It’s the holiday season. Some authorities are calling for speed limiters on every vehicle, so that drivers and riders won’t be able to exceed the speed limit. This is unlikely to gain political traction as speeding penalties alone, in 2024-2025, reached almost £300 million. This goes some way to off-setting the costs, to emergency services and the NHS, of road accidents. However, KSI figures between 2024 and 2025 rose 4%, suggesting that more prevention work needs to be done. Continuing driver and rider education and training doesn’t seem to get mentioned. Perhaps these might get a bit more political traction, but it’s doubtful. A lot of faith is placed on technological solutions, from paint on the highway to V2X technology (Vehicle-to-everything). This includes: V2V (Vehicle-to-Vehicle: includes motorcycles & bicycles), V2I (Vehicle-to-Infrastructure) and V2P. (Vehicle-to-Pedestrian). This month, industry leaders met in Washington, USA to agree equipment and communication standards across the industry. We can expect some rapid developments, such as rider helmets with HUD and better improved environmental sensing on motorcycles. Communication with traffic lights and radar are going to be major challenges. We’ll then have to educate and train drivers and riders on how to use the technology!
The past seven days have highlighted how quickly the motorcycle world continues to evolve, with advances in technology, strong signs of confidence in the UK market and preparations for some of the biggest events of the riding season.
One of the week’s biggest industry announcements came from Chinese manufacturer CFMoto and Italian braking specialist Brembo. The companies confirmed a long-term engineering partnership that will see future mid- and large-capacity motorcycles developed with braking systems designed jointly from the earliest stages. The agreement also extends to racing and rider development, demonstrating how manufacturers are increasingly integrating premium technology into mainstream motorcycles rather than treating components as off-the-shelf parts.
The UK motorcycle market also continues to show encouraging signs. The British Motorcyclists Federation highlighted rising new motorcycle registrations, suggesting that demand remains resilient despite wider economic pressures. Continued sales growth supports dealers, training schools, aftermarket suppliers and manufacturers alike, providing confidence as riders enter the busiest months of the year.
On the political front, discussions continue around proposals to modernise Britain’s motorcycle licensing system. Industry organisations, including the Motorcycle Industry Association and the National Motorcyclists Council, continue to support a progression system based more heavily on structured training rather than repeated practical testing. The proposals remain under consultation but could eventually create a more flexible route for riders progressing through licence categories while placing greater emphasis on continuous rider development. We are still waiting for training curriculum changes grounded in established educational research, coupled with proposals on how to deliver rider’s learning needs. This should also include driver education and training on their risk to motorcyclists and other road users.
Historic motorcycling also enjoys a busy summer. The National Motorcycle Museum has confirmed that several iconic British machines, including the famous Norton Rotary racers, will appear at this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed. Events such as Goodwood continue to showcase Britain’s engineering heritage while introducing younger riders to the machines that shaped modern motorcycling.
In racing, attention now turns towards another busy weekend of British Superbike Championship action at Brands Hatch. The championship remains one of the world’s closest national superbike series and continues to attract strong spectator interest while providing an important development platform for future international riders.
Road safety remains firmly in focus. Police Scotland appealed for witnesses after several motorcyclists were struck by a car near Bishopton before the driver left the scene. Although no serious injuries were reported, the incident serves as another reminder of the vulnerability of riders and the continuing need for better driver awareness and rider observation skills.
Across the motorcycle industry, manufacturers continue investing heavily in electronics, rider assistance systems and premium components, while marketing increasingly focuses on value, accessibility and rider confidence rather than outright performance alone. For younger riders especially, affordable middleweight motorcycles and improved training pathways remain central themes.
Overall, this week’s news paints an optimistic picture. Motorcycle sales remain healthy, less distorted by pre-registered machines, as manufacturers continue investing in new technology, Britain’s historic motorcycle culture remains vibrant, and discussions around training reform suggest a growing recognition that developing rider skills is just as important as developing faster motorcycles.
Congratulations to Paul Baker and many thanks to volunteer Observer Steve Bennett for all the support he has provided to Sheffield Advanced Motorcyclists
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!
Suspended for the Summer
Replaced with organised rides
Online Zoom Meeting
Details to be circulated
Did anyone seriously think this would work?
[Sorry – no Elevenses today!]
Here’s one for the “well, there’s a surprise ” filing cabinet. The Government’s Fuel Finder was introduced in February, with every petrol station legally required to upload price changes within 30 minutes. The theory was that drivers could compare prices only, then – also in theory – save money by filling up at the cheapest forecourt. Read more
Jul 13 A speed limit of 17.3 mph???
A Wisconsin county has set a speed limit to 17.3 mph in a move aimed at jolting drivers into staying alert in a high-traffic zone at the county’s Recycling and Solid Waste centre, where a constant flow of trucks, contractors and residents creates a busy environment. Read more
Fresh Start: Attention
In Week Fourteen 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 one of the most-misunderstood concepts in road safety. Let’s take a Fresh Start look at attention.
#freshstart, #coreskills Read more
Sometimes best-selling bikes come as a surprise
For longer than I can remember, the boxer-engined BMW GS range has been topping UK sales charts. I’ve never quite understood the appeal of the machine to be honest, but the monthly registration data released by the Motorcycle Industry Association tells the simple story that the bike has had big fan base for decades. Read more
Predicting a threat that can’t (yet) be seen Part 1
When we talk about cornering, riders often focus on lean angle, throttle, and line choice. In effect, we’re choosing how we’re going to put the bike where we want it right now, based on what we can see right now. Read more
Spot the trolls – the Straw Man Rewrite
WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE: The Straw Man fallacy is a deceptive rhetorical tactic where a statement of position is misrepresented to make it easier to defeat, shifting the focus to a weaker, distorted version of an argument that’s easier to attack than what was actually written. They quote selectively, leaving out the context that explains your point. They attack a rule or claim you never made. At the same time, they avoid addressing the actual points. Read more
Relying on ‘Get out of Trouble Skills’: a Biker Boobytrap
I like to think of riding as a stool supported on three legs; first the ‘machine control’ technique leg, second the ‘knowledge’ leg helping us understand the hazards of the road, and third the ‘mental’ leg where we take in and process information to make sound decisions while avoiding risky behaviour. Just like that stool, our riding needs all three legs to balance. Think of it as a triple lock: technique, understanding, and decision‑making are skills that connect and balance each other. Lack any one, and the stool is unstable. Read more
Survival Skills is an independent rider-training project
built around one idea: most motorcycle crashes start
in the mind, not the hands.
MotoSkills — self‑assessment tools and practical drills
MotoScience — research, psychology, evidence-based insights.
MotoOnline — structured online courses
Survival Skills Coaching — 1:1 on-road coaching
YouTube — weekly skills breakdowns
Substack Round‑Up — one weekly email update
Sheffield Advanced Motorcyclists – What you should know!Turn Your Brand Into a Lifesaver:
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Every rider knows that the difference between a close call and a tragedy often comes down to skill and awareness. By securing this advertising space, your business isn’t just reaching a dedicated audience—it’s actively funding the Sheffield Advanced Motorcyclists (SAM).
Every penny of the proceeds goes directly toward advanced rider training and safety initiatives. You’ll be helping motorcyclists sharpen their 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.
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“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.
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.
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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.
The SAM charity is an Associate Group of IAM RoadSmart. This means that our highly skilled and experienced volunteer Observers, are trained to deliver the nationally recognised, quality assured, advanced rider training curriculum.
IAM RoadSmart is the UK’s leading road safety charity. We are recognised and trusted by the UK Government, insurance companies and other road safety organisations. We enable and monitor IAM Groups to deliver our quality assured, nationally recognised, advanced rider and driver training. Our role is simple, yet vital – to make journeys safer for everyone who uses the road.
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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!
