It’s the SAM AGM on Monday (details below). All members are encouraged to attend to hear about what has changed in the past year, listen to our future plans to take the SAM charity forward and share your opinions on anything that you feel is relevant, helpful and would make us even more successful in the next year.
We are rapidly approaching the end of the UK Government consultation ‘Improving moped and motorcycle training, testing and licensing’. The consultation closes at 11:59pm 11th May 2026. The consultation arises from the UK Government’s commitment to ensuring safer roads to drive economic growth and bring greener active travel. Also, to ease pressure on the NHS. Three current UK policies would seem to impair these very worthwhile goals. Only helmets for road use are exempt from 20% VAT. Jackets, trousers and boots, essential PPE riding equipment are all 20% more expensive than they need to be. With and inexperienced riders being most at risk of a serious accident, adding a 20% cost to expensive vital protection seems counterintuitive. The income won’t outweigh the NHS costs of upper and lower body injuries. There has been a lot of press about the lack of effective training. Government inaction has contributed to the problem and allowed it to persist by permitting repeat CBT courses. Again, 20% VAT on training courses contributes to dissuading young riders from making the effort to take a test. Even if it’s probably cheaper to take a full motorcycle test, it is clear riders prefer to simply pay to repeat a CBT certificate. Education and training consistently shows a reduction in both the frequency and severity of injuries to motorcyclists, so why allow riders onto the road without effective ongoing training? Another policy is the introduction of eBikes and e-scooters onto UK roads. Life all technology since the Industrial Revolution, if someone invents two-wheel transport, then users are going to ‘improve’ on the original designs and performance. In some areas police have reported a 4-fold increase in the seizure of modified electric bikes and scooters. Is this really the way we want our police officers to spend their time and limited budgets?
For any 2-wheel powered vehicle, licensing, needs to be enforceable and the penalties for making illegal modifications very severe. Education and training need to be grounded in modern, best practice. At present, research is limited and contradictory, leaving standards to be a victim of prevailing ideas and folk lore. Small, time limited studies have done nothing to make the two-wheeled travel safer for riders. Let’s hope that the current review will result in ways to make our 2-wheel travels safer with out an over-reliance on the latest technology. The most important part of a motorcycle is the rider’s brain!
The past week in motorcycling has been dominated by a familiar tension: rapid innovation on one side, and ongoing safety concerns on the other. Together, they paint a realistic picture of where riding stands in 2026.
Safety remains front and centre. In the US, Harley-Davidson has recalled more than 88,000 motorcycles due to a defect that could cause oil to eject under pressure—posing a burn risk to riders This follows a separate brake-related recall just weeks earlier, raising wider concerns about quality control in high-volume manufacturing.
Closer to home, the human cost of riding was underlined by a fatal crash in Kent involving a 17-year-old rider, a stark reminder of the risks facing younger motorcyclists.
Yet there are signs of smarter policy emerging. In Australia, new rules allowing motorcycles to use bus lanes on selected roads have been introduced after trials showed improved rider safety and no negative impact on traffic flow. With motorcyclists accounting for a disproportionate share of road deaths, this kind of targeted infrastructure change could influence future UK thinking.
Electric bikes continue their steady rise. Indian manufacturer Oben Electric has launched the Rorr EVO, claiming a 180km range and rapid charging to 80% in 90 minutes. While not yet a direct rival to premium European machines, it reflects how quickly mid-market electric options are improving.
This aligns with broader industry momentum. Advances like solid-state batteries—promising dramatically longer range and faster charging—are edging closer to real-world use, signalling a future where range anxiety may finally fade.
Traditional petrol bikes aren’t standing still. This week saw the reveal of the Moto Morini X-Cape 1200, a new adventure bike aimed squarely at riders wanting big performance without premium-brand pricing. Meanwhile, suspension specialists WP have unveiled new high-end components designed to bring track-level performance to road riders.
Adventure and touring bikes remain the industry’s commercial backbone—practical, aspirational, and well-suited to UK roads.
On the racing front, the 2026 season continues to evolve. MotoGP is in a transitional year ahead of major rule changes in 2027, including a shift to smaller engines and new tyre suppliers. Meanwhile, grassroots pathways like the British Moto4 Cup are already underway, developing the next generation of talent.
Off-track, the UK scene is thriving. The Stafford Classic Bike Show drew over 20,000 visitors, highlighting the enduring appeal of motorcycle culture beyond just new machines.
Motorcycling in 2026 is evolving fast—but not always smoothly. Innovation in electric tech and rider-focused policy is encouraging, yet safety concerns and real-world risks remain stubbornly present.
For young UK riders, the takeaway is clear: the bikes are getting better, the opportunities are growing—but the responsibility to ride smart has never mattered more.
Congratulations Jo Franklin on passing his IAM Advanced Rider Test last week. Our grateful thanks go to volunteer Observer Clive Lewis for the advanced rider training and guidance he provided.
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
Effective motorcycle riding relies on anticipation and prediction—the ability to figure out “what happens next” to handle problems calmly rather than in a rush. While both drivers and riders use these skills, riders are punished far more severely for prediction failures. Statistics showing riders are significantly more likely to be killed or injured do not necessarily mean they make more mistakes; rather, the consequences of those mistakes are simply more brutal.
The “Biker Boobytrap” is the tendency to “wait and see” when faced with a developing situation. Unlike a pedestrian who can stop to gather information, a moving motorcyclist continues to travel toward a hazard while pausing to think. This “information-gathering pause” shrinks the window of opportunity to react.
True survival skills require acting on suspicion rather than waiting for proof. Many riders see a situation developing—such as a car approaching a junction or a van indicating a turn—but wait for confirmation (the car actually pulling out) before acting. By the time proof arrives, it is often too late. To stay safe, riders must take personal responsibility and proactively steer clear of potential threats instead of riding into them and hoping for the best. Read more
A genuine eCourse requires more than just hosting static information online; it necessitates interaction and engagement. The author categorizes current online motorcycle training into three tiers:
Deceptive Scams: The author identifies fraudulent sites, such as a fake “College of DuPage” course hosted on Alibaba. These sites use AI-generated imagery and false claims of state accreditation to drive web traffic, offering no real educational value.
Static Content: Legitimate offerings, like the DVSA’s Roadcraft eLearning, are criticized for being “eLearning” in name only. While they provide useful audio-visual aids for those who struggle with reading, they lack depth and interaction. The author notes that learners remain isolated, simply consuming the same information found in manuals without gaining new insights.
Interactive Learning: Drawing on their NVQ background, the author advocates for a collaborative model. Their Survival Skills Eight Week eCourse is presented as a true eLearning experience, featuring tutor-led sessions, group discussions, and interactive exercises. By allowing students to learn from both the instructor and each other, the course builds a comprehensive “theory of riding” that static platforms cannot replicate. The next intake for this interactive program begins in May. Read more
Consider the phrase, “Fresh Start: Throttle Core Skills,” which encourages us to see the throttle as an instrument for mastering a motorcycle’s dynamic geometry. Many riders may just think of the throttle as a mere “go faster” button, yet it plays a vital role in shaping weight distribution, suspension dynamics, and tire performance.
Mastering smooth throttle application symbolizes a deeper understanding of riding. Sudden “grabs” or “chops” may signify a lapse in awareness or foresight. On the other hand, smooth and progressive throttle applications demonstrate anticipation, promoting stability in the chassis and liberating mental space for alertness to hazards. Ultimately, precise throttle timing safeguards the “margin”—the essential zone where grip, time, and stability harmoniously meet. Read more
Ducati is navigating a turbulent period as it marks its centenary, facing a significant decline in operating profits from €91 million in 2024 to €52 million in 2025. CEO Claudio Domenicali cites “mega” headwinds, including rising energy and labor costs, alongside the severe impact of US tariffs on their largest market. Global instability, driven by high oil prices and economic volatility in Asia, further complicates the landscape for high-end imports.
Despite these financial pressures, Ducati remains committed to a strategy of exclusivity. However, this approach faces two critical risks:
By prioritizing high margins and “exclusivity” over a modern, accessible “starter machine,” Ducati may be neglecting the pipeline of future customers needed to sustain the brand as its current base ages out of riding. Read more
This summary combines information from your saved card and the provided document regarding Kevin Williams and his “Survival Skills” initiative.
Survival Skills Platform Kevin Williams operates a platform dedicated to motorcycle survival skills, supported by over 400 members [2]. He offers a range of resources, including a gallery, shop, and specialized services. His work is also available in the “MAG Columns” e-book and paperback, which compile his riding advice and analysis of controversial biking issues from 2002 to 2010.
Critique of Safety Campaigns Williams highlights a stagnation in motorcycle safety, noting that fatalities in Great Britain have remained disproportionately high—rising from 339 in 2014 to 367 in 2024. He criticizes government “THINK!” campaigns for being repetitive and ineffective. Specifically, he argues that safety surveys often suffer from:
Williams emphasizes that while experience naturally reduces risk, the current approach to post-test training and safety messaging lacks the representative insight needed for genuine improvement. Read more
Unfortunately, the survey that will allow THINK! to reach that conclusion is garbage. Read more
The core concept of “When a ‘Small Thought’ jars” explores the psychological friction that occurs when a precise technical fact contradicts a rider’s intuitive mental model. This “jarring” feeling is often cognitive dissonance, where a rider’s procedural knowledge (the ability to “do”) clashes with their declarative knowledge (the ability to explain “how”).
Key psychological barriers identified include:
The Illusion of Explanatory Depth: Believing one understands a complex system until forced to explain its mechanics.
The Curse of Knowledge: Losing the ability to see a skill from a beginner’s perspective once it becomes automated.
Functional Fluency: Prioritizing “what works” over “why,” which prevents effective troubleshooting when things go wrong.
In educational terms, this discomfort is a “Disorienting Dilemma. “Embracing this friction allows a rider to move from autonomous competence (a plateau of “good enough” habits) to deliberate practice. By deconstructing fluid habits into component parts, riders can replace instinctive “Survival Reactions” with trained, resilient responses.
User reflections on this content highlight the challenge of “brain noise” and the selective nature of retaining these mechanics, noting that thoughts often linger in “RAM” before being fully integrated into long-term understanding. 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.
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.
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.
© 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!
