New motorcycle training association created

A new body has been created to tackle the problems facing motorcycle training and challenge legislation.

The new body, the Motorcycle Industry Trainers Association (MCITA), has been formed following the merger of the Motorcycle Industry Trainers Association and the Motorcycle Rider Training Association.

The merger will give trainers a single voice and more power to challenge legislation and make sure their needs are represented to policymakers.

Trainers have seen business decline following the introduction of the new motorcycle test in April this year as fewer people have chosen to learn to ride.

Some have even said they will be fighting for survival if things don’t pick up in the new year.  

They are keen to avoid further decline when new EU guidelines are introduced in the form of the Third Driving Licence Directive in coming years.

The new directive will deal with issues related to the minimum age for riding bikes and a new licence category has been added. Importantly there is also the option for riders to move through licencing categories via a training or testing route.

The MCITA has a critical role to play and are currently talking to both the DSA and other organisations in Europe about this upcoming legislation to ensure that in the UK the trainers position is optimised and rider safety maximised as the 3rd directive is implemented.

There are many other important topics on the horizon that MCITA will need to address, including Direct Access and CBT review, a review of the Trainer Booking system, Continuing Professional Development (CPD) for Motorcycle Instructors and much more.

Tara Glen, Chairman for the MCI said; “If the training industry is to respond successfully to the challenges ahead, maintain commerciality and drive improving rider safety standards, addressing the future as a larger single representative voice is essential and the MCI is proud to be able to lead this merged organisation”