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Motorcyclists protest over new EC licensing
Posted :
04-10-2005
Last Saturday saw Brussels inundated with hundreds of angry motorcyclists from across Europe, all demonstrating against the potential effects of a third EC driving licence.
The Motorcycle Action Group (MAG UK) joined forces with British Motorcyclists Federation (BMF) and Motor Cycle News in the protest outside EC headquarters, arguing new European proposals would limit the access to motorbikes for young and new riders.
If agreed, the new proposals could take effect even before the second EC driving licence directive comes into effect.
MAG and the BMF argue that the new proposals, which make it harder for young and new drivers to gain licences, have ignored European in-depth accident studies which claim experience on a bike is a key factor in reducing the number of accidents, not the age of access.
The BMF and MAG have lobbied UK Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) for the last few months.
"In gauging public concern on an issue politicians interpret every letter as reflecting the views of at least a hundred voters," said MAG President, Ian Mutch.
"For every voter who gets on a motorcycle and rides several 100 miles at great expense to make a point, the factor applied is nearer 1000.
"Every one who made the run to Brussels should give themselves a king size pat on the back for voting in the most empathic way for the defence of motorcycling," he added.
 © Adfero Ltd The views expressed within the article are entirely those of Adfero Ltd and are not those of BDML Connect Ltd
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