John, a long time SAM member, rode into Meadowhall Retail Park to a round of applause. The reason for the recognition? John had a no-fault accident, a car pulled into his path, giving him no chance to avoid a crash. After, a helicopter ride to a major trauma centre, three very serious major operations and almost two years of rehabilitation, he is back on his bike. Throughout his recovery, when he was fit enough, John visited Saturday Morning Meets. When back driving he would drive out for breakfast with other members. Grit, determination and a willingness to put in the work to get himself back onto two wheels. John we salute you. It’s been an incredible journey and you have shown us how to make it back. Thank you.
The IAM reported this week that it had raised funds to put on more track days for members. Online they have recognised the that riding a motorcycle is a tool for improving mental sharpness, provides an ‘alertness’ boost similar to caffeine, improves spatial thinking and lowers cortisol (a stress hormone). Whether riders use sportbikes, or cruisers the results are the same. Riders have reported concerns about weather shifts. Diesel spills on roundabouts and coping with dazzling sun reflected from cars. The IAM The have ‘borrowed’ the “Show Me, Tell Me” prompt to suggest that it can be used for daily checks and riding with a pillion. The hot weather is ‘energy sapping’, so the advice is to ride when it is cooler and use the right riding gear. Melting tar bands are also an increasing hazard on our, often badly, patched roads. Real hazards for the unwary rider. They IAM also emphasise that riding a motorcycle has a requirement to develop the habit of ‘continuous learning’. Revisiting the ‘Police Handbook’ regularly is advised. It may also be an idea to fill the yawning gap between the UK motorcycle test and very expensive advanced rider training. Riders often leave the test centres with a pass and promptly forget to improve on the riding mistakes they may have made. The euphoria of success seems to stop continuous learning Advanced riding groups are perfectly placed to bring riders up to and error-free riding standard. It would be a positive step of improving rider safety. Instead of parroting the vulnerability of riders and bemoaning the annual KSI figures. It may also be a good idea to offer specific rider-aware courses for drivers of other vehicles.
The past seven days have reinforced two clear trends in motorcycling: demand for motorcycles remains strong, rider safety continues to dominate public policy and manufacturers are investing heavily in new technology rather than standing still.
The strongest commercial story comes from Europe, where motorcycle registrations across the continent’s five largest markets have risen by almost 17% during the first half of 2026. Germany continues to lead growth, while the UK has also recorded a healthy increase in registrations. The figures suggest that, despite higher living costs and economic uncertainty, motorcycling remains an attractive and affordable form of transport as well as a leisure activity. Manufacturers are responding by accelerating the launch of new middleweight, adventure and learner-friendly machines aimed at attracting younger riders while retaining experienced enthusiasts.
Technology continues to move at pace. Manufacturers are placing greater emphasis on rider connectivity, electronic rider aids and electrification rather than outright engine performance alone. Electric motorcycles remain a relatively small part of the market, but manufacturers continue to develop premium products that combine distinctive styling with improved battery performance and rapid charging. Recent launches demonstrate that electric motorcycles are becoming genuine lifestyle products rather than experimental concepts.
Safety has also remained firmly in the spotlight. The World Health Organization reported that global road deaths have fallen by 21% between 2011 and 2025 despite a significant increase in the number of vehicles worldwide. However, the organisation warns that further progress depends upon better infrastructure, safer vehicles, stronger legislation and continued investment in rider and driver education. For motorcyclists, this reinforces the growing emphasis on advanced rider training and lifelong learning rather than relying solely on licensing.
In Britain, the debate over motorcycle licensing reform continues to gather momentum. Industry organisations are maintaining pressure on Government to modernise rider training and testing, arguing that the current system is overly complicated while doing too little to encourage structured post-test development. Campaigners continue to advocate a licensing system that improves rider competence without creating unnecessary barriers to entering motorcycling.
Riders planning European tours should also note forthcoming regulatory changes. Spain has confirmed that new rules coming into force later this year will require riders to wear approved gloves and suitable footwear, while filtering rules are also being clarified. Anyone planning an overseas riding holiday should familiarise themselves with the new requirements before travelling.
Looking across the industry, manufacturers remain optimistic. New model development continues across every major category, from lightweight commuter machines to premium adventure motorcycles and high-performance sports bikes. Investment in electronics, safety systems and rider assistance technology suggests manufacturers increasingly see technology as a way of making riding both safer and more accessible rather than simply faster.
The week’s developments point towards an industry that remains confident. Motorcycle sales are growing, technology continues to evolve, governments are reconsidering rider training and safety remains at the centre of discussion. For riders, the message is simple: there has rarely been a better time to invest in developing both your motorcycle and your own riding skills.
Congratulations to John Foster on successfully completing his National Observer Assessment. John will now join our very dedicated volunteer Observer Team to help with training bikers in our community in Advanced Riding.
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!
7.30pm Treeton Miners Welfare Club
Arundel Road
Treeton
Rotherham S60 5PW
It’s the ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
Come along to have your say and hear our plans for the coming year. There’s FOOD!!!
7.30pm start for meeting at 8pm. Gives you time to catch up on what you’ve missed!
See SAM website calendar for more details.
30th April 2026
Online Zoom Meeting
Details to be circulated
Has KTM’s recovery taken a “huge step forward”
What’s happening with KTM? How is their recovery doing now they are under Bajaj ownership and under new management? And has KTM’s recovery has taken a “huge step forward”?
To quote an online source:
“KTM’s ongoing recovery has taken another huge step forward, after parent company Bajaj Mobility AG revealed the figures behind a positive Q2. In terms of revenue, which ultimately determines success for any company, Bajaj Mobility AG has reported growth of 80 per cent for the second quarter of 2026, compared with the same period in 2025.” Read more
Fresh Start: Perception
Last week, 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, we took an in-depth look at the concept of attention. Today it’s time to look at the second of the most-misunderstood concepts in road safety. Let’s take a Fresh Start look at perception.
#freshstart, #coreskills Read more
UK’s biggest used bike dealer collapses
The Macclesfield-based retailer SuperBike Factory has officially entered administration. Said to be Europe’s largest used motorcycle dealer, Superbike Factory Group Limited and Superbike Factory Limited have confirmed they have ceased trading with immediate effect. Read more
At Nosurprise.org, we’ve created ‘Rhyming Reminders’ – short memory-joggers to learn as ‘prompts’ – to help riders remember to search for particular issues. The idea is that once heard, they stick in mind. Three really easy yet powerful Rhyming Reminders would have helped this rider out in the moments before he flew over this car bonnet. Read more
Spot the trolls – the Topic Jump & other stories
Time for the second part of my two-parter on trolling, and how to spot what’s happening. Imagine I’m discussing following distance that allow the rider to stop if something unexpected happens ahead; then someone responds. But they start talking about something else; how following distance is less important than lane or how it’s possible to follow more closely than if you watch what’s happening in front. 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:
Put your advert here.
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.
Partner with us today.
“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.
YOUR registered charity can benefit from FREE web hosting too!
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.
© 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)
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!
