News from the Motorcycle Action Group (MAG) Bus lane petition written response: no surprise and will not stop us The Department for Transport (DfT) has today published the predictable and expected written response. MAG says the response is no surprise and will not stop us. It should serve as motivation to collect 100,000 signatures. The Motorcycle Action Group (MAG) was expecting the negative written response triggered by the petition reaching 10,000 signatures. The Department has repeated claims that “Local authorities are best placed to understand the needs of their local road networks”. A default policy does not impact local authority autonomy. They also state that “Research on the potential safety impacts for cyclists, and the impact on bus services would be needed to form the evidence base for any change in policy.” But the Department has previously ruled out any intention to do such research. Petition author, and MAG’s Director of Campaigns & Political Engagement said: “The Department has once again displayed its total lack of interest in the welfare of riders. We are not in the least surprised by this, and it is exactly why we will not let this drop. We ask all riders to continue signing and promoting the petition until we pass the 100,000-signature goal we set from the outset. Riders have a choice – they can either roll over at the first sign of rejection - accept that they don’t matter; or they can sign the petition and send a strong message to the Government. What choice will they make? I hope it is the right one.” MAG will continue to promote the petition as well as its programme of work to get this outcome reversed. You can sign the petition here: https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/712763 MAG thanks IAM RoadSmart, BMF, NMC and others for their support in getting the petition past the 10,000 signatures. But MAG is also asking whether politicians will stand with riders and publicly support the petition. The motorcycle press is also being urged to actively support the petition rather than just reporting its existence. Change and progress don’t come without effort. Now is the time to put the effort in. Contact MAG at 03300 560 886 or [email protected]
News from the Motorcycle Action Group (MAG) Weekend of Action to win a future for motorcycling The Motorcycle Action Group (MAG) has announced that 5th and 6th July will be marked as Riders' Resistance Weekend, a two-day national event with demonstrations across the UK. Motorcyclists from all regions are called to unite and raise their voices in opposition to the continued threat of a government ban on the sale of new conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) motorcycles. This weekend of action is in direct response to growing anger within the motorcycling community. The Government's continued dismissal of riders' concerns, and especially its plans to phase out the sale of petrol-powered bikes, has sparked widespread frustration. MAG is organising regional demonstrations throughout the UK to give riders a powerful opportunity to take a stand. The key grievance driving this movement is the Government's proposal to end the sale of new conventional ICE motorcycles, which has been a major concern for riders who believe this move will severely damage the motorcycling culture, economy, and industry. MAG Chair, Neil Liversidge, spoke out against the Government’s plans, stating: “Bikers across the UK are outraged by the Government’s blatant disregard for motorcycling. The proposal to ban the sale of petrol-powered motorcycles is an attack on riders, and MAG is determined to fight it every step of the way. This is the issue that has united motorcyclists—this is about protecting our future. We’re giving riders the chance to take their protest out of the digital world and into the streets, where it truly counts.” Riders' Resistance is not only a direct response to the Government’s harmful proposals, but it also serves as a necessary pre-cursor to broader efforts to ensure motorcycling is accepted and actively encouraged as a vital part of the UK’s transport landscape. The resistance is our rallying cry, a first step in pushing for policies that recognise the value of motorcycling, its positive impact on mobility, and the environment. Through these actions we demand a future where motorcycling is embraced, supported, and integrated into sustainable transport planning. Colin Brown, MAG's Director of Campaigns & Political Engagement, added: “Policymakers remain unconvinced that there is a true demand for the solutions and policies we campaign for. It’s time for riders to show them how wrong they are. The Government cannot continue to ignore the needs and voices of the riding community—we must stand together and demonstrate the undeniable demand for a future that includes and supports motorcycling.” Riders will take part in demonstrations in all four nations of the UK, with events planned across a variety of regions. Details for local rides will be shared via MAG’s regional and local communications channels, and riders who don’t have an event in their area are encouraged to organise their own. This is more than just a protest; it's Riders' Resistance—a movement to preserve the future of motorcycling in the UK, and a critical step towards the long-term acceptance and encouragement of our community. Join us for these two crucial days of action on 5th and 6th July and make your voice heard! This press release can also be viewed and shared directly from the MAG website: https://mag-uk.org/riders-resistance-weekend/ The Motorcycle Action Group Limited Tel: 03300 560 886 Contact MAG at 03300 560 886 or [email protected]
News from the Motorcycle Action Group (MAG) The Motorcycle Action Group (MAG) is proud to announce International Ride To Work Day 2025. Set for Tuesday, 10 June, MAG calls on riders across the UK to hit the roads and showcase the power of two wheels. As the Government shapes its Integrated National Transport Strategy (INTS), MAG is leading the charge to prove that mopeds, scooters, and motorcycles are vital. They are a practical, sustainable transport future. With congestion clogging Britain’s roads and emissions targets looming, this is the moment for riders to ride loud and proud. MAG’s vision - submitted to the INTS call for ideas - highlights how motorcycling slashes traffic. Motorcycles cut emissions and give people real travel choice: urban and rural alike. On 10 June, riders will turn that vision into action, demonstrating how two wheels ease gridlock, from London’s rush hour to Cornwall’s winding lanes. “This isn’t just a day—it’s a movement,” says Colin Brown, MAG's Director of Campaigns & Political Engagement. “We’ve told the Government what motorcycling can do; now we’ll show them.” Riders are urged to join in and commute, share with #RideToWork2025, and prove why bikes belong in the UK’s transport mix. The call is out to every rider. Whether you’re dodging city jams on a scooter, travelling the Strategic Road Network on a bigger bike, or connecting villages on a moped. With the Government's focus on a “people-first” network, Ride To Work Day 2025 is the perfect stage to spotlight motorcycling’s benefits. Less space, lower costs, and a lighter footprint. Media, councils, and policymakers are invited to watch—and ride along. Visit https://ride-to-work-day.mag-uk.org/ for details and get ready to roll. Colin says: “Motorcycles aren’t a side-line—they’re a solution. On 10 June, we’ll show the UK what two wheels can do for congestion, communities, and choice.
News from the Motorcycle Action Group (MAG) 20,000 signatures but still the DfT drags its heels The Motorcycle Action Group (MAG) petition has passed 20,000 signatures. But a recent Parliamentary Question highlights the need for another 80,000. While celebrating 20,000, MAG is redoubling efforts to win a further 80,000 signatures on the petition calling for default motorcycle access in bus lanes. The goal is to achieve 100,000 signatures, which should trigger a Parliamentary debate. MAG believe this is critical to achieving its aim to finally secure consistent access across the whole country. MAG has also been asking members to get their local MPs involved in putting pressure on the Department for Transport (DfT) to deliver the things it promised in the 2024 consultation outcome. Most importantly the outcome stated that the Department would update bus lane guidance to recommend consistency across local authority borders, and work with Transport for London (TfL) and Metro Mayors - again to achieve consistent policy. Liberal Democrat MP, Brian Matthew, submitted a written parliamentary question. MAG claims the response highlights the need for the petition to be successful. In her response, DfT Minister, Lilian Greenwood, admitted that: “The Government response included a commitment to update Traffic Advisory Leaflet 1/24: Motorcyclists using bus lanes. No timetable has been set for publication. The Department will also consider how best to work with combined authorities and Transport for London, to encourage a more joined up approach to motorcycle access in these areas, through discussions around the Government’s devolution agenda.” MAG has paid close attention to the four Metro Mayor elections being held on 1st May. MAG’s Director of Campaigns & Political Engagement said: “We are disappointed by the lack of urgency from the Government. They offered to take simple, uncontroversial actions that will help improve the safety of motorcyclists on our highly congested roads. Yet still they have not begun to act. I would urge riders not to accept this lack of interest. Channel your frustration by taking the practical step of signing the petition today. We always knew overcoming complacency in the Government and riders’ lack of belief in the system would be a tall order, but it really is time for riders to show that they possess the willpower to break this cycle of neglect.” Contact MAG at 03300 560 886 or [email protected]
News from the Motorcycle Action Group (MAG) Sustainable Motorcycling for Scotland in a 'Just' Transport Future The Motorcycle Action Group (MAG), the UK’s leading voice for riders, has submitted its vision to Transport Scotland’s ‘Just Transition’ consultation. Scotland’s Transport Secretary Fiona Hyslop announced in April 2025 that the 20% car use reduction target by 2030 was “not realistic.” She told MSPs, “We will need to drop the target, or change it from 20%,” citing minimal progress since 2020. This policy failure demands a re-think, opening doors for motorcycling, previously ignored in car reduction plans now under review. Cars dominate Scotland’s roads, causing congestion and emissions. Motorcycles offer a practical solution, affordable for Scots of all incomes. “Hyslop’s admission creates space for bold alternatives like sustainable motorcycling for Scotland,” said Colin Brown, Director of Campaigns & Political Engagement at MAG. “Motorcycles are environmentally friendly and ready for a just transition.” MAG says sustainable motorcycling transforms transport options for Scotland. Affordable 125cc commuter bikes start at a few hundred pounds for roadworthy second-hand models. These suit all income levels. Larger motorcycles connect rural communities and boost tourism on routes like the North Coast 500. Motorcycles take less up road space, easing traffic. Their low environmental impact supports sustainable goals. Northern Ireland’s bus lane access for motorcycles shows riders can save time safely. MAG’s vision promotes motorcycling as essential to the just transition. Policies must make motorcycling accessible, encouraging two wheels over four. MAG strongly opposes electric-only mandates, which harm affordability and fairness. Conventional motorcycles produce less overall CO2 than electric cars, making them sustainable. “Electric mandates exclude those relying on affordable, low-emission bikes,” said Colin Brown. “A just transition keeps motorcycling open to all, not just those affording electric models.” Thousands of riders live in Scotland. MAG demands their inclusion in the National Transport Strategy for a fair transition. The full response is here https://wiki.mag-uk.org/images/6/67...ansition_Consultation_Response_2025_05_06.pdf. MAG invites Transport Scotland to collaborate. Sustainable motorcycling for Scotland builds a fairer, less congested future.
