The UK’s leading motorcycle rider groups call on the Government to recognise the role of motorcycling during the COVID-19 crisis

The country’s largest motorcycling organisations have today jointly  submitted a White Paper to the Secretary of State, Grant Shapps, and to  each of the three devolved administrations.
 

The coalition of organisations is calling for the Government to fully  take the role of motorcycling into account as the UK continues to deal  with the Covid19 crisis and its aftermath. The coalition also sets out  the case for a Government-supported code of guidance for maintaining  social distancing for motorcycling in the present situation.

 The coalition of organisations consists of the Motorcycle Action Group  (MAG), Vintage Motorcycle Club (VMCC), the Trail Riders Fellowship (TRF)  and the British Motorcyclists Federation (BMF).  The groups jointly  commissioned a White Paper which was submitted to the Secretary of State  earlier today.

 The white paper:

•       Reviews ways the crisis is affecting motorcycle riding.
•      Discusses the conditions under which motorcyclists can continue to  ride safely during the various COVID 19 Alert Level phases.
•      Sets out the case for a Government-supported code of guidance for  maintaining social distancing for riding in the present phase.
•       Sets the scene for review and discussion with the Government about how  restrictions affecting motorcycling can gradually be lifted as the Country enters future lockdown phases.
•       Makes the case for encouraging the use of motorcycles as well as  walking and cycling, during the crisis exit strategy and beyond.
•      Opens the discussion on policy proposals that could help encourage  greater take-up of motorcycling by commuters, avoiding public transport  in line with Government guidance.

 

In a debate in the House of Commons on 12th May, Secretary of State for  Transport, Grant Shapps, commented that “Motorcycles are an enormously  important way of getting around”.  With Mr Shapps recognising the role  of motorcycling, it seems clear that it is time to take discussions  further with the Department for Transport (DfT).  This paper is designed  to create a starting point for that detailed debate.

 MAG Chair, Selina Lavender, said: “A new transport normal can only be  achieved by consensus of all road user groups.  We look forward to  consulting with the Government to ensure that motorcycles are given  their rightful position in that new normal.”

VMCC Chair, Bob Clark, said: “The VMCC is the UK's largest motorcycle  club, although the average age of our membership is nearly seventy. Our  members are thus perhaps more concerned with adherence to the guidelines  than may be the case with other segments of the population.

 

However, for  us, motorcycling is more than transport, and is often the physical and  mental exercise essential for our members' wellbeing. The VMCC seeks  confirmation that those of our members who are fit and healthy can both  remain within the law and enjoy the motorcycling that is their chosen
form of exercise.”

TRF Chair, Mario Costa-Sa, commented: “The TRF Code of Conduct provides  a key role in training trail and adventure riders, and compliance with  COVID guidance is no exception.  Trail Riders want clarity; they look to  us as leaders of the largest motorcycle groups to interpret and  communicate the Government's public message."

BMF Chair, Jim Freeman, commented, “The time has come for the motorcycle  to shine as a serious urban alternative to public transport, cycling and  walking. For many, the typical public transport journey is too far to be  walked or cycled. The car takes up far too much road and parking space.”

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Issued on behalf of the Coalition of motorcycling organisations by the   Motorcycle Action Group
Press and other enquiries C/O MAG at 01926 844 064 or central-office@mag-uk.org