Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

Motorcycling: Government Support

26 October 2021 · 7 other contributors · 8,481 words

Opened by Bill Wiggin Con North Herefordshire

Responding minister: Trudy Harrison

Transport

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Bill Wiggin raised concerns about motorcycling: government support in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • Motorcycling is a vulnerable but efficient and low-polluting mode of transport used by approximately 1.4 million people annually in the UK.
  • The minister acknowledges that motorcycles account for 19% of road user deaths despite comprising only 1% of total traffic.
  • The minister expresses support for motorcycling and notes its importance in safety, sport, recreation, and commuting.

Key requests to Government

I urge the Government to support motorcycling as a recognised form of alternative transport alongside walking and cycling, improve road safety for motorcyclists by ensuring that funding is used wisely on road maintenance, and issue guidance to councils on prioritising repairs in locations where motorcyclists' safety is compromised.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Bill Wiggin Con North Herefordshire

I am concerned about the increasing number of motorcyclists and their significant contribution to UK transport, with approximately 1.4 million people using motorcycles annually for commuting, education, or other practical purposes. Motorcycling is a vulnerable mode of transport but also efficient and low-polluting. However, road deaths involving motorcyclists have remained high at around 20% of all road fatalities. Poor surface quality, including potholes and low-grip manhole covers, contributes to significant casualties among motorcyclists each year.

Other contributors (7)
  • Chris Loder Con Westbury

    Chris Loder supported the debate, highlighting the importance of motorcycling as a practical and efficient form of transport. He mentioned that motorcyclists often face risks from poor road conditions and the need for better safety measures.

  • Ian Paisley Jnr DUP North Antrim

    Motorcycle sport contributes significantly to the UK's culture and economy. Ian Paisley praised motorcycling heroes like Carl Fogarty and Jonathan Rea, noting that events such as the North West 200 attract over 100,000 spectators annually, contributing £12 million to Northern Ireland's economy. He urged for proper recognition of these sportspeople and advocated for better road conditions and support for motorcyclists. Ian Paisley Jr. intervened, emphasizing the importance of encouraging technological design for electric bikes to improve safety and environmental impact in motorcycling sports.

  • Jim Shannon DUP Strangford

    Jim Shannon highlighted the importance of motorcycling and mentioned his brother's severe accident due to a motorbike race, calling for better secure rails to reduce motorcycle thefts. He noted that there should be easier access to secure locations for motorcycles as there are for bicycles.

  • Kerry McCarthy Lab Bristol East

    Concerned about road repair funding cuts, highlighting a reduction from £1.5 billion to £1.125 billion in the following financial year. Raised issues of safety and responsibility among motorcyclists, mentioned the transition towards electric bikes as important for decarbonisation, but pointed out that support for the industry has been limited. Asked if the Government plans to extend funding beyond March 2023 for the plug-in motorcycle grant and when an action plan for zero-emission light-powered vehicles would be published.

  • Sammy Wilson DUP East Antrim

    Sammy Wilson pointed out the danger of wire barriers on roads for motorcyclists, noting that although no new wire barriers will be installed under current policy, existing ones need to be replaced. My hon. Friend highlighted the significant impact of motorcycling on local economies and tourism in Northern Ireland, stressing that it attracts hundreds of thousands of supporters. He also noted that motorcycling is an affordable means for young people to gain mobility, providing employment and recreational opportunities. Sammy Wilson briefly intervened, highlighting the enjoyment derived from the sound of a Harley Davidson motorcycle.

  • Steven Baker Con Wycombe

    Implores the Minister to look at removing wire rope barriers and opening bus lanes everywhere for motorcyclists. Advocates for enforcing laws on noisy exhaust pipes while supporting legal modifications. Praises police BikeSafe courses and encourages more riders to participate. Emphasises the importance of educating the public about the benefits of motorcycling. Emphasised the importance of allowing routine maintenance and repair for motorcycles without fear of legal consequences.

  • Stewart Hosie SNP Dundee East

    The speaker highlighted the economic value of motorcycling and its contribution to reduced carbon emissions. He expressed concerns about the removal of hard shoulders on motorways, which could endanger motorcyclists if they break down. He also questioned the logic behind not allowing motorcycles access to bus lanes while pedal cyclists are routinely allowed such access. Asked about vehicle regulation review, specifically whether removing safety features from motorcycles would constitute an offence under proposed legislation.

Government Response

Trudy Harrison

It is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship and speak on motorcycling. I congratulate Bill Wiggin for securing the debate, expressing personal enthusiasm for motorcycles while acknowledging their importance in safety, sport, recreation, and commuting. The minister recognizes that motorcycles make up an important vehicle population with 1.4 million licensed in 2020 but also notes they account for 19% of road user deaths despite making up only 1% of total traffic. She commends the work done by organizations like the Motorcycle Action Group and the Nationwide Association of Blood Bikes, emphasizing the role motorcyclists play in saving lives while ensuring their own safety is paramount. The minister highlights actions taken to promote advanced rider schemes, CBT training uptake, protective equipment use, and research into powered two-wheelers for road safety improvement. She also mentions a new road safety strategic framework focusing on understanding risks and concerns of riders and an ambitious future transport programme aiming at delivering cleaner and more technologically advanced vehicles through the regulatory review process. The minister stresses decarbonizing motorcycles to improve air quality and reduce noise pollution, committing to a phase-out date consultation for non-zero-emission L-category vehicles by 2035 or earlier if feasible, emphasizing global leadership in L-category decarbonisation.

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