88 per cent of riders say motorcycling improves mental wellbeing
As Mental Health Awareness Week approaches, riders describe how life on two wheels is helping them cope with daily pressures.
Motorcycling may still be sold as personal transport or thrill-seeking machinery, but new data suggests many riders see it as something closer to two-wheeled therapy with bolt-on benefits.
A survey commissioned by the insurance provider Carole Nash has found that 88 per cent of motorcyclists believe riding benefits their mental health, with the majority pointing to reduced stress, improved mood and mental clarity as key outcomes. The findings arrive as Mental Health Awareness Week (May 11 to 17) shines a spotlight on wellbeing across the UK.
Digging into the numbers, 37 per cent of riders said motorcycling makes them feel calmer, while 31 per cent said it helps clear their mind of worries. A further 20 per cent reported that riding actively reduces their stress levels, reinforcing the idea that time in the saddle offers a mental reset that’s difficult to replicate elsewhere.
Mark Purnell, from Pontypridd, who has owned 26 motorcycles, described riding as a way to shut out everyday noise. “You can empty your mind of the mundane day-to-day things and relax,” he said, adding that even a short ride can leave him “feeling like a totally different person.”
Others pointed to the sensory side of riding. Nigel Shields from Scotland highlighted the contrast with cars, saying motorcycling allows riders to “smell it, feel it, experience every sensation” of the countryside.
That sense of release was echoed by Adam Wills in Dorset, who described riding his Triumph Bonneville as “the best therapy”, while Jay Wild from Kent said it helps “blow the cobwebs away” after difficult days.
Carole Nash’s Daniel Nield said the benefits extend beyond the individual, pointing to the wider biker community. He noted that riding can ease isolation and stress, with bike meets, online groups and shared routes all contributing to a sense of connection.
Nield said:
“Whether it’s the freedom of the open road or the bond between bikers, riding can play an important role in easing feelings of isolation and stress. We’re keen to highlight the positive impact riding can have on mental health and overall wellbeing.”
Taken together, the data and rider testimony suggest motorcycling is offering much more than just an escape from the daily grind. For many, it’s becoming a practical tool for managing modern-day stress.
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In This Article
Simon (AKA Toad) has been working within the motorcycle industry for more than twelve years, and a member of the motorcyclist family since birth. Growing up around British-built single and twins, it was inevitable that a life on two wheels was on the cards, from a very early age!
