FIM – Not Just Sporting Matters

You may be aware of the FIM (Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme), which was founded in 1904 and is the world governing body for motorcycle sport. Among its 49 FIM World Championships, the main events covered are MotoGP, Superbike, Endurance, Motocross, Supercross, Trial, Enduro and Speedway.

The FIM is an independent association formed by 101 National Federations throughout the world and recognised as the sole competent authority in motorcycle sport by the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

However did you know that the FIM also deals with non-sporting matters such as leisure motorcycling, mobility, transport, road safety, public policy and the environment?

The FIM, Commission for Mobility, Transport, Road Safety and Public Policy (CMT) states that, “It defends the rights of motorcyclists as citizens and consumers.”

There is also the Union Européenne de Motocyclisme (UEM) which operates in conjunction with FIM in all issues linked to the organisation of international non-sporting events held in Europe and in the general promotion of motorcycling.

The main aim of the UEM is to promote motorcycling in Europe and specializes in Road Safety, Environment, Tourism, Marketing, Promotion and Industry relations.

Right To Ride’s, Trevor Baird, said “Perhaps you are not aware that the FIM and UEM are working to promote motorcycling alongside the usual players of the “motorcycle lobby”.

“While the motorcycle community is diverse, at Right To Ride we are respectful of organisations or individual’s independent views and commentary and the freedom to express these views and opinions; these may not be always aligned with our own, however what generally unites us is our love of motorcycling.”

For Right To Ride the main issue in the latest FIM – UEM “Public Policy Newsletter” is the comments about the European Union (EU) supported project “Saferider” regarding the development of a “force feedback throttle” which takes control away from the rider. The comments from FIM seem to be aligned with Right To Ride’s campaign “No To Throttle Control”.

The FIM – UEM “Public Policy Newsletter” states that, “The application of such systems directly to powered two wheelers is not a good idea (…). On a PTW throttle opening also affects the suspension settings.”

The application of such systems is further discussed in an ETSC (European Transport Safety Council) report – Vulnerable Riders – Safety implications of motorcycling in the European Union – pdf 147kb.

The newsletter further adds that although Saferider is a current EU project, it is not one which the FIM is a partner, although their colleagues in FEMA Federation of European Motorcyclists are.

The FIM concludes by expressing disappointment to hear that the Saferider team is continuing with a basic Intelligent Speed Adaptation (ISA) system, which simply replicates what works with a car and points out that any project team can research as they wish, but that rider training experts at the start of the project gave advice on the complexities of this issue to the Saferider team.

Of course at Right To Ride, we welcome this statement from the FIM and if you have not made your mind up about the force feedback throttle or ISA, you can review other opinions such as FIM’s in order to do so.

FIM – UEM Newsletter Topics

EU to act on advanced braking systems for powered two wheelers.

More motorcycles and scooters equipped with anti lock braking gives riders a new training challenge in which we can all participate. To be confident using ABS in an emergency means you must go out and train with it.

ETSC report now on the FIM internet site

The 2008 European Transport Safety Council report, “Vulnerable Riders” is now in the road safety section of the FIM Internet site.

Saferider?

Intelligent Speed Adaptation systems have been tested by thousands of motorists. In an early issue of this newsletter we reported on driving around Brussels in an adapted Volvo car. Exceed the limit and the pedal became harder to operate – but still possible to over ride.

The application of such systems directly to powered two wheelers is not a good idea.

European Commission promotes rider training!

In one of the best initiatives in years the Commission has financed the translation of the Initial Rider Training manual into many more European languages.

The road is not a racetrack

This message is often conveyed via posters and publicity materials by our Italian and French federations. At the UEM Congress we were delighted to find that the message is now being repeated in a new campaign by our Romanian federation there.

UEM (European Motorcycle Union) Congress

As well as hearing about new developments in Romania and elsewhere we held a safety and public policy forum for Secretaries-General. Duarte Forjaz gave presentations on the safety situation in Portugal. Achilles Damen spoke about the implementation of the new driving licence directive and the side effects of this on our sport.

ROSA continues its journey!

The long journey of the ROSA truck around the MotoGP circuit continues. As an appendix we attach the latest news from the ROSA team. The inclusive approach to road safety where everyone, pedestrians, drivers, riders etc. is recognised makes this project stand out. Includes latest ROSA newsletter

News from Australia

A link to initiatives in Victoria – Australia to improve safety for motorcyclists. Tips and resources that will assist people of all ages and experience to be safer riders.

Link to newsletter – pdf 1.27mb – Click Here Read more

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