Unfolding Regulation Events

In January 2010 we first reported discussions that were afoot which could change the world of motorcycling as we know it.

These were proposals for a new framework regulation for motorcycles to regulate emissions and the safety of motorcycles.

Over the last couple of years, the issue has moved through procedures including public consultation.

We are publishing information as we become aware of the latest agreements made by Council, Parliament and the Commission regarding the EU regulation proposal.

We have been very fortunate to have access to these documents and rather than leave riders to speculate, we prefer to provide the information as it arrives on our desks, so that people can make up their own minds.

In other words, we prefer to offer information about the events as they unfold in order to provide the opportunity for discussion.

View all our information on the regulation proposal from January 2010 to date – Click Here

List of documents regarding the regulations that we have produced at Right To Ride EU – Click Here

Right To Ride EU on Facebook – Click Here

Now on Facebook – EU Proposal on Motorcycle Regulations – Click Here

EU Regulation Proposal

To the publication in October 2010 of the Commissions proposal – Approval and market surveillance of two – or three-wheel vehicles and quadricycles and the commissions proposal now been discussed within the Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection (IMCO).

At Right To Ride we have shared our views with all concerned during the process.

The EU Commission proposals originally aimed to simplify approximately 20 different regulations into one framework directive (which will define the essential requirements, basic condition for production, basic rules for the internal EU market and limit values for environmental standards). This simplification of regulations has instead become a mire of technical blah blah and wishful thinking.

MEPs submitted 304 (30th August 2011) amendments to the proposal which have been considered by the Internal Market and Consumer Protection (IMCO) committee.

The vote on these amendments took place on the 5th December 2011.

The process is now moving through Parliamentary Procedures which included a “high level” meeting in Brussels on the 15th May between the European Parliament’s negotiating team led by Chairman of the IMCO Committee Malcolm Harbour (MEP), the Danish Presidency of the EU Council of Member State Governments, and the European Commission, to thrash out the various positions and amendments to the proposed regulation “Approval and Market Surveillance of 2 or 3 wheeled Vehicles and Quadricycles but also world standards in terms of emissions, durability, safety and vehicle specifications.

Simply for those who may be concerned that their future as a motorcyclist is under threat, it was confirmed at this meeting, what we already knew and have repeatedly told riders, is that the higher powered motorcycles i.e. L3e equal to a full A licence and L4e (motorcycles and sidecars) also equal to a full A licence will be excluded from anti-tampering measures.

Furthermore, it was also made clear that the measures that would be introduced for restricted motorcycles – e.g. mopeds, 125cc and possibly for the new A2 licence, were not directed at users and had absolutely nothing to do with bikes in use, with the aftermarket and any modifications that motorcyclists may wish to apply to their motorcycles.

During prior discussions at technical meetings, it has already become clear that the Parliament’s proposal for an Article 18a is unlikely to survive the negotiations because this does not fall within the scope of the regulation and has since been removed.

We have had access to a briefing note from the 1st June 2012 and information from a trialogue meeting on the 19th June, both of which are in the public domain.

European Parliament – 1st Reading – is now forecast for 25th October 2012 – discussions between Parliament – Council and Commission are on-going.

Our position aims to protect the spirit and historic tradition of modifying motorcycles.

These proposals are for new motorcycles manufactured after a certain date – there are no proposals at present for these regulations to be imposed retrospectively – to motorcycles already manufactured – thus what we fighting for is the future of motorcycling!

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