SAM members are again supporting another charity. This time it is James Quartermaine and Stephen Bennett, riding the gruelling RBLR1000 for the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal. Organised by the Motorcycle Riders Branch of the Royal British Legion, it is a real challenge for both rider and bike. The bike has to cost less than £500. The event is support by Iron Butt UK, who encourage members to show what can be achieved on a powered-two-wheel machine.
SAM is settling down into Summer and we have increasing numbers of motorcyclists wanting First Ride Assessments and signing up for a Advanced Rider Course. We are struggling and have to put Associates on a waiting list. If any SAM Advanced Riders can help by becoming an Observer, talk to Chris Lund (Chief Observer) or Fran Thompson (Chair) about taking further training. It’s feels good to help other riders achieve what you have achieved.
There are warnings this week that motorcyclist fatalities are increasing. The details behind the projected rider casualties won’t be available until mid-2027. Even then, there will probably be to usual arguments about their validity, reliability and general trustworthiness. Police in Doncaster are warning motorists, including motorcyclists, that there is an increase in accident risks as they pass too close to other road users. It’s 1.5m, not 1.5cm! Be cautious and give other road users the space they need to travel safely. Showing such kindness could become infectious. Wouldn’t that make travelling safer for everyone?
Kevin Williams (see below) published articles on the M6 framework for motorcyclists. Aimed helping riders to learn from riding errors, it provides a provides a pathway to take a more objective look at how to learn from errors every rider makes at some time. Worth a read and discussion with friends.
Congratulations to John Whitham on passing his IAM Advanced Rider Test with a F1rst. Thank you to volunteer Observer Andy Braithwaite for providing guidance and training.
Advanced riders are safer road users, ride longer, rider further, meet more people and enjoy a healthier, happier life!
Fill it in, keep it updated, when needed just hand it over to health care staff.
No delay, no sharing of data with private health companies, it’s YOURS, keep it safe!
The last seven days have been a masterclass in the highs and lows of the motorcycling world. From the historic asphalt of the Isle of Man to the sterile offices of the DVSA, the industry is moving at a breakneck pace.
The headline of the week is undoubtedly Michael Dunlop, who has cemented his status as a living legend. On Friday, 5 June, Dunlop secured his 35th Isle of Man TT win, completing a dominant Supersport double aboard his MD Racing Ducati Panigale V2. However, the event has been a stark reminder of the risks involved. The Senior TT, originally scheduled for the climax of the week, was pushed to Saturday, 6 June, following a serious incident on lap two of the preceding race that left a competitor hospitalised.
While the TT celebrates speed, the UK government has released sobering figures for the rest of us. On 4 June, the British Motorcyclists Federation (BMF) highlighted provisional data showing a 13% rise in motorcyclist fatalities, reaching 384 deaths annually [1.4.2]. This has ignited a fierce debate over urban infrastructure. Proposals for blanket 20mph limits in built-up areas are gaining traction, with safety advocates arguing they are essential to reducing these “vulnerable road user” statistics, despite pushback from those who see it as an attack on mobility.
For younger riders, the most significant news involves the 2026 licensing reforms. The DVSA consultation, which concluded this spring, is now moving toward legislative drafting. The core proposal is a progressive training pathway, allowing A2 licence holders to move to a full A licence via a certified training course rather than the dreaded Module 1 and 2 re-tests. This is a massive win for common sense, though it may be paired with a mandatory CBT Theory Test to ensure new riders actually know their Highway Code before hitting the road. However, as the politicians get more active in the debates, there is pushback on reducing testing to a single test. It’s unlikely that any proposals on motorcycling will emerge from the prejudiced parliamentary process unscathed.
On the technology front, BMW Motorrad has unveiled its 2026 apparel collection, featuring GORE-TEX FLOW SURROUND technology in their new Soulor boots—an innovative ventilation system that uses channels in the sole to keep feet cool without sacrificing waterproofing [1.6.1]. Meanwhile, for those entering the market, KTM launched the 390 Adventure X this week. It’s a tarmac-focused version of their popular entry-level ADV, featuring 19-inch cast wheels and a friendly 45 hp single-cylinder engine, perfect for A2-compliant touring .
Ride safe, keep it shiny side up, and we will see you next week.
Before you take the next big trip, become an Advanced Rider.
25th June 2026
Online Zoom Meeting
Details to be circulated
July & August 2026
Replaced by other events
Details to be circulated
Come on IAM, if you’re going to use stats…
…at least make them accurate!
EDIT. I got some pushback on this article suggesting that I wasn’t reporting the story honestly, and that I’d linked to report that wasn’t written by the IAM. So to put both of those right, here’s the link to the petition itself, which is on the IAM Roadsmart site:
https://www.iamroadsmart.com/safer-barriers-for-safer-roads/
And which says: Read more
Fresh Start: Overtake
In Week Eight of the ‘Core Skills’ series, where I return to the essential riding foundations and rebuild them from the ground up in a fresh way whilst using a brand-new structure too, it’s time to look at overtaking, and why it can end in the only crash we accelerate into. Time for a Fresh Start. #freshstart, #coreskills Read more
KTM accused of bypassing homologation rules
KTM seems unable to stay out of the headlines, and the latest story comes from the environmental journalism group DeSmog. Working with journalists in several European countries, the organisation claims new road-homologated enduro motorcycles are routinely being derestricted by KTM dealers after sale, then returned to the owner with registration documents and number plate. Read more
One VERY lucky rider
After surviving this crash in Norfolk on Saturday April 25, 22-year-old ‘Harry’ (not his real name) has decided to share the crash footage to show how quickly things can go wrong on the road. The video has been released as part of the Norfolk Police ‘Time to Slow Down’ summer safety campaign. Read more
Thinking enough or just thinking you are? M6 Framework 2
If you’ve been following my TIPS on TUESDAY series, you’ll probably know I’ve been writing the in-depth ‘Myth, Mechanism, Mistake, Method, Mindset, Margin’ Core Skills series or the M6 Framework for short. I’m now almost halfway through and on last week I covered corners. Just two days later, a rider messaged me and said: Read more
Sheffield Advanced Motorcyclists – What you should know!Turn Your Brand Into a Lifesaver:
Put your advert here.
Every rider knows that the difference between a close call and a tragedy often comes down to knowledge, skill and awareness. By securing this advertising space, your business isn’t just reaching a dedicated audience—it’s actively helping to fund the Sheffield Advanced Motorcyclists (SAM).
Every penny of the proceeds goes directly toward advanced rider training and safety initiatives. You’ll be helping motorcyclists learn advanced riding skills, stay upright and return home safely. It’s a rare opportunity to boost your brand’s visibility while championing a life-saving cause. Let’s make the roads safer, one mile at a time. Partner with us today.
34SP.com supports our charity with FREE web hosting. Over many years they have consistently provided WordPress updating, advice on hosting management and technical advice. The company makes ongoing efforts to reduce the digital carbon footprint, noting that high web traffic significantly impacts emissions. To combat this, their Manchester data centre utilizes renewable energy and follows circular IT practices through hardware recycling.Beyond infrastructure, they invest in ancient woodland restoration and global climate projects via Ecologi. These efforts are independently verified by The Green Web Foundation, aiding clients’ ESG reporting. Furthermore, the company integrates social sustainability as a Living Wage employer, blending environmental conservation with ethical local business practices to provide greener hosting solutions.
YOUR registered charity can benefit from FREE web hosting too!
“Great bunch of people. Improved my riding skills to another level. Their training is very much based on keeping the rider safe” Stephen
Added to our training work we train NHS Blood Bikers, support other charities, promote motorcycling as a cost-effective, eco-friendly urban transport solution. We also provide public education on the role of motorcycling in our community. Meet us, 9am any Saturday at Meadowhall Retail Park, Attercliffe Road, Sheffield S9 2YZ. You can help us by advertising your services in our newsletter, sponsoring young riders and sharing this newsletter. Sponsors/advertisers should email: sam-editor@iam-sheffield.bike with ‘Sponsorship’ or ‘Advertiser’ in the subject line. Thank you for your support.
Google provides approved Non-Profit organisations with Google Workspace apps. This help SAM’s Trustees to manage communication, meetings and supports our advanced motorcycle training and education to increase road safety. We also support our advanced riders to become volunteer NHS Blood Bikers.
© 2026 Sheffield Advanced Motorcyclists. All rights reserved. All content in this newsletter, including text, graphics, and images, is protected by UK copyright law. We gratefully acknowledge the copyright of original publishers and creators for any third-party materials featured. All such materials are used with implied permission, from online publicly shareable URLs, or under fair dealing rules on information, education and public interest. Any such content is used solely for our purposes to educate and inform our readers. Material from other providers is not not used for any commercial purpose. All URLs link directly to copyright holders. The correctness and truthfulness of all such content is the sole responsibility of those providers No part of this publication may be reproduced or shared without prior written consent from the respective copyright holders.Sheffield Advanced Motorcyclists is a registered charity in England and Wales (No. 1089671).Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
Riding a motorcycle comes with risks. In an accident, motorcyclists’ injuries are likely to be more serious than those of other road users. To reduce these risks, the Biker I.C.E. (In Case of Emergency) Card is a simple but essential tool for riders. It’s easy to use and convenient to carry. It can be folded to fit in your wallet and handed to anyone who needs it, not just accident responders.
The Biker I.C.E. Card contains all necessary information. It has contact information, important health, medical and doctor’s details, a list of medications and your doctor’s contact. If you’re in an accident, emergency services can use the card to quickly understand your health and medical needs t0 provide you with the best care possible.
Just fill in your email address below. We will keep you updated of any design changes. The card is given as FREE public service that you can use and share as many times as you like. You simply add details like your NHS or travel insurance numbers, as these can help emergency responders access your healthcare records or handle costs when travelling abroad.
Sheffield Advanced Motorcyclists, well known for our quality assured advanced rider training, support the use of this card. It can be a critical safety tool. While training improves road safety, the card ensures you get the right help should things go wrong.
Download your Biker I.C.E. Card NOW, for safer rides and peace of mind!
