A leading EU transport “expert” has questioned whether there is any place for motorcycles on Europe’s roads.
Norwegian Rune Elvik says: “In Norway, I believe all the most cost effective measures have been implemented – mandatory helmet use, strict licensing, engine tuning ban, daytime running lights for motorbikes. The question that needs to be raised now is whether there should be any place for these motorised toys in the transport system at all.”
The Motorcycle Action Group (MAG UK) says that Elvik’s comments, which are contained in a recent report from the European Transport Safety Council (ETSC), are biased and anti motorcycling.
There is a real danger of these so called experts’ opinions and motorcycle safety reports being accepted without question.
On 21st December 2007, the Flemish Parliament in Belgium was presented with the ETSC report as a basis for legislation on motorcycle safety.
However the Motorcycle Action Group (MAG) Belgium, with the support of MPs, defended the riders’ position by using the Federation of European Motorcyclists Associations’ (FEMA), European Agenda for Motorcycle Safety which highlights the importance of finding real solutions to improve the casualty rates for motorcyclists.
As a direct result of MAG Belgium’s action, the ETSC report was rejected and instead, MAG Belgium’s motorcycle friendly programme was adopted.
MAG’s General Secretary, Trevor Baird, says, “Motorcycling is under constant threat from the European safety agenda. The introduction of this agenda has been thwarted in Belgium before it spreads further like a rash across Europe. MAG will continue to protect motorcycling and defend riders’ rights from whatever quarter the threat comes.”
Ends Notes for Editors
1. FEMA’s European Agenda For Motorcycle Safety http://www.fema.ridersrights.org/docs/EAMS2007.pdf
2. ETSC report can be found at http://www.etsc.be/PIN.php
Issued by
Trevor Baird
General Secretary MAG UK
MAG UK
PO BOX 750
Rugby
CV21 3ZR
Tel: +44 (0)1788 570065
Fax: +44 (0)1788 570052
Email general-secretary@mag-uk.org The UK's Leading Riders' Rights Organisation
www.mag-uk.org
