MAG - Motorcycling with good judgement and a postcode checker won’t end in tears

The Coalition of Motorcycling Organisations (COMO) says that good judgement and a quick check of the restrictions and guidance that apply in your part of the UK ensures that motorcycling remains an excellent choice for travel, whatever tier you are in.

Following the latest changes to COVID regulations COMO has updated its guidance for motorcyclists.  COMO emphasise that motorcycling offers a more COVID secure way to undertake essential and permitted journeys than public transport or car sharing. They advise that in England’s Tiers 1 and 2 up to six person, short group rides, can be undertaken. In Tier 3 riding is restricted to a solo experience, or with one other person. In tandem with wider national guidelines, travelling between tiers is discouraged unless there’s a specific reason to do so.

There is detail to consider, and COMO point out that all necessary COVID security measures should be observed. The updated advice document gives this information in detail.  Useful links are included to relevant government website pages and the postcode checker to see what tier is in place in any location.

Co-author of the document, Roger Bibbings says:  “We are keen to emphasise that riders must show good judgement.  We are far enough into this crisis that I believe we all understand the risks and how this virus passes from one person to the next.  It seems to me that the guidance is increasingly moving toward individuals making sound personal judgement calls based on this knowledge.  Whilst we may need to curtail or postpone some of our longer, more adventurous riding, there is no real reason why we cannot continue to get much enjoyment from our bikes so long as we remain COVID safe and stick within the rules where we live.”

Kevin Mulligan, speaking on behalf of the National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC) lead for motorcycling said “We fully support this common sense messaging.  There is no wish to stop riders getting as much from riding as possible, whether that be for essential travel or recreation.  As riders - and I too am a rider - we just need to show a degree of constraint and good judgement.  Stay safe, stay sensible and enjoy the ride.”

The updated Coalition of Motorcycling Organisations COVID-19 Riding Guidelines can be found here: https://bit.ly/COMOV4

Notes for editors

The Coalition of Motorcycling Organisations membership consists of representatives from the Motorcycle Action Group (MAG), the Vintage Motorcycle Club (VMCC), the Trail Riders Fellowship (TRF), the British Motorcyclists Federation (BMF), IAM RoadSmart, the Auto Cycle Union (ACU), the Triumph Owners’ Motorcycle Club (TOMCC) and Biker Down UK.