admin - New Rider Hub

September 22, 2026

New Rider Hub relaunched to support a new generation of young riders

Updated website provides practical advice and support as thousands of young people take to two wheels for college, apprenticeships and work

The National Young Rider Forum (NYRF) has relaunched its New Rider Hub website, providing a refreshed online resource designed to support young motorcyclists as a new generation of riders begins college courses, apprenticeships and new jobs.

The website has been refreshed with its relaunch timed to coincide with the start of the new academic year – a key period when many 16 to 24-year-olds begin using mopeds and motorcycles as an affordable and practical way to travel.

Originally launched in 2022, the New Rider Hub is managed by the National Young Rider Forum, a group of road safety professionals and motorcycle stakeholders working specifically to support young motorcyclists.

The updated website responds directly to the findings and recommendations of the Young Riders Matter report, published by the NYRF in February 2026.

The research – the most comprehensive study of young motorcyclists to date – was funded by The Road Safety Trust. It was commissioned to better understand the attitudes, behaviours, needs and preferred methods of communication of young riders. It included casualty analysis, a survey of 250 young riders and follow-up interviews.

Among the key findings was the need to provide young riders with trusted, accessible information about protective equipment, training and hazard perception. The report also highlighted the importance of engaging with younger riders as they begin using motorcycles for the first time to travel to college, apprenticeships or work.

The refreshed New Rider Hub responds to these findings with a number of new and expanded resources, including dedicated pages covering:

SHARP motorcycle helmet ratings, helping riders understand how helmets are assessed and make more informed choices when buying a helmet;
Personal protective equipment (PPE), with practical advice on how to avoid counterfeit PPE, particularly from online retailers, which does meet UK standards;
Mental health, recognising that looking after yourself as a rider means more than simply having the right equipment; and
Hazard perception, helping new riders recognise and anticipate potential dangers before they become a problem.

The hazard perception content will form the foundation of a new campaign launching next month, which will encourage young riders to develop their ability to spot and respond to hazards on the road.

The refreshed site also continues to provide practical advice covering areas such as CBT and training, buying and insuring a bike, security, maintenance and what to wear.

Heidi Duffy MBE, facilitator of the National Young Rider Forum, said: “The New Rider Hub was created to give young riders somewhere they could go for practical, trustworthy and relevant information – and it is just as important today as it was when we first launched it.

“Young Riders Matter has given us a much clearer understanding of what young people need, how they use their bikes and, importantly, how they want to receive information. We have used those findings to make the New Rider Hub more relevant to today's young riders.

“The start of a college course, apprenticeship or new job can be an important point in a young person's riding journey. For many, their motorcycle or moped is their route to education, work and greater independence. We want to make sure they have access to the right information and support at that point.

“This relaunch is just the start. The new hazard perception content will lead into a dedicated campaign next month, and we will continue to develop the Hub so that it remains a useful resource for young riders and those supporting them.”

June 22, 2026

National Young Rider Day puts rider safety in the spotlight for a new generation of riders

April 1, 2026

NYRF launches phase two of Try Ride initiative

The National Young Rider Forum has teamed up with Phoenix Motorcycle Training to launch phase two of a project to explore whether a package of pre-CBT training can lead to more competent young riders.

The Try Ride scheme is aimed at first-time riders, aged 16-24 years, who are yet to take their CBT test. It comprises two online modules, which participants must take before getting into the saddle for a practical riding experience.

The two online modules being used as part of the scheme are both evidence-led and have been developed by leading industry experts.

The first, Ridefree, is an online training course for moped and motorcycle riders developed by the DVSA and National Highways.

The second is a brand-new resource developed by the National Young Rider Forum (NYRF) with Esitu Solutions.

View from the Saddle comprises 18 short hazard perception/hazard prediction films, depicting 20 new hazards for would-be motorcyclists to spot.

These are real hazards, filmed from the perspective of a young motorcyclist, that can cause riders to be involved in serious crashes, if not spotted out on the road.

The Try Ride experience, delivered by Phoenix Motorcycle Training, would typically cost £40, but those who complete both the online and practical sessions will be refunded £20 of that price. 300 discounted places are available under the initiative, over a third of which were taken up during phase one of the project in the summer of 2025.

The aim of the scheme is to explore whether those who complete the course are more competent riders when it comes to taking their CBT, and ultimately safer riders.

The first phase of the project, which ran between August and October 2025, saw 111 young people complete the Try Ride experience at different centres across the UK.

Of those surveyed, most reported the great benefit of taking a hazard perception test pre CBT. They also delivered positive feedback on learning about topics such as the Highway Code and wearing PPE.

These results mirror those found in the NYRF’s Young Riders Matter report, published earlier this year, in which more than 50% of young riders surveyed said it would be good to do a hazard perception test as part of the CBT.

The project links with the National Road Safety Strategy, which is consulting on including a theory test (which will include a hazard perception element) in the new CBT syllabus.

Phase two of the Try Ride will coincide with the better weather and more motorcyclists wanting to use their bike to travel to work, training, education, and sport.

Of the 111 who took part in phase one of Try Ride, 27 went on to take their CBT straight away, with more saying the scheme had encouraged them to attend further motorcycle training events in the future.

March 23, 2026

‘Drivers, please’ campaign encourages drivers to look out for riders this Easter

February 10, 2026

Groundbreaking research aims to spearhead efforts to improve young rider safety

October 24, 2025

Try Ride initiative paused as winter approaches

The National Young Rider Forum have paused their NYRF Try Ride Project as the clocks fall back this Sunday, 26^th October 25.

Working with Phoenix Motorcycling Training and Esitu hazard perception specialists, the NYRF have incentivised over 100 potential young riders to complete on-line learning and a practical riding experience, to offer them enhanced knowledge and skills before they take their CBT course.

With the increased hours of darkness and inclement weather conditions that late Autumn and Winter can bring, NYRF will use this time to analyse the results from this first part of the NYRF Try Ride project with a view to launching it again in Spring 2026.

NYRF wish to thank Phoenix Motorcycling Training, Esitu, forum members and key stakeholders who supported and promoted the project from its launch on the 1^st August 25.

We welcome any feedback or questions on the project, please contact Heidi Duffy on heidi.duffy@viaem.co.uk

August 6, 2025

New initiative encourages young people to try riding this summer

The National Young Rider Forum has teamed up with Phoenix Motorcycle Training to encourage young people to try motorcycling this summer, through an initiative that provides a riding experience.

The course would typically cost £40, but those who complete both the online and practical sessions will be refunded £20 of that price. 300 discounted places are available under the initiative, which has the backing of the Driving and Vehicles Standards Agency (DVSA)

The aim of the scheme is to explore whether those who complete the course are more competent riders when it comes to taking their CBT, and ultimately safer riders.

The results could help to inform future policy around licensing regulations.

Heidi Duffy MBE, facilitator of the NYRF, said: “Motorcycling is a lifeline for many young people, offering them freedom without the expense of learning to drive and buying a car.

"Taking the CBT gives new riders a good grounding in the basic skills and knowledge to ride a motorcycle safely.

"This initiative seeks to enhance the existing syllabus, by introducing new riders to two excellent e-learning modules, Ridefree and View from the Saddle.

“We hope that these modules, combined with giving young people their first riding experience in a safe environment, will lead to increasing numbers choosing motorcycling as a transport choice."

Learning the key skills to maximise the experience
The two online modules being used as part of the scheme are both evidence-led and have been developed by leading industry experts.

The first, Ridefree, is an online training course for moped and motorcycle riders developed by the DVSA and National Highways.

Ridefree comprises modules covering topics such as the Highway Code, PPE and bike maintenance. Once registered, it can be completed in sections, enabling riders to come back and finish the modules in a time scale that suits their needs.

The second is a brand-new resource developed by the NYRF with Esitu, thanks to funding from The Road Safety Trust.

View from the Saddle comprises 18 short hazard perception/hazard prediction films, depicting 20 new hazards for would-be motorcyclists to spot.

These are real hazards, filmed from the perspective of a young motorcyclist, that can cause riders to be involved in serious crashes, if not spotted out on the road.

Phoenix Motorcycle Training is one of the largest motorcycle training schools in the UK. They have 21 centres across the country.

The partnership with Phoenix Motorcycle Training will provide access to a large number of potential learners. Along with giving the project a single point of contact to evaluate its effectiveness.

END

NOTES FOR EDITORS

The National Young Rider Forum (NYRF) is a group of road safety professionals, joining their expertise to specifically look at young motorcyclists.

The forum members bring a wealth of expertise from all corners of Road Casualty reduction and include representatives from Local Authority Road Safety Teams, Safer Roads Partnerships, Motorcycle Industries Association (MCIA), Motorcycle Action Group (MAG), Police forces, Fire & Rescue and the DVSA.

More information about the Try Ride scheme can be found at: https://newriderhub.net/try-ride/

Alternatively, please contact Heidi Duffy MBE at: Heidi.duffy@viaem.co.uk

Try Ride bookings can be made directly through the Phoenix website at https://phoenixmotorcycletraining.co.uk/course/try-ride-nyrf/, emailing bookings@teachmetoride.co.uk or calling the customer service team on 0330 223 4000.

June 11, 2025

National Young Rider Day returns to celebrate young riders

The 2025 National Young Rider Day takes place today (11 June), championing young riders and raising awareness of how they feature disproportionately in motorcycle collisions.

As a result of the cost-of-living crisis, more and more young people are choosing to ride a motorcycle to work, college, or simply to get around.

Founded by the National Young Rider Forum (NYRF) in 2023, National Young Rider Day celebrates that choice – and helps young riders stay safe on the road.

Sadly, young motorcyclists feature in more road crashes than young drivers, despite accounting for less than 1% of all traffic using the road network. It is the aim of NYRF to reduce the number of young riders killed and seriously injured.

Heidi Duffy MBE, facilitator of the NYRF, said: “National Young Rider Day is the perfect opportunity to champion and celebrate a growing cohort of young riders, while highlighting the risks they face while out on the road.

“The NYRF pledges that it will continue to focus exclusively on young riders and aim to be their voice, representing their needs at a national level on road safety.”

A variety of activities will be taking place as part of National Young Rider Day, culminating in a specially designed online event, for young people who could already be motorcyclists or are thinking of becoming one.

Organised with the Warwickshire Road Safety Partnership, the hour-long event, which kicks-off at 6:30pm, is aimed at those aged between 16-24 years who may be thinking of, or already riding, powered two wheelers of up to 125cc.

Click here to register.

National figures show that each year the number of collisions and casualties involving young riders increases and this event is an opportunity for young people to access advice and guidance on a wide range of topics to help them avoid costly mistakes, both with their finances and their safety.

Fay Cannon, co-ordinator of the Warwickshire Road Safety Partnership, said: “Last year’s event was a tremendous success, with fantastic engagement from young riders and their parents. It was encouraging to see so many taking an active interest in motorcycle safety and benefiting from the expert advice shared.

“This year’s online event promises to be just as informative, continuing our mission to support and educate new riders, helping them stay safer on our roads.”

Show your support with social media resources
For those looking to support National Young Rider Day, a series of resources are available for use.

This includes three short videos from the Ready to Ride? resource, funded by The Road Safety Trust and Kent County Council.

The social media videos encourage young riders to watch out for hazards on the roads and to make the right choices about what to wear - to give them the best possible protection in the event of a collision.

Also available are a series of summer infographics, detailing the importance of wearing proper PPE all-year round and the pitfalls of riding under the influence of alcohol or drugs, as well as bike maintenance.

And finally, the NYRF is pleased to announce the launch of a series of 360 degree videos, designed to support GIG economy riders.

The videos, which are hosted on the NYRF YouTube account, talk riders through important scenarios, highlighting among many things, the importance of not being distracted.

For more information, please contact Heidi Duffy MBE, facilitator of the NYRF, via email.

May 19, 2025

Free online event to support young riders

Young motorcyclists will be given the chance to gain advice and guidance from experts, and have their questions answered, at an online event taking place next month.

The Warwickshire Road Safety Partnership is partnering with the National Young Rider Forum (NYRF) to host a free session for young motorcycle riders taking place on 11 June 2025.

The hour-long event, which kicks-off at 6:30pm, is aimed at those aged between 16-24 years who may be thinking of, or already riding, powered two wheelers of up to 125cc.

Click here to register.

It also gives them a voice to ask any questions of NYRF members who cover a large area of expertise in the world of motorcycling.

The agenda includes is currently in the process of being formalised with topics to be covered including:

The ‘Science of Being Seen’
Tyre checks
Personal protective equipment (PPE)
Mental preparedness and focus
Hazard perception and prediction

“This year’s online event promises to be just as informative, continuing our mission to support and educate new riders, helping them stay safer on our roads.”

Heidi Duffy MBE, facilitator of the NYRF, said: “For a young person, getting on the road is a huge step forwards to gaining their independence and can give them a great sense of freedom. We want to give young people the best start to motorcycling, being all too aware of the challenges that young riders face, both on and off the road.

“From choosing the right bike, to getting the best insurance policy and knowing which PPE to buy, it can be tricky to navigate, especially on a budget. This session is a great opportunity for young people, and their parents and carers, to find out the nuts and bolts of becoming a rider and to get expert advice to help prepare them for a successful and safe riding journey.”

Registration is now open for the event, which will take place over Microsoft Teams on Wednesday 11 June, 6.30pm to 7:30pm.

The event forms part of the NYRF Young Rider Day. The initiative seeks to raise awareness of the many young motorcyclists who take to the road on small, powered motorcycles and who share their journey with larger and more powerful traffic.

April 9, 2025

Campaign helps young bikers ride into the season

The National Young Rider Forum (NYRF) has launched a new campaign, focusing on PPE and bike maintenance, to help keep young riders safe this Spring.

The arrival of warmer, brighter weather leads to an increased number of riders on the road.

In many cases, these riders are returning to their bikes after several months away, meaning it is important to carry out maintenance checks.

Using the power of rhyme, two of the infographics encourage young riders to check their lights and test their brakes.

Stopping a motorbike quickly and safely is vitally important – while with the different weather that can descend even on summer days in the UK, riders may need their lights at any time, so it is paramount they are clean and working all year round.

The second set of infographics explore issues surrounding PPE, namely wearing the correct gear no matter the weather and properly tightening helmets at all times.

Making sure a helmet is strapped or properly fastened is the most important action a rider can take before setting off.

Records of crashes involving young motorcyclists often show that their helmets came off in the collision causing the rider to suffer head injuries. This is mainly down to the fact that the helmet has not been strapped on or fastened properly.

The infographics will be shared via the NYRF’s social media channels throughout April. They will signpost riders back to the campaign page, where more information is available.

Fay Cannon, Warwickshire Road Safety Partnership coordinator and NYRF member, said: “Spring is traditionally a time we see many more motorcyclists take to our roads and this includes our young riders.

“Whether you are a commuter, GIG courier or leisure rider, this is a good time to check your bike and yourself as the rider, to ensure you are both fit, safe and legal, to be riding out on the road.”

“We hope that our young riders find the information useful and that it helps to keep them safe.”