BMF Foundation

What is the BMF Foundation all about? Trustee P explains eTe LAiDLAW

The Foundation has been in existence for many years and was originally set up by the BMF as a way to financially support good work being done on behalf of the motorcycling community in a different way to BMF's core work (which is the essential task of representing riders, dealing with threats and improving matters). The Foundation is different in that it has a set of aims and objects to make the environment safer for riders and support medical research. In a nutshell the list is: • Improvements in safety by influencing road design • Influencing the design of other vehicles so that chances of injury to motorcyclists are reduced • Research into protective equipment • Prevention of vehicle crime • Research into the treatment of injuries typically incurred in motorcycle crashes and support for the care and rehabilitation of those injured

Five trustees are responsible for the working of this, the charity arm of the BMF. Their main task is to accept and review applications, then grant the appropriate funding to worthwhile causes within the objectives. We are always open to applications which are genuinely in the interests of safety, medical research, treatment and rehabilitation. For example, a current pending application is to partly support the overall funding of a specialist unit for treatment of spinal injuries, but many other grants have been approved over the years.

I have been a trustee from the outset and have been pleased to be a part of supporting many projects, especially on road safety and design. An example is the IHIE (Institute of Highway Incorporated Engineers) Guidance for road design and the Kill Spills campaign, both of which made a significant difference. A study on the underlying causes of motorcycle crashes was published to aid government thinking and decisions on traffic management. Moreover, there has been support for direct work on road safety through the BMF’s Blue Riband advanced riding scheme and providing medical data carriers for the Biker Down initiative.

The Foundation is supporting the biking world and is open to donations from small amounts, regular donations by standing order or legacy gifts. In common with other charities, your money goes further if you are a UK taxpayer and declare Gift Aid to add a further 25% to your donation.

The biking world can be better with your support through the BMF Foundation.

How to Donate

We can accept donations by cheque or CAF (Charities Aid Foundation) voucher. If you would like to contribute to the work of the BMF Foundation, post cheques and CAF Vouchers to BMFF, Jack Wiley House, 3 Oswin Road, Brailsford Industrial Estate, Braunstone, Leicester LE3 1HR.

Ask for a form from the administration office if you would like to set up a regular payment or Gift Aid – contact Helen (a trustee) on 0116 279 5112.

Peter Laidlaw, BMFF Trustee

Registered Charity, number 1097835