As the riding season kicks off in March, riders can look forward to being back on the roads after a long winter. We surveyed drivers across the UK to understand how they feel about sharing the road with motorcyclists.
A quarter of drivers don’t feel confident around motorbikes
While 60% did say they are confident navigating bikes on the roads, 24% of motorists admit they don’t. Among younger drivers aged 18–24, that number jumps to 50%, making them the least confident group by far.
When asked why, drivers pointed to several key concerns:
- 63% say motorcyclists’ movements can feel unpredictable
- 38% worry about the speed riders travel at
- 34% say bikes are harder to see
- 23% struggle to judge a bike’s speed
- 21% feel pressured when a motorcycle is behind them
- 18% simply claimed they don’t like navigating motorcycles on the road
- 13% say it’s too hard gauging motorbikes’ distance.
This may not come as a shock to experienced riders who know bikes are smaller, quicker and more agile than cars.
But it does show how important visibility, positioning and road awareness are, especially on busier roads during riding season.
Do drivers want fewer bikes on the road?
The survey found that the majority of respondents (32%) prefer driving when there are fewer motorbikes around.
But it’s not all negative. 31% say they don’t mind seeing more motorcycles on the road and a further 15% say they actively enjoy seeing more bikes out and about.
So, while some drivers are wary, many have a more open-minded outlook towards riders.
Why this matters for riders
For motorcyclists, these findings are a reminder that many drivers aren’t fully confident around bikes, not because they dislike riders, but because they struggle to judge what a bike is doing.
It’s therefore more important than ever to ride safely, stay visible and give motorists the space they need to feel comfortable.
And for motorists, they should always double-check before manoeuvring, give extra space, and be patient.
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Research of 500 UK drivers by an external survey provider in February 2026.
