Road Safety GB reports that the IAM is backing mandatory ABS contained in proposed European Commission regulations and want the introduction brought forward by two years.
IAM backs motorcycle ABS proposals
21st September 2011
The IAM is supporting calls to make anti-lock braking systems (ABS) compulsory on all new motorcycles more than 125cc by 2015.
MEPs will soon debate the proposals which have a deadline set of 2017, but the IAM is calling for the deadline to be brought forward by two years.
Despite motorcyclists making up just 4% of road users, in 2010 the number of motorcyclists involved in fatal accidents in the UK came to 403 – 21% of all road deaths, according to DfT figures. (Right To Ride: Although this comment does not consider that there was a 15% reduction in fatal motorcycle accidents over the previous year – 2009)
Based on recent research by the FIA (Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile), and from experience in Italy – where nearly a quarter of all new large bikes already have ABS – the IAM estimates that compulsory introduction would save 1,500 lives a year across Europe.
Neil Greig, IAM director of policy and research, said: “ABS is available now on many new bikes and the evidence is clear from across Europe that it is delivering fewer deaths.
“Carefully crafted legislation making ABS mandatory for all large road motorcycles would make motorcyclists safer, although we do still have concerns about the long term reliability of some ABS systems.
“On motorcycles ABS is still prone to faults because it is more open to the elements and repairs can be very expensive. Compulsory fitment will bring down unit costs and allow all riders to enjoy the safety benefits.”
For more information contact the IAM press office on 020 8996 9777.
Original Source Road Safety GB – You can leave comments at Road Safety GB – Click Here
In our article “Wheat From The Chaff” Click Here Malcolm Harbour, Chairman of the IMCO Committee and Shadow Rapporteur for the European Conservatives and Reformists Group (ECR) said:
Mandatory ABS
“It is already the case that motorcycle manufacturers are fitting ABS as well as traction control systems on high powered motorcycles, and this follows consumer demand. There is also strong political pressure to get the balance of interests right between riders, the industry, and safety, while not losing sight of improvements to motorcycle emissions.
The overall cost benefit of ABS is stacked in favour of mandatory ABS for higher powered motorcycles. However, riders have been arguing for an ABS off-switch for certain conditions such as driving on loose gravel.
This concern is almost exclusively relevant for dual use rides (off and on-road), and please note here that Enduro and Trial motorcycles will have a separate category (L3e) under the revised rules without mandatory ABS.
Furthermore, when negotiating compromises, we will be asking the lead (or Rapporteur) MEP to consider proposing an off-switch for ABS for those PTW categories where ABS will end up being mandatory.
Finally, there is political pressure in IMCO to introduce ABS on lesser powered PTWs, but we are resisting this as there is a lack of consistent evidence that this would improve safety for these types of motorcycle”
Right To Ride
At Right to Ride our position is simple:
- We oppose the mandatory fitting of Advanced Braking Systems (ABS).
- We oppose any compromise that suggests acceptance of the mandatory fitting of Advanced Braking Systems (ABS).
- The motorcycle industry must be allowed to innovate these systems without legislative interference.
Clarification: People seem to believe that the EU Commission will not allow switches on bikes with ABS under the proposed legislation.
This is not true.
It was never mentioned in the proposals that the Commission intended to ban switches.
In motorcycles such as Adventure Traillies there is already a switch and that will stay.
The FEMA representative brought the issue of the switch up at a meeting with the Commission.
As ACEM commented – it was never up for discussion. So if manufacturers want to have a switch, THERE IS NOTHING IN THE PROPOSALS THAT PROHIBITS THIS!!!
See our articles “Mandatory ABS Is Not A Solution” – Click Here
“What The Hell?” – Click Here
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