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Maria Nordqvist retires from defending motorcyclists’ rights

Today we say goodbye to one of Europe’s strongest women in motorcycling, Maria Nordqvist, who is retiring from her job at our Swedish member organisation SMC after 23 years.

Anna Zee and Maria Nordqvist (photo by Wim Taal).

Maria has been a delegate to FEMA for SMC and a FEMA board member for more than two decades. Earlier this year she was presented with a ‘certificate of recognition’ by FEMA president Anna Zee.

Maria: “Today is my last day as an employee at SMC. I have worked full time for 23 years and was a volunteer for 13 years before that. One of the most interesting and challenging parts have been the international work in FEMA. I have learned so much about the motorcycle community in different parts of Europe, about the decision process in EU and the implementation in Sweden and other countries. But in the end it is the persons I have met that is what I will miss most. I want to thank Dolf, Wim and all delegates from different parts of Europe – you’ve meant a lot to me. Thanks for everything.”

Anna Zee, FEMA President: “We will miss you, I will miss you Maria. Thank you for all the hard work you have put in on behalf of all European motorcyclists as well as the Swedish ones. Thank you also for being such great company. All the very best wishes to you.”

Dolf Willigers, FEMA General Secretary: “I’m grateful to have been able to work with Maria. She was a driving factor in road safety and other riders’ interest issues and after her retirement she will even continue her work for the safe infrastructure working group she started earlier this year. She will be missed by many. I do hope she will enjoy her retirement.”

Wim Taal, FEMA Communications Officer: “Thank you Maria, for your wisdom, for your leadership and for your never-ending efforts to improve the lives of countless motorcyclists. I don’t think I ever met anyone in moorcycling who was that determined and who would never take ‘no’ for an answer. You have been – and will remain – an inspiration for many.”

Ian Churchlow, Motorcycle Action Group UK: “Dear Maria, on behalf of MAG UK, thank you for the help and advice you have provided over the years. Your detailed research has been invaluable and enabled us to present strong arguments that benefit and protect the rights of all motorcyclists. Enjoy the ride!”

Zdeněk Růžička, UAMK Czech Republic: “Dear Maria. The FEMA biker gang won’t be the same without you. I wish you good health and good luck in your life.”

Jim Freeman, British Motorcyclists Federation: “Hi Maria, it’s been a pleasure to have you working as a friend and colleague in FEMA. Enjoy having some time to think about other things. If you get bored, you know where to find us all! Be in touch.”

Odd Terje Dovik, NMCU Norway: “All the best to you, Maria! It’s been great working with you, and you will be missed! Now, keep the rubber side down, and if you find yourself in my neck of the woods, make sure you let me know! Lots of nice roads here!”

Steinmar Gunnarsson, BLS Iceland: “Thank you for the time and effort and being a good friend.”

Hans Henrik Jørgensen, DMC Denmark: “Thank you for everything you have done for the motorcycle community in whole Europe. It has been a pleasure to meet.”

Top photograph courtesy of SMC

This article is subject to FEMA’s copyright

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