Consultation Framework Directive – Anti – Tampering – Europe
The European Motorcycle Industry (ACEM) reports it is holding its breath waiting for the European Commission to issue its proposal regarding new type-approval requirements for Powered Two-Wheelers.
Delayed for years, then announced for April, it seems that the publication of this piece of legislation will not see the light before the summer.
Maybe they have gone back to the drawing board – will they have listened – or will they make the proposal even worst!
Right To Ride has been in consultation with the EU Commission regarding proposals for a new framework regulation for motorcycles which seeks to regulate emissions and the safety of motorcycles.
You can read in our positions as we believe that the Framework Directive will affect motorcycling in Northern Ireland regarding motorcyclists and the legal modification of their motorcycles.
We have produced two in – depth documents to date, which aim to provide an analysis and recommendations for the benefit of Northern Ireland motorcyclists, based on the discussions and proposals which have been put forward regarding anti-tampering measures.
Our position is that any anti tampering measures (which are already required on mopeds) should not be extended to all categories of motorcycles, especially because there is no evidence that tampering (in the illegal sense) is a widespread problem.
Furthermore, anti-tampering measures should NOT be extended to any specific category of motorcycle as proposed by the motorcycle industry in Europe – ACEM, which argues that some riders may break their licence requirements.
If this proposal is accepted, it would have the effect to disadvantage higher qualified riders who may, for personal, economic, suitability or disability reasons wish to make a conscience decision to ride a smaller powered or engine capacity motorcycle and who may require to modify their motorcycle.
Right To Ride waits for the European Union (EU) Commission to publish its draft legislation for a new Framework Directive which will possibly see motorcyclists restricted from modifying their bikes and restrictions to 100 bhp as well as imposing mandatory ABS brakes on EU manufacturers.
While we wait to see exactly what new rules and regulations the EU Commission want to impose on motorcycling, unsafe, unregulated and pollutant motorcycle imports from China continue to flood the EU markets that have passed Type Approval and are flouting present regulations.
Perhaps it would be better for our EU civil servants to recognise that the modification of motorcycles using type approved parts is an important and profitable European industry, which does not need restricting through proposed anti-tampering legislation and that over prescriptive regulations should be avoided.
Our position aims to protect the spirit and historic tradition of motorcyclists modifying their motorcycles.
Right To Ride – Response to DG Enterprise Part 2 – February 2010 Click Here pdf 275kb
Right To Ride – Response to DG Enterprise – January 2010 Click Here pdf 307kb
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