Bikers across the East Midlands recently staged a ‘go-slow’ protest on the M1 over EU proposals to impose new motorcycle regulations (BBC News).
Draft plans seen by the Department for Transport (DfT) outline new braking system guidelines and possible limits on vehicle modifications. The Motorcycle Action Group, which organised the protests, described the proposals as ‘bonkers’.
On Sunday (25/09/11) protests took place on stretches of the M1. In Nottinghamshire, about 100 bikers set off in convoy from Trowell services and rode north to junction 26 before crossing the motorway and heading south. They maintained a speed of 40mph for the protest, which lasted about half an hour.
Trinity Savage, president of the Streetfighters Owners Club, who took part in the action, said: “We’re here to show that we’re absolutely disgusted that someone in Brussels can tell us what we can and can’t do to our motorcycles.
"This is our life – it’s not just a hobby. A lot of these guys don’t drive cars, they just have motorcycles and a lot of them don’t want to turn up at a bike meet with one style of bike that’s the same as everyone else’s. This is our individuality – it’s like saying you’re not allowed to have tattoos."
The EU said the draft proposals had been drawn up to improve safety and limit emissions. MEPs are due to vote on the plans in October.
The DfT has raised concerns about the cost and timescale of the plans, and has also suggested that member states should be allowed to retain powers to set the requirements for vehicles built by amateur enthusiasts.
Click here to read the full BBC News report.
Here’s a starting point to what Brussels has in mind.
http://www.righttoride.eu/?page_id=3443
Trevor.B Northern Ireland
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I am ambivalent about this. I can recall the days when young blades driving Ford Escorts had to have flared arches, lowered suspension and a bonnet painted matt black. Interesting but not intrinsically a threat to road safety as I remember. A style for a while was to have rear-sets and clip-ons on a Gold Star. Uncomfortable, but who cared. Along came Peter Fonda and extended forks and ape-hangers were a must on a bike ridden by those wishing to make a statement. Not my style but, if that’s what floats your boat, so be it.
I would like to know what Brussels has in mind. This is not clear in this news item so perhaps you streetfighters out there can explain? Ambivalence comes with an open mind.
Roy Buchanan, Epsom
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