Sheffield Advanced Motorcyclists – Weekly Newsletter 27th June 2025
Table of Contents
Editorial
Wow! Hasn’t it been warm. With temperatures touching 40°C it’s time to think about adapting our riding. Time of day is important. As mornings and evenings tend to be cooler for riding you can take a nap, in the shade, in the hottest part of the day. In warmer weather, through evaporation, we will lose more body fluid. A Camelbak hydration pack can keep you on the road and the senses sharper. The rider’s brain needs a regular fluid intake to keep working. Having become seriously dehydrated whilst riding I wouldn’t recommend it.
The New Rider Hub has a very good series of short films. Aimed at post-CBT riders they focus on positioning, manoeuvres and the common riding errors of novice riders. Worth a watch and sharing with less experienced riders.
MAG (Motorcycle Action Group) has called for a more inclusive approach to road safety strategy. Promoting their ‘Welcoming Roads Campaign’, they point to the shortcomings of the ‘Elite Rider Hub’ (MCIA – Motorcycle Industry Association) and the ‘Learn – Ride – Enjoy – Repeat’ (Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme ) as part of the ‘competitive voices’ that seem to encourage tribalism and multi-modality approaches to rider development. They call for equality for all road users where each user takes responsibility for ensuring safe travel. The UK Government policy of amending the Highway Code with a ‘hierarchy of harm’ seems only to have achieved arrogance, selfishness, finger-pointing and blame-laying. The record number of cyclists sending videos, of drivers passing too close, to the police may support this conclusion. So long as there is a policy, of dividing different levels of responsibility to groups of road users, harmony amongst road users looks a long way off.
Showing the way to cooperation, MAG and the BMF supported ‘Operation Needle’. This was a police-led campaign, taking place during the Isle of Man TT racing season, that successfully highlighted vehicle security and reducing motorcycle thefts. MAG has a further, two-day campaign ‘Riders Resistance Weekend’, protesting at the proposed ban on selling 125cc motorcycles (L1, L2, L3e-A1, L6 and L7 sub-categories) from 2030 and larger motorcycles from 2035. The ban sales of new motorcycles doesn’t mean that our favourite choice of transport will disappear. It’s likely that the UK motorcycling community will respond by buying more ICE motorcycles, accessories and spare parts to make their rides last a little longer.
All motorcycling representative groups have called for motorcycles to be included in the UK Government’s ‘Integrated National Transport Strategy (INTS). They, rightly, argue that motorcycles be recognised as a core part of sustainable transport. Also, as the Government ‘fast tracks’ the introduction of self-driving vehicles, the NMC (National Motorcyclists Council) have warned that such vehicles don’t recognise motorcycles. Even on my 2025 car the automatic braking isn’t sensitive enough to operate when there is a motorcycle in front. It’s a good job it has a driver!
The petition to implement a strategy to protect bikers for imported, unsafe clothing, ends on the 6th July 2025. Let’s help to keep every rider a bit safer: Sign it now. Thank you.
In a new development, IAM RoadSmart has surveyed Groups about introducing short Rider/Driver refresher courses to help members assure themselves about their advanced riding/driving ability. The SAM Committee supports this IAM initiative and we’ll keep you updated on any progress. As usual, SAM members continue to gather at Meadowhall, 9am each Saturday morning throughout the year. Our dedicated, volunteer Observer coaches continue to successfully help riders become advanced riders. See our latest successful Associates below. In this week’s newsletter, you can learn about the difference between a ‘limit point’ and a ‘surprise horizon’; and, when each takes priority. There is so much more interesting and thought-provoking content. Until next week, happy reading and ride safe.
Your success is our success!
Congratulations to Darren Doleman (and Observer Matt Lee) on passing your advanced test. Well done, both!
Advanced riders are safer road users, ride longer, rider further, meet more people and enjoy a healthier, happier life!
For Your Diary
Meetings
Chair’s Evening Ride Out
30th June 2025
6.30pm at Meadowhall Retail Park!
Finishing at Moorlands, Owler Bar at 8pm to eat (pay for your food)
Book your place NOW by email: chair@iam-sheffield.bike
NO JULY CLUB NIGHT
Next SAM Committee Meeting
26th June 2025
Details to be arranged
Online Motorcycling News
General
From being on the battlefield to racing around some of the UK’s most iconic racing tracks, the veteran riders at True Heroes Racing are an inspiration to everyone.
We tasked James ‘Jumbo’ Ashenden, a former Royal Marines Commando, and one of the team’s newest riders courtesy of their grassroots pathway, to explain his inspirational story from being on the battlefield in Afghanistan to passing his motorcycle test and joining the team. Read more.
The Maicoletta was already one of the most powerful scooters of the ‘50s and ‘60s, but Ned Cooper has taken things up several notches.
A seasoned biker, engineer and compulsive tinkerer, Ned came to the German scooters by accident when he inherited a half-built example from a friend.
The Maicoletta bug
He restored that one back to standard about 15 years ago, and got the bug for these high-quality machines. Read more.
Previously, I related how airflow specialist, the late Kenny Augustine, increased the exhaust flow of a 1960s Honda 450 Twin engine I was working on by 30%, over the phone. Here’s the gist of it:
KA – “OK, you’re blowing through the exhaust port, right? So you’ve noticed the roar?”
KC – “Yes, it’s loud.”
KA – “That sound comes from the flow not being able to decide whether to attach to the roof of the port, or the floor. So it oscillates up and down, attaching to first one, then the other. Maybe you’ve also noticed that if you push the eraser end of a pencil into the port, along the floor, the roar stops. It stops because flow disturbance of the pencil keeps the flow from attaching to the floor. And as a result, the flow increases. Read more.
The basic geometry of a bike’s chassis is vital to how it feels and performs. But it can seem like a bit of a black art sometimes. Here’s our guide to what it all means – plus the very latest in track bike set up thinking. What do you look at when you first see the specs for a new bike? If you’re anything like me then that’s a bit of a daft question – it’s all about the brake horsepower and the dry weight, isn’t it? Then we’ll maybe enquire about how fancy the brake calipers and suspension are. Finally, we’ll skim-read the electronic aids package – then all that remains is to see if it comes in colours to match a rainbow. The question is, do you ever look to the lower reaches of the chassis specification, though? The rake and trail figures, and the wheelbase? Those are the headline figures on a chassis layout, but there’s a host of other details which the engineers and test riders have been sweating over for years. Fork offset, wheel sizes, swingarm length, engine mount position, rear ride height, chain run, weight bias – all have subtle effects on how a bike chassis will work… or not work. Read more.
Rider Health & Safety
Do you ride a motorcycle or know someone who does? If so, you’ll know that riding a motorcycle has some risks. In fact, statistics show that motorcyclists are much more likely to be involved in a serious or fatal accident than car drivers. This is why it’s important to take steps to reduce the risks and the Biker I.C.E. Card is one of the most effective solutions available.
The Biker I.C.E. Card is a simple, yet vital tool. It contains your contact details and essential medical information. In the event of an accident, emergency services staff can quickly access this information to help them decide on the right treatment for you. By carrying a Biker I.C.E. Card, you can ensure that emergency services staff have the information they need to take account of any ongoing health problems you have and any current treatments that you are receiving. This can make their job easier and your emergency care safer. Read more...
The Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) has growing concerns over recent actions by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to expedite the approval process for autonomous vehicles (AVs), particularly those lacking basic human driving controls such as steering wheels and brake pedals.
In a recent letter, NHTSA announced it will “streamline” the exemption process requiring manufacturers to seek federal approval before deploying self-driving vehicles. These standards have traditionally mandated that all vehicles include manual controls, which are a critical safeguard for human operation and accountability on public roads. Read more.
Seeing how criminal gangs move their operations around the UK can help motorcyclists realise the importance of locking their bikes, and be more prepared when thefts rise in their area.
This map shows the increases and decreases of motorcycle and scooter thefts by comparing the last full month’s data with the month before that. Remember – this is a MONTHLY overview.
Seeing how criminal gangs move their operations around the UK can help motorcyclists realise the importance of locking their bikes, and be more prepared when thefts rise in their area.
This map shows the increases and decreases of motorcycle and scooter thefts by comparing the last full month’s data with the month before that. Remember – this is a MONTHLY overview.
Open the tab below the map to show the data in full, as the colours represent the CHANGE to theft rates reported by each Police force, not the quantity.
Motorcycle theft data May 2025 vs April 2025
This month’s theft stats explained
Motorcycle thefts have increased most significantly in the centre of England, with the number of Powered Two Wheelers (PTWs) stolen rising from 20 to 39 in Cambridgeshire during May compared to April. Nottinghamshire went from 38 to 46, and West Yorkshire climbed from 55 to 73. South Yorkshire is close behind – with a more significant increase of 100% – rising to 70 from 35. Read more.
Summer’s here – and while blue skies and dry roads are great news for riders, soaring temperatures can bring their own challenges. Staying cool on the bike isn’t just about comfort – it’s about safety too. Dehydration, fatigue and even heatstroke can creep in faster than you think, especially on longer rides.
So before you head out for a blast in the sun, check out these three quick tips to help keep your cool – and stay safe in the saddle.1. Wear Proper Ventilated Gear
Choose mesh or vented textile jackets with armour instead of ditching gear altogether.
Look for gear with removable liners and zippable vents.
Lightweight gloves and a well-ventilated helmet will keep airflow up while protecting you. Read more.
Adventure & Touring
Andrea had planned and saved her money for this adventure for years. She had ridden from Punta Arenas, Chile, enduring the cold and the malevolent winds that almost blew her off her bike. But the desolate beauty of this region was worth it, and now she was almost to her destination, the port city of Ushuaia.
Ironically, her accident didn’t even involve a motorcycle. She had stopped with her group at a dreary little petrol station north of Ushuaia, and when she was walking on the fringe of roadway surrounding the pumps, concentrating on getting a photograph, she stumbled in a pothole and something snapped in her lower right leg. It was that simple.
All that Andrea saw of Ushuaia was the emergency room at the small city hospital. The doctor showed her the X-ray. “You have a spiral break of both the tibia and fibula bones. We cannot perform the needed surgery here. I will stabilize your leg in a cast and you will have to be evacuated.”
Luckily, Andrea had travel medical insurance. She called her insurance carrier’s 24-hour emergency assistance line and described the situation. The insurance company conferred with the hospital, and she was flown out from Ushuaia to Buenos Aires on an air-ambulance flight, accompanied by a flight-nurse. From Buenos Aires, she flew to New York, and ultimately had surgery at a hospital in New York City, close to her home. She recovered fully, and all her medical expenses and travel costs to get her to her stateside hospital were covered by the insurance policy.
Adventure motorcycling will take you where you might not have state-of-the-art emergency medical care, and if you have first-world expectations of hospital treatment, you may be grievously disappointed. If you have an accident on or off your motorcycle while overseas, you may need to be evacuated to your home country for treatment. That can easily cost upwards of $50,000. And, it doesn’t have to be a motorcycle mishap… you can simply have a bad fall, as Andrea did, or suffer an illness that would require you to be evacuated. Read more.
I’m frequently asked how I can ride a bike “that big” off road, or better stated for ADV riders, off pavement. The truth is, riding an adventure bike off pavement uses the same basic techniques as riding a dirt bike on a technical trail. The biggest difference is that adventure bikes don’t crash like dirt bikes, and the risk of injury and damage from crashing on an adventure bike is far greater due to reduced personal protective gear and the presence of hard luggage, extra weight, windshields and other things not designed to be crashed on a regular basis.
There are many elements needed to ride well off pavement. In this article, we’ll focus on the concept of “becoming weightless” when riding on rough surfaces, dirt or gravel.
Becoming weightless improves traction, decreases falls, and reduces the risk of injury by reducing or eliminating the number of times you would otherwise fall. We’ve all seen riders standing on their footpegs, and may emulate this style of riding—often not fully understanding how or why we should stand in the first place. Even worse than standing without purpose is failing to stand at those times when it is most critical—such as in deep sand, mud, ruts, water crossings, etc.; times when untrained riders normally sit. Anyone can stand on a smooth gravel road. Read more.
A tool kit is an unusually personal thing—highly subjective because what might be essential to one person could be excessive to the next, or vice versa. Your personal tool kit is also specific to the type of motorcycle that you ride, the riding you partake in and the distances you travel. There’s no worse feeling than realizing you have to postpone or cut an adventure short because you don’t have the right tool to fix your bike.
• No interest in working on your bike?
No one imagines they’ll be stranded by something as simple as a loose battery connection, or face the adverse effects of riding 1,500 miles home with a clogged air filter because they don’t have the necessary tools. With a little planning it’s easy to be prepared for these situations. Carrying at least a few basic tools is good practice, even if you never want or plan to use them. Read more.
History & Custom
Don’t Call It a Comeback: Asterisk’s Award-Winning Harley Shovelhead
In Egyptian mythology, Bennu is an ancient deity associated with creation and rebirth. Depicted as a bird, it is believed that he may have been the original inspiration for the legend of the phoenix—which is exactly why the owner of this enchanting 1978 Harley-Davidson Shovelhead named it after him. Even though the donor bike was…Read more »
Kevin Williams
Fixing a Flat – tubeless tyres
If you’re lucky, you’ll have discovered a tyre’s gone flat at home. If you’re not so lucky, you’ll get one out on the road. If you’re really unlucky you’ll be on holiday. And worst case, on holiday abroad miles from anywhere. At this point, having stopped, you have a choice. Recovery or getting going again.
It’s worth knowing that here in the UK you can get 24/7 instant cover from the AA. Their standard cover starts 1/4 mile from home, though you can add ‘at home’ cover at extra cost. The AA claim to be able to fix most motorcycle punctures, but if they can’t they’ll take you to a garage (or – at additional cost – they’ll recover you and the bike to any UK mainland destination). Read more.
Tyres – coping with a deflating tyre
Last week, I offered up some tips which I think could help avoid getting a punctured tyre in the first place, but if we ride a bike long enough, we’re going to get a flat. As I said last time, punctures on a two wheeler are an entirely different problem to a flat tyre in a car.
GETTING THE BIKE STOPPED SAFELY – there are plenty of guides to fixing a puncture on the internet, but unless you are lucky (!) enough to find your tyre has gone flat at a standstill – an inconvenience for sure – the first challenge is getting the bike stopped. And there’s almost nothing on how to get the bike achieve that safely. Read more.
Hanging back following a mobile ‘Vision Blocker’
We all want to get past slow-moving vehicles, but riding right up tight on the tail lights is rarely the way to achieve that. In fact, when following a mobile ‘Vision Blocker’ (see videos 11 and 13 for a full explanation of that term) keeping a longer than usual following distance is actually a very sound idea for a number of reasons!
As you can see, I’ve caught up with a large transporter and the wide ramps are very effectively blocking my forward view. As the driver slows down to deal with the obstructions caused by parked vehicles and traffic islands, it would be easy to ride right behind the truck but let’s see how hanging back improves views.
Rolling to a halt, I can see both sides of the pedestrian crossing as well as the roundabout ahead, where I can see a truck parked on the left – useful to know that. And when I do I move forward towards the roundabout, hanging back ensures I don’t get trapped half-on, half-off if the transporter stops again. Read more.
‘Motivated Reasoning’ – what it is, how to avoid it
We all want to believe our beliefs are carefully and rationally considered. Unfortunately, there’s a wealth of evidence to show otherwise. When we’re interpreting information unconsciously in such a way as to fit with our beliefs, it’s known as ‘Confirmation Bias’. We accept new information which agrees with what we already believe more readily and with less scrutiny than that which doesn’t fit the pattern of what we believe.
Confirmation bias is just one of many ‘cognitive biases’. These are systematic errors in thinking that occurs when we interpret information from what’s happening around us and introduce faulty processing, creating decisions, judgements and patterns of behaviour which aren’t supported by logical thought. They are seen as the result of the brain’s attempt to simplify information processing by creating rules of thumb to help make sense of the world quickly, and reach decisions easily. Unfortunately, when we’re wrong, we effectively create our own ‘subjective reality’, believing we have evidence for our beliefs. Read more.
Surprise Horizons – naming calls (to mind)
Discovering the concept of the ‘Surprise Horizon’ over two decades ago was on of the most insightful moments I had as a rider despite having been riding for years before that. I first heard the term in Stephen Haley’s book ‘Mind Driving’, and not only has it changed the way I consider roads as I ride along them, it’s played a central part in my coaching other riders in advanced riding.
In one way, discovering the Surprise Horizon it was nothing new – I learned many years ago from reading Motorcycle Roadcraft that I should be aware of “what you can see, what you can’t see and what you can reasonably expect to happen”. Read more.
Do riders really face a barrage of rubbish tossed from cars?
[BASED ON THE IN-DEPTH ITEM IN YESTERDAY’S ELEVENSES LIVE WEBCAST]
Just the other day a video dropped into my feed claiming ‘UK bikers are targeted by drivers’ and ‘hit by rubbish’. The same story reappeared in written form across the web – ‘One third of motorcyclists have been pelted with litter’ was one of the more hysterical bits of clickbait. Another story claimed riders on UK roads car drivers and their passengers routinely throw items at riders “in a way that cause serious risk of an incident”, and then asks “what has to be done to stop this from happening?”
That wasn’t the end of it. The reports also claimed riders reporting drivers had intentionally sprayed them with windscreen washer fluid, and – an old favourite – moved around in their lane to block a rider when filtering. Read more.
Don’t let knowledge be a curse – use it to help
I’ve written a few articles aimed at less-experienced riders recently, and they appear to have drawn a wide audience than usual – FB helpfully provides that data.
But somewhat to my surprise, they have also drawn some negative comment, some of it not very subtly-phrased. What’s noticeable is that almost all of the negative feedback has come from individuals with more experience, letting me know about that experience.
This is sometimes referred to as The “Curse of Knowledge”, and if you are a regular here, you probably won’t be very surprised to discover it’s yet another cognitive bias.
In case you are new to the term, cognitive biases are systematic errors in thinking that are unconscious and automatic processes, and they result from our brains’ attempts to make decision-making quicker and less hard work for itself. They can and do have significant implications for the decisions we make, resulting in inaccurate or irrational judgements. They can be influenced social pressures and emotions, and affect how we act and behave. Read more.
Surprise Horizons – which ones are YOU missing?
Last time out I was explaining why the term ‘Surprise Horizon’ – an area bordering the road which is not immediately visible to us because it lurks behind a Vision Blocker – is such an important concept. It’s not just because it’s where a vehicle or other any other mobile hazard such as a cyclist, pedestrian, horse rider or even a stray animal could suddenly emerge into our own path, it’s because giving it a name helps us remember to scan for those openings in a way that a generalised instruction about ‘identifying hazards’ won’t. Names really DO matter.
Once we recognise Surprise Horizons for what they are – the location for a potential threat that might appear unexpectedly – than it should prompt us to think about how we should change our position. Read more.
QJ Motor have arrived in the UK
It was kept pretty quiet – I’d not heard a whisper. But a press release last week announced that QJMotor are to bring in a 16 bikes range.
The Qianjiang Motorcycle Group, known as QJMotor, first appeared in in 1985 in Wenling, in Zhejiang Province in China. QJMotor claim to have been the leading premium motorcycle brand in China for the past 11 years.
In September 2016, Geely, one of the world’s most successful automotive groups and the owner of Volvo amongst other brands, became QJMotor’s largest shareholder, significantly expanding QJMotor’s global reach. The company now has an international footprint across Europe, Asia, Latin America and now the UK.
A spokesperson for Moto73 Ltd, the UK importer for QJMotor, said: “We are proud to introduce QJMotor in the United Kingdom – an exciting new chapter in the British motorcycle market. The range from QJMotor is not only impressive and diverse, but also technically very high. This is a true premium brand and we’ll be working hard to give as many riders as possible a chance to demo ride these incredible bikes.” Read more.
Fixing a flat – tubed tyre
Over the last few weeks, we’ve taken a look at some preventive measures to avoid a flat tyre in the first place, how to detect and cope with a deflating tyre, and fixing a tubeless puncture. Today I’ll turn to the dying art of fixing a puncture to a tubed wheel.
But first – if you have a bike with SHAFT drive, refer to your own manual. These instructions are for chain-driven bikes.
Now, if you an experienced overlander or a die-hard rider of bikes with spoked wheels and tubes, look away now, because you’ll almost certainly know all this already. But if you’re new to riding or even an experienced rider who’s gone ‘retro’ and now owns a machine with tubed tyres, read on. Read more.
The mistake riders make in hot weather
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Riding along on the bike we tend to forget that the pleasant and refreshing breeze that we’re feeling is keeping us cool by evaporating sweat from our skin. And that means we’re steadily losing the water in our body. And the better our riding kit is at keeping us cool, the more sweat we’re evaporating.
Here’s the key point. Thirst is the body’s early warning system that we’re ALREADY mildly dehydrated. When our body loses between 1 and 2% of its water content, the brain triggers the thirst response. This means thirst lags behind our actual fluid needs. Read more.
Contextualising an article
As I’ve think I’ve mentioned before, whenever I write an article, I think about it in the context of who it’s aimed at helping. This ‘contextualisation’ involves making the article understandable and relevant to a specific readership, providing background information, defining key terms and generally making my statements about a specific issue in such a way that the audience it’s aimed at are likely to understand what we’re saying.
That means it’s necessary to base any particular argument whilst bearing in mind our audience’s previous knowledge of the subject. A reader’s understanding of my posts is dependent on their specific understanding of the issue being discussed, and I try to make it clear just who I’m writing for. Read more.
Which takes priority – corner or Surprise Horizon
Years ago, I was running a training course, up in the Peak District, for a rider who’d self-reported that he was getting a bit too confident and a bit too quick through corners, resulting in some recent scary moments. So I’d started the session with a quick riding assessment, and agreed with him – he was indeed a bit too quick in some specific places.
So I set out to deliver my usual Performance: BENDS training content with the necessary twist aimed at bringing his speeds down where it mattered, by explaining the hazards and threats that surround the bends themselves, and setting out ways to identify them in order to drop our speed appropriately. Read more.
Whiteknights Blood Bikes
𝘼 𝙩𝙮𝙥𝙞𝙘𝙖𝙡 𝙙𝙖𝙮 𝙖𝙩 𝘽𝙡𝙤𝙤𝙙𝙧𝙪𝙣 𝙀𝙑𝙎
Every day throws up unexpected runs from James Cook NHS Hospital this morning our volunteer driver Phil M collected an urgent sample destined for Bristol from James Cook NHS Hospital
Phil , handed over the sample to rider Kevin Heap from our friends at WhiteKnights at Wetherby Services this morning, the sample will be relayed by a number of other blood bike groups all part of the National Association of Blood Bikes , all free of charge to the NHS , reaching its destination mid afternoon.
“𝙎𝙣𝙖𝙥 𝙨𝙝𝙤𝙩 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙞𝙢𝙚 𝙖𝙩 𝘽𝙡𝙤𝙤𝙙𝙧𝙪𝙣 ”
With Phil M , out of the area at Wetherby , our duty controller , Phil A took an urgent sample from James Cook to North Tees , meanwhile our volunteer driver Ryan H and rider Keir D where visiting the children at Beverley Park in Hemlington with a blood🩸bike and a blood 🩸car to show the our vehicles as part a project on transport, events like this help us raise our profile in the communities we serve , later today another controller and 3 volunteers will be on duty this afternoon and tonight , we also have 12 volunteers giving up their evening to attend annual training for the handling of blood 🩸 products plus 4 new volunteers starting their training with us tonight.
Every run we make has a patient in urgent need behind it , we are funded by the generous donations from the public , the support of local businesses and driven by volunteers, our service is free to the NHS 24/7 365 days of the year.
Search #blood247 on social media or visit www.bloodrun.co.uk to find out more about our work , sponsor a shift or make a donation. Thank you 🙏
Bloodrun EVS is a Registered Charity in England & Wales No. 1148463 See less
— with Whiteknights Yorkshire Blood Bikes and NABB.
South Yorkshire Safer Roads Partnership
Red Xs are there for a reason and can be the difference between life and death.
Ignoring red X signs on a live motorway poses a risk to those involved in a breakdown or working on the carriageway.
Today (12 June) at 1.35pm, roads policing officers responded to a collision on M1, closing three lanes of the motorway.
Road closures were put in place for safety, as officers worked to ensure those involved in the collision received the treatment they needed, and that evidence required for an investigation was obtained.
They are also used to enable emergency services to get to the scene.
While working, officers continued to see drivers ignore the ‘Red X’ and put everyone in danger.
Roads Policing Inspector Matt Collings said: “Being a police officer carries risk, but officers should not experience greater dangers because of impatient, selfish drivers.
“We understand majority of people do adhere to the rules and appreciate the fact that we are working as quickly as we can to get the roads re-opened and motorists moving.
“Those who fail to stop and wait, may think they won’t face the consequences, but they can expect to receive a letter of prosecution.
“We are doing all we can to create safer roads, and reduce risk, but we need you to do your part.”
Penalties can carry three licence points and up to a £100 fine.
The end of lane closures will be marked on motorway gantries with ‘end’ or a speed limit sign.
For more information about adhering to Red X signs, please see the Highway Code Rule 258. See less
Every death and serious injury on the road is a preventable tragedy. Yet, on average, five people die every day on the road in the UK and 82 are seriously injured (10-year average from 2013-2022). This has to change. Help us by sticking to the rules of the road. Brake, the road safety charity
Motorcycling Organisations
IAM RoadSmart
Has it been a while since you passed your Advanced test? 
A fifth reported needing vehicle repairs at least once in the last 12 months a year due to pothole damage, often discovered during routine servicing or MOT checks
Three quarters admitted to braking sharply to avoid potholes in the last year
Almost all motorists have swerved at the last minute to avoid a pothole
Motorists are forking out thousands of pounds to repair pothole-related damage to their vehicles, according to new research by road safety charity IAM RoadSmart. Read more.
The Highway Code was updated in 2022 recommending that drivers give cyclists at least 1.5 metres of space (about the width of a compact car) when overtaking cyclists at speeds of up to 30mph
58 percent of motorists don’t know the correct distance to leave when overtaking a cyclist
Video footage submissions to the police have doubled since 2021
Cycling UK is the UK’s cycling charity. Ride with us for happier, healthier and greener lives.
Cycling UK enables and inspires people from all backgrounds and abilities to experience cycling’s joys and benefits. We speak up for all who cycle to make sure it’s a safe and easy choice for everyone to travel, explore and have fun. For more information, visit: www.cyclinguk.org Read more.
Sharing the road can be challenging, but with mutual respect and understanding, drivers and cyclists can coexist safely. Here are some essential tips and legal guidelines to help make our roads safer for everyone.
For Drivers 🚗
Respect Minimum Passing Distance: The Highway Code advises drivers to give cyclists at least 1.5 metres of space (about the width of a compact car) when overtaking at speeds of up to 30mph, with larger gaps at higher speeds. This distance ensures cyclists have enough room to manoeuvre safely and helps prevent accidents.
Be Patient and Aware: Cyclists may need to avoid obstacles like potholes or drains. Be patient and wait for a safe opportunity to overtake. Always check your mirrors and blind spots for cyclists before changing lanes, turning, or opening your car door.Clearly signal your intentions early to give cyclists time to react. Read more.
Are you aware of the OAP framework when out riding? 
National Motorcyclists Council
The National Motorcyclists Council (NMC) has welcomed news that the Department for Transport (DfT) is considering options for reviewing the current training, testing and licensing regime. The NMC, along several motorcycling organisations and other road safety stakeholders were told the news by the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport, Lilian Greenwood MP who attended a round table meeting of the Government’s Motorcycle Strategic Focus Group on January 20th to discuss licensing and other aspects of motorcycle safety and policy. Read more…
The National Motorcyclists Council (NMC) is today expressing its concern that the Government’s proposal to ‘fast track’ pilots of self-driving taxi and bus-like services could risk compromising motorcycle safety unless the Autonomous Vehicles Act and its key ‘Statement of Safety Principles’ is fully implemented first.
This month, Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander, announced that ‘the government will fast-track pilots to spring 2026, introducing self-driving commercial pilots on England’s roads.
Firms will be able to pilot small scale ‘taxi- and bus-like’ services without a safety driver for the first time – which could be available to members of the public to book via an app – before a potential wider rollout when the full Automated Vehicles Act becomes law from the second half of 2027.’ Read more.
FEMA
Icelandic motorcycling association BLS is planning a protest against a proposal to introduce road pricing. Kristrún Tryggvadóttir, BLS’s delegate to FEMA and member of the FEMA Board, explains what is happening:
BLS – a member of FEMA – held a meeting with its members to discuss the government’s plans to introduce road pricing, paying per kilometre. This will financially disadvantage motorcyclists.
The members were in agreement: enough is enough. We motorcyclists pay taxes, but our views and needs are not taken into account when designing or maintaining roads. This needs to change and the latest tax is just another clear indication of the problem. Read more.
The UK government changed its rules about driverless cars and wants to ‘fast track’ pilots of self-driving taxi and bus-like services.
The government was originally aiming to introduce these cars to British roads in 2026, then the date was changed to the second half of 2027. The government now says it is introducing an accelerated framework for small autonomous ‘bus and taxi like commercial services earlier.
The British National Motorcyclists Council (NMC) is not happy with this decision and expresses its concerns: the Government’s proposal to ‘fast track’ pilots of self-driving taxi and bus-like services could risk compromising motorcycle safety unless the Autonomous Vehicles Act and its key ‘Statement of Safety Principles’ is fully implemented first. Read more.
British Motorcyclists Federation
Paul Varnsverry, the highly respected motorcycling clothing expert, is launching a campaign aimed at eliminating uncertified and potentially unsafe bike kit, currently being imported into the UK and offered for sale online. Varnsverry, Technical Director of clothing consultant at PVA-PPE, is started a petition aimed at alerting Government to the dangers of untested kit. In conversation with MCN, he praised the efforts of Trading Standards in the last three years, in checking bike shows and high street shops for sub-standard kit. But he added that clothing offered online is attempting to circumvent these checks. Read more… 
Council of the EU says mopeds and motorcycles should be included in the end-of-life vehicles regulation.
The Council of the EU has adopted its position on the end-of-life vehicles (ELV) regulation, legislation that dictates how vehicles are recycled, reused, and disposed of when they reach the end of their life.
The Council of the EU represents the member states’ governments. It is where national ministers and experts from each EU country meet to (amongst other tasks) negotiate and adopt EU laws.
The Council’s position increases the level of ambition of the regulation, including in its scope heavy-duty trucks and two- or three-wheel bikes and quadricycles. The Council wants the scope of the Regulation to be expanded to include: vehicles of categories L1e to L7e (unlike the initial Commission proposal of L3e to L7e), including mopeds, two- and three-wheel vehicles and quadricycles. Read more.
Driverless Car Technology Must Take Full Account of Motorcyclists
Self Driving taxis must not be ‘Fast Tracked’ until a full set of motorcycle focussed safety principles are in place as part of Autonomous Vehicles Act.
The National Motorcyclists Council (NMC) is today expressing its concern that the Government’s proposal to ‘fast track’ pilots of self-driving taxi and bus-like services could risk compromising motorcycle safety unless the Autonomous Vehicles Act and its key ‘Statement of Safety Principles’ is fully implemented first.
This month, Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander, announced that ‘the government will fast-track pilots to spring 2026, introducing self-driving commercial pilots on England’s roads.
Firms will be able to pilot small scale ‘taxi- and bus-like’ services without a safety driver for the first time – which could be available to members of the public to book via an app – before a potential wider rollout when the full Automated Vehicles Act becomes law from the second half of 2027.’ Read more.
Motorcycle Action Group
Merseyside Police, in collaboration with Liverpool City Council, Liverpool BID Company, Lancashire Constabulary, Isle of Man Constabulary, the National Vehicle Crime Reduction Partnership (NVCRP), the Motorcycle Action Group (MAG), and the British Motorcyclists Federation (BMF), celebrates the continued success of Operation Needle, which significantly reduced motorcycle thefts during the 2025 Isle of Man TT Races (May 26–June 7). This established annual campaign ensures a safer experience for motorcyclists traveling through Liverpool, a key transit hub for the world-renowned event. Read more.
The European Association of Motorcycle Manufacturers (ACEM) launched their “Learn – Ride – Enjoy – Repeat” campaign in April 2025, with support from the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM), urging motorcyclists to embrace advanced training. Here in the UK, the Motorcycle Industry Association (MCIA) backs this with its Elite Rider Hub—an online directory of training courses. These initiatives highlight a stark reality: motorcyclists face disproportionate risks on our roads, and progress remains slow or non-existent. Encouraging skill development is a logical step, and the Motorcycle Action Group (MAG) welcomes the intent behind ACEM, FIM, and MCIA’s efforts. Read more.
The Motorcycle Action Group (MAG) has announced that 5th and 6th July will be marked as Riders’ Resistance Weekend, a two-day national event with demonstrations across the UK. Motorcyclists from all regions are called to unite and raise their voices in opposition to the continued threat of a government ban on the sale of new conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) motorcycles. Read more.
New Rider Hub
Welcome to our Highway Code film series, designed specifically for young and new riders aged 16- 20 riding in an urban environment!
Our goal is to highlight the most important signs, rules, and regulations from the Highway Code that are crucial for your safety. Each short film will highlight the importance of specific Highway Code signs and show you how to follow them in real urban environments. By understanding and following these rules, you’ll not only protect yourself but also contribute to the safety of everyone on the road. Most importantly for you, by staying on top of these rules, you’ll not get fines and points on your licence, keeping you on the road without any legal hassles. Read more.
What is Ridefree?
Ridefree is an award-winning enhancement to compulsory basic training (CBT), consisting of pre-course eLearning modules. Its aim is to help you prepare for your CBT and riding on the road.
How can it help me?
CBT should be an enjoyable experience. But there’s a lot to learn, and it’s normal to feel anxious about your first bike ride. The good news is that Ridefree will help you become a better and more confident rider by: Read more.
Look after your bike/moped and it will look after you. Carrying out a few simple checks before each ride could save your life. Use POWDERS
Petrol
- Do you have enough for your journey?
- Is the reserve tap off?
- Check there are no leaks Read more…
