British bikers criticise EU

Posted : 07-06-2006

The British Motorcyclists Federation (BMF) has criticised a recent EU paper that it says treats motorcycles as a problem and fails to recognise their transport value.

Entitled "Reduction of Energy Use in Transport" the paper advises that motorcycle engines should not exceed 650cc and that they should be single cylinder with an automatic transmission.

Dealing primarily with road transport and its environmental impact, the paper was written by a working group comprising 15 specialists from member states.

BMF's senior government relations executive Trevor Magner said the report, "demonstrates an ignorance of motorcycling technicalities and a bias against motorcycles as a form of transport."

The BMF claims that the paper makes "sweeping statements" about motorcycle emissions and fuel efficiency that do not take account of motorcycles' design and the fact that they are obeying European emission limits.

A moving motorcycle is always more efficient than a "typical traffic jammed car" the BMF said.

Recently the first motorcycle equipped with a speed camera took to the roads in Scotland, operated by the Borders and Midlothian police.



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