Motorcycling

Riding a motorbike or moped might be easier that you think. You don’t necessarily need to hold a driving licence in order to get started. Parking can be easier, running costs are lower, and of course you’ll be producing fewer carbon emissions than making the same journey by car.

Compulsory training

You don’t need to hold a full driving licence in order to ride certain small mopeds. Most people will just need to undertake Compulsory Basic Training and hold a provisional driving licence in order to ride legally on the roads.

Use the government’s online tool to see which vehicles you can drive.

See also the government’s pages about riding a motorcycle, moped or motor tricycle.

Additional training

Travelwest offers motorcycle free motorcycle training days for those living in South Gloucestershire Council.

Staff loan scheme

This scheme has been temporarily suspended while the University is exploring some necessary changes to the scheme.

Staff can take out an interest free loan to purchase a motorbike and equipment for commuting to work. The maximum amount available is £1000 and the repayment period is 12 months.

Motorcycle parking

If parking in internal University of Bristol shared cycle and motorcycle parking please switch off your engines as soon as possible after entering the facility and as late as possible when exiting the facility to prevent exhaust fumes compromising the air quality.

When parking outside, always check signage at each location. Spaces will be delineated by white lines on the group, with the text “solo m/c”.

The Bristol Motorcycle Action Group (Bristol MAG) has created a map of motorcycle parking in Bristol. This should be used as a guide only, and comments should be made to Bristol MAG.

If you can’t find your nearest bike parking using this map, then please contact transport-plan@bristol.ac.uk telling us the name of your closest building.

Motorcycle mileage allowance

University staff can claim mileage for using their moped or motorcycle on University business.

Motorcycle Users Group (MUG)

The University has a Motorcycle Users Group (MUG) which provides a voice for motorcyclists within the University to discuss issues concerning motorcyclists within the University and suggest solutions. In addition, you will be consulted with regarding proposals for new motorbike facilities and to provide advice.

Membeship is open to all students and staff.

To subscribe to the motorcycle user group mailing list, please go to the Motorcycle User Group mailing list homepage, choose Subscribe or Unsubscribe from the Options menu, enter your name and email address, and select the Subscribe option. You will receive a verification email. Click on the link in the verification email and you will be subscribed to the mailing list. (Please note it is not possible to self-subscribe if you have a BT email address).  

Please note that the mailing list is hosted for the University of Bristol by JiscMail who provide a mailing list service to UK Higher Education academic and research sectors. Upon subscribing, you will be sent two emails from JiscMail, the first one welcoming you to the JiscMail service in general, and the second one welcoming you to the motorcycle user group mailing list.

To Unsubscribe from the mailing list at any time, email help@jisc.ac.uk clearly stating the name of the mailing list you wish to unsubscribe from.            

Motorcycle groups and associations in Bristol

A few motorcycle social groups and associations are listed below, please note that we are only signposting to these groups and the University of Bristol does not take responsibility for the quality or practices of these groups.