Information and support for young riders
Being on a bike gives you freedom, independence and the excitement of being on the open road. But the choices you make on the road can shape your future more than you might think.
This page is here to help you hold onto that freedom. Two short videos show how losing your licence or being involved in a crash can hit your life harder than you might expect - not just on the road, but financially too.
Plus, Harry’s story offers a real look at how one moment on the road can have devastating effects for your family and friends.
Your licence
Most young riders don’t realise how easy it is to lose their licence or how much it can impact their daily life. From travel to opportunities, losing that independence limits what you can do. Riding smart helps you keep the freedom you’ve worked for.
What could cost you your licence?
- Speeding
- Riding with no insurance
- Using your phone while riding
- Dangerous or careless riding
- Running a red light
- Pillion passenger issues
- Invalid MOT or unsafe bike
- Failing to stop or provide details after an incident
- Alcohol or drug‑related offences
Cost of a collision
A collision doesn’t just hit your bike - it hits your bank balance too. Even a minor collision can lead to unexpected costs that follow you long after the incident.
What are the financial consequences of a collision?
- Huge increases in insurance premiums - even small claims can push your yearly cost up by hundreds or thousands.
- Paying an excess you didn’t plan for - and excess charges are often higher for young riders.
- Repair costs for your own bike - even if you don’t claim on insurance to avoid losing your no‑claims bonus.
- Paying for damage to someone else’s vehicle if you’re found to be at fault.
- Loss of earnings if you’re injured and can’t work for a while.
- Recovery and storage fees if your bike is damaged and needs to be taken from the scene.
- Replacement gear costs - helmets, jackets, gloves and boots often need to be replaced after a crash.
- Buying a new bike if yours is written off - often with less payout than the amount needed to replace it like‑for‑like.
- Increased travel costs if you’re off the road and relying on public transport.
Harry’s story
Harry Abbey was just 19 when he lost his life in a motorcycle collision on his way to work.
His mum, Bev, and his brother and sisters have chosen to share their story, so no other family has to feel the pain they live with every day - not to frighten young riders, but to help them understand that the decisions they make on the road affect the people who love them most.
Young rider forum
The Young Rider Forum is a space to learn more, ask questions and hear from riders and experts who want to help young riders stay safe and keep enjoying the road. Learn more here.