The two main motorcycling organisations in Europe, the European Motorcycle Manufacturers Association (ACEM) representing the industry, and the International Motorcycling Federation (FIM) representing riders and the sport, came together on 11 September in Brussels to organise a joint event with one clear objective: improving mobility together with the leaders of the European Union institutions in Brussels.
Michele Colaninno, ACEM President and CEO Piaggio, and Jorge Viegas, FIM President, were present, as well as important representatives of the European Commission and the European Parliament such as Magda Kopczyńska and Bernd Lange. The keynote speeches highlighted the contribution of two-wheeled vehicles to achieving the EU objectives for roads and cities.
In view of the upcoming political and legislative discussions, ACEM and FIM presented their vision for the benefit of users, industry and above all society. Concretely, the roadmap for the motorcycle sector is based on five pillars including: road safety, sustainability, industrial competitiveness, research and innovation, tourism and motorsports.
However, further efforts are needed. As vulnerable road users, motorcyclists need dedicated priorities in mobility and road safety plans at European, national and local levels. Furthermore, the lightness and size of mopeds, motorcycles, tricycles and quadricycles make them real allies towards efficient mobility in urban and peri-urban areas, through their inclusion in future Sustainable Urban Mobility Plans.
Special guest was two-time Superbike World Champion James Toseland, who described the values of motorsport and leisure, offering a unique opportunity for public institutions and manufacturers to reach out to European citizens. In this sense, only a combination of legislators, politicians and companies working towards a common goal will help firmly make “Riding together for Europe” a reality.
ACEM President and Piaggio CEO Colaninno said: “The motorcycle industry is committed to continue developing innovative vehicles for mobility and leisure, but we need realistic policies to fully include these vehicles as part of future mobility. Competitiveness should be at the heart of the next European political mandate that supports manufacturers in adapting to future legislation, continuing to promote growth and creating skilled jobs.”
FIM President Viegas said: “For 120 years, the FIM has been at the forefront of developing and improving motorcycling and it was great to be able to demonstrate this to Members of the European Parliament and the European Commission last night. It was also important to highlight that motorcycle sport is not just a marketing or research tool, but also an important cultural and economic activity that supports hospitality, tourism and rural economies. This message was clear and we hope that politicians will understand the need to protect and nurture this activity in the future.”
