London – Since we published the details contained in the results of the - Who Rides London? – survey we haven’t published many updates on the plans from Transport for London (Tfl) to introduce a ULEZ (Ultra Low Emission Zone) in the city where certain motorcycles (Powered Two Wheelers – PTWs) are to be charged £12.50 per day, the same as all other vehicles that do not meet the emissions target set by TfL. The survey was a study to identify specific issues relating to PTWs which fall within the Euro 3 emission standards (PTWs manufactured from 2007 onwards) or … [Read more...]
Ethanol Not A Smooth Blend
United States – UK – Europe - Most of the time when writing about an issue, because of our background we have a very workable understanding or lead on the topic. However sometimes we rely on those who have an understanding on the issue which the subject of concern in this case, is Ethanol in petrol. Ethanol is essentially grain alcohol produced from crops, that is mixed with gasoline to produce an ethanol-gasoline blend motor fuel. In 2012 as Right To Ride EU we reported the concerns from riders and their representative organisations in the United States - Ethanol – … [Read more...]
Emissions Targets – Really A Sound Issue
Europe - ACEM the European Association of Motorcycle Manufacturers (ACEM) has published a position paper on requirements to apply amendments to a European Regulation. The regulation is the Approval and market surveillance of two- or three-wheel vehicles and quadricycles regulations which we dealt with previously as Right To Ride EU . It was implemented in 2013 and referred to the type-approval of new motorcycles. Since then the European Commission (mainly through a stakeholder working group, Motor Cycle Working Group (MCWG), comprised of the motorcycle industry rider … [Read more...]
London – Motorcycles Forever
London – A consultation on detailed proposals to improve London’s air quality from the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, through Transport for London (TfL), would see pre-2007 manufactured motorcycles being charged in an Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) which is to be introduced in 2019. The consultation which is due to close on the 28th February 2018 indicates that a ULEZ would apply 24 hours a day, 7 days a week every day of the year, including weekends and public holidays where all vehicles will need to meet exhaust emission standards (ULEZ standards) or pay a daily charge. … [Read more...]
FEMA – Mobility Tests
Europe - The Federation of European Motorcyclists Associations (FEMA) has announced the results of its 2017 European Mobility Test which saw 7 countries and 14 cities in mainland Europe participate to answer the question - what is the best way to get you to work quickly? The mobility tests were undertaken by cars, motorcycles, mopeds, speed-pedelecs (faster breed of electric bicycle), e-bikes (Electric bike), conventional bicycles and public transport traveling a route from outside a city to an office inside the city. The tests were performed between May and September … [Read more...]
A New Boost for Electric Mobility?
Europe - Brussels - On Thursday 28th September FIM - Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme - hosted its 2017 policy debate and annual reception at the Stanhope Hotel in Brussels. The policy debate was aptly entitled “Motorcycles & Scooters: A New Boost for Electric Mobility?” given that countries in Europe (including the UK) and beyond have announced plans to ban all new petrol and diesel cars and vans in the coming decades - in the UK from 2040. The event was supported by Members of the European Parliament, Ms Inés Ayala Sender (Spain, S&D), Mr Dominique … [Read more...]
Hanoi Plans to Control Motorcycle Emissions
Hanoï – Vietnam - According to the “latest” news hitting the internet news stands, Hanoi’s city council approved a decision to “banish" Powered Two Wheelers (PTWs – Mopeds – Scooters – Motorcycles) from the downtown city streets of Vietnam’s capital Hanoi by 2030. Officials are quoted as saying that in a city of over five million motorbikes, with a population of over seven million people, a population density of 2300 persons per square kilometre and that is expected to rise to nine 9 million by the year 2030, the “ban” is required to free the heavily congested roads and … [Read more...]
