22/11/12
By Simon O'Hare
Members of the European Parliament have voted overwhelmingly in support of proposed changes to motorcycling safety rules.
The European Parliament voted 643-16 in favour of the measures, which have been driven through by Conservative MEP Malcolm Harbour.
Mr Harbour, who is chairman of the European Parliament's internal market and consumer protection committee, believes the new rules will make machines on two, three and four wheels "safer and cleaner".
Under the planned legislation powerful motorcycles will be required to have anti-lock braking (ABS).
Other changes include more stringent emissions targets, advanced braking on scooters and basic on-board diagnostics.
A proposed obligation on bike makers to incorporate "anti-tampering" measures to prevent high-speed modifications were watered down though so they apply just to young and inexperienced bikers who already ride with restricted power or speed.
Subject to approval from EU governments the plans are due to come into effect for brand-new "L-category" vehicles as of 2016.
Exclusively off-road quad bikes will be exempt but ABS will be mandatory for "high-speed" tractors.
"This vote is the culmination of a great deal of listening to biking enthusiasts so that we could put in place a law that makes two, three and four-wheeled machines safer and cleaner, without ruining their cherished hobby," Mr Harbour said.
