It’s been a cold week for SAM members, so even progress on working on the bike(s) in the shed has been limited. All the more chance to catch up on some reading!

UK motorcycling has had a busy week, with announcements for consultations on licensing rules and fresh political lobbying. New bikes continue to be brought out, tempting both younger and more experienced riders. The UK Government, after 10 years of equivocation, has finally recognised the social value of motorcycling. Every motorcycling, road safety organisation and charity were quick to dip their pens in the ink, either pushing their own recipes for change or highlighting what’s missing. In line with most ‘consultations’ the response time is short, questions selective with a small amount of space to respond.  Will this be the start of REAL change for motorcyclists and motorcycling? With many organisations having written their suggested plans for change, they are now making public statements about ‘consulting their members’ about the content of Road Safety Strategy. Perhaps that’s why a lot of bikers are questioning just how ‘representative’ these organisations and charities really are? At least we can look at what is happening in our world this week.  

Politics and licensing

The UK government has launched a new Road Safety Strategy that singles out motorcyclists as a priority because riders are only around 1% of traffic but account for about 21% of road deaths.​

As part of this, ministers have opened a consultation on “modernising and improving” moped and motorcycle training, testing and licensing, promising to look again at how the current tiered system works in practice.

Rider groups such as the British Motorcyclists Federation and others have welcomed the chance to simplify the route from CBT to full licence and are urging young riders to respond, so that any changes reflect real‑world learner experiences.  The Motorcycle Action Group  is also urging their members to make their voices heard in the consultation.

Rider advocacy and campaigning

Campaigners have used the new strategy to push for bikes to be treated as part of the solution to congestion and emissions, not just a safety problem. They rightly argue that powered two‑wheelers cut journey times and free up road space. The Motorcycle Action Group  highlighting their  behind‑the‑scenes lobbying work in Westminster and local authorities this week, stressing that decisions made now on road design, low‑traffic schemes and speed enforcement will shape what it is like to ride in towns and cities in the next decade.​

For any young riders who may be planning to ride to college or work, the message is to inform yourself about these campaigns. They directly affect future access to economical and eco-friendly travelling, parking rules and whether bikes are encouraged or become a hobby for more well-off riders.

Training, tech and safety focus

The government’s plan talks about targeted action on speed, drink and drug driving and better use of tech such as autonomous emergency braking and lane‑keeping systems in cars, all sold as ways to cut overall casualties by 65 per cent by 2035.​

Within that, officials are looking at “trials to improve motorcycle safety on rural roads”, which could mean new layouts, surfaces or signage on favourite riding routes where many young riders have their first big‑bike crashes.​

There is also interest in using more preventative technology, including alcohol interlocks and tighter checks on licence holders’ eyesight and cognitive fitness, something rider groups want handled carefully so it improves safety without turning into constant surveillance.

New bikes and marketing hooks

On the product side, Triumph has been busy pushing its updated 2026 range, with MCN giving a first look at the latest Bonneville models and positioning them as easier‑going, characterful bikes that still fit A2 and early full‑licence riders.

Manufacturers continue to lean on lifestyle‑heavy marketing, using short social clips, influencer reviews and “new year, new bike” deals to persuade younger riders to step up from 125s into bigger machines as soon as they pass the next test.

Electric off‑roaders aimed at youth and family riding, such as Triumph’s TXP line developed from OSET technology, remain an important pipeline. They give riders a taste of throttle control and bike balance, years before they sit a road test.​

What it means all riders

For experienced, new and would‑be riders, the big story is that the whole licensing, training and safety system is under review, so anyone aged 17–19 today could end up riding under a slightly different set of rules by the time the consultation turns into Government policy. At the same time, industry and campaign groups are working to make sure motorcycling is seen as modern, practical and socially useful, not a problem to be designed out, which is why responses from younger riders carry real weight right now.

Add in a flow of attractive, tech‑laden starter bikes and accessible retro models, and the next few years look set to offer more choice but also more responsibility for 18‑year‑olds keen to claim their place on two wheels. Until next week, in this icy weather, stay safe and happy reading.

The next SAM Committee Meeting will be on the 29th January 2026. The next SAM Club Night will be on the 2nd February 2026. Weekly Saturday meetings, at Meadowhall Retail Park, will continue to take place, but watch the SAM website Calendar (it’s on the front page!) for any changes. Your SAM Weekly Newsletter will drop into your inbox each week as usual.