Reports emerge of employers discriminating bike-riding staff

Let’s face it, motorcycles are amazing, and anyone who disagrees has clearly never ridden one. They save money, cut congestion and go a long way to helping to reduce carbon emissions. And that’s not even to mention the good they can do for a person’s mental well-being.

So, it’s hard to imagine a world in which your employer would ever bar you from using your bike for trips connected to your job. This is something that the British Motorcyclists Federation (BMF) is reporting, though, as it looks to speak to people who have been in just such a situation. 

The BMF’s Alex Parsons-Hulse has received reports recently that point to ‘several’ companies banning employees from using their motorcycles for trips that are in relation to their employment. Examples of this type of travel could be going to see a supplier, meeting with a client, or attending a conference. The BMF also reports that cases have been noted where employers are looking to actively discourage employees from commuting to work on their motorcycle, which to us sounds like a blatant case of discrimination simply because of a person’s chosen mode of transport.

The BMF is now looking for people to come forward and give them more details relating to either of the above scenarios and is also looking to hear from anyone who has had trouble obtaining Class 1 business motorcycle insurance - the kind that allows you to travel to more than one location in connection with your insurance, but not to carry goods for sale.

Any cases or instances raised will be dealt with in the strictest confidence and, should you wish, you don’t have to give your name or further details. 

People can get in touch with Alex at the email address - bmfregion2rep@bmf.co.uk

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