The News: Making motorcycles safer and greener
64 views · Published 26 June 2012 · 1:36 · Indexed 6 November 2026
Channel: European Parliament · 2012 · News & Politics
If more of us travelled on two wheels, there'd be more space on Europe's roads, especially in the towns and cities where 70% of us live. The many and confusing EU directives that cover technical issues are being simplified. We want to make it simpler and more effective. Now we have to work with more than 30 regulations. As of 1 January 2014 there'll be just one. Bikers' organisations welcome a common system of type approval -- it's essential to give manufacturers clarity. But the proposals go further than many had hoped. There are necessary measures such as the emissions steps or durability requirements, but also measures that infringe the freedom of riders, such as modifications. Light motorcycles account for just 2% of distances travelled but 16% of road fatalities. The report calls for mandatory ABS braking systems, which may result from heavy lobbying by a manufacturer. An ABS is no bigger than this teacup and it gives incredible security. And development of this product is so far advanced that it won't get any heavier or more expensive. And then there's that proposed ban on tampering with the power train, which knowledgeable owners sometimes do. If some measures will prevent tampering from the very beginning, we fear it will also prevent all the positive modifications. Bikers want greener, safer machines, but they also want the freedom to enjoy them. EuroparlTV video ID: f16aba83-9160-4976-bdd2-9fb1012a1de5
