Will the UK's next batch of MPs make better use of the benefits that motorcycle and scooter use has to offer in British cities where most of us live – like cutting congestion and related pollution, reducing overcrowding on public transport for commuter rammed commuters – and reducing journey times between home and work?

I always enjoy my annual pilgrimage to the NEC bike show in Brum and this year was no exception. And, for what it's worth, my star of the show was the Norton Commando 961 SE – in classic black with gold pinstriping. And, yes I am old enough to remember the original version. And yes, I know that the new one costs a shed-load of money and that some folk get their knickers in a twist about it. But I really don't give a jolly old monkey's. For me, it is simply a stunning piece of British engineering and I firmly believe that the world is a better place for having such a thing in it – even if it's just to gawp at in awe!

Anyway, back to the show. From the moment I check into the press office, the world around me changes. Normally, as a biker/PTW rider, I am part of a small minority. This is generally true whether I'm on the road or in the fields of work where our rule-makers' views of motorcycling issues are formed. And, more often than not, the way ahead for us looks like an obstacle course strewn with all sorts of people and stuff that can block our progress. But for a magical few days, the vast majority of people around me are, in some way or other, slightly mad about bikes in positive ways. This always boosts my enthusiasm for being a small cog in a machine that is generally headed in the direction I'd like to see us go.

But I came away with a more diverse range of powerful feelings than usual. First, my usual back-to-back succession of chats about what is or should be going on gave me some extra causes for concern, particularly about the BMF's current financial situation. So I wish Martin C of Mulberry (who is running next years' shows) all the luck he deserves to get the old org back on the right financial track. But I also got various boosts of fresh hope for the future of motorcycling in Britain.

After years of hoping to experience it, I found myself in the midst of a bikers group threesome! Fortunately for me, this happening is not quite the stuff of scandals or tabloid headlines. Nevertheless, there has been a crucial development in the weird and sometimes wonderful motorcycling lobby world – where some of us are trying to work out what needs doing in the run-up to the next general election. In essence, what’s happening is that MAG, the BMF and the MCIA are joining forces – and have launched a new campaign to stress that Riders Are Voters (RAV) and that it matters. The key point though is that this fact matters not just to riders – but to all prospective candidates who want to play a part in the next term of UK government. There are, after all, well over a million of us!

However, in my experience, any mention of lobbying stuff tends to send many bikers to sleep – and raises a few critical questions from those who stay awake. And the biggest of these is questions is this. What are the chances of anyone who matters taking any notice of what we think will be better for motorcycling? Then, to add a salutary reality check before answering, it's best to note that many UK riders think that our volunteer force of campaigners and lobbyists are more like a ramshackle dad's army, than an effective force to resist more constraints and to fight for better ways of addressing motorcycling related issues.

But in my view the RAV concept does more than provide a name for one campaign. It is drawing the three key motorcycling groups together in the most effective way I have ever seen. It is also building good new routes for developing strategies and action to promote our interests – way beyond the next general election.

To be clear though, I have no illusions that the forthcoming election is likely to revolutionise the way motorcycling issues are addressed here in the UK. But it seems fair to expect some significant changes in the balance of power in central and local government – and in the way that power might be directed. There is one thing I am sure about though. Whoever gets into power, they will find a better coordinated group of people to talk to about the many good things that motorcycling offers, and better ways to tackle problems. And, if our new governors try to impose more constraints, or ignore our legitimate demands for improvements, we are less likely to be saying where's dad's army? than Vive la Resistance!