Founded in 1903, the ACU was set up to be the governing body of Motorcycle sport throughout Britain after the Automobile Club, the former name of the RAC, decided a different department was required to look after the interests of motorcyclists. In 1903, a motorcycle was known as an Auto-Cycle, hence the name of Auto-Cycle Union, with the Union being likeminded clubs. It was renamed the Auto - Cycle Union in 1907 and organised a series of Quarterly Trials and National Six Day Events before the end of that decade. The motorcycle was used to good effect during World War One, so much so that it created a trade boom during peacetime and within six months 18,000 new members joined the ACU. By the end of 1923, the ACU had been divided into 14 centres.

Many enthusiasts would elect the 1920-30s as the golden age of motorcycling: club life had many facets; and there were hill climbs most weekends on the public highways. These were days of competition and speculation, not monotonous runaway victories and predictable winners.

But then came World War Two. After the hostilities, when the ACU had again helped the armed forces with the provision and training of despatch riders, the organisation's membership had been reduced to 10,000 by 1946.

However, by the time of the ACU's Golden Jubilee seven years later, the number had risen to 54,000, with 750 affiliated clubs. The strength of the ACU in the post-war years may be evidenced by the success of British competitors on an international stage.

In 2001 it was decided it was time to rebrand the ACU as “ACU Motorcycling GB” with the new logo you see today.

Recognised by the Federation Internationale de Motorcyclisme (FIM) as the National Motorcycling Federation (FMN) for Britain, it plays an important role in promoting motorcycle leisure and sport throughout the world

Motorcycling is big business in the UK. The ACU agrees and regulates the rules of motorcycling sport, and maintains the standards and safety so competition is fair, and remains independent of the commercial pressures of the sport.

Areas, which the ACU regulate or govern, include track safety, spectator safety, fuel, helmets, training, development, drug control, environment, sport insurance, and equal opportunities/sports equity. All sports are catered for, for all ages, for two and three wheeled vehicles up to and including quads and ATVs.

Their mission statement is as follows:-

To pursue the interests of motorcycling while protecting and promoting the needs of members.

To facilitate British Motorcycle Sport and Leisure in the most accommodating de-regulated and user led manner possible.

To make British Motorcycle Sport and Leisure happen.

(Taken from the ACU’s Handbook, with permission)

The role of the ACU in British motorcycle sport can be summarised as follows:-

The main objective of ACU Motorcycling GB is to provide all participants in motorcycle sport with enjoyable, safe and competitive days of sporting action. With over 700 clubs divided into 21 centres, there are many opportunities available for interested parties, irrespective of age or ability.

It sets the rules for the various aspects of the sport. It ensures fair play. It trains stewards, marshals and observers to ensure track safety.

It sets, checks and revises safety standards, which ensure that motorcycle sport is an insurable commodity.

It retains a body of medical advisors. It tracks the progress of national championships and contributes to the wider world of motorcycling that makes international competition happen.

It is in constant contact with many Government departments to defend and develop the sport of Motorcycling. Although The ACU and it's affiliated clubs are best known for sporting activities the Union also represents many road riding motorcycle enthusiasts across the country, events like the National Rally and the Sheene Run are not competition based but many ACU licence holders take part.

Neil Hellings, Chief Executive of the Auto Cycle Union, who organise The Sheene Run, wishes to thank the many people who contributed to the success of this year’s event.

Neil said “Watching race bikes being ridden through the Town Centre on a permanent road closure makes this a truly unique event, the highlight of course being those bikes that had been ridden by Barry. In addition to this, hundreds of riders from all parts of the country rode to the town as part of organised cavalcades around the one-mile circuit of closed public roads. To see thousands of people, both motorcyclist’s and non-motorcyclist’s, enjoy a full days entertainment makes the effort worthwhile.

A big thank you goes to the riders and owners of the huge variety of machines and displays taking part in the event throughout the day.

Warwickshire Police estimate that 12,000 people visited the town and enjoyed a superb day.

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