European Commission – Carrot and Stick
22nd July 2010
The European Commission (EC) has announced it is adopting challenging plans to reduce the number of road deaths on Europe’s roads by half in the next 10 years.
The European Commission has given the first public hints on what they are proposing to initiate through “a new focus on motorcyclists”, this focus is linked to the new proposed framework regulation for motorcycles, which seeks to regulate emissions and the safety of motorcycles.
Right To Ride’s, Trevor Baird, says, “We have been in direct contact with the EC (DG Enterprise) regarding the framework regulations and were told that these would be presented in the Autumn. However it appears that the EC (DG MOVE responsible for Road Safety) have slipped in their proposals before any official announcement on the framework regulations, while the EU Parliament is in recess with the rest of Europe on holidays”.
MAG UK Comes Out EU Safety
27th July 2010
The Motorcycle Action Group (MAG UK) has put out a press release opposing the European Unions (EU) “well-intentioned but wrong” safety proposals regarding its new Road Safety Action Programme (RSAP) for the upcoming 10 years.
MAG UK has picked up a relevant point regarding the current Road Worthiness Tests, the MoT.
MAG UK says, “Current Road Worthiness Tests (such as the MoT) may be replaced by a new Europe-wide test requiring checks to see that riders only use maintenance and repair parts, luggage, accessories, etc. that are approved by the manufacturer of the original bike or the EU itself.”
Further pointing out that “Such a system would restrict choice and add further costs for the user, even though vehicle defects contribute directly to a very small proportion of crashes.”
FEMA Comes Out EU Safety
26th July 2010
The Federation of European Motorcyclists’ Associations (FEMA) has put out a press release opposing the European Unions (EU) well-intentioned but wrong safety proposals regarding its new Road Safety Action Programme (RSAP) for the upcoming 10 years .
Reiterating what we already stated at Right To Ride (European Commission – Carrot and Stick) on the 22nd July 2010, FEMA has lambasted the European Commission (EC), on certain aspects of its “new focus on motorcyclists”, for relying on unproven and expensive measures for increasing road safety to improve the conditions for powered two-wheelers (PTWs) such as: Mandatory Advanced Braking Systems, Updated Anti-Tampering measures and Extended road worthiness testing (RWT).
Consultation Framework Directive – Anti -Tampering – Europe
3rd May 2010
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.
Below you can read in brief our position 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.
Brussels Tampers With Motorcycles
26th January 2010
Right To Ride reports that over in Euro land discussions are afoot that could change the world of motorcycling as we know it.
A European Commission Motorcycle Working Group (MCWG) consisting of representatives from member states (National Government “Experts”), Motorcycle Industry, Motorcycle Retail Associations, Motorcycle User organisations and Associations, Uncle Tom Cobley and all, have been discussing proposals for a new framework regulation for motorcycles to regulate emissions and the safety of motorcycles.
How does this affect you the rider who buys the bike, wants to modify it, wants to service and maintain it and ultimately sit on the seat, engage gear, turn the throttle and enjoy the ride?
The language from Euro Land is not on “positive” modification, improving the motorcycle, instead it concentrates on stopping riders from modifying their bikes or in their “speak” – the anti-tampering of motorcycles.
This anti-tampering proposal consists of a raft of emission and safety measures.
Regulations on emissions include the introduction of stricter emission limits, CO2 labeling, and in-use compliance measures (which in itself is not a bad thing) but could include stringent anti-tampering measures.
Safety measures aim to reduce road casualties, such as mandatory advanced braking systems and a limit on brake horse power.
Anti-tampering measures encompass the motorcycle power train (engine, transmission and if applicable the cardan (drive) shaft / belt drive / chain drive, differentials, the final drive, and the driven wheel tyre (radius). Other considerations include on-board diagnostic systems, access to repair and maintenance information and finally road worthiness testing (MOT) across Europe.
Right To Ride’s, Trevor Baird, says, “The proposed regulations are complicated. What started as a process to simplify European regulations has now developed into a mire of proposals which if accepted, will prevent riders from maintaining and modifying their own motorcycle and will add significantly to maintenance costs with no improvement to motorcycle safety.”
Right to Ride contacted the chairman of the Motorcycle Working Group (MCWG) at DG Enterprise in order to ensure that any outcome would not negatively affect Northern Ireland motorcyclists.
As a result, DG Enterprise (MCWG) asked for our views and recommendations regarding the proposed changes in regulations which include Road worthiness testing (RWT) in all European Union countries and On Board Diagnostics (OBD) to evaluate emissions through RWT; Anti-tampering measures to increase safety and ensure that emissions are within the required limits.
Our response provided an analysis and recommendations for the benefit of Northern Ireland motorcyclists, based on the discussions and proposals which have been put forward at the MCWG in Brussels.
Right to Ride’s recommendations are:
- No change to legislation on ABS brakes
- No change to legislation on brake horse power
- No change to legislation on anti-tampering
- Declaration of emissions by manufacturers at the point of sale
Meanwhile back in Brussels, FEMA (Federation of European Motorcyclists Associations) has suggested, “Singular Re-inspection after modification of safety-critical parts,” without mentioning what a safety-critical part is; nor how much this could cost motorcyclists; how it will be implemented; how it will be operated and who will do the inspections.
Does this mean that riders will have to submit their bikes for testing every time a new part is fitted or each time the motorcycle is modified?
Using the Commission’s definition – all parts of the power train are safety critical.
Links
Right To Ride – Response to DG Enterprise Click Here pdf 307kb
Right To Ride – Motorcycle Emissions – Emissions Based Road Tax Scheme – Why Not? Click Here
MCWG – Motorcycle Working Group Click Here external website
FEMA Position – Presentation Click Here external website
The Tampered Spirit of Motorcycling
11th February 2010
Right To Ride says that the spirit and historic tradition of motorcyclists modifying their motorcycles will be eroded by suggested anti-tampering regulations for motorcycles.
Our latest correspondence with DG (Directorate-General) Enterprise regarding a framework regulation for motorcycles to regulate emissions and the safety of motorcycles, through anti-tampering regulation, has brought important information to our attention.
DG Enterprise, one of several government departments in the institutions of the European Union, accepts that data to provide evidence that “tampering” is a widespread problem in Europe, are lacking.
Mopeds already have restrictions for their riders through licence requirements with illegal modification rules and legislation in place.
However, within this proposed “anti-tampering” regulation, enters the 3rd European Driving Licence Directive which is to be implemented in 2013 as well as forthcoming proposed road worthiness testing across Europe.
The A2 licence category in the 3rd European Driving Licence i.e. the motorcycle (Category C) says that these motorcycles must not have power that exceeds 35 kW and a power/mass ratio not exceeding 0,20 kW/kg and should not be derived from a vehicle of more than double its power.
The motorcycle industry in Europe (ACEM) has proposed details for the introduction of further anti-tampering measures for this class of vehicle that will stop rider modification even after they move to a full A licence.
This also means that riders (as they can presently) will not be able to modify a motorcycle over 70 Kw and to then de-restrict this motorcycle after completing the required two years’ A2 licence – they will have to purchase another one.
Our concern is that further anti-tampering measures for one category could be a gateway to allow the introduction of anti-tampering to all categories of motorcycles.
The ACEM MAIDS report (2004) and other studies continue to be referenced, but none have provided substantial proof that present legal modifications, using (already) type approved parts for road use, may increase emissions or casualties to an unacceptable level.
Road Worthiness testing was not part of the scope of an Impact Assessment from DG Enterprise regarding possible measures related to Type Approval. We have been informed that it will be subject to a separate Impact Assessment, conducted by DG TREN later this year and Right To Ride will be watching carefully to see how this affects MOT testing for motorcycles in Northern Ireland.
Riders not restricted by their licence categories, riding motorcycles that are not restricted by engine size, power or power to weight ratio can at present legally modify the engine, power train and exhaust systems of their motorcycle.
Right To Ride’s position is that anti tampering measures should not be extended, especially that there is no evidence that tampering (in the illegal sense) is a widespread problem.
Until such time as unbiased evidence can be found, hearsay or inconclusive research should not be a reason to introduce legislation that would prevent the tradition of riders modifying their motorcycles.
Links
- 35 kW equals 47.95 bhp – 70 kW equals 95.9 bhp
- 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
- Right To Ride – Motorcycle Emissions – Emissions Based Road Tax Scheme – Why Not? Click Here
- MCWG – Motorcycle Working Group Click Here external website
- 3rd European Driving Licence Chart – Click Here
- MAIDS Report Click Here
- DG Enterprise and Industry Click Here
- DG TREN Click Here
The Riders Opinion – Ride The Wild Wind
12th February 2010
Over at Ride The Wild Winds blog the discussion by riders has been started regarding the ins and outs of anti tampering.
The initial article is reproduced below, or head straight over to Ride The Wild Wild to read and leave your own comments on “The Tampered Spirit Of Motorcycling”
Our friends over at Write To Ride have a new article up on the latest European intent to meddle with our machines.
Anti-tampering regulations to stop riders improving or altering their machine are ridiculous and contrary to the very nature of motorcycling, that special bond and trust you make by knowing every aspect of your bike and how it works.
What’s next one wonders, how far will they go to stop you tinkering with your ride?
Perhaps, much like a car engine, they’ll seek to seal up your bike, making it tamper, and tinker, proof. Legislate and regulate to the extent that an owner must return to the dealer for every aspect of bike maintenance and general upkeep.
The potential knock on effect of such an initiative would be to kill off hundreds of experienced bike mechanics businesses, such as our RTWW partner Steve Baker Motorcycles, by introducing machines that they are either physically prevented from interfering with, or in doing so will void the owners warranty.
As legislators seek to make more and more pointless regulation of motorcycles they also stiffle any potential innovation that comes about from modifying and personalizing your ride, perhaps preventing discoveries to enhance the economy and ecological performance of motorcycling.
I know that all sounds a bit doomsday scenario, but the current anti-tamper regulations along with several other mad suggestions over the last couple of years from Europe showcases an anti-bike sentiment, and a fundamental lack of understanding about what bike ownership means to people and what it involves.
All the more important that riders rights organisation such as Write To Ride receive your support to ensure you can keep two wheels on the road.
Rant over, Europe picked a bad day to bug me Grrrrr.
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If they can’t justify the imposition of yet MORE rules for motorcycles/motorcyclists, politicians/bureaucrats always revert to the old chestnut “elf ‘n’safety” or “safety” to substantiate the validity of their interfering new regulations.
Part of the thrill of riding is the potential danger & even though I’m 62 I still prefer the bike to the car even in the middle of winter.
Why can’t these idiots recognise this ?
I’ll tell you why – they’ve never ridden a bike/scooter in their lives.
Once again this is so called experts (Politicians) dabbling in areas that they have no knowledge.
Safety comes from development and the ingenuity of individuals to try and test modifications.
What are we to do? Have a man with a red flag walk in front of all transport. Try it in front of a jet as it taxis down the runway. or a 16 wheeler that is on a schedule.
Lets be sensible a bolt is a bolt and if it did not come with the bike assemblers logo on it does it mean it is dangerous?
Are we to have no frame engine combinations from different manufacurers. Do car buffs not try to fit a 2 litre engine into a Corsa? or 4 wheel drive a Clio? Racing will be a thing of the past.
Is that where most development is done. give us our freedom.
With our life and no freedom we may as well be dead.