From classic bikes to sports bikes, off road bikes and three wheelers motorcycling has a lot to offer. With these different kinds of motorcycles there are different followings and groups that meet and enjoy their motorcycles together.

If you are new to motorcycling there are many different associations that represent businesses, regulatory bodies and recreational motorcyclists. The following information sheds light on some of Britain’s leading associations and how they can help you.

The National Motorcycle Association (or NMC for short) is an umbrella site that networks with and represents different groups in the British motorcycle industry.

The NMC prides itself on having a diverse membership, representing all aspects of the British motorcycle scene. This includes rider groups, health and training related regulatory bodies and manufacturers and retailers of motorcycle parts, accessories and equipment. The NMC is influenced by the requirements of its members and is dedicated to assist them. One of the ways it achieves this is by offering its members a forum to share ideas and promote awareness of current issues and initiatives through its website.

The council conducts meetings with member organisations to discuss and implement mutual objectives. A current focus is to ensure that motorcycles are represented fairly as a valid contribution to the Mayor of London’s transport strategy, helping to reduce pollution and congestion.

The British Motorcycle Federation (or BMF for short) is an association made with motorcyclist’s interests in mind. The BMF was founded in the 1960’s and was originally known as the Federation of National and One Make Clubs.

The BMF was founded at a time when motorcyclists in general were receiving a poor representation in main stream press. Since then the BMF has grown substantially and currently has in excess of 100,000 members making it the largest rider group in Britain.

The BMF acts as a representative body for many of Britain’s motorcyclists. The BMF work to raise awareness of issues affecting motorcyclists and take action. This includes lobbying for change to legislation in parliament, introducing the BMF Rider Training Scheme and offering a biker friendly insurance policy to benefit members.

The Motorcycle Industry Association (otherwise known as the MCIA) is an association that focuses on representing the interests of the retail sector in British motorcycling.

The MCIA is formed solely from a membership of companies involved within the supply of goods for motorcyclists in Britain. This includes motorcycle and motorcycle part manufacturers, import services, insurers, clothing companies and other related products and services within the retail sector.

The MCIA’s mission statement is “To develop and sustain an environment whereby motorcycling can flourish”. The MCIA achieve this by representing the motorcycle industry and lobbying for change in meetings with the European Commission and in parliament.