BMF NEWS ROUND UP – September 2023
The monthly news round-up, brought to you by the BMF
During September Anna Zee took part in the following meetings:
- PACTS (Parliamentary Advisory Committee for Transport Safety)
- Road User Behaviour Working Party paper revision (with BMF, NMC and MCIA). Also a presentation by Oliver Carsten on automated driving systems and another on the new Cyclops style junction in Hulme, Manchester – the BMF would appreciate comments from anyone who uses this junction.
- LARA Steering Committee
- Reporting back on meeting with Minister Trudy Harrison and another with Defra officials following up on responses to the Landscape Review.
- Transport for London, Vision Zero Summit.
- Presentation on progress to the Vision Zero objective. TfL is concerned about riders in the gig economy – NMC has asked for CBT improvements and got some delivery companies signed up to a new road safety charter. A new road safety campaign will be run later this autumn on motorcyclists’ safety, not aimed primarily on the riders themselves.
‘BMW Stops Petrol Bike Sales’ was an apocalyptic headline in September – not as dramatic as it sounds, but problem with the fuel evaporation system prompted Motorrad to put an immediate ban on all sales of new (and some used) petrol-powered BMWs in North America. British electric bike company ARC is getting Government funding for a new motor system, with a hint that an adventure bike will join the current hyper sports – not before 2026 though. The average UK biker was probably more concerned to see another fuel price rise in August, up by 6.68p per litre. The RAC blamed the OPEC+ oil producers (which includes Russia) for deciding to lower production.
Every month the news seems to come up with new wonder-product and the latest is an airless tyre developed by the SMART Tire Co and NASA. Instead of the usual reinforced carbon black it comprises a mesh of the memory alloy NiTinol, which is load-bearing, elastic and doesn’t need internal air pressure. It’s covered with a rubber/polymer tread for grip with the potential to re-tread. Still on the sustainability tack, ECOFLEX is a new prototype body armour made from a biochemical produced from sustainably-sourced hardwood. Finnish company UPM Biochemicals reckons the new material could replace fossil fuel-based materials in a whole range of products...including body armour.
The VISIN is a new heated visor with a transparent insert which can conduct electricity – a small battery supplies the current, which should in theory keep the visor mist-free. Does it work in practice? See the Autumn issue of BMF magazine Motorcycle Rider. Meanwhile, a number of online companies are using software bots to book riding test slots on the DVSA website, then selling the slots to learners for a hefty fee, to avoid the waiting list. Go-getting entrepreneurs or wide boys taking advantage? You decide.
Now then, what is the most common scenario for a motorcycle crash? We always thought it was junctions, but new research based on Department for Transport data finds that it’s overtaking on the offside. Not making it round bends (left more than right, strangely) were other common crash scenarios, as well as nearside overtaking. The new 20mph speed limit on Welsh urban roads went live on 17th September. Councils can keep the 30-limit on particular roads if they wish and the Welsh Government says the aim is to cut collisions and injuries, reducing pressure on the NHS.
Used motorcycle sales in the UK have recovered post-Covid, and increased by 14% in July 2023, year-on-year. Fastest selling bike was Aprilia’s Tuono 1100, which took an average 9 days to sell – Triumph, Yamaha and Honda were other fast-selling marques. Nice for dealers to get some good news in the run-up to the quiet winter months – the seasonal motorcycle market can make life hard for dealers, but marketing expert Dan Sagar recommends that dealers keep in touch with customers over the winter with social media, events and open days. Of course, there’s a message for us here too regarding our local dealers over winter – use it or lose it.
Most would agree that motorcycles (and scooters) are a symbol of freedom. In Iran, free-thinking women are taking that a step further by riding their bikes to protest against the authoritarian regime. Emboldened by protests against the mandatory hijab, they are taking to the roads. “I have seen many more women on motorbikes on the streets,” wrote one – “it is a symbol of courage.”
Let’s finish with a birthday. The International Laverda Owners Club has its 50th birthday next year, and is celebrating with a 208-page book, launching that the Stafford Classic Motorcycle Show on 14th October.
Written by Peter Henshaw – Editor BMF editor@bmf.co.uk
Anna Zee – Political Technical Services Director anna.zee@bmf.co.uk
Paul Morgan – Government Relations Executive paul.morgan@bmf.co.uk
