FEMA

FEMA Newsletter

Spring

2011

Dear reader,

Besides calling for fair treatment and less prejudices, FEMA and its members contribute to a great extend to improve road safety without losing the essence of individual freedom.

The Director of Road Safety at the Swedish Transport Administration and founder of the Vision Zero concept, Professor Claes Tingvall, spoke most highly of SMC, the Swedish member organization of FEMA, and its efforts and achievements. This is remarkable since, 14 years ago, he had publicly announced motorcycling and road safety as the greatest possible mismatch.

Now, at the annual conference of the Swedish Transport Administration in Stockholm on 28th April, Mr. Tingvall stated: "It's rather marvelous and unusual to note that the motorcycle culture serves as an ideal for all the other traffic safety work. It's something I hadn't expected myself not to hear it both from the user side, from SMC, and from the industry, McRF and to hear how forward thinking your work is and what results you achieve".

In 1997, the same Tingvall had claimed that "there is no room for motorcycles in Vision Zero", chocking to the utmost a motorcycle community that has already been involved in improving motorcycle safety at times this was still unusual for rider's rights organisations.

FEMA members are proud of such a declaration as it acknowledges how committed the motorcycle community has become towards road safety.

And of course, we're even happier to see that the staunchest supporter of curtailing riders' rights can come around and work hand in hand with the riders; proving, once again, that motorcyclists are a very open family.

Ride free!

Aline Delhaye
General Secretary of FEMA

On the 5th May there was no way to enter the European Parliament in Brussels without stumbling on at least one motorcycle: The entire Esplanade de la Solidarité was covered by more than 100 riders and their bikes waiting for the start of the MEP Ride 2011. FEMA annually organizes this motorcycle ride for European decision makers. This year's edition led its participants to the legendary race track of Zolder. Click here for pictures!

MEPs Emma McClarkin (blue MEP Ride helmet), Bernd Lange, Wim van de Camp (from left to right). Picture:

The weather in Brussels was just perfect in the morning of May 5 when the first motorcycles were delivered. Little by little the forecourt of the European Parliament was dominated by Monster, Fat Bob & Co. - traditionally the manufacturers represented by the Motorcycle Industry in Europe (ACEM) support FEMA with vehicles for the MEP Ride. While temperatures kept rising so did the number of motorcyclist filling the area.

From the UK, Spain, Denmark, the Netherlands, France, Germany, from all over Europe representatives of FEMA's member organisations arrived in Brussels. The biscuit was taken by the delegation of SMOTO which came all the way down from Finland on hard tail choppers with extremely looong forks. When finally the police and 16 Road Captains of MAG Belgium arrived every square metre in front of the Parliament was covered with motorcycles, helmets, and people wearing leather boots.

Many important personalities

Around noon the first VIPs arrived: the Members of European Parliament (MEPs) Wim van de Camp, on his Yamaha R1, and Bernd Lange, on his BMW R1200R. Both, the Dutch and the German acted as patrons of the Ride. Just as MEP Toine Manders, who unfortunately had to cancel his participation last minute but was worthily represented by his Assistant Kim Boogte who happily took receipt of a Repsol Honda Fireblade for the Ride. Like Bernd Lange the British MEP Emma McClarkin joined the ride on an R1200R, but as a pillion.

Of course, many other prominent representatives of the EU Parliament, of the European Commission and of the Permanent National Representations joined the Ride, not to forget to mention Brendan Nelson, Ambassador of Australia, who seemed to be very pleased with his choice: a Harley Davidson XR1200. Even participants not holding an A-licence where able to join the ride riding themselves since three weelers like the Piaggio MP3 and CanAm Spyders from BRP were provided.

Off to new pastures

In presence of many onlookers and covered by various cameramen and photographers more than 100 motorcycles departed from the European Parliament and were guided through the verdant landscape of Flanders. For the first time the ride did not return to its initial point but came in at Circuit Zolder where the entire group completed two laps.

The fourth MEP Ride patron, the Belgian MEP (Flemish constituency) Frieda Brepoels welcomed the riders in Circuit Zolder where the MEP Ride inaugurated Clean Week 2020, Europe's groundbreaking green mobility event. Therefore, apart from testing motorcycles from BMW to Yamaha, the participants were also offered to test a huge variety of electric motorcycles, mopeds and scooters.

Getting in touch with electricity

Emma McClarkin cut a brilliant figure on an electric scooter while her colleague Wim van de Camp from the Netherlands, followed by two heads of unit of the European Commission, took advantage and entered the race track on an electric motorcycle. On a cross track former Motocross World Champion Joël Smets gave an impressive demonstration of how to handle the electric off-road motorcycle Quantya. It was again Mr. van de Camp who took the initiative. The racing enthusiast jumped on a Quantya to go off-road as well.

The announcement of the eBike of the Year marked the final highlight of the day. The decision had been taken the same day in Zolder by a jury comprised of the elite of Europe's motorcycle journalists. During dinner the race track was opened once more for an honour lap on one of the winning eBikes: Zero S (eMotorcycles), QVR VR Cross (eOff-road), Vectrix VX2 (eScooter -25 km/h), Govecs Go! 2.4 (eScooter -45 km/h) and Vectrix VX1 (eScooter +45 km/h). Weather conditions were still perfect by then, only the light had turned slightly red.

FEMA is a consumer's association and the organisation of the MEP Ride would be impossible without the support of others. The FEMA Secretariat wants to give credit to:

The contribution of Harley Davidson (long term FEMA supporter) and IBM;

The manpower of many volunteers, especially MAG Belgium, BVDM, DMC, MAG Ireland and Biker Union;

The support of the MEP Ride patrons Frieda Brepoels, Bernd Lange, Toine Manders and Wim van de Camp, especially Mr. Lange's Assistant Johannes Laepple and Toine Manders Assistant Kim Boogte;

The Federal Belgian Police for once again leading the MEP Ride;

Our Partners Circuit Zolder and ETRA;

The motorcycle manufacturers: BMW, BRP, Ducati, Harley Davidson, Honda, Kawasaki, KTM, Piaggio (including Moto Guzzi and Vespa), Suzuki and Yamaha.

The video of the MEP Ride by Nieuwsmotor.nl and the video of EuroparlTV

For pictures of the event click here

On Tuesday the 24th May MEP Wim van de Camp presented his Draft Report on the future approval of motorcycles in the European Union to the responsible parliamentary committee, the Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection (IMCO). Prominent issues discussed by the Committee members were the mandatory introduction of ABS, emissions and possible leeway for electric bikes. FEMA is positive about the Draft Report and has already entered into discussions for the improvement of details.

MEP Wim van de Camp at the IMCO meeting, EU Parliament Brussels. Picture: EP

The Draft Report (to be accessed here) was issued by MEP Wim van de Camp on May 6. The Dutch MEP is a motorcycle enthusiast and was one of the patrons of this year's MEP Ride. He has been named Rapporteur of IMCO on the proposal for a Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of two- or three wheel vehicles and quadricycles. The Draft Report suggests amendments to the Type Approval Regulation as proposed by the European Commission.

In the first instance the Draft Report aims at changing the application date of the Type Approval Regulation by one year, from January 2013 to January 2014. This initiative is hardly surprising since the motorcycle industry has complained about the overly ambitious schedule of the foreseen legislative process from the very beginning. FEMA acknowledges the need of the industry for sufficient lead time but is worried about one important detail: in combination with the newly suggested simplification of the implementation steps the amendment of the application date means that rules for motorcycle emissions remain unchanged until 2017.

Delay of tighter emission rules

With regard to the environmental debate FEMA is very concerned that motorcycles will loose too much credibility if emission levels remain unchanged until 2017. During the IMCO meeting at the EU Parliament in Brussels this was criticised by Ms. Kerstin Westphal, shadow rapporteur for the Group of Social Democrats and Socialists (S&D), as well as from Heide Rühle, shadow rapporteur of the Group of the Greens (Greens/EFA). Ms. Rühle insisted in continuing the discussion about the timing for the introduction of emission steps while Ms. Westphal argued that many motorcycles would comply with the EURO 3 norm already, which should justify the introduction of EURO 4 much earlier than 2017.

Mr. van de Camp agreed that clear signals for cleaner motorcycles would be appropriate but referred also to the deep economic crises motorcycle manufacturers were still facing. He promised to get back into discussions. What had not been discussed during the IMCO meeting was that in his Draft Report Mr. van de Camp reduced the requirement for emission durability from 50.000km to a mileage of only 40.000km for motorcycles above 125cc. Durability was a central argument for FEMA to support stricter emission standards and therefore FEMA has already started to raise concerns among MEPs.

Off-road bikes back in the game

The Draft Report amends the initial scope of the Type Approval Regulation in a way that trial and enduro motorcycles are covered as well, as long as they are not intended exclusively for off-road use or competition. FEMA was calling for this change from the very beginning and during the IMCO meeting all speakers complimented Mr. van de Camp for this solution.

FEMA is also pleased to see that the Draft Report explicitly excludes trial and enduro motorcycles from the mandatory introduction of ABS. Regarding all other motorcycles FEMA has called for a voluntary approach relying on consumer choice. Within IMCO it becomes apparent that mandatory ABS will come, the question remains for what kind of bikes. While the proposal of the Commission included a reference to the maximum designed vehicle speed in order to categorize vehicles, Mr. van de Camp's Draft Report withdraws this option. ABS requirements shall therefore stick to engine size exclusively.

Mandatory ABS

Roberts Zile, Rapporteur of the Opinion giving Committee on Transport and Tourism, had already suggested that nothing but the maximum speed of a vehicle would justify the mandatory introduction of ABS. At the IMCO meeting MEP Andreas Schwab, like Mr. van de Camp member of the Group of the European Peoples Party (EPP), said that if ABS was a safety tool it had to be applied especially to vehicles used by young people. At the same time he acknowledged that young people were attracted to cheap vehicles, therefore he raised the question to what extent the ABS discussion was driven by safety issues on the one hand and by cost arguments on the other hand.

Ms. Westphal said that she was aware of the need for ABS for bikes accessible to young people and added that Combined Braking Systems were no alternative to Anti-Lock Braking systems. Ms. Rühle disagreed that ABS would not be required for mopeds. Mr. van de Camp concluded the discussion by arguing that ABS was not useful for 16-year olds since they had no training in handling ABS while admitting that the cost for ABS could be expected to further decrease.

Powertrain modifications and a wider scope for eBikes

Unlike for ABS MEPs tend to agree that eBikes need sufficient room for development. Ms Rühle reminded Committee Members that there was hardly any market for electric two and three wheelers when the European Commission started to draft the legislative text almost three years ago. This situation has rapidly changed until now and developments could have accelerated even further when the Type Approval Regulation will finally be applied in 2014. Ms Rühle therefore pledged that the desirable evolvement of emission free mopeds, scooters and motorcycles must not be confined by too strict regulation. In his reply Mr. van de Camp seemed to agree but he reminded that a situation where the users of bicycles with auxiliary electric engines, so-called pedelecs, run down a hill exceeding 45km/h without wearing a helmet should be avoided.

Ms. Westphal criticized that the Draft Report does not foresee on-board diagnostic systems (OBD) for mopeds anymore. The German MEP argued that the absence of OBD facilitated engine tampering. Even though the underlying cause might not be appropriate Ms. Westphal's concerns in relation to moped tampering should be taken into account. At the same time FEMA calls Parliament to make a clear separation between powertrain modifications of mopeds and of motorcycles above 125cc.

Following the advice of FEMA the Draft Report makes it clear that, after modifications of the powertrain, vehicles would only need to be compliant to the same requirements as were applicable when the original vehicle had entered into service. The Draft Report also highlights the well established culture of modifications but it still doesn't highlight the difference between useful modifications for motorcycles and illegal engine tampering of mopeds.

Repair and Maintenance Information (RMI)

FEMA very much welcomes the strong statement Mr. van de Camp makes in the Draft Report "in order to ensure that the individual vehicle user and repairers will have sufficient access to RMI at reasonable costs." The fact that this point has not been brought up during the IMCO meeting can be interpreted as an agreement among the shadow rapporteurs.

Regardless, FEMA will continue to approach decision-makers and explain about possible loopholes. When RMI had been discussed in the car sector, car manufacturers had argued that all information related to safety and security issues, like anti-theft devices, should not be given to independent repairers. Although this argumentation implies that independent dealers and repairers are more likely to be criminals, compared to official dealers and repairers, the car industry were successful.

Additionally car manufacturers declared a considerable amount of information to be directly linked to safety and security which enabled them to deny independent repairers to access RMI for many of the most common repair works. A situation to be avoided for the motorcycling industry.

Background for the Type Approval Regulation

The so-called Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of two- or three wheel vehicles and quadricycles is important for motorcyclists since it defines how manufacturers have to build motorcycles in order to allow its use on public roads in Europe. The text for this regulation has been proposed by the European Commission last year already (FEMA reported). Now it's the turn of the European Parliament to decide upon the proposal. Then the Council of the European Union has the final say.

The work of the more than 700 Members of European Parliament (MEPs) is divided among Committees. IMCO is the Committee in charge of producing a report advising amendments to all MEPs regarding the initial proposal of the European Commission. The Dutch MEP van de Camp has been named as Rapporteur and is therefore in charge of compiling the IMCO report. After the presentation of a Working Document (FEMA reported) Mr. van de Camp has now presented a Draft Report which was discussed in Parliament on 24th May. Until 20th of June MEPs have the possibility to hand in their amendments. Then Mr. van de Camp will set up the actual IMCO Report which IMCO will vote on at the beginning of October. The plenary vote on the IMCO Report is scheduled for late October.

Follow this link to access the Draft Report

The Timetable of the Type Approval Regulation in Parliament can be accessed here

Member of European Parliament (MEP) Wim van de Camp invited FEMA to organise a workshop on Motorcycling at the European Parliament in Brussels. The extremely well attended event was held on February 8th and informed key decision makers of the European Commission, the European Parliament as well as of the permanent representations of EU Member States about motorcycling, its specific characteristics, and its safety and environmental challenges.

In the light of two important legislative initiatives, the European 2011-2020 policy orientations for road safety and the new regulation of the type approval of motorcycles, FEMA organised, on behalf of MEP van de Camp, rapporteur of the latter, a workshop to provide policy makers with a better understanding of motorcycling in Europe today,

Moderated by Mr. van de Camp, the workshop started with a presentation by Maria Nordqvist (Swedish motorcycling association - SMC) about the motorcycle community in Europe, its wide diversity, its evolution throughout the years depending on mobility needs, lifestyle, and geographical characteristics. It was followed by a speech from Antonio Perlot (ACEM) and Bob Mills (Triumph Ltd) on the motorcycle industry, pointing at the main differences with the car sector..

High attendance and focused content

Following these two introductions, MEPs and representatives of the Member States had the opportunity to discuss today's transport challenges: safety and road transport emissions. The safety discussion was introduced by a presentation from Bertrand Nelva-Pasqual (Mutuelle des Motards - the French PTWs insurer) who deconstructed some myths about motorcycle safety such as accident frequency and riders' responsibility, and proposed areas of improvements based on recent accident data. Finally, FEMA General SecretaryAline Delhaye opened the environmental discussion, highlighting the riders' strong will to develop and support motorcycling in a sustainable way. Besides the improvement of internal combustion engines,also alternative propulsion engines, such as electric PTWs have to be promoted strongly.

The European Parliament's conference room was fully occupied, with more than 40 participants. Among the guests were MEP Dieter-Lebrecht Koch, rapporteur for the policy orientations on road safety, as well as the chairs and vice chairs of the transport and internal market committees. The shadow rapporteurs of all major parliamentary groups were present. Several Member States sent representatives, and so did the European Commission.

The motorcycling community was represented by FEMA President Gerard Livett as well as by delegates from Finland (SMOTO), France (FFMC), Germany (BVDM), Sweden (SMC) and the UK (BMF). The Federation Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) also sent a representative, and a handful of industry representatives filled the remaining seats.

Click here to see a slide show of the event

On April 5th, the European Commission's Road Safety Unit escaped the office to join leather-clad riders for the day. The objective: a training day to meet real motorcycles and the motorcycling community. Organised by FEMA, with the support of Circuit Zolder and the Centre de Maîtrise de la Route de Nivelles, this training day offered Commission officials a unique opportunity to discover, understand and practice the reality of two-wheeled mobility.

The 17 members of staff, including Head of Department Mrs. Isabelle Kardacz, met with riders from across Europe in the early morning in Brussels, before travelling together to their destination: Circuit Zolder in Flanders.

Meeting Point: European Commission, Road Safety Unit, Brussels. Picture: Wim Taal

On site, the programme featured a seminar as well as test track demonstration and practical exercises with experts from riders' associations. The objective: dispel misconceptions on motorcycles and motorcyclists, and show what is important to improve their safety.

The trainees started by discovering the variety of motorcycling: different motorcycles, different motorcyclists, different uses. Welcome to the motorcycle community!

A cross-section of motorcycles. Pictures: Wim Taal

The wide variety of models available showcased the large difference that exists among motorcycles.

The first practical activity involved sorting displayed bikes by engine power. Not as easy as it looks! Engine size does not equal engine power, as all riders know. It's an essential point to remember when drafting requirements for driving licence classes.

The bigger is not always the faster. Picture: Wim Taal

After a tutorial on the basics of motorcycle riding, dynamic characteristics and safety factors, speakers addressed accident statistics and measures for casualty reduction, with training at the forefront.

Pierre-Yves, Centre de Maîtrise de la Route (on the left). Pictures: Wim Taal

Members from riders associations in Sweden, France, Norway and Greece presented their work in the filed of safety improvements.

The audience of non-riders could then relate what they learned with their own experience as drivers, through a series of exercises.

blind spot test - can you see the motorcycle from the driver's seat? Picture: Wim Taal

Blind spots and lack of visibility at some intersections were identified as real hazards, underlining the need for specific training for car drivers.

Professional trainer Pierre-Yves saddled up for demonstrations of emergency braking and avoidance maneuvers, showing the dynamic differences between cars and bikes.

Motorcycling in practice

Of course, an introduction to motorcycling could not be complete without a test ride. Everyone was offered the opportunity to to join a short ride in the countryside, as pillion passengers behind FEMA's finest, before trying scooters and motorcycles for themselves on the test track.

Getting in touch. Pictures: FEMA

Because there is nothing like the road to learn, our trainees for the day were treated to the next best thing: a closed course test track. At the hands of the resident trainer, they donned riding gear and fired up the engine, rolling out for a first taste of riding.

Self-experience. Picture: FEMA

In the shoes of first-time learners, they could get a grip of the basics of throttle, braking, turning, and the various factors affecting stability.

Even the rain could not stop them from trying. Picture: FEMA

"A respectable community that takes matters into its own hands and deserves respect"

All participants wholeheartedly recognized that they had learned a lot, and that there was still a lot to learn in the future. In particular, they were impressed by the efforts the motorcycle community has been putting in improving risk awareness among members, praising its responsibility and commitment. As such, they assured the riders present that the community deserved great respect for that work.

FEMA office bikes waiting for attention. Head of Road Safety Unit Isabelle Kardacz (3rd from right). Picture: FEMA

While everyone agrees that one day's worth can only touch upon the surface, this training day gave the experts of the European Union's Commission a better understanding of the reality faced by riders on the road - and understanding each other is essential for working together.

Besides calling for more freedom and fair treatment, Swedish FEMA member SMC adds another impressive example of a motorcyclists association contributing to a great extend to improve national road safety. Lately the Director of Road Safety at the Swedish Transport Administration spoke most highly of SMC's achievements and efforts, although 14 years ago he had publicly announced motorcycling and road safety as the greatest possible mismatch.

Claes Tingvall. Picture: NMCU

At the annual conference of the Swedish Transport Administration in Stockholm on April 28, Claes Tingvall took the floor. Claes Tingvall is Director of Road Safety at the Swedish Transport Administration, and professor at the Chalmers Institute of Technology as well as investigator for the Vision Zero Academy.

Mr. Tingvall had gained prominence among motorcyclists after stating in a national TV programme in 1997 that "there is no room for motorcycles in Vision Zero". Now in Stockholm, after representatives of SMC and the Swedish partners for motorcycle manufacturers McRF had presented their work Mr. Tingvall took the floor and commented the following on SMC's engagement for Road Safety:

"It's rather marvelous and unusual to note that the motorcycle culture serves as an ideal for all the other traffic safety work. It's something I hadn't expected myself not to hear it both from the user side, from SMC, and from the industry, McRF and to hear how forward thinking your work is and what results you achieve."

And Mr. Tingvall continues:"It's very possibly among the best in the world. I know it hasn't always been easy to agree about absolutely everything but it's wonderful to hear and to see your pride in it. I don't think you'll become overly proud, because you still have much to do. But it's a fantastic achievement, and we sometimes find it hard to keep up - this saves you fro saying it."

Maria Nordqvist, International Secretary of SMC, states: "Of course SMC is proud of the statement made by Professor Tingvall. It was rather unexpected, not only to SMC and McRF, the Swedish MC-producers, but to also the rest of the audience."

Click here to watch the video of Claes Tinvall's statement held at the annual conference of the Swedish Transport Administration in Stockholm

In The organisers of electric motorcycle racing FIM and TTXGP announced that they will hold three concerted racing events in 2011. Previously both organizations had competed for racing teams, media attention and audience. The existence of two competing racing series was threatening the development of electric motorcycle racing, which can be considered to be still in its infancy. After a call for unity dating back to August 2011 FEMA welcomes the wise decision of the persons in charge.

FEMA testing the Mavizen TTX02 (click to read article) at Circuit Zolder in 2010. Picture: FEMA

TTXGP was the front runner in electric motorcycle racing: organiser of the first eBike race on the Isle of Man in 2009 and inventor of the ground-breaking eGrand Prix. FIM on the other side, organiser of all important motorcycle races worldwide, including MotoGP, had launched the FIM e-Power series in 2010. Both, TTXPG and FIM had the idea to promote zero emission racing on two wheels, but at this point in time there is still not enough room for two competing racing series, so the two run the danger to eradicate each other as well as the new sport.

In a joint press release both organisations have stated last week: "In a spirit of collaboration and with the common goal of promoting electric clean emission racing, the FIM and the TTXGP have agreed to combine both series across three rounds of their respective championships; 2011 FIM e-Power International Championship and the TTXGP World Series 2011."

Further collaboration is planned for the end of the season: "Holding a selection of joint rounds allows the teams the best possible stage to promote the sport, the technology and the future to the next generation of motorsport. In addition, plans are in development to celebrate the conclusion of the 2011 season with a single, unifying final event in October."

The three common racing events already scheduled will be hold:

23-24 July Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca (USA) - FIM MotoGP WC
20-21 August Donington Park (GBR) - Qtel FIM Endurance WC & FIM WC Sidecars
24-25 September Le Mans (FRA) 24 Hours of Le Mans - Qtel FIM Endurance WC

Access the press releases here:

TTXGP

FIM

Following the plans of the European Commission to implement new measures to prevent modifications of the powertrain of motorcycles a so called anti-tampering study has already been initiated. At the same time European Parliament has not decided yet whether to empower the Commission to take action on the issue independently. FEMA has expressed it concerns about the Commissions' approach towards a European-wide modification prevention act for motorcycles above 125c

In the proposal for a regulation on the type approval of motorcycles in the EU the European Commission suggests, among other things, the introduction of measures to prevent modifications of the ‘powertrain'. The proposal is linked to a delegated act which calls European Parliament to endow the Commission with a mandate to decide independently upon possible measures. Since a European Regulation on tampering of light motorcycles and scooters up to 125cc is already in place for more than 10 years (Directive 97/24/EC), the newly proposed modification prevention would mainly target all motorcycles above 125cc.

The European Parliament is still revising the proposed text on the type approval of motorcycles and the final voting is foreseen by September. In the meantime the British research institute TRL has already initiated a so called anti-tampering study on behalf of the Commission. As the name points out, the study investigates the existing forms of ‘harmful powertrain tampering' as well as measures to prevent them.

The public is called to investigate anti-tampering measures

TRL is also running a public competition [http://l-cat.trl.co.uk/] calling schools and universities to ‘identify effective solutions to these tampering events to protect the environment and the safety of road users, including the riders and passengers'. The best solution for motorcycle tampering will be rewarded with €500.

FEMA would have preferred an open approach towards motorcycle modifications. To date no statistics indicate that European Member States are struggling with environmental or safety problems related to technical modifications of motorcycles. Therefore FEMA calls to assess the dimension of a possible problem before starting to work on possible solutions.

Furthermore FEMA is concerned about the scope of action that might be delegated to the Commission. The definition of the ‘powertrain', whose tampering shall be prevented, is very likely to comprise all the technical parts and units which are commonly being modified. And even though the intention is to prevent ‘harmful' tampering only, the definition of what is to be considered ‘harmful' might be left entirely to the Commission.

Access the type approval regulation (Article 18 deals with powertrain modifications) in your language

The TRL anti-tampering website

Read the FEMA position on tampering (Point 6 Powertrain Modifications)

The most comprehensive rider training manual available today, designed by professional trainers with the support of the motorcycle community, is now published in eleven languages: English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, Greek, Portuguese, Czech, Bulgarian, Hungarian and Polish.

The Initial Rider Training Manual's revolutionary approach to basic training is now available to a wider audience in Europe and around the world, with a translation in 11 languages. Aimed at all types of learners, on scooters or motorcycles; learning in a driving school with a professional, at home with a friend, or on their own; it provides aspiring riders with the essential skills needed to survive on the road.

A need for training

Training is recognised by the motorcycling community as a key element to improve motorcycle safety. Accident research consistently shows that the two years following the licence test are the most critical for new riders of all ages, and that the acquisition of appropriate skills - handling traffic as well as the motorcycle - greatly improves a rider's safety.

Existing training curricula, however, do not always provide the right tools to new riders, often focusing on traffic rules and overlooking skills related to the anticipation of other road users' actions, risk awareness or appropriate traffic strategies. The wide variety of training systems in place in Europe, ranging from self-learning to 20-hour detailed programmes, are often unsatisfactory in that aspect.

Faced with the need for a training tool for every rider in every country, FEMA took action by leading the Initial Rider Training project. Co-funded by the European Commission, the project delivered in 1997 a comprehensive, cross-cultural training manual that tackles the most common pitfalls new learners face, with a modular approach meant for self-learners, professional and non-professional trainers alike.

This revolutionary approach, based on universal principles independent from national traffic codes, is increasingly acknowledged among professionals. In 2009, the Irish Road Safety Authority (RSA) recommended the IRT manual as an resource for trainers as the country introduced a new compulsory basic training scheme.

Bringing tools to riders

Since the publication of the project, FEMA has been active in promoting the manual, originally available in English, French and Spanish, to riders, authorities and stakeholders.

In light of the need for better training, now widely recognized, the European Commission took the initiative to translate the manual into eight additional languages: German, Italian, Greek, Portuguese, Czech, Bulgarian, Hungarian and Polish. FEMA's members across Europe provided expert advice on the translated texts, ensuring relevance and quality, as close as possible to the everyday user who will make use of it.

The new publications feature a revised presentation format, aimed at promoting the use and dissemination of the manual, as part of the Commission's efforts at increasing road safety in Europe.

The IRT manual is available in print and as an electronic document from the EU bookshop - click here to download or order a copy.

The IRT Model - ISBN: 978-92-79-17358-5 - Available for free.

Communicative systems, advanced navigation, intelligent infrastructure, and so on: for the first time, with the help of experts in the field, FEMA provides an outlook from behind the handlebars. With the publication of a comprehensive position paper on Intelligent Transport Systems, FEMA makes a statement about how new technologies in transport can be applied to powered two-wheelers.

Will ITS prevent riders from being overlooked by cars in future? Picture: BMW

Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) cover a wide range of concepts, systems and applications aimed at applying Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) to infrastructure and road vehicles in order to improve road traffic safety, fluency and energy efficiency, while improving connections with other transport modes .

Presented as a natural evolution of technology, not different from anti-lock brakes or airbags, they however introduce communication technology in traffic, by allowing vehicles to exchange data with each other, or with fixed points of the road infrastructure.

Developed from individual initiatives led by car manufacturers, these advances in technology are increasingly picked up by policy-makers, who are keen on reaping the benefits expected from a wide use.

According to the manufacturers, various technologies, ranging from collision avoidance and automatic braking to traffic information and automatic distress calls, herald the dawn of a new age where personal mobility will be fundamentally changed.

Because of the far-reaching ambitions pushing for the use of these systems, and the cooperative nature of the technology involved, many powered two-wheelers users fear badly deployed applications, botched products, or entire networks that would ignore the needs of riders, or even their existence altogether.

Because FEMA believes that technology is a tool, not a solution in itself, and that new tools should be used when appropriate, in order to support positive policies inclusives of all users, the European Federation presents its views on how to design, deploy and manage ITS for the benefit of everyone.

In order to do so, this paper provides policy-makers, researchers, infrastructure operators and manufacturers of systems and vehicles with the insider knowledge to better understand the needs of motorcyclists, and integrate them into the design and management of new systems.

Read FEMA's paper on Intelligent Transport Systems here.

Awareness across the field of intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) is slowly rising, however, with more publications addressing the needs of powered two-wheelers. Two-wheeler safety in the 21st Century receives the attention of the press this month, with Vision Zero International looking at how motorcycles can benefit from advances in driver assistance technology - or not.

Click on the picture to access the Vision Zero article.

In one of its latest publications (1) the European Commission acknowledges that "Indeed, though there is increasing interest in defining and reporting ITS impacts and benefits, the vulnerable road users - the very people who need the most support - [vulnerable road users include motorcyclists] seem to have been left out." Now, the article of Vision Zero features the hot stuff of leading manufacturers being fitted on testbed bikes, as well as the views of vehicle researchers and motorcyclists' associations. Vision Zero International is the only specialist magazine dedicated to the coverage of intelligent safety technologies, their development, and their implementation in the next generations of vehicles.

While the magazine is committed to the ethos of the vision zero principle - reducing road injuries to zero - it offers an outlook at the most promising solutions. Most members of the motorcycle community agree that motorcycling, like all human activites, can never be made risk-free; but new technologies could offer some affordable and reliable safety features, in new areas like assistance system and visibility enhancement, but also in making existing technology better, from durable and comfortable helmets to airbag jackets.

This renewed interest for motorcyclists from the intelligent transport community is a striking rebuttal to those who claimed that motorcycles had no place in the "vision zero" scenario. Let us hope that it is the first step towards a more open future, one that lets all users share the road and respects their freedom of movement and their safety.

Riders give a hand in shaping the landscape

Meanwhile, lawmakers lay the bricks of what they hope will be the foundation of Europe's intelligent transport. The approval of an Action Plan on intelligent transport last year by the European institutions last year sealed an agreement between the Member States, the Parliament and the Commission on a way forward, with a list of measures to be investigated and implemented in the coming years.

At the moment there is little interest from the media for what is at best one in a series of legislative texts that would only start having visible consequences at the end of the decade, if not later. And with technology evolving rapidly, there is a very real risk that carefully laid plans could be made obsolete even before it is implemented!

Nevertheless, as pledged in its road map for the next decades, the European executive is investigating the potential of intelligent transport systems for vulnerable road users. These include pedestrians, cyclists, and of course, motorcyclists. And because European law mandates an impact assessment prior to all new legislation, research is conducted to determine exactly what kind of technology, and which policies, can best help with the safety of riders.

At the demand of the Commission, FEMA took an active part in the first impact assessment on vulnerable users' and intelligent transport systems, providing the point of view and the experience of everyday users.

In touch with public research authorities, users and the industry, FEMA's unique outlook makes it a reference point in field where there is a lot of guesswork, new and barely tested technology, and not much thinking about the kind of changes to be expected in the way people drive and ride. The motorcyclists' federation made a point of recommending the use of technology as a solution to real-life problems - training, behaviour, infrastructure - and not as an end in itself.

And because powered two-wheelers are found on every road in every corner of Europe, it insisted that the report should not only focus on systems for motorcycles, but also on other vehicles and around infrastructure. And last, that investigations should also cover the changes in driver behaviour and habits, distraction and confusion caused by invasive displays and screens, and conflicts between new systems that are not designed to work together.

While not all answers to these questions are available today, riders insist that they receive the attention they require today, in order to ensure that the so-called advent of "intelligent transport" benefits everyone and harms no one. The recommendations of the study, also involving experts from other organisations, will be a valuable input to the European Commission's Action Plan, hopefully finding their way into the European laws of tomorrow.

(1): EC DG for Mobility and Transport (2011) Intelligent Transport Systems in action. Action Plan and Legal Framework for the Deployment of Intelligent Transport Systems. pp. 20.

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