In a move dubbed "Bike-xit" the British Motorcyclists Federation (BMF) made headlines this August when it declared its decision to withdraw from the Federation of European Motorcyclists' Associations (FEMA). The BMF's official statement, released on August 4, 2023, outlined the reasons behind this departure.

Much like the infamous "Brexit," this decision was prompted by the onerous resource requirements imposed by FEMA. The financial burden of dues from this European Union-based association was deemed excessive by the BMF. Coupled with the decreasing relevance of FEMA to riders in the United Kingdom, the BMF saw it as a strategic move to reallocate its resources toward more effective lobbying endeavors.

One of the key factors contributing to this decision was the complications arising from the United Kingdom's separation from the European Union, particularly concerning regulations and exceptions for vintage motorcycles within the EU. A notable incident involved a Triumph motorcycle being impounded in 2022, prompting action from both the BMF and FEMA. With the UK no longer part of the EU, questions arose regarding the value of maintaining membership in FEMA.

Jim Freeman, Chairman of the BMF, emphasized the necessity of UK riders taking the reins in advocating for legislation that directly affects them within the UK. FEMA, as an EU-based organization, was seen as increasingly irrelevant and less utilitarian to UK riders. Freeman articulated this by stating, "It has become increasingly clear that UK riders will have to champion their own cause here in the UK. We can no longer rely on FEMA for this, given its declining relevance and utility to UK riders. Looking ahead, this trend will only intensify."

FEMA's demanding annual fee of £12,000 was identified as a significant drain on resources that could be put to better use in lobbying efforts within the UK. The BMF council concluded that redirecting these funds toward domestic initiatives was a more prudent course of action.

Freeman further explained, "The financial demands imposed by FEMA are already quite burdensome, amounting to £12,000 annually. We must allocate these funds to support our lobbying efforts within the UK. This is because, moving forward, we anticipate having to invest more to achieve our goals in the UK, where our members rightfully expect our utmost commitment. £12,000 constitutes one-third of our lobbying budget, which is a substantial portion given our annual turnover of £200,000."

Anticipating that FEMA's resource demands would only escalate in the future, the BMF deemed the current £12,000 annual fee as not only expensive but likely to become even more costly over time.

Regarding the immediate future, the BMF council has voted to exit FEMA, but this departure will not take effect until 2024. British members of FEMA will continue to fulfill their roles and responsibilities within the organization until the 2024 FEMA Annual General Meeting.

#MotoSport