France closes border with the UK for all but essential travel

Updated: 17 December 2021

The Grossglockner in Austria is a must visit for bikers

From Saturday, December 18 2021, travellers from the UK will not be able to enter France unless they have an essential reason – as defined by French officials. French nationals and residents are exempt.

The full list of exemptions is available in French here

If you do qualify, you’ll also need to present a negative PCR or antigen test result taken within 24 hours pre-departure. You’ll also have to self-isolate for 48 hours in France after which a negative PCR or antigen test is required to exit self-isolation.

Bike touring back on the menu

First published 4 August 2021 by Jordan Gibbons

The Government have announced that people who have received both doses of a coronavirus vaccine will no longer have to quarantine on return from France – which reopens easy access to much of Europe for bikers.

Coronavirus update: Staged relaxing of lockdown opens up a world of biking opportunities

First published on 1 March 2021 by Jordan Gibbons

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has revealed a provisional schedule of steadily reducing coronavirus restrictions for England that will allow the return to biking freedom not known since March 2020.

The first step will take place on March 8, and with all going to plan, all social restrictions will be lifted by Monday, June 21. We’ve spoken to experts and translated the governmental gobbledegook to tell you know what you’ll be able to do on two wheels and when.

March 8

The government has now published the laws and guidance for what you may do from March 8. As it stands the law still states that you must stay at home, however there are certain exceptions laid out in law for leaving the home. One of these is that you may leave the home “to visit a public outdoor place for the purposes of open-air recreation” and you may do that alone, with a member of your household or support bubble, or one other person.

Separate to the law is the guidance published by the government, which currently recommends that you stay local and minimise the number of journeys you make.

March 29

Should the virus infection and death rates be deemed to be heading in the right direction, from March 29 the ‘stay at home’ order will be relaxed. The rules will also be relaxed on groups, so two households or six people will be free to mix. That means you’ll be free to ride as you see fit with up to five of your mates.

Outdoor sports facilities will also be allowed to reopen, so that means trackdays will be able to resume as well as bikesport, such as racing, trials and enduro, as long they are compliant with the guidance. These events won’t be subject to the gathering limits but the no overnight rule will still apply and there won’t be spectators.

April 12

Step two of the planned relaxation could be as early as April 12 and will see non-essential retailers allowed to reopen. That means bike dealers and kit retailers, if you’re crying out for new metal or a shiny new lid.

With it outdoor hospitality will be allowed to reopen too however you have to order, eat and drink while seated, so you local bike meet won’t be at full power just yet. Self-contained accommodation such as campsites and holiday cottages where there are no shared facilities will be allowed to reopen. That means if you fancy taking a solo bike tour (or going with someone you live with) you could do but you couldn’t go with mates.

Around this time the Government hope to make a statement on the future of international travel but until they do so, biking holidays into Europe and beyond will still be banned.

May 17

May 17 is the earliest that the Government expects to be able to relax the rule of six outdoors, instead allowing people to decide their own comfortable level of risk. Gatherings of more than 30 people will still be banned but you probably don’t go for a ride with that many mates anyway.

The rule of six (or two households) will still apply indoors though and if you do go somewhere to eat or drink, it will still be table service only. Other indoor locations such as B&Bs and hotels should be open by this point too, making a bike tour even easier.

By this point, the Government is also hoping to allow people to attend large outdoor events, where they can be spread out in allocated seating, so watching BSB in person should be back on the cards.

June 21

If everything goes to plan, the Government is hoping to remove all legal limits on social contact by June 21, so if you want to get 45 mates and go for a big ride out there’s nothing to stop you. Apart from having 45 mates obviously.

This is an evolving situation and the government guidance could change. We will continue to update this page as things develop, so be sure to check back regularly.

Coronavirus update: England enters new national lockdown

First published on January 5, 2021 by Jordan Gibbons

England and Northern Ireland have joined Scotland, Wales and Ireland in telling people they must not travel except for essential journeys.

This means that you can only ride a motorcycle as transport for an essential journey, such as to the shops or to meet someone from your support bubble. Riding a motorcycle not as part of an essential journey could find you on the receiving end of a fine.

The latest restrictions in England are the toughest travel restrictions since the original lockdown in March, with subsequent restrictions providing exemptions for travelling for exercise, or outdoor recreation.

What the lockdown means for motorcycle businesses

As in previous lockdowns, certain essential businesses will be allowed to stay open and that list includes vehicle repair and MOT services.

Motorcycle training and test centres are not included in the list of essential businesses and all types of vehicle driving tests are currently suspended. Several campaign groups are attempting to have CBT centres added to the list of essential businesses that may remain open, but it is not yet the case.

The start of the new lockdown in England means that all four Home Nations are now in some level of lockdown, specific rules by country can all be found at the UK Government Coronavirus page.

Government pledge £6 million lifeline to motorsport venues in England

First published on November 20, 2020 by Dan Sutherland

English motorsport venues have been handed a £6 million cash injection from the government to help see them through winter and offset the earnings lost through lack of spectators due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Part of a larger £300 million scheme announced earlier today, known as the ‘Sports Winter Survival Package’, owners and operators of major English circuits; including Silverstone, Goodwood and the British Automobile Racing Club will be able to apply for the funding to help see them through to the 2021 season.

Covid-19 and motorbikes: Lockdown riding confusion reigns

First published on 16 November, 2020 by Ben Clarke

Confusion still surrounds whether or not you can legally ride recreationally during the current England lockdown.

Several legal firms and riding groups believe that as the law states you are legally entitled ‘to leave your home to visit a public outdoor place for the purposes of open air recreation on your own, with members of your household or with one person outside that group’ that, as the road is an open public space, this means you are okay to ride for pleasure as long as you stay on public land (but you can’t go to a motocross track, for example).

Where things get slightly murkier is with the Government’s advice, which recommends reducing the number of journeys you take. “Riding your motorcycle for pleasure wouldn’t be classed as essential travel or qualify under the exceptions listed,” said Chief Constable for Northamptonshire and keen motorcyclist, Nick Adderley. “I don’t think you could argue it’s exercise either. I’m equally frustrated having to leave my bike in the garage.”

These conflicting stances are not helped by the Government’s refusal to offer further clarity when asked by MCN – so the debate looks set to continue until the lockdown in England, put in place to protect the NHS, ends on December 2. See the latest legislation at www.legislation.gov.uk.

Covid-19 and motorbikes: Travel restrictions return to England and rider training put on hold

First published on 2 November, 2020 by Jordan Gibbons

With Boris Johnson confirming a return to nationwide ‘lockdown’ from Thursday, November 5, the government has told people they must not travel unless it’s an essential journey. To that effect, recreational motorcycling is on pause for at least the next four weeks.

Following the announcement, the DVSA has also confirmed that all motorcycle tests and training sessions booked are suspended for the duration of the lockdown. Anyone who has a test booked during the lockdown will be contacted by the DVSA to rearrange.

That doesn’t mean you can’t ride your motorcycle at all – you can still use a bike for essential journeys, such as going for food and medicine or visiting someone in your support bubble, but you can’t head out for a ride with some mates.

The government guidance has also said you may make a short journey for exercise, however at the time of writing they have not said how far you may travel other than saying you should stay within your local area.

Wales in lockdown from October 23

First published 10 October 2020 by Jordan Gibbons

From Friday, October 23, 2020, Wales is going into a national lockdown until Monday, November 9, meaning you cannot ride there from England apart from in certain circumstances (like going to work) and you risk a fine if you do.

From October 14, 2020 England has a three-tier local alert system in place. If you are in tier 1, the rule of six as detailed below still applies but there are stricter rules for tiers 2 and 3.

Check what the rules are in your area

From Monday, September 14, 2020, it is illegal for social gatherings of more than six people. Prior to this up to 30 people could meet at once for a social gathering however this has now been scrapped.

Popular biker cafés prepare to re-open

First published on July 1, 2020 by Jordan Gibbons

The UK’s most popular biker cafés are preparing to re-open following the Government’s relaxation of lockdown restrictions from Saturday, July 4.

Squires in Yorkshire, Loomies in Hampshire, Ryka’s at Box Hill and The Super Sausage near Towcester all told MCN they can’t wait to re-open fully on July 4, but also warned things won’t be quite what they used to be.

“We’ve been getting geared up and have used the opportunity to do the place up,” Gail Murray of the Super Sausage said. “We’ve a new kitchen floor, new hand sanitisers and driers – we’re just finishing off now.”

IAM advanced motorcycle training resumes in England and Northern Ireland

First published on June 4, 2020 by Gareth Evans

The IAM, or Institute of Advanced Motorists, have resumed advanced motorcycle training in England and Northern Ireland in light of the latest Coronavirus restrictions.

The charity has also issued advice for its members on the correct procedures to adhere to in order to keep everyone involved safe. Social rides are also re-starting in England and Northern Ireland, but those in Wales and Scotland will have to wait longer, in-line with local Covid-19 advice and measures.

Richard Gladman, IAM RoadSmart’s Head of Driver and Rider Standards, said: “We are delighted to be able to get those taking the advanced rider course back on the road.

“Our community of passionate and skilled bikers have made personal safety their number one priority by following the rules on social distancing and non-essential travel. They have been great ambassadors for motorcycling IAM RoadSmart and road safety.

You can find details of courses available here.

Police correct inaccurate coronavirus riding statement

First published 4 June 2020 by Jordan Gibbons

The Chief Constable of North Yorkshire Police has issued an apology after one of her officers made an incorrect public statement about the legalities of riding under the current guidance.

On May 16 after the travel restrictions were lifted, Inspector Mark Gee issued comments on the force’s official website saying that: “Many motorcyclists genuinely seem to think they are legally covered to just go for a ride out. Under the current regulations this is simply not the case.”

The statement was widely reported by other news outlets, including BBC Radio 2, despite Downing Street confirming that motorcyclists are perfectly entitled to go for a ride, so long as they maintain social distance from anyone outside their household.

After this was brought to the attention of Chief Constable Lisa Winward, she said Gee wasmistaken and apologised.

“During this unprecedented health crisis our Inspector has clearly made a mistake in his interpretation of the legislation and guidance on this occasion which will be rectified,” said Winward. “I am sorry for the concern that this has caused.”

Need a new ride? Bike dealers in England will open Monday

First published 27 May 2020 by Jordan Gibbons

Bike dealerships in England will be able to open their doors to the public from Monday, June 1. The news comes after the Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, announced an update to the coronavirus guidance. Speaking at a televised press conference on Monday, May 26, Johnson said that markets and car dealerships will be able to reopen from Monday, June 1, while other non-essential shops will be able to reopen from Monday, June 15.

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After speaking to the government, the Motorcycle Industry Association (MCIA) has confirmed to MCN that this includes motorcycle dealerships are included with car dealerships.

As part of the new guidance, the government has produced a list of recommended things to consider when reopening shops to keep both staff and customers safe. This includes small things such as leaving doors open, so people do not need to touch the handles, to larger scale suggestions that include rearranging the shop for more space and implementing a one way system.

We will update this page with more information as we receive it. You can read the guidance in full here: Coronavirus Guidance for Businesses

Riding restrictions lift in England on Wednesday says No. 10 – so long as you maintain social distancing

First published on May 12, 2020 by Jordan Gibbons

The government has today removed restrictions in England that prevented all motorcycle journeys unless you were a key worker, or the journey was considered essential. In a speech on Sunday night, the Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, said that you can “drive to other destinations” – however, it was unclear exactly what that meant.

Having spoken directly with a spokesperson at No.10, MCN can confirm this means you are allowed to ride a motorcycle “to any open spaces” with no limit on the distance from today, Wednesday, May 13.

However, they reiterated that this should ideally be done only with members of your immediate household or with one other, provided you maintain social distancing. The advice also stated that once you arrive, you should maintain a minimum of two meters distance from other members of the public.

You’ll also have to abide by the rules for travelling between countries within the UK, as you’ll still be unable to cross from England into Scotland, Ireland or Wales, or vice versa.

The “Stay at home” message remains in place in all countries other than England. You’re also not allowed to travel somewhere and stay the night, with a spokesperson saying: “although you might want to take the bike out to the Lake District, for example, you wouldn’t be able to stay there overnight“.

No.10 also confirmed that should the relaxation cause a spike in coronavirus transmission that threatens to overwhelm the NHS, then the rules will tighten back up once again.

It was also stated that should the rate of infections remain low, the government will look to reopen shops and cafes in June and July, meaning that bike dealerships and popular hang outs will be able to reopen so long as they can keep staff and shoppers safe.

So what does this mean for bikers?

In short, you can ride – but you should still exercise common sense. Just like every normal Spring, most of us have had a long time off the bike and our skills probably aren’t what they were six months ago.

At MCN we’ll be taking a considered approach, avoiding long or fast-paced rides for the foreseeable future and sticking to gentle jaunts into the countryside for changes of scenery and somewhere to grab a breath of fresh air. That might mean a great ride to the coast or the hills before chucking some trainers on to get your daily exercise, for example.

The temptation to simply return to normal riding is overwhelming, but do we really want biking to be vilified yet again, as it was when some were slow to comply with the start of lockdown?

Motorcycling is often perceived negatively by the public at large – but right now, stories of couriers and volunteers delivering medical supplies and community support has placed motorcycling firmly in the public’s good books. A sunny weekend of wailing redline torture, open pipes and unnecessary road accidents will quickly undo all that. But most of all, we want everyone to stay safe so that when everything really is back to normal, we’re all still here to enjoy it.

We will update this page when the advice changes again.