December 4th, 2024.



The National Motorcycle Council (NMC) and the National Motorcycle Dealers Association (NMDA) hosted a parliamentary breakfast in the House of Commons today, sponsored by Fabian Hamilton MP. Bringing together policymakers, industry leaders, and stakeholders, the event focused on “Motorcycling and the Future of Transport,” emphasising the crucial role of motorcycles and other L-Category vehicles in shaping the UK’s sustainable transport future.

Addressing attendees, Alfie Brierley, MCIA’s Director of Policy and Public Affairs, outlined the urgent need for change: “The motorcycling industry stands at a pivotal crossroads, with the opportunity to redefine its role in the UK’s future transport mix. We must move beyond nostalgia and outdated rhetoric and focus on innovation, sustainability, and inclusivity to ensure our sector evolves and remains relevant for this government.

"With L-Category vehicles - spanning mopeds, motorcycles, and light three and four-wheeled urban transport solutions - there’s immense potential to align with government goals for decarbonisation, urban efficiency, and mobility. But this requires bold action and a united approach, embracing all facets of our sector to build bridges to the future.

"Let’s not just protect what we have; let’s reimagine and shape a transport system that values the socio-economic and environmental benefits that our industry can provide, or else risk being defined by the past rather than leading the way to the future.”

MCIA highlighted the motorcycling sector’s critical role in addressing some of the UK’s most pressing transport challenges, including urban congestion, emissions reduction, and the need for efficient, space-saving mobility solutions. The inclusion of L-Category vehicles as part of a broader light mobility strategy was identified as a key step in aligning the sector with government objectives and public demand for greener, more inclusive transport options.

The event also underscored the importance of collaboration between industry and policymakers to drive forward legislative and regulatory changes that support innovation, sustainability, and accessibility. MCIA called for forward-thinking policies to ensure the sector’s relevance to future generations, including enhanced urban access, licensing reforms, and incentives for clean and efficient L-Category vehicles.

With over 1.5 million riders and millions more licence holders in the UK, motorcycling remains an essential part of the transport mix. However, MCIA stressed that bold steps are needed to attract younger and more diverse riders, redefining the industry’s image as part of a sustainable and inclusive mobility future.