Olea Anett Kvalsvik reflects on her first months as President of the Federation of European Motorcyclists’ Associations (FEMA).

When I was elected President of FEMA in February 2025, I felt both honoured and humbled. To be entrusted with the leadership of an organization representing riders across Europe is no small responsibility, but it is one I embrace wholeheartedly.

Our Annual General Meeting in Switzerland, where I was elected, was a defining moment. I stood alongside a renewed and highly capable board and each Board member brings unique experience, and together we share a common goal: to ensure motorcyclists have a strong, respected voice at every level of decision-making, from local traffic councils to EU stakeholders.

My first priority has been listening to riders, to member organizations, and to the wider motorcycling community. After each meeting, I’ve come away more convinced than ever: European riders are passionate, informed, and ready to be heard.

As someone who’s spent years advocating for motorcycle safety, this will always be close to my heart. Whether it’s pushing for better infrastructure, fair road toll policies, or supporting the wider use of airbag vests and reflective gear, our message remains clear: safety and freedom are not opposites. They go hand in hand.

FEMA is also paying close attention to proposed changes in driving licensing rules, especially for younger riders and those transitioning to higher-capacity bikes. We’ll stand firmly against disproportionate regulations that ignore the realities of modern motorcycling.

One of my key goals has been to amplify FEMA’s presence at the EU level. In these first months, we’ve begun strengthening our relationships with EU officials and transport stakeholders. I believe FEMA must be more than reactive, we must be proactive. That means being at the table when policies are shaped, not just responding once decisions are made.

‘FEMA will remain committed to every rider, every road, and every voice.’

There is much to do, and we are just getting started. In the months ahead, we’ll continue working with our members to advocate for practical, evidence-based reforms. From promoting safety technology to defending access rights for riders in urban areas, FEMA will remain committed to every rider, every road, and every voice. Our team is working to ensure riders’ perspectives are heard on issues like low-emission zones, intelligent transport systems, and the future of urban mobility. The future of motorcycling depends on being part of these debates, not excluded from them.

Across Europe, decisions are being made about motorcyclists without involving us: Germany is introducing different speed limits for motorcycles and cars on some stretches of autobahn, in Iceland a mileage-based road tax threatens to unfairly penalize riders, in Austria beautiful roads are being closed for motorcycles, and the list goes on.

These developments are proof that too often motorcyclists are not at the table when policies are shaped. That’s why it’s more important than ever to support your national riders’ organization, especially those who are part of FEMA of course. And if your country doesn’t have one, you can support FEMA directly by donating through our website. Like former FEMA President Anna Zee said so well: ‘We do the work so you can ride’. But we’re even stronger when we ride together.

Leading FEMA is not just a job, it’s a calling. I am proud to serve and deeply motivated by the community I represent. Let’s ride this journey together.

Olea Anett Kvalsvik,
FEMA President.

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