Sheffield Advanced Motorcyclists – Weekly Newsletter 30 January 2026
Table of Contents
Editorial
The weather has been changeable this week with SAM members, in their self-organised groups, taking short rides. The bikes needed extra attention after a muddy ride along favourite roads towards the East coast.
The motorcycling world has delivered fresh political debate, major industry updates, new tech breakthroughs and a few eyebrow‑raising stories that every young rider should know about. The past seven days have shown how fast the riding world is changing — from government plans that could reshape training, to new bikes, safety tech and surprising auction news.
Political shifts and safety debates
The biggest talking point has been the UK Government’s ongoing consideration of reforms to motorcycle licensing. Transport Minister Lilian Greenwood confirmed that the Department for Transport is reviewing the current training and testing structure, with the aim of improving safety and modernising the system. This follows discussions with the Motorcycle Strategy Group and several industry bodies.
The National Motorcyclists Council also welcomed this “positive dialogue”, noting that casualty rates remain too high and that a clearer, more effective licensing pathway could benefit new riders.
Meanwhile, wider road‑safety proposals — including eyesight tests for older drivers and potential changes to drink‑drive limits — have sparked debate about how motorcyclists fit into the Government’s new Road Safety Strategy.
Industry news and new model developments
Triumph made headlines with updates to its three‑cylinder Trident 660 and Tiger Sport 660, promising a punchier engine for 2026. This is part of a broader trend of manufacturers refreshing mid‑capacity bikes to appeal to younger riders looking for performance without superbike running costs.
Harley‑Davidson also revealed its 2026 touring line‑up, including new CVO models and special editions celebrating the brand’s 250th anniversary — a reminder that heritage still sells strongly in the cruiser world.
BMW Motorrad reported another year of strong sales, surpassing 200,000 units despite a global slowdown. This suggests that premium adventure and touring bikes remain resilient even when the wider market softens.
Technology and safety innovations
Tech developments have been equally eye‑catching. Cardo’s crash‑detection system was credited with helping locate an injured rider after an off‑road accident, highlighting how wearable tech is becoming a genuine safety lifeline.
Navigation also took a leap forward with Magic Lane and P3 launching a new capability‑rich system designed specifically for motorcyclists, promising smarter routing and better integration with rider devices.
Helmet innovation continues too, with HJC unveiling a new carbon‑fibre F100 variant aimed at riders wanting lightweight protection with a clean, modern design.
Auctions, culture and community
Collectors were buzzing this week as a private hoard of rare Japanese motorcycles triggered fierce bidding, proving that 70s and 80s classics remain hot property.
A pocket‑sized MV Agusta GP Phil Read Replica also headed to auction, blending nostalgia with two‑stroke charm — a reminder that racing heritage still captures the imagination of younger riders.
And in a small but meaningful win for volunteers, the debate around allowing Blood Bikers to use green emergency lights resurfaced, with many arguing it could save lives by improving response times.
Final thoughts
For motorcycle riders looking ahead, this week’s developments show a motorcycle world balancing tradition with rapid innovation. Licensing reforms could make the path to riding clearer. Tech is becoming smarter and more life‑saving. Manufacturers are pushing updates that make mid‑range bikes more exciting. And the culture — from auctions to community campaigns — remains as passionate as ever.
Motorcycling is evolving fast and if this week is anything to go by, the next few years will be even more exciting; and, your SAM newsletter is packed with everything you need to know! Until next week, ride safe and happy reading.
The next SAM Committee Meeting will be on the 5th February 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.
Your success is our success!
Advanced riders are safer road users, ride longer, rider further, meet more people and enjoy a healthier, happier life!
For Your Diary
Meetings
Next SAM Club Night
2nd February 2026
7.30pm start for meeting at 8pm. Gives you time to catch up on what you’ve missed!
Treeton Miners Welfare Club
Arundel Street
Treeton
Rotherham S60 5PW
Next SAM Committee Meeting
5th February 2026
Details to be arranged
Online Motorcycling News
General
Often in the world of motorcycles, we’re told that more horsepower equals more fun. That formula has more or less faded with time when you consider the number of small‑bore single‑cylinder motorcycles that have popped up recently.
In the adventure segment, particularly, that has been even more prominent – the Royal Enfield Himalayan, CFMoto Ibex 450, KTM 390 Adventure, and recently-revealed Kawasaki KLE 500 are some of the best options in the sub-500cc ADV class.
Dig deeper and you’ll find the likes of the Honda CRF300L Rally and Kawasaki Versys-X 300 offering solid specs for even more beginner-friendly attributes. Now, with the launch of the TVS RTX 300, there’s another credible competitor in there.
When TVS called me to ride the all‑new adventure tourer firsthand, even before it was released, I had to say yes. A crack at the company’s first‑ever adventure offering in the lap of the Indian Himalayas on some of the finest trails and dirt roads? How could I say no? Read more
So you’ve just joined a motorcycle club or bought your first bike and you’ve had a rude awakening: you don’t understand what your peers are saying. We don’t blame you. There’s plenty of biker slang that often finds its way into everyday conversations among motorcyclists.
We’re digging into biker lingo as part of Bikesure’s ‘Ride On’ campaign, which aims to get people on the road and celebrate their freedom, whether they’re getting back into biking after a break or taking up two wheels for the first time.
So if you’re feeling a little lost, take a look at our guide to biker slang. Read more
What are the best motorcycle and kit deals and discounts available right now?
Continuing our regular weekly guides to current biking offers and bargains, we’ve been scouring the marketplace – so you don’t have to! Read more
For most riders, a learner motorcycle needs to have an engine that’s 125cc or smaller. That’s the short version. The longer version – get ready for an avalanche of numbers – is that it must also have a maximum power output of 11kW (about 15bhp), as well as a power-to-weight ratio no greater than 0.1kW/kg (0.134bhp/kg). In practice you don’t need to worry too much about the last bit: 125cc and 15bhp are the key numbers.
It wasn’t always like this. Britain’s first learner motorcycle law, introduced on 1st July 1961, limited riders to 250cc engines. That was all fine and dandy, because at the time it meant creaky old Brit singles. But Japanese two-stroke development soon conjured up 250cc pocket rockets that could hit 100mph. The fear of these falling into inexperienced hands caused the law to change again, so on 1st February 1983 learner riders were limited to 125cc and 9kW (12bhp). That power limit was later changed again, around 1997, increasing a whisker to 11kW (15bhp). Read more
The Yorkshire Children’s Charity are set to host a ticketed motorcycle ride out in May featuring an appearance from double British Superbike champion Kyle Ryde, plus popular ex-racer turned television pundit and MCN columnist, James Whitham.Called the ‘Yorkshire Ride Owt’, the event will take place from 10am to 6pm on May 21 – promising a group ride across the Yorkshire Dales, plus a range of activities based at Bowcliffe Hall in Bramham, near Leeds.“We’ve got a full route around the Yorkshire countryside,” Senior Events Manager at the Yorkshire Children’s Charity, Hannah Harrison said. “The motorcycle community is one of the best you could find.” Read more
Honda’s launch of the battery-powered WN7 naked roadster at last November’s EICMA trade show in Milan could suggest that the attitudes toward the viability of larger-capacity electric motorcycles might now be changing.The Japanese brand are the largest motorcycle manufacturer in the world by a considerable margin. They have the ability to produce more than 20 million bikes in over 20 countries and territories and sell them across more than 30,000 dealerships worldwide.For them to throw their hat into the electric motorcycle ring is very significant news; however, the project leaders behind their first offering – the £12,999 WN7 – say that more now needs to be done to fully achieve their goals and attract more customers to life beyond conventional combustion. Read more
On the Track
In the racing world, all eyes are on the 2026 MotoGP season, which will again be the pinnacle of international motorcycle road racing. This year is particularly noteworthy because the event is set to include a new Harley-Davidson Bagger World Cup class, bringing modified baggers into competition alongside the usual factory bikes.
Over in the MotoGP paddock, the hype for the 2026 season reached fever pitch this week. Yamaha officially unveiled their new V4-powered M1 in Indonesia. This is a historic shift from their traditional inline-four engine, and Fabio Quartararo is already promising to “push to the limit” from day one.
Closer to home, the WorldSBK field has been dodging rain at the Jerez test. Ducati’s Nicolo Bulega ended the week fastest, but all eyes were on the new Bimota by Kawasaki bikes, which look seriously quick in the hands of Alex Lowes
Marketing‑wise, UK insurance broker Carole Nash has just signed on as official insurance partner for the British Superbike Championship’s 30th anniversary season. The deal includes branded BSB track days at Oulton Park, Brands Hatch, Cadwell Park and Donington Park, giving road riders more chances to get their own bikes on track under decent supervision. For an 18‑year‑old who has only ever ridden on the road, that is a direct invitation: get some proper coaching, find your limits somewhere with run‑off, and discover that speed feels better without speed cameras.
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...
One of the things I truly love about the Internet has always been the folks who are super passionate about something, who spend tons of time and energy (and frequently money, but you don’t really count the money when you’re super passionate about it, do you?) learning everything about that thing.
And then, they share that passion with the rest of us. Back in the days of Flickr and forums, you’d find lengthy threads detailing how they did X complicated thing to their bike, and how you can do it, too. Whole explainers, sometimes with hand-drawn diagrams; that kind of thing. It was very much like the digital equivalent of finding a like-minded group of friends in your area, hanging out in their garage or basement or tiny apartment kitchen, and just hashing out how to change that one thing that’s been driving you nuts about your bike. Read more
Adventure & Touring
The Cowal Peninsula is an area often overlooked by bikers heading for the popular meeting point of Inveraray, but it offers quiet roads and different destinations for an alternative day ride from Glasgow.
In the late ‘70s I was a draughtsman on a large construction project in the area, near the village of Portavadie, so I decided to go for a look. Anniesland Cross in the west end of Glasgow is a convenient setting off point to join the A82 out of the city, and a handy meeting point which is also easily reached from the south side of the river through the Clyde Tunnel. However, the riding enjoyment really starts from Balloch on the south edge of Loch Lomond. From here it is an easy ride continuing north up the west side of the loch on the A82 to Tarbet, then taking the A83 from there to Arrochar and onward to the Rest and be Thankful. Read more
History & Custom
Few motorcycle companies pour as much energy into the custom motorcycle scene as Royal Enfield. The Indian marque farms a staggering number of bikes out to the world’s best customizers each year—and the creations that come back act as rolling advertisements for whichever model the brand is focusing on for that season.
Right now, it’s the Royal Enfield Guerrilla 450 that’s hogging the spotlight. We’ve already seen spicy Guerrilla 450s from Indonesia’s Frontwheel Motors and Japan’s Cheetah, but now we’re profiling a custom build from Royal Enfield’s home turf. Read more
Many tracks didn’t allow women to race in the 1950s, which makes these five women icons and pioneers in motorcycle racing.
During the time these women dominated motorcycle racing, gear was a very rudimentary protective system made of leather and cloth. Foam and plastic armor didn’t exist yet, and helmets were basically brain buckets (when people wore them). The first protective helmet was designed in 1914 and made only of leather. It wasn’t until 1954 that AGV designed the first fiber helmet, which would be lightweight and protective.
In the 40s and 50s, women were still known to be demure and delicate and were often referred to as the fairer sex. Keep in mind women weren’t allowed to hold a bank account in their own name until 1974. Hell, the 19th Amendment wasn’t ratified until 1920– “the right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex.” Unfortunately, it was still up to each state to define which women were allowed to vote– leaving many women of color without the right for years to come.
All this to paint a picture in your mind– what each of these five women lived through. This shows you what may have happened in their lives that could inspire them to hop on a motorcycle, let alone sign up to compete (often against men). Accomplishments of female riders, like that of Augusta & Adeline Van Buren traveling over 5,000 miles crossing the United States in 60 days, were dismissed with comments like, “ladies vacation.” Mind you, these opinions were the majority but not the rule. While people in power and the press often waived off the efforts of strong women brave enough to step outside the status quo, everyday citizens regularly celebrated these ladies and came to their aid when necessary. Read more
It’s not often that a book captures both the spirit of motorcycling and the resilience of the human soul, but Gloria: A Lifetime Motorcyclist – 75 Years on Two Wheels and Still Riding does exactly that. With grace, candor, and an unmistakable sense of adventure, Gloria Struck chronicles her extraordinary life as one of America’s pioneering female motorcyclists – a woman who defied gender norms, weathered life’s bumps on the road, and rode well past the age when most others would have abandoned it.Born in 1925 and raised in an era when women were expected to be on the back of the bike if on a bike at all, Gloria broke the mold early. Her mother owned an Indian motorcycle dealership in Clifton, New Jersey, in the 1910s – rare at the time – and that two-wheeled bloodline ran strong. Gloria took up motorcycling in 1941, just after graduating high school, a time when the roads – and society – weren’t exactly welcoming to women in leather. Read more
Kevin Williams
In today’s show… woman gets life sentence for murdering ebike rider… man jailed after falsely claiming brain injury after crash that killed motorcyclist… musician Paul Hardcastle Jr dies after crash during police pursuit… National Pothole Day – hardly something to celebrate… UK & World news in brief… eMoto builder Stark Future records 77% year-on-year growth… more KTM job cuts, bikes to drop Brembo for WP, discounts on 2024 & 2025 models… Shark launches quick-tint LCD visors… Hero to deploy Advanced Rider Assistance Systems (ARAS)… Honda responds to Hanoi ICE ban by launching electric scooter model… would you drop €300k on a motorcycle… in-depth today – how will the EU’s pivot to a 90% ban on tailpipe emissions work in practice? Watch here
Microplastics are a pollutant, and something of increasing concern. They’ve become known as ‘forever chemicals’ because they don’t really break down, just disintegrate into tinier chunks.
They are defined as plastic particles less than 5 mm in size, originating from both primary (intentionally manufactured) and secondary (from larger plastic items) sources. Microplastics can enter the environment through various means, including the breakdown of larger plastic products and are found in water, soil, and air. They can accumulate in marine ecosystems, affecting marine life and potentially impacting human health through ingestion and inhalation.
Professor Chris Hurren, the textiles scientist behind MotoCAP, has highlighted an unexpected source: our clothing. Synthetic textiles — polyester jackets, fleeces, nylon gear we wear when riding — actually account for the largest single source of microplastics, around 35%. And that, I confess was news to me.
It’s not just fabrics, though. Tyres are the second biggest contributor at 28%, which probably won’t surprise anyone who’s watched how the tread on modern tyres seems to vanish before our very eyes. Even road markings add significantly to the tally. Read more
Keeping visor misting at bay Pt 2 – double-glazing
Every year new riders encounter the problem of visor misting. It’s a real problem because it interferes with vision. I had barely published last week’s post which firstly explained the science behind visor misting and how helmet venting systems work to help prevent misting by keeping fresh air flowing through the helmet, and concluded by saying the second post would look at ‘double-glazing’ for the visor, than the first comments rolled in telling me to:
“Fit a Pinlock and none of this is a problem”.
My response is this; first and foremost, helmet venting reduces the misting issue. When venting works properly, it actively manages the internal microclimate of the helmet. In many conditions — especially at speed — effective airflow can reduce or even eliminate misting entirely, without any additional hardware. If it doesn’t, THEN look for a secondary solution, because that’s what Pinlock inserts and the older Fog City shields are. Read more
What does the EU rowback on 100% EVs mean for motorcycles?
[Adapted from an item in Sunday’s Elevenses LIVE webcast]
It all seemed so simple. Zero tail pipe emissions from new cars sold in the EU by 2035. And then it wasn’t. First, following intense pressure from Germany there was the move to allow the sale of new internal combustion-engined (ICE) vehicles after 2035, provided they ran exclusively on CO2-neutral e-fuels.
And then, last month and following more pressure from vehicle manufacturers across Europe, the European Commission unveiled its ‘Automotive Package’, which officially lowered the 2035 target from a 100% reduction in tailpipe emissions to a 90% reduction. The political messaging created a lot of noise and in some sectors of the press, that was instantly translated as the EU “have scrapped the ICE ban”. Read more
“There’s something called Saccadic Masking”
Earlier this month I was down in Hastings delivering Science Of Being Seen on a Biker Down session run by DocBike West Sussex. A new team member — ex-police — was very positive about the presentation saying that he knew most of it, but in bits and pieces, and that he’d never seen it all pulled together so effectively.
By coincidence, a few days back, a video from 2023 popped into my YouTube feed (good to know it directs me to the latest stuff, eh?). From Dazmatron Motorcycle Trips, in Leicestershire it was about a day out with the local BikeSafe team, and titled ‘How to become a better biker | every motorcyclist needs to know about Saccadic Masking’. Here’s what the video said:
“So when the driver is looking to their left and right… there’s something called ‘saccadic masking’ going on. Their eyes send snapshots to their brain at intervals, a bit like a video camera recording frames. The brain then merges these snapshots and these are called “fixations”, which the car driver thinks is one continuous sweep, but this is an illusion.
“Between the fixations there are blind spots and these are called ‘saccades’. So if another road user like a motorcyclist falls into one of these blind spots they won’t be seen. This is called saccadic masking.
“So when we as motorcyclists approach a junction with a car there and the driver’s head is moving side to side quickly, the fixations are shorter and the saccadic masking is longer. So there’s an increase in the driver not seeing the motorcyclist.”
In other words, saccadic masking is a limitation of the human visual perception system that occurs when the eyes move rapidly. Read more
Activists, Reflectors, Theorists and Pragmatists
The Activist, Reflector, Theorist and Pragmatist framework was developed by Peter Honey and Alan Mumford in the late 1970s. It builds on David Kolb’s ‘experiential learning cycle’ of four stages that describe the process of experiential learning:
1. Concrete Experience: Engaging in a new experience or reinterpreting an existing experience.
2. Reflective Observation: Reflecting on the experience, considering what happened and how it felt.
3. Abstract Conceptualization: Formulating theories or concepts based on the reflections, leading to new ideas or modifications of existing ones.
4. Active Experimentation: Applying the new ideas to the world, leading to new experiences.
While Kolb’s model is often summarised as four neat boxes, Honey and Mumford themselves were clear that learning styles are not fixed labels but tendencies along a continuum. This cycle emphasizes that learning is a continuous process where individuals can grow and adapt through their experiences.
1. Stick (for as long as it has to)
2. Get used (appropriately)
3. Make a difference (for the better) Read more
“The Road Code says…” A Biker Booby Trap
How many times have you heard someone say it? “The driver should have…”; “the rider should have…”. In biking we hear it all the time. The driver should have looked harder. The rider should have been more alert to the conditions. The driver should have checked their mirrors. The rider should have anticipated the hazard.
It’s a comforting narrative because it implies that the world is orderly, predictable, and rule‑bound. If everyone simply did what they should do, everything would be fine. The Highway Code is the official rulebook, the reference text, the ‘road code’ everyone is supposed to know and follow. It lays out a beautifully tidy world where every driver, rider, cyclist, and pedestrian behaves predictably, consistently, and correctly.
But that’s not how the roads work and road users don’t behave according to the Highway Code. You must have noticed the ‘police car effect’, and what happens when a marked police car appears in traffic. Read more
Whiteknights Blood Bikes
Whiteknights Yorkshire Blood Bikes are proud to release our 2025 year report statistics.
Our small charity with its sixty volunteers with 3 people on duty from 7am to 7pm weeknights and 24hrs at weekends completed 3317 jobs and 3005 urgent call-outs.
It was a big year for national relays with other Blood Bike Groups.
We deployed 154 times to benefit a patient not resident on our region.
And we covered 96945 miles!!!
We made 94 deliveries of donated breast milk.
In total we have calculated we saved the NHS £156,000 in out of hours transport costs.
Well done to all our remarkable volunteers riders & drivers.
Please continue to support us through 2026. A little really does go a very long way with our charity.
#bloodbikes #NHS #itswhatwedo
Save the Date – Blood Bikers Social Meet!
We’re planning a relaxed social get-together for blood bikers from across the UK on Saturday 23rd May at Factory Heads, Donington Park.
It’s an open, informal event for all blood bikers, just a chance to catch up, meet others from different groups, and enjoy some time together. A few of our partner companies and charities will also be dropping by.
More details soon, but for now—save the date!
#itswhatwedo
South Yorkshire Regional Manager Ann has today participated in a national relay. Here she is pictured at a handover with Northumbria Blood Bikes for the consignment’s onward journey to James Cook Hospital, Middlesbrough.
#bloodbikes #itswhatwedo
South Yorkshire Safer Roads Partnership
The Joint Community Safety Team at Lifewise would like to take this opportunity to invite South Yorkshire residents to an event we are hosting called WISEUP. This is an event aimed at South Yorkshire residents aged over 50, or anyone with caring responsibilities for an older person.
The event will be held at Lifewise Centre Hellaby Rotherham S66 8LB on our purpose built fully interactive set https://orlo.uk/CpCuQ which is just off Junction 1 of the M18 by car, and also easily accessible by local bus services.
Thursday 12th March 2026 1000 -1230
The day will include important inputs from, South Yorkshire Police , South Yorkshire Fire Service & Sheffield Council including Home fire safety, Safer driving for older drivers and Herbert Protocol plus much more.
The centre is fully accessible and all on one level.
If you wish to attend, or you require further details please email lifewise.booking@southyorkshire.police.uk
Please note we will require full names of all attendees, home postcode and contact number to secure your place. We will also need to know if any attendees have any mobility, sight or hearing issues.
For all our events and news follow our Facebook page Community Safety at Lifewise
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? 
New figures obtained through a Freedom of Information request to the Ministry of Justice reveal a concerning rise in the rate of reoffending
Nearly half of drug-drive offences are committed by a reoffender
The UK’s leading road safety charity IAM RoadSmart welcomes proposals in the road safety strategy to suspend the driving licences of those suspected of drug-driving
But the charity says more needs to be done and calls for the introduction of a national drug-drive rehabilitation course
Instances of drug-drive reoffending have surged by more than 134 percent in the last four years revealing a system that is broken and in need of urgent reform, according to victims and road safety campaigners.
A Freedom of Information (FOI) request submitted to the Ministry of Justice by road safety charity IAM RoadSmart shows that drug-drive re-offending rates are surging: in 2024 there were 3,193 instances of drug-driving reoffending – more than 134 percent higher than the 1,363 recorded offences in 2020.[i]
Nearly half of drug-drive offences (44%) are committed by a reoffender, according to Government data. One person committed the offence when they had 18 previous drink and drug-driving convictions.[ii]
When police suspect a person of drug-driving, they will conduct a roadside screening test such as a swab which can test on the spot for cannabis and cocaine.
They may also perform a Field Impairment Test (FIT) and ask the driver to perform physical tasks to assess coordination such as walking in a line or standing on one leg. A person will be arrested if they fail the roadside test, FIT, or if the officer still suspects driving is impaired by drugs. The offender will then be taken to a police station and asked to provide a sample of blood or urine for laboratory analysis.
One of the reasons that reoffending is rife could be because of delays of up to six months to process blood tests, which means people who have failed a roadside test are allowed to continue to drive.
Some of those drivers have gone on to kill while their results are pending.
Jane Hickson was killed by Paul Wright who was on bail for drug-driving at that time, having been arrested six months earlier after testing positive at the roadside.
Tim Burgess was killed by Joshua Eldred who had also been bailed pending a blood test, meaning he was free to drive. Both tests would later prove to be positive.[iii]
The backlog has been acknowledged in the Government’s new road safety strategy, which proposes giving police powers to suspend the driving licences of those suspected of committing a drug-driving offence.
Exploring alternative methods for drug-driving evidence collection and sampling is also on the table. Australia has been using immediate, roadside evidential saliva sampling for nearly two decades, combining this with laboratory testing for rapid case resolution.[iv][v]
Research conducted by IAM RoadSmart in August 2025, through a survey of 2,053 UK motorists, found that 82 percent support a proposal to give police powers to suspend driving licences immediately pending trial for those testing positive for drug-driving[vi].
Separate figures show that drug-driving on the whole is increasing: 20,072 people in England and Wales were sentenced for drug-driving offences in 2024 – 143 percent higher than in 2017.
A conviction for drug-driving carries a minimum one-year driving ban, an unlimited fine, and up to six months in prison.
While the drink-drive rehabilitation scheme has in place for 25 years[vii], no such national scheme exists for drug-drive offenders although trials are being been undertaken.[viii]
A drink-drive course is offered to drivers who have been disqualified for 12 months or more. It can reduce the length of the ban by as much as a quarter. Read more
Are you aware of the OAP framework when out riding? 
ACEM
As Europe’s largest showcase for two-wheeled innovation, EICMA once again went beyond product launches to explore the future of mobility. For the third consecutive year, ANCMA, in cooperation with ACEM, hosted an urban mobility conference, “Rightsizing Urban Mobility: L-category vehicles for the cities of tomorrow”, bringing together policymakers, local administrations, and industry leaders to discuss how these vehicles can help cities cut congestion, reduce emissions, and reclaim space for people.
With 2027 marking a crucial milestone for European cities, the year when many Sustainable Urban Mobility Plans (SUMPs) are expected to be implemented, the discussion turned to how these frameworks are reshaping urban transport. Setting the scene, Sofia Pechin, urban mobility consultant at TRT Trasporti e Territorio, described a clear paradigm shift from traditional, car-centric planning toward approaches centred on people, accessibility, and functionality to face growing challenges and new regulations within the cities.
Responding to these challenges, the industry highlighted how L-category vehicles can offer immediate and measurable benefits. Antonio Perlot, Secretary General of ACEM, shared the preliminary findings from the Oxford Economics study on the Economic importance of motorcycles to Europe, the full report is expected to be published during the first months of 2026. Across the EU and UK, powered two-wheelers (PTWs) already save commuters an estimated 25.6 million days annually compared to car use. A modest 5% modal shift from cars to PTWs could add 28 million days saved, deliver €3.8 billion in cost savings, and reduce GHG emissions worth €308 million per year, while freeing urban space equivalent to the area of Paris. Read more
Autocycle Union
Auto Cycle Union Ltd
🏍️ National Road Rally – 4–5 July 🏍️
Plans for the National Road Rally on 4th–5th July are starting to take shape!
The event will feature:
✅ Saturday, Sunday, Weekend & Night Rally options
✅ Open to individual riders and teams of three
👉 Important: For this event to go ahead, we need a committee.
If you’d like to give something back and help make this rally happen, we’d love to hear from you.
📧 Please contact Mike Tizard at mike.tizard@acu.org.uk
Let’s make this one to remember! 🙌
Motorcycle Industries Association
MCIA has today published the new vehicle registrations for the full year 2025 including the month of December.
This includes Mopeds, Scooters, Motorcycles and other categories within the wider L-Category vehicle types.
The total market for 2025 closed with total volumes of 93,922 registrations which equates to a market decline of 19.3%. As reported previously, the final few months of 2024 witnessed some large market distortions as a direct result of the end of Euro 5 moving to Euro 5 plus. Read more
National Motorcycle Dealers Association
The National Motorcycle Dealers Association (NMDA) today responded to the release of the Motorcycle Industry Association’s (MCIA) full-year registration figures, which show the UK market closed 2025 at 93,922 units, a 19.3% decline compared with 2024.
The decline reflects the impact of pre-registrations at the end of 2024 ahead of Euro 5 regulations and ongoing challenges from supply chain disruptions and rising living costs. Despite this, monthly registration trends in the second half of 2025 show a gradual stabilisation, signalling a recovery in market demand.
Symon Cook, Head of the NMDA, said:
“While overall annual registrations are down, we are encouraged by the improving trends through the latter part of 2025.
“Dealers are reporting steady demand for both new and used motorcycles. We look forward to working with government to ensure the sector receives the support it needs to continue rebuilding confidence in 2026.” Read more
National Motorcyclists Council
• Partnership Issues new data revealing AA called out to 613,638 pothole incidents in 2025 – an average of 1,681 every day – including 58,380 last January and 58,275 in December
• Welcomes government’s new traffic light system of monitoring local council performance on fixing potholes BUT says radical new approach is needed
• Proposes that councils and contractors should be compelled to issue 5-year warranties on every non-emergency pothole repair
• Issues reminder that while potholes can damage cars, they put the lives of cyclists and motorcyclists at risk
• Urges greater use of innovation to make repairs permanent, in place of temporary manual ‘patch and run’ fixes which need re-visiting within months or weeks
Read more
FEMA
More than a decade after they first appeared, Low Emission Zones (LEZs) in France are now the subject of a political turn, and it is undoubtedly a victory for the French motorcyclists’ organisation FFMC. It’s not over, but it’s one more step towards their removal.
Established from 2015 in the name of pollution control, LEZs aimed to exclude vehicles considered polluting, because they were too old, from city centres. They have logically provoked a growing protest. Ten years later, their repeal marks a political turning point and revives the debate on possible alternatives to reconcile ecology, mobility and social justice.
In 2015, the first Low Emission Zones were set up in several French cities, starting with Paris. Their objective was to limit the movement of the most polluting vehicles in city centres in order to improve air quality and reduce the health impacts of traffic pollution. On paper, this ambition is commendable. However, from the moment they were put in place, the LEZs revealed many limitations. The scheme would mainly penalize the most modest households, not having the means to change vehicles. This is usually called ‘transport poverty‘. Read more
British Motorcyclists Federation
Latest MANUFACTURERS’ RECALL 
Why Motorcycle Mindset Is Important
You’ve invested in gear, training and practice – but have you invested in the one thing that keeps getting in the way of your progress?
Your mind.
I’m Claire Jones, award-winning mindset coach AND keen mid-life motorcyclist. I help riders retrain their brains, calm their nervous systems, and access their skills so they can ride safely with confidence.
My mission is to help riders see that developing a resilient, safe riding mindset, and understanding and managing their nervous system, are as important as investing in practical training, physical safety gear and a well-maintained bike.
Whether you’re learning from scratch, returning after a break, just never feel you can properly relax and feel safe, or feeling stuck after too many failed tests…
Mindset is the part that joins everything together.
Click the button below to subscribe for free. Get access to free and low cost workshops and other helpful resources, or scroll down to find out more about how to work with me. Read more
Motorcycle Action Group
🚨 𝗕𝗶𝗴 𝗪𝗶𝗻 𝗙𝗼𝗿 𝗥𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀 🚨
MAG has today (23rd January 2026) welcomed the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority’s decision to approve recommendations allowing motorcycles to use bus lanes across the entire city region.
Liverpool City Region has become the first combined authority in the UK to approve a coordinated, region-wide policy on motorcycle bus lane access, with the decision applying uniformly across all six constituent local authorities: Liverpool, Wirral, Sefton, Knowsley, St Helens, and Halton. The policy will apply to all existing bus lanes and any future bus lane infrastructure across the city region.
Huge congratulations on the result to our Wirral rep David Pearson for leading the sustained campaign. Benefits of the policy include less congestion, faster journeys, safer riding, and quicker responses from services like Merseyside & Cheshire Blood Bikes
Liverpool City Region is leading the way—other Combined Authorities, take note!
Read the full story
New Rider Hub
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…Read more.
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
Stay tuned as we take you through six key scenarios that every young rider should know. Let’s ride safely together! 🚦🏍️
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…