included government ministers. Motorcycling and the Future of Transport Policy set out in clear terms the key changes that need to be made to public policy, investing in areas such as safety and infrastructure for riders.

NMC restarted discussions with government on motorcycle training and testing after the summer hiatus and supported motorcycling groups in their contacts with the authorities on theft statistics and about motorcycle crime and theft generally. Work continues as part of NMC and BMF membership of the Motorcycle Crime Reduction Group.

On decarbonisation, the NMC played a strong role in the policy debate alongside the industry, responded fully to the Government’s consultation on the phase-out of new petrol motorcycles and took part in discussions with senior DfT officials. The NMC’s position calls for a multi-technological approach where clean-fuelled ICE motorcycles can continue to play a part in a wider mix of other technologies.

In February this year we took part in a joint briefing event at Parliament for MPs, Peers, officials and many key stakeholders on the decarb issue. The MCIA’s Tony Campbell and I delivered a joint presentation on the key issues, highlighting areas where riders and industry have common positions, as well as our different, but complementary, approaches. This is the first time riders have jointly held an event at Parliament, which sends a powerful message about the cohesion of the entire motorcycling sector on what is the issue of our times. Report available at:

In historic motorcycling, the NMC supported the successful case for no ban on classic and other ICE motorcycles under the Government’s decarbonisation plan and is working on several areas which have an impact on older motorcycles including e-fuels and low emission/congestion zone exemptions. The NMC also put a strong case for motorcycling’s exemption under the proposed expanded ULEZ in London. This work continues, given that London’s Mayor Sadiq Khan has decided to ignore overwhelming public opposition to his plans. Also in London, the NMC and BMF supported the campaign to stop crippling parking charges for motorcycles in Hackney.

Internationally, the NMC became part of a dynamic partnership with the Federation of European Motorcyclists Associations (FEMA) and FIM(E) Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme, Europe. This opened joint working on various important areas of public policy where international developments have an impact on the UK and other individual nations.

Underpinning these developments is the need to tackle underlying public policy attitudes to motorcycling. NMC members have long felt that proper recognition of the positive role of motorcycling and fair treatment for riders in policy can lead to positive results for safety, mobility, social inclusion, the environment, urban and rural access and the UK’s biking heritage.

Positive Progress

The NMC welcomed the announcement of a new Motorcycle Strategic Focus Group, which will consider a range of government policy issues affecting motorcyclists, including in the context of wider policy. This is the first time since 2002 that such a forum has existed.

That so much was achieved in 2022 gives reason for cautious optimism in 2023. Positive progress on several issues is steadily creating the conditions for the NMC’s core aim of a government policy which properly recognises motorcycling in all its forms.

But this progress is against a backdrop of huge challenges. On decarbonisation, a great deal of work will need to be done to ensure that the Government’s final proposals recognise the needs and wishes of riders. Other issues include the future road safety strategy, the much-needed revision of training and testing, plus parking and other charges. We have also yet to learn the DfT’s intentions with vehicle tampering regulations. Plus there are statutory areas relating to motorcycle sport which need attention, and threats to green roads access.

But overall, engagement with the Government has not been this positive for nearly two decades. So although we have strong challenges ahead – plus issues which have yet to emerge – the conditions have been created for generating a wider understanding of motorcycling among several important levels of government. Converting this engagement into policies that benefit riders in a real-world way is the next stage.

Craig Carey-Clinch