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EUROPE QUESTIONS ROLE FOR MOTORCYCLE 'TOYS'

A leading EU transport “expert” has questioned whether there is any place for motorcycles on Europe’s roads.

Norwegian Rune Elvik says: “In Norway, I believe all the most cost effective measures have been implemented – mandatory helmet use, strict licensing, engine tuning ban, daytime running lights for motorbikes. The question that needs to be raised now is whether there should be any place for these motorised toys in the transport system at all.”

The Motorcycle Action Group (MAG UK) says that Elvik’s comments, which are contained in a recent report from the European Transport Safety Council (ETSC), are biased and anti motorcycling.

There is a real danger of these so called experts’ opinions and motorcycle safety reports being accepted without question.

On 21st December 2007, the Flemish Parliament in Belgium was presented with the ETSC report as a basis for legislation on motorcycle safety.

However the Motorcycle Action Group (MAG) Belgium, with the support of MPs, defended the riders’ position by using the Federation of European Motorcyclists Associations’ (FEMA), European Agenda for Motorcycle Safety which highlights the importance of finding real solutions to improve the casualty rates for motorcyclists.

As a direct result of MAG Belgium’s action, the ETSC report was rejected and instead, MAG Belgium’s motorcycle friendly programme was adopted.

MAG’s General Secretary, Trevor Baird, says, “Motorcycling is under constant threat from the European safety agenda. The introduction of this agenda has been thwarted in Belgium before it spreads further like a rash across Europe. MAG will continue to protect motorcycling and defend riders’ rights from whatever quarter the threat comes.”


What amazes me is our Goverment in Britain signs up to these dictates from a parliment that very few people in the UK actually supports or agrees with. We gradually are having all our freedoms eroded by a bunch of self serving wasters who would not last five minutes in the "real" world. I use the term "real" in that most folk I know tend to work to feed there families pay the bills and really dont a givea stuff about what we weigh out food stuffs in or what size or shape a Banana should be. We have an unelected parliment passing laws on subjects that most people dont know about until its too late.

Now my Bike is a Toy I use my bike its my main mode of transport to work will they put on decent public transport to out of the way desinations for people like me. Not a hope in ******, will they subsidise me to purchase a car not a hope in ******.My bike helps to reduce traffic congestion and so pollution but every time I hear from these people I want to scream

well said!

Some key persons take road safety so unbeliable seriuosly and are willing to go very far, crossing the line of reason by miles. Some even have prejudice against motocyclists!

The truth is that few is as safety-conscius as bikers, spending alot of $$ on riding-gear etc. (in Norway, you actually only have to wear a helmet, besides that, you can ride around, well, nude)

Sounds to me like someone is being paid by the oil companies. Considering that a typical motorbike goes 40 - 60 MPG and less gas is used looking for a place to park, motorcycles are likely to get to be a lot more popular unless the politicians do something about it.

........and for those of us who live in an enlightened society (where the Poptart's Muslim boyfriend is from...)...


Powered Two Wheelers / Motorcycles

From Monday 26th November the City Council are carrying out a trial use of the existing bus lanes by motorcycles along A435 Moseley Road, Alcester Road and Alcester Road South as shown on the map. The trial will last for up to 18 months.

The bus lane road markings, time of operation and existing traffic sign positions will remain unchanged. However, the existing traffic signs will be replaced by new traffic signs which allow motorcycles to use the existing bus lanes as shown below.

Motorcycling can provide a shorter journey time in congested traffic conditions and overall congestion can be reduced as motorcycles generally occupy less road space than cars. Moreover, it is a cheaper alternative compared to car use which can provide independence and mobility.

Motorcycles are already permitted to use the bus lanes on the 67 bus route on the A38 Tyburn Road and also on Corporation Street between Lancaster Circus and Dartmouth Circus. However a previous assessment of the impacts, in particular safety, of allowing motorcycles to use the bus lanes was inconclusive and there is limited continuous monitoring data available. Therefore a further trial allowing motorcycles in bus lanes is being undertaken.

motorbike sign

Detailed monitoring will be undertaken during the trial period, the results of which will be used to inform future Birmingham policy on bus lane use by other vehicles.

"you can always tell a Brummie, but you can't tell him much !"

Sounds like Rune Elvic's little lady likes to get serviced by big bad bikers (notice plural) and he's got a chip on his shoulder. If he was true to himself and found a nice fella to settle down with he'd be all set, I'm sure us roughians wouldn't deflower his boyfriend.

Must congratulate them on it, although like Brum it isn't all bus lanes.

Still, it's a step in the right direction !

No, it's not all bus lanes, but I only know of 4 or 5 where I can't use. I think it was quoted as around 85% are available for use by motorcycles.

MAG in Brisol campained for that for ages. They (we as I am a member) campaigned for non slip man hole covers in the new shopping development...we have them. Next it'll be excemption from any congestion charge....lets see if we get that...

Excellent. Keep up the good work !

Has all the arguing and back-biting stopped in MAG yet ?