Hundreds of bikers to take to Norfolk’s roads in protest this weekend
David Freezer
Friday, September 23, 2011
9:08 AM
Hundreds of bikers from Norfolk will ride in convoy along the A47 outisde Norwich this Sunday to draw attention to a “tidal wave of legislation from Europe” which bikers are angry about.
"It’s time to stop making excessive laws and allow people to make their own decisions."
From 1pm Norfolk members of Motorcycle Action Group (MAG) will join thousands more on major roads across the UK and Ireland at the same time.
Similar action has taken place across Europe, with French cities and road networks having already been brought to a standstill.
MAG is leading this action in the UK and Ireland to make a statement of intent, that reads: “If our MPs and MEPs don’t turn the tide of EU interference in our lives then more protests will follow.”
The European Union proposals include banning motorbikes from cities, making the rider responsible in an accident with another vehicle if they weren’t wearing day-glo colours and making all bikes fit Euro specification parts, which MAG claims will put local garages out of business.
European Type Approval Regulations would bring compulsory ABS (Automatic Brake Systems) to all new motorbikes alongside anti-modification measures and roadside spot checks to enforce them.
MAGs founding principal is that consumers should retain the right to decide, not the EU, and the organisation is lobbying the Department for Transport, MEPs and MPs to roll-back the restrictions on motorbikes and their riders.
The MAG argument continues: “The Commission wants to add cost and complexity to vehicle design. Computer chips on every bike will monitor and ultimately disable engines and store information about the motorbike’s use for enforcement through road-side checks.
“Compulsory use of original equipment will limit the supply of parts and servicing and increase costs of ownership and keeping vehicles in a roadworthy condition.”
The Norfolk protest rides will leave at 1pm from Longwater Sainsbury’s car park in Costessey, riding east, or Freebridge Services, where the A17 and A47 meet west of King’s Lynn, riding south towards Elm.
There will also be a meeting point at Walkers Snack Bar at Barton Mills, at the A1056 roundabout, which will cover the A11 and also leave at 1pm.
Selina Lavender, MAG representative for East Anglia, said of the protests: “Modern politics is obsessed with health and safety, making laws to protect people from themselves and turning everyday folk into criminals for failing to comply.
“It’s time to stop making excessive laws and allow people to make their own decisions. Not only will these proposals, if passed, affect the everyday lives of those that choose to ride on two or three wheels both now and in the future, it will also have a negative effect on the industry in general and therefore an impact on the economy.”
Follow MAG and EU Hands Off on Facebook by searching for “25th Sept 2011 - Action Now! EU Hands Off Biking” or on Twitter @MAGUKCentral
Have you got a story for the Evening News? Call reporter David Freezer on 01603 772418 or email david.freezer@archant.co.uk
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8 comments
Some very good points put across, I think that this is not just a problem for the biking community but the country as a whole, if we don't stand up for our rights & freedom now who will be next we are just one of many minority groups that the EU are trying to push around I expect next it will be restrictors on cars & anti tamper laws on cars too it's ridiculous. How can the EU say what we can & can't do from across the pond I thought thats what governments were for making the laws for their country not leaving it up to a bunch of power hungry idiots in Brussels. Its time Great Britain took a stand & showed them we will not be pushed around.
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Notas Mcc
Sunday, September 25, 2011
All the more reason to vote UKIP at the next general election. Stop bloody meddling with our bikes. Will all these proposals prevent all the accidents that are CAUSED by CAR DRIVERS???? Of course not. Over 50% of all bike accidents are caused by cars.
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Lord Elf
Saturday, September 24, 2011
They couldnt grind us down in war so they're trying in peace. Stuff Europe they can't imprison every biker. I learnt to ride on a "bitsa" over 40 years ago and although i no longer ride, my sentiments still lie with the biking fraternity. Parliament is going to have to start listening to the people soon and keep these meddling eurocrats noses out of our affairs. It'll soon be made illegal to pass wind!
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Freddie Morris
Friday, September 23, 2011
These EU people are interfearing in every part of our lives. I totaly support the bikers.
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Johnny Norfolk
Friday, September 23, 2011
Banning motorcycles from cities will only increase car usage. The article does not define a 'city' - would they still be allowed in towns? Another load of EU nonsense - I suggest we just ignore it.
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RichardS
Friday, September 23, 2011
It alarms me to see such new legislation appearing- and it is typical of the EEC to focus all these requirements on one small group then afterwards say everything has to have it in order to be standard. Adding costs and complexity is bad enough, but then making things so that only the main dealers can mend them is crazy. What happened to the mantra of reuse-repair-recycle? Much more emphasis should be on improving sustainability through encouraging reuse and repair, not just recycling which is so wasteful, and reuse and repair can only happen if people are not prevented from doing them by such legislation. Our MPs, our county councillors, green party especially, as well as our environment minister should be supporting this demonstration very strongly.
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john smith
Friday, September 23, 2011
As with cars, why try to make technology compansate for badly driven or ridden vehicles? Spend the money on some better driverrider training!
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KeithS
Friday, September 23, 2011
It will also stiffle vehicle development. There will be no chance at all to sensibly test experimental ideas to save fuel and reduce CO2 in road vehicles. It is the same with the CAA on aircraft, it has prevented Ken Wallis from getting his aircraft into production for over 40 years. (a big story there that has lost Norfolk hundreds of jobs). It is impossible to afford to develop a new small aircraft engine for instance, or electric propulsion. Totaly barmy legislation.
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keith gerrard
Friday, September 23, 2011