A Vision for the Future of Motorcycling

The British Motorcyclists Federation's case for the Motorcycle in Government Policy

Since the mid 1990s, motorcycle use has increased significantly, largely through its recognition as a practical mode of transport, a legitimate leisure activity and more positive Government policies. It has been demonstrated that motorcycles are an important part of the transport mix with their many positive attributes outweighing their limitations and drawbacks. All modes of transport have their drawbacks. Yet the motorcycle is the only direct alternative to the motorcar which is not facilitated, and may be actively discouraged, with the excuse that it has shortcomings.

The BMF's Vision for the Future of Motorcycling seeks to address motorcycle's weaknesses and promote their strengths through positive policies as outlined below:

• Mainstreaming of motorcycles as a mode of transport and so achieve parity of esteem with other modes.

• A positive National Motorcycle Strategy and its delivery

• Positive inclusion of the motorcycle in national, regional, local and businesses' transport planning processes

• Pragmatic road safety policies and campaigns based upon impartial research and statistics

• Casualty Reduction Targets to take into account the volume of usage of motorcycles and accept their limitations regarding secondary safety.

• A safer roads infrastructure

• Requiring the registration of post-CBT and post-DAS Instructors as a requirement to their undertaking rider training to ensure consistent quality.

• Properly thought through improvements to vehicle design to enhance safety.

• Integration and traffic management measures to mainstream motorcycles.

• Improved motorcycle security.

• Better fiscal incentives to use motorcycles

• Practicable noise and emissions measures.

• Inclusion in Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) schemes and the recognition of the limitations of ITS.