As the Internal Market and Consumer Protection (IMCO) committee heads towards the scheduled vote on the 5th December regarding EU Regulations for motorcycles, we take a closer look at issues in the lead up to the vote.
 
The Motorcycle Action Group (MAG UK) reported on November 23rd that “today sees the start of a new Impact Assessment into the EU Type Approval Regulation.” Stating that, “This has been demanded by the European Parliament following the incredible amount of work which has been done by every one of us who wrote to our MEPs or who rode in the protests of the 25th September.”
 
Regarding the scheduled vote in the IMCO committee, Paddy Tyson from MAG UK comments, “we have very good cause to believe it will be moved yet again, as there is no way the IA can be completed, a report prepared, and the Committee members have time to read it, before the 5th December”.
 
At Right To Ride, we make it our business to look in-depth at the issues, we always take a step back to look at the wider picture, to look at the background surrounding the issues before reporting factually and giving our opinion.
 
While we have every respect for MAG the organisation, is this information supplied by MAG’s Campaign Manager Paddy Tyson offering false hope to riders without an understanding of the technical contents of the proposal?
 
Paddy Tyson says this new Impact Assessment into the EU Type Approval Regulation will, “delay proceedings enough to set back the regulation till the Spring, at a Strasbourg meeting, which will be “MAG’s time to get out on the streets again.”
 
The Impact Assessment that Paddy Tyson mentions is not looking at the whole regulation proposal as submitted by the European Commission. The Impact Assessment will be looking at three compromise amendments which were submitted by MEPs to the IMCO Rapporteur, Mr van de Camp’s report.
 
To clarify, the European Commission has already had an Impact Assessment carried out and published on their proposed regulation.
 
Because these three amendments are substantive amendments to the proposal, the Chair of the IMCO committee, UK MEP Malcolm Harbour, has asked for an Impact Assessment specifically in relation to these three amendments.
 
These three amendments are:
 •Moving the ABS introduction date forward by a year.
 •Extending ABS cover to Powered Two Wheelers more than 50cc.
 •Earlier introduction of On Board Diagnostics II (OBD II)
 
The reason for the Impact Assessment on these amendments, is that none of these specific amendments have ever been costed. So the European Parliament through the IMCO committee, as the responsible committee, is assessing the amendments for potential impacts to the regulation.
 
So are there any advantages for riders in this specific Impact Assessment?

Our view is: Not in the grand scheme of things. It would appear that the Impact Assessment on these three amendments (as amendments that would have an impact on the proposed regulation), is to determine the cost and any disadvantages to manufacturers and riders.

The vote on the amendments in the IMCO committee is scheduled for the 5th December and it is possible that the Impact Assessment (relating to the three amendments mentioned above) would not be completed before this vote.
 
However our understanding is that even if the Impact Assessment is not ready for the vote on the 5th December, work on the Impact Assessment (relating to the three amendments mentioned above) would continue and once concluded would be used in informal negotiations known as trilogues.
 
It would appear not to be the great hope of, “every delay is a minor victory” but a tidying up of amendments to get to the bottom of the issues and to better align with and take into account the progress in the Council and introduction dates.

Full details on Right To Ride EU

Originally intended to be fully indoors, this new event has simply grown and grown, with many traders wanting to be based outside in the fresh Nottinghamshire air. The vast majority of indoor pitches have now been sold, with just a handful remaining – so if you want to be involved, time is running out.

To make the show even more informative, there'll be a 'roving mike' as Dave Craggs holds a Traders Tech Talk Walkabout – where he interviews traders, finds out what they do and asks them to do live demonstrations of their products and services.

You'll also find Moto GP presenter Julian Ryder on a stand in the Lady Eastwood Hall, one of more than 400 plots which include a mixture of trade, autojumble, clubs and private entries

Classic Bike Guide magazine editor Nigel Clark has been looking forward to the show for some time, and said: "We are planning to make the Carole Nash Classic Bike Guide Winter Classic a show to rival anything. We know that for many enthusiasts in the south, the Bristol show is their first chance to show off a new restoration, we’d like this show to become a showcase for northern talent too.”

Tickets for The Classic Bike Guide Winter Classic Show can be bought on the day or online. An advance adult day ticket is £7 online and £8 on the gate.

For more information on how to buy pre booked discounted tickets call our hotline discount number on 01507 529529.

Future Dates:

The 1st Carole Nash Classic Bike Guide Winter Classic Show – 7/8 January 2012 (NEW SHOW!)

32nd Carole Nash Bristol Classic MotorCycle Show -18/19 February 2012

32nd Carole Nash International Classic MotorCycle Show – 28/29 April 2012

The 1st Carole Nash Great Scottish Bike Show - 12/13 May 2012 (NEW SHOW!)

The 19th Carole Nash Eurojumble – 7/8 September 2012

The 19th Carole Nash Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show – 20/21 October 2012

1st Carole Nash Scottish Dirt Bike Show – 1/2 December 2012 (NEW SHOW!)

Comment on budget announcement of £5 billion for infrastructure projects
 
IAM chief executive Simon Best said: “£270 million for managed motorways is good news. In some cases managed motorways have halved the number of crashes.  They also ease congestion and cut carbon emissions.  The extra money for our A roads is also welcome. But while today’s announcement will help, we need serious and sustained investment across the UK’s road network.
 
“Our roads are crying out for basic maintenance.  Crumbling roads and potholes are a serious problem and a road safety hazard, especially for those on two wheels.”
 
Comment on plans to cancel 2012 fuel duty increases
 
IAM chief examiner Peter Rodger said: “Cancelling fuel duty rises next year is a welcome relief for motorists. But don’t wait for the chancellor to reduce the cost of driving, do it yourself now. The way you drive has a big impact on the amount of fuel you use. If you slow down and leave more of a gap between yourself and the vehicle in front, you won’t need to accelerate and brake so much. That’s two easy ways to reduce your fuel consumption by up to 15 per cent.”

Motorcycle Live 2011 ended on a high today with ‘Mad Sunday’ – a full day dedicated to the Isle of Man TT. Fans of the legendary road race arrived at The NEC in their droves, all hoping for the chance to see their heroes in the flesh and they weren’t left disappointed. 
 
A whole host of TT stars turned out for the final day of the show, including 17-times TT winner John McGuinness, Michael Rutter, Michael Dunlop, Bruce Anstey, Ian Lougher, Conor Cummins, Ryan Farquhar, Jamie Hamilton, Jenny Tinmouth, Bruce Anstey, Dave Molyneux, John Holden and Andy Winkle. New Honda BSB signing Michael Laverty and Moto2 star Bradley Smith also made an appearance. 
 
The TT contingent took part in specially-themed Q&A sessions with James Whitham and the Fast Bikes Questions of Bikes quiz with Steve Parrish. Bradley Smith appeared on the Blackhorse stage to draw the winning ticket for the annual Riders for Health raffle – the prize for which was a Yamaha XT660Z Ténéré. He was then presented with a surprise helmet-shaped birthday cake courtesy of Shoei to celebrate turning 21 tomorrow. 
 
The day ended with a mass-signing session from the Isle of Man TT stars that lasted well over an hour as fans queued to collect a final memento of what has been a fantastic event. Check out the photo gallery for the entire show at www.facebook.com/motorcyclelive
 
“What a brilliant way to end the show”, says Finlay McAllan, Managing Director of Event organisers, MCI Exhibitions. “There has been a real buzz around the halls this year and judging by all the positive comments we’ve had from both exhibitors and visitors, everyone has thoroughly enjoyed it. I can certainly say that we have!”

Motorcycle Live 2011 has been hailed a success by visitors and exhibitors alike after the show achieved a final attendance figure of 112,197 – a 14% increase on the previous year. 
 
Yesterday was the last in a nine-day spectacular that saw the tens of thousands of attendees enjoy a varied showcase of the very best that motorcycling has to offer – from all the major manufacturers displaying their latest machinery to the six live and interactive features giving visitors the chance to get on two wheels and non-stop entertainment from racer interviews to quiz shows and games. 
 
Positive feedback has been flooding in via Facebook and Twitter over the course of the show, undoubtedly encouraging even more visitors to come along and check it out for themselves. Just some of the remarks included: 
 
“What a great day @motorcyclelive nice to see so many people there and so much to see! Can't wait for next year, counting down the days 364...” – @toriaturner, via Twitter
 
“What can I say that's not already been said? Fantastic! Got my 10 year old grandson his First Honda Licence and his first Suzuki ride. How I got him away I shall never know, well done to all involved.” – John Page, via Facebook

It is a similar story with the exhibitors, who have all reported a very successful event. “We’ve had an excellent show,” said BMW Motorrad Marketing Manager Tony Jakeman. “There were clearly a lot more people here than last year and we’ve had very strong interest across the whole range.”
 
Nevis Managing Director Robert Culverwell agreed: “The show has been excellent for us, every day has been really busy. All four of our brands have been brilliantly received by the public and all the dealers here selling our products have reported fantastic sales. We’ll definitely be back next year, bigger and better.” Triumph Motorcycle’s Marketing Manager Andrea Friggi summed it up nicely: “Excellent show, extremely good reception, busy throughout, we’ve really enjoyed it!” 
 
Finlay McAllan, Managing Director of show organisers, MCI Exhibitions, is thrilled with the result: “I always say that you are only as good as your last show and 2010 certainly helped prove that we are back on track, but this year has surpassed that. What a show! There has been a massive buzz around Motorcycle Live 2011 and the atmosphere has been absolutely brilliant. A 14% increase in the current climate is no mean feat and I think everyone involved can be very proud.”