MAG raises concerns about the future of BikeSafe
MAG confirms its support for BikeSafe, and is asking riders to do the same after the programme was scrapped in London.
BikeSafe is in no immediate danger, in fact, it has recently revealed its 2026 plans. However, the Motorcycle Action Group (MAG) remains concerned for its future after the programme was recently scrapped in London.
BikeSafe celebrated 25 years of saving lives in 2025 and recently secured investment for expansion, but according to MAG, the Metropolitan Police force’s decision to disband its six-officer Motorcycle Safety Team in February, which took place as part of a broader reorganisation, could have a detrimental effect on the organisation in the future.
The MAG also confirmed that a new Road Danger Reduction Team will replace the six-officer Motorcycle Safety Team.
Colin Brown, MAG’s Campaigns Director, said this about the programme being scrapped in England’s capital, last December:
“This is an extraordinary betrayal of London’s motorcyclists. Just as BikeSafe celebrates 25 years of proven success and secures investment for national expansion, Britain’s largest police force is abandoning the program entirely.
“The Met’s Motorcycle Safety Team delivers approximately 800-900 BikeSafe courses annually, plus around 200 specialist CourierSafe courses for delivery riders – making it the largest provider in the country. It’s the only force that offers the course to provisional licence holders. The Met’s withdrawal doesn’t just harm London riders; it undermines the entire national program.
“This is a deeply troubling development that prioritises revenue-generating enforcement over proven casualty reduction through education. The Met is explicitly withdrawing from engagement with motorcyclists despite TfL offering increased funding.
“Motorcyclists are vastly over-represented in death and serious injury statistics on London’s roads. The BikeSafe program has been a vital intervention, offering subsidised training from experienced police motorcyclists who understand the risks because they ride themselves.”
The Met police’ decision to abandon the BikeSafe programme was not considered a pre-determined plan, and it comes as part of the recent policing changes set out by the government.
As a result, MAG is urging riders to play their part in supporting BikeSafe going forward, saying:
“MAG will engage with the process, making the case that casualty reduction programmes like BikeSafe deserve explicit protection in any new policing model. We will try to ensure decision-makers understand what works and why specialist capabilities matter.
“Riders can help by making their voices heard. Let your local force know you value BikeSafe. Respond to consultation opportunities around police restructuring. Support organisations positioned to defend rider interests when structures change.
“BikeSafe isn’t under immediate national threat - it’s thriving. But police restructuring is coming, and London’s loss is a clear warning. The time to defend what works is before it disappears, not after.”
As part of its 2026 plans, BikeSafe will be hosting workshops on the Isle of Man for the first time in 2026. The first workshop on the Isle of Man will take place in May.
BikeSafe focuses on offering bikers across the UK access to post-test training with police motorcyclists, giving them additional skills designed to help them stay safe on the roads.
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After graduating with a sports journalism degree, Robert joined Crash.net to lead the WorldSBK coverage in 2021, while also providing MotoGP coverage. Fulfilling that role for over three years, Robert was able to put his knowledge about all things racing to the test.
