Motorcycling has real potential to help solve some of society’s key transport challenges: cutting congestion and emissions, easing pressure on transport networks, supporting social mobility, reducing transport inequality and improving health and wellbeing. Over a million riders already contribute to this. But that potential is being held back by a set of very real problems that divert attention from motorcycling’s broader contribution to wider society. The National Motorcyclists Council has just launched a strategic ten-point plan with industry support, which proposes a blue print for action to tackle these problems.
Motorcycle theft, anti-social behaviour (ASB) and motorcycle-enabled crime affects motorcyclists directly, but it also affects the police, local communities and businesses, and it colours how motorcycling is seen more broadly. That reputational damage has real consequences: it feeds calls to restrict legitimate, lawful motorcycle access in rural and urban environments which is where motorcycling’s wider social benefits are very clear. It is a barrier to motorcycling being recognised as part of the solution to the UK’s transport issues.
By addressing these issues head-on, the harm they cause to individuals, businesses and communities can be reduced. This will help deliver safer streets and better road safety for everyone and remove the reputational barriers that stand in the way of good policy making for motorcycling.
For further information see the NMC news post.
