Norway – The Norwegian Motorcycle Union (NMCU) - formed in 1972 and the sole organisation looking after the interests of Norwegian road-riding motorcyclists – reports that its government has added to the CO2 (Carbon dioxide) emissions fee which will lead to a dramatic increase in tax on some new models from motorcycle manufacturers. The Norwegian government’s new budget sees the government introduce a CO2 component in the calculation of a one-time emissions fee (purchase/import/registration tax) from 1st July 2017 for motorcycles in line with the system for cars. This … [Read more...]
Give Up Your Motorcycle – Really!?
Europe - Would you switch your motorcycle for a car? According to results of an emissions survey carried out by the Federation of European Motorcyclists Associations (FEMA) in August 2016 of 5,402* European motorcyclists, they have concerns that riders may abandon motorcycling and switch to using a car instead. The results of the survey are contained in a recent article by FEMA - Low-emission zones and city bans could force motorcyclists into cars - the article begins with (the title) the comment “It is feared that motorcyclists who are no longer allowed to commute … [Read more...]
STORM-ing Around The World
Global - STORM Eindhoven is a team of Dutch students from Eindhoven University of Technology, in the Netherlands, who have self-built two electric motorbikes with the goal to show the world what electric transport can do - on two wheels. To achieve that goal, STORM Eindhoven– is “competing” in the “80 Day Race” which is inspired by the Jules Verne book “Around The World In 80 Days”. The 80 Day Race’s vision is, “To contribute to a future in which mobility is solely reliant on renewable resources. Aiming for this vision, we challenge mankind to push boundaries of … [Read more...]
Emissions – Let – Hindrance or Charge
France - Overall there doesn’t seem to be much happening in our corner of the motorcycling world. That is apart from today’s national demonstration – 1st October 2016 – organised by the French riders group FFMC - Fédération des Motards en Colère (1) regarding emission free zones (circulation restreinte) and the “banning” and fining of motorcycles and other vehicles that do not meet emission standards. In Paris where this has already been introduced, these vehicles are banned between the hours of 8am and 8pm during weekdays – pre-1997 vehicles and motorbikes before 1st … [Read more...]
HD – Not as Clean as a Washed Potato – Potato
United States - While the “motorcycle community”, from riders organisation, riders, motorcycle industry, even ourselves at Motorcycle Minds, talk up the congestion busting qualities of motorcycles and the environmentally sustainable qualities of Powered Two Wheelers (PTWs), one motorcycle manufacturer has been caught up in an emissions scandal. Reminiscent of a recent scandal in which diesel engines exceeded official emissions, the group of companies known collectively as Harley-Davidson has been required by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. … [Read more...]
FEMA – Emissions Survey
Europe – The Federation of European Motorcyclists Associations (FEMA) is asking motorcyclists to fill out its survey on emissions! With growing pressure from city councils on older motorcycles with less than Euro 3 (built in 2006 and earlier) and threats or even concrete plans to ban them from cities, or toll them like in Paris, London and several Italian cities, we are experiencing a growing pressure to switch from older motorcycles to new, less fuel consumption and cleaner motorcycles. At Motorcycle Minds we ask what is this Euro 3 that is referred to? “Starting at the … [Read more...]
Save Time And Money
Europe - The Federation of European Motorcyclists Associations FEMA reports that during the summer they carried out mobility tests in various European cities using a combination of different modes of transport. FEMA’s conclusion is that if you want to save time and money – use a bike! However London as a major European city is not included in this mobility test which is surprising considering its size. Right To Ride would have welcomed the opportunity to get Belfast as a capital city involved with all modes of transport – motorcycle, moped, car, public transport … [Read more...]
