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.

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