Almost a year has passed since I wrote an article about riders' rights organisations on Linkedin. The article looks at the worth of established organisations are their decreasing membership and received quite alot of attention from around the world. In light of recent events in London with groups being set up - such as We Ride London and the UK Motorcycle Theft Protest, the article below seems as relevant today as it was a year ago. In other words - established organisations are in constant search of members so that they can exist - but aren't necessarily providing … [Read more...]
Ability or Disability? – That is the question…
United Kingdom - National Association of Bikers with a Disability (NABD) - Support of people with disabilities who wish to enjoy the freedom and independence of motorcycling It is about ten months now since I was first contacted by Andy from Exeter. He explained that he had suffered a cerebral abscess in 1984, at the age of fourteen, which had affected his vision, in particular a field of vision to the right of centre; he asked if I could help him to get a provisional licence to ride a motorcycle. My initial though wasn’t one of great optimism. The DVLA rules on … [Read more...]
FIM Dinner Debate : Robots – European Automation
Europe - The FIM Dinner Debate 2016 “Sharing the Road with Robots: When Motorcycling Meets Automation” took place in Brussels on 19th October 2016. Representatives from the motorcycling community, the industry and EU decision-makers exchanged over the future interaction between automated vehicles and powered two-wheelers, stressing the need to make roads safer for all transport modes. FIM announced during the evening its intention to join the Connected Motorcycle Consortium (CMC). The event was hosted by two influential Members of the European Parliament, Mr Wim van de … [Read more...]
Europe – ACEM – Registrations Up
Europe - ACEM - The Motorcycle Industry in Europe reports that, Powered-two and powered-three wheeler registrations are up by 3.3% in the EU. ACEM state that a total of at least 902,791 powered-two and three-wheelers were registered during the first eight months of 2016 in the EU. This represents an increase of 3.3% compared to the 874,075 vehicles registered during the same period of 2015. Registrations performed positively in most of the key European markets including Italy (+10.6%, 167,540 units), Spain (+8.6%, 111,204 units), UK (+5.6%, 85,409 units) and … [Read more...]
Tesla “autopilot” Properly Tested With Motorcycles?
Norway - The Norwegian Motorcyclists’ Union (NMCU) has contacted Elon Musk, founder of Tesla Motors and asked him: Is Tesla "autopilot" properly tested with motorcycles? This is as a follow-up letter to the Minister of Transport, where NMCU took up the issue of people being fooled into believing that adaptive cruise control makes the vehicle "self-executing". NMCU insists that any system being basis for the term "self-driving" must be thoroughly tested with motorcyclists, cyclists and pedestrians before being put on the market. They have also requested to Tesla Motors: … [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...]
If The Gloves Fit!
France – The motorcycle press, rider organisations and some clothing suppliers here in France are reporting that from the 20th November 2016 it will be mandatory by law, to wear gloves for motorcycle drivers and passengers (rider or pillion), motor tricycle, quadricycle motor or moped. This follows a decree (No. 2016-1232) issued on the 19th September 2016 which aims to, “Limit serious injury to hands and forearms” the decree states that the gloves worn are marked according to glove regulations relating to personal protective equipment when traveling. These regulations … [Read more...]
