The Motorcycle Action Group (MAG) is pleased at the decision by the EU Transport Council of
Ministers to defer further debate on the license directive until the new year.
Director of Public Affairs Trevor Baird said: "This vampire is only resting for the moment and
although the motorcycle community can draw a sigh of relief from this breathing space. A determined effort is still required if a stake is to be successfully driven through this vampires heart."
MAG has been at the forefront of the campaign to stop the European Licence directive from being
rubber stamped.
MAG's "email army" has been mobilised to email every UK MEP in an effort to generate opposition to
the package which threatens the future of motorcycling here in the UK.
To complement this effort and the intense lobbying that has been conducted by MAG a street
demonstration supported by both the BMF and Motor Cycle News was held in Brussels this autumn.
MAG believes that the licensing directive as it stands represents a huge obstacle to the young and
new motorcyclist wanting to gain a full license and will deter tens of thousands from pursuing the
option.
MAG point to the fact that both the 250cc learner limit introduced in the 1960's and the 125cc limit
of the early 1980's had a devastating effect on motorcycle sales and we fear this package will have
a similar negative effect on the market with no gains for safety.
MAG's President Ian Mutch said: "To be discouraging people from taking up motorcycling at a time
when the environment is desperately in need of less harmful transport options is criminally irresponsible."
"This package of measures threatens to drive tens of thousands more people into cars which has a
double negative whammy in that besides aggravating congestion and pollution it will increase the motoring population with no experience of riding motorcycles."
MAG believe that motorists who have ridden bikes are more aware of motorcycles and are as a
consequence, more sympathetic and careful drivers.
The EU package threatens environmental security and riders' safety and should be totally re-thought.
