In the past weeks we have seen disturbing reports from all over Europe about road closures and other restrictions as a result of complaints about motorcycle sound. FEMA's Dolf Willigers asks: Is there a war going on against motorcyclists? Recently I received a message with the question if there is a
Why banning ‘loud’ motorcycles will not work in Tyrol
FEMA's Dolf Willigers looks at motorcycle bans in Austria, and points out some flaws in the research that led to some drastic consequences for motorcyclists. From 10 June 2020 to 31 October 2020 some well-known roads in Austria will be closed to all motorcycles with a registered standing sound emission of
Is there finally a safer alternative to cable barriers?
Let’s not fool ourselves: no crash barrier is really safe for motorcyclists, but smart designers are able to think of barrier systems that could improve motorcyclists’ safety. FEMA talked to Roberto Impero, general manager at SMA Road Safety, the Italian company that developed and produces the Andromeda barrier, a so-called ‘smart
FEMA supports the motorcycle industry’s call for European help
The motorcycle industry wants to be able to sell Euro 4 bikes after 31 December 2020. ACEM, the European Association of Motorcycle Manufacturers, has asked the European Commission to extend the time to sell Euro 4-compliant motorcycles because of the COVID-19 situation. FEMA supports this request. On 1 January 2020, a
Will German measures against motorcycle noise lead to a witch hunt?
Following complaints about the ‘extremely annoying’ noise of motorcycles, the German Federal Council wants action against motorcycle noise. On Friday 15 May 2020, the German Bundesrat (the federal council of the state governments) formally called for measures to reduce sound emissions from motorcycles. The final decision will be made by the federal
Swedish court: motorcyclists have a right to access accident data
Following a decision in February, the Swedish Motorcyclist’s Association SMC, and many other organizations and companies working with road safety, were shut down from direct access to accident statistics in Strada (Swedish Traffic Accident Data Acquisition). This had major consequences because SMC uses the statistics daily in road safety work. SMC
Corona crisis: lower demands for A1 licence considered by Dutch government
The Dutch government considers to make it possible for holders of a B licence to obtain an A1 licence without doing the theory test, as part of the Coronavirus exit strategy and the to be expected traffic jams, due to the social distancing measures. Dutch manufacturers- and importers association RAI Vereniging
Europe makes it easier to get an A2 motorcycle licence
Corona crisis: motorcycles should be part of the ‘new normal’
The British Motorcycle Action Group (MAG) wants motorcycles included in transport plans in the transition from lockdown back to normality. At his moment the government seems to focus on bicycling and walking for those that will be unable to commute by public transport. According to the British government encouraging people to
Corona crisis: free motorcycle parking in Stockholm
Parking fees for motorcycles in Stockholm are suspended during the time of the Covid-19 crisis in Sweden This very welcomed change of views on powered-two-wheelers enabling a new cooperation between politicians and bikers, announced by the chief councillor Daniel Helldén (Green Party) for traffic matters in the Swedish city of Stockholm,