Curbs on ‘bikers’ spark noisy protest

Date: 01/08/1996

By Michael Mann

BRUSSELS will reverberate to the sound of upwards of 25,000 'bikers' rumbling through its streets on the last Saturday in August in protest against proposed new curbs on their much-loved machines.

The Federation of European Motorcyclists (FEM) has targeted the home of the EU institutions for its latest biennial 'Euro-Demo' as member states and MEPs prepare for a conciliation battle over the proposed 'multi-directive'.

FEM, which represents 18 European national motorcyclists' associations, is angry at what it sees as unjustified attempts by Industry Commissioner Martin Bangemann and member states to prevent enthusiasts from tinkering with their machines.

Gathering in Heysel on the morning of 31 August, motorcyclists will glide past the Commission and European Parliament as well as the Council of Ministers, the institution they accuse of “autocratic secrecy”.

FEM's Bob Tomlins stresses that the demonstration is about more than just technical standards for motorcycles, pointing to the support his organisation won from 93&percent; of MEPs in June for amendments to the directive.

“We can see that the Parliament has at least listened to the arguments we have made. This campaign is for a Europe which is more responsible and responsive to its citizens, and more democratic,” he claimed.

The so-called multi-directive aims to establish a single market for motorcycles, but has ignited a noisy protest from European bikers who fear the measures will prove restrictive without tackling the real causes of excessively noisy machines.

Bikers have won MEPs' backing for their campaign to set maximum noise limits at 82 decibels, rather than the strict 80-decibel standard laid down by the Council.

Tomlins says that in tests held earlier this year, MEPs could not differentiate between bikes set up to the two standards. “The proposed standards would simply choke back performance and give people incentives to fit illegal systems,” he argues.

There is also considerable concern over attempts to limit the extent to which enthusiasts may tinker with their machines. MEPs have taken on board fears that the compulsory use of 'sheer bolts' will make motorcycle repairs expensive.

FEM also believes that attempts by member states to impose a marking system on spare parts could limit sales to the manufacturers' parts only. In addition, it opposes what bikers fear is a move towards a German-style system of roadworthiness tests, preferring the UK-style examination where safety is the major deciding factor in whether a vehicle passes or not.

Member states have also called for strict stipulations on which brands of tyres may be used for high-performance machines, a move bikers feel restricts consumer choice unnecessarily.

The Parliament's attempts to amend the directive face particularly strong resistance from Germany, the Netherlands, Denmark and the Commission. But with MEPs apparently determined to fight

their corner, it could be member state representatives who need protective clothing when conciliation talks get under way in September.