What does lockdown mean for those that ride motorcycles?

With the nationwide lockdown in force across the country due to the coronavirus, you may be wondering what you can and cannot do as a motorcycle owner. Here, we will explore when you can use your bike during the lockdown, what to do about your MOT and how to keep your motorcycle safe.

When can I use my motorcycle during lockdown?

The official government guidance states that the “single most important action we can all take, in fighting coronavirus, is to stay at home in order to protect the NHS and save lives”. This means that you can only leave the house for very limited reasons, including shopping for food and medicine as infrequently as possible, for exercise, a medical need or to travel for work purposes – but only if you cannot work at home. 

For motorcycle riders, this means that you cannot go out for a drive for any other reason than is listed in the guidance. The police have the power to enforce these rules and can issue fines and arrest those that do not comply.

My MOT is due – what do I do? 

The government have announced an MOT exemption for owners of cars, motorcycles and vans for six months starting from the 30th March. The government states that this “temporary exemption will enable vital services to continue, frontline workers to get to work, and people to get essential food and medicine during the COVID-19 outbreak”. 

This means that if your motorcycle’s MOT certificate expired on or after 30th March, it will be extended for a further six months. This will happen automatically and your insurance will still be valid. Your bike must remain in a roadworthy condition which is why garages will continue to provide essential repair work, and those driving unsafe vehicles can be prosecuted. For more information on what you need to do, check the government’s guidance.

Do I need to do anything to keep my bike safe? 

With the nationwide lockdown in place, it’s likely your motorcycle will be parked for longer periods than usual. For this reason, you should ensure you are taking necessary steps to protect your bike from theft. The metropolitan police website states that “over 9,000 scooters, motorcycles and mopeds were stolen” in London alone during the last year, so it’s important to secure them adequately. 

They advise locking your bike where possible using a D lock and/or a chain lock to make it harder for thieves to wheel the bike away. They also state that covering it, removing the keys, fitting an alarm and property marking your parts will help to deter thieves. You should also ensure that you have adequate insurance from reputable companies like Devitt Insurance that protects you should your bike be damaged or stolen. It’s important to check policy wordings before you buy to ensure you have the adequate level of cover. 

Please see NHS website for medical information and the government website for further information and lockdown FAQs.