In October 2025, motorcycle noise in the Danube Valley was once again the focus of political attention: the Petitions Committee of the Baden-Württemberg State Parliament dealt with a petition calling for a ban on combustion engine motorcycles on State Road 277 between Fridingen an der Donau and Sigmaringen on Sundays and public holidays, as well as the targeted promotion of electric motorcycles. According to the petitioners, the aim was to reduce noise pollution for the local population and those seeking relaxation. However, I do not know exactly who submitted the petition, what demands it contained in detail, or how many people supported the cause, as I have not yet been able to find the petition.
Lane splitting and lane filtering in Minnesota: Three months after legalization – Initial assessment
Since July 1, 2025, lane splitting and lane filtering have been officially permitted in the US state of Minnesota. Three months after its introduction, the local traffic safety authority has made an initial assessment: the change has brought relief to many motorcyclists, but at the same time has sparked debate – both among motorcyclists and car drivers. There is no clear consensus on the issue.
The winding country road between Zella-Mehlis and Oberhof in southern Thuringia has been popular with motorcyclists for years – but it is also notorious. In 2023 and 2024, a total of 19 traffic accidents occurred there, two of them fatal. To counteract this, so-called rumble strips were installed at seven critical points in September 2025. The measure, supported by the Thuringian State Office for Construction and Transport, was implemented in the week before September 16, 2025, and is intended to make risky driving maneuvers significantly more difficult.
Since spring 2025, Sudelfeldstraße (B307) between the Inn Valley and Bayrischzell has been temporarily closed to motorcyclists in one direction. The regulation applies daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on the section between Tatzelwurm and Bayrischzell and was introduced as part of a two-year trial period by the Rosenheim and Miesbach district offices. The official goal is to reduce the number of accidents on the winding route, which is popular with motorcyclists.
A British motorcyclist has been banned from driving for life in Switzerland after performing a total of 47 illegal overtaking maneuvers in the Gotthard Tunnel. In addition to this measure, according to media reports, he must pay a fine of around €12,690 (approx. CHF 13,600 or £11,000). The public prosecutor's office is also investigating serious traffic offenses.
In London, motorcyclists and drivers could face penalties in more areas of the city in the future if they attract attention with loud or aggressive driving. The Westminster City Council is currently considering extending an existing ban that has been in place in parts of the capital since 2021.
On July 12, 2025, a serious traffic accident occurred on the B500 near Helbingfelsen near Baden-Baden, in which a 53-year-old Ducati rider was critically injured. Investigators from the Bühl traffic service branch, in cooperation with the Baden-Baden public prosecutor's office, have now been able to identify the motorcyclists presumed to be responsible.
During the weekend of Hamburg Harley Days 2025, the Hanseatic city once again transformed into a mecca for motorcycle enthusiasts. Thousands of Harley riders traveled from all over Europe to share their passion for the legendary US bikes. While the event seemed to be a complete success with test rides, new models, and a well-thought-out sustainability concept, the weekend was overshadowed by extensive police checks.
Portugal has drastically tightened the legal situation surrounding dashcams and now joins a number of countries that completely prohibit the use of such devices. Together with Austria, Luxembourg and Switzerland, there is now a de facto or legal total ban on dashcams. For tourists, this means that anyone driving with a camera on their windshield risks severe penalties - sometimes for the mere possession of such a device.
From January 1, 2026, a far-reaching innovation in the field of road safety will come into force in Spain: the classic warning triangle will no longer be used on freeways and dual carriageways. Instead, the so-called V16 warning light will become mandatory. The Spanish traffic authority Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT) is thus pursuing the goal of significantly increasing safety in the event of breakdowns or accidents - especially under difficult visibility conditions or in heavy traffic.
The town of Göppingen(Germany) has made a controversial decision: Massive concrete barriers have been erected on the Aasrücken, a popular excursion route for motorcyclists and sports car enthusiasts. The aim of this measure is to protect residents in the surrounding districts such as Hohenstaufen, Maitis, Lenglingen and Ottenbach from persistent engine noise and dangerous driving maneuvers. However, the measure is dividing the public - there is intense debate about it on social networks in particular.
Since May 1st, a new traffic regulation has been in force on the popular Sudelfeldstraße, which has caused a lot of discussion among motorcyclists. In an attempt to curb “speeders” and uncontrolled driving maneuvers, motorcycles are not allowed on the road towards Bayrischzell between 11 am and 9 pm. The measure is having an effect (fewer bikers) - but not without side effects: Frustration, confusion and discussions accompany its implementation.
Since May 1, 2025, motorcycles have been banned from driving on the winding L 1152 country road in southern Thuringia - at least at weekends and on public holidays. The measure affects the section between Jagdshof in the district of Sonneberg (Thuringia) and Schauberg in the district of Kronach (Bavaria / Germany). According to official information, the reason for the ban is an increase in accidents, but there have also been massive complaints from local residents.
The European Union has decided on a comprehensive reform of driving license law - with far-reaching consequences for millions of people. The focus is on digitalization, Europe-wide standardization and a significantly stricter set of rules for novice drivers. Motorcyclists in particular are likely to find some of the changes serious. Implementation into national law should take place by 2029 at the latest, but many changes could take effect earlier.
The Sudelfeld closure becomes reality: a new traffic regulation comes into force on April 30th. Motorcycles will no longer be allowed to drive on the Sudelfeldstraße in the direction of Bayrischzell between 11 am and 9 pm. The opposite direction will remain open.
A pass road in the crossfire: the Sudelfeld is (partially) closed
Despite the continuous development of modern advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) in cars, current tests show that motorcycles still pose a challenge for these technologies. A recent report by the US Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) reveals serious weaknesses - particularly when it comes to detecting and avoiding rear-end collisions with motorcycles.
Since March 15, 2025, there has been a temporary ban on motorcycles on the K74 near Rinteln. Motorized two-wheelers are no longer allowed on the section between Westendorf and Bernsen from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. every day. The city justifies the move with excessive speeds and an increased number of accidents. Mopeds are exempt from the regulation.
The Nürburgring has announced extensive changes to the use of the legendary Nordschleife. From the 2025 season, motorcycles will no longer be able to take part in the regular tourist rides. The reason for this decision is the high risk of accidents caused by riding together with cars. Instead, exclusive dates and guided organized training sessions will be offered for motorcyclists.
Greece is planning a new regulation that will deny motorcyclists without helmets access to fuel. The law is part of a revised road traffic code and was introduced in response to the high number of accidents in the country. Particularly controversial: the regulation not only affects locals, but also tourists who are out and about on rented two-wheelers.