Well, we now know the tax and spending plans for the current UK Government. IAM RoadSmart welcomed the Chancellor’s decision to cut fuel duty and a scheme to introduce a ‘Fuel Finder Scheme’ with fuel-cost transparency at the pumps. When £16bn is needed to simply repair existing highway damage, the £500m allocation to the ‘Pothole Fund’ seems unlikely to make any significant difference to the broken UK highway infrastructure . It’s a really good thing that motorcycles are highly manoeuvrable and can be fitted with off-road tyres. Along with the failure to remove VAT on rider protective gear, the latest budget does nothing significant to improve rider safety, possibly increasing the riding risks.
Adding to the lack of provision to help keep motorcyclists safer, are the increase in vehicle excise duty and increases in employer National Insurance contributions. With an already depressed motorcycle market, difficult trading conditions for dealers and reduced consumer demand, the next 12 months look bleak. Reduced bike sales and increased employment costs could make dealers, manufacturers, accessory maker and logistics providers, could consider whether its worth remaining in the market. Loss of jobs may make it more difficult to get warranty and servicing work done. Whilst many riders may hang onto their bikes to see if the economic situation improves, they may also decide to put off taking advanced training. This may lead to a further loss of membership.
In these hard economic times, where jobs and incomes are under threat, it’s time to remind everyone about the essential industrial, commercial and social role of motorcycles. They provide quicker journey times and up to 30% less polluting than a car. Since 2019, the average car has gained 400kg in weight. A motorcycle is almost 7.5 times lighter than a car and up to six bikes can be fitted in a single parking space. We know, we have done it! There is less highway damage and easing parking congestion.  Beyond the lack of VAT on helmets, there is little UK Government help for motorcyclists. In spite of this riders still continue to outperform car drivers on the Highway Code and full motorcycle tests. Purchasing, insurance, road tax, servicing and running costs are generally much cheaper for the consumer. The vast majority of motorcyclists are aged between 41-50 years old, many owning a car as well. Due to licensing restrictions, younger motorcyclists ride lower powered machines, 50cc-125cc. They use them as cost-effective personal transport, to commute from urban areas for work, college and socialising. As the cost of learning to drive increase due to delays in obtaining a test appointment and increased training costs, young people can look to a powered-two wheel solution to their transportation needs. Older riders support many charities, NHS Blood Bikers and community service dispatch riding. The lack of UK Government support may have don serious damage to motorcycling in the UK for the next 12 months. It’s time for resilience and to remind politicians and the public that motorcycles and motorcyclists are both valuable and essential in the UK.