Issued 7th September 2007   11th MEP Motorcycle Ride:a new success for motorcycling in Europe

The 11th edition of the MEP Motorcycle Ride - which took place this Wednesday 5th September in Strasbourg - was a frank success. Around 100 participants joined the event. 15 Members of the European Parliament coming from 10 different countries took part in the ride. Whether experienced motorcyclists or passengers willing to discover the joys of motorcycling, they expressed their enthusiasm and praised FEMA for a well organized event.

Despite the fresh temperature of a luckily dry September day, the participants all put their helmets on and sat on the many motorcycles, eager to start a ride of an hour and a half across the beautiful Strasbourg countryside. The vehicles, all parked under the EU flags, offered a view to be remembered: motorcyclists from all over Europe gathered in front of one of the most significant legislative buildings, showing their interest and support towards motorcycling.

Some of the participants had already joined the MEP Ride several years ago, making it one of their yearly traditional events. Others joined us this year for the first time. And some had participated in a previous edition as passenger or driver of a 125cc vehicle, and past their motorcycle license since, after discovering the joys of motorcycling! This was the case of one of the patrons of the event, Liberal Democrat MEP Liz Lynne, who past her license in 2003, since attending the annual MEP Motorcycle Ride in 2000.

The 4 patrons of the event, Mr Markov (GUE/NGL), Mrs Lynne, Mr Queiro, Mrs Segelström (PSE), held a short speech before the ride, underlining the importance and advantages of motorcycling. Mr Markov, who was actually ill, did nevertheless decide to go for the ride, especially after discovering his bike: a Suzuki Intruder 800. Mrs Segelström - together with other Swedish representatives - participated in the ride as passenger. All of them were delighted and Mrs Segelström stressed her wish to further cooperate with FEMA and the Swedish Motorcyclists’ Associaton (SMC) on Transport issues in the future. Only Mr Queiro was not able to take part in the ride.

The main objective of the event was first and foremost to enjoy a nice ride. But it was also the opportunity to raise important issues regarding motorcycling. This year, the focus was on Motorcycle Safety with the presentation of FEMA European Agenda for Motorcycle Safety (http://www.fema.ridersrights.org/docs/EAMS2007.pdf), the importance of appropriate road infrastructure in Europe (http://www.fema.ridersrights.org/docs/FEMA_position_infradirective.pdf) , and the integration and positive contribution of powered two wheelers in urban centres (http://www.fema.ridersrights.org/docs/FEMA_consultation_urbantransport.pdf).

The success of the MEP Ride is maybe linked to this dual aspect: leisure and political commitment. Gathering EU representatives and motorcyclists citizens for a relatively informal and highly enjoyable event is probably the best way to discuss motorcycling issues.

In the past few hours, dozens of people - Members of the Parliament, Assistants, EP Staff, or EU stakeholders - have contacted the Federation of European Motorcyclists' Associations (FEMA) for having organised the 11th MEP Motorcycle Ride. They were all delighted and are looking forward to the next Edition, which will take place in Brussels!
 

Ends

Note to editor:

• Press Pack available on http://www.mep-ride.eu/index.php?p=press

• More details on Mrs Elizabeth Lynne experience of motorcycling
  http://www.lizlynne.org.uk/search.php?query=motorbike+motorcyclist+bike+biker

• More details on FEMA:
  http://www.fema.ridersrights.org

• This Press Release in PDF format:
  http://www.mep-ride.eu/invite/PR-20070907-MEPRide_Successl.pdf

• For pictures, contact and additional information: Virginie Peters
  
  Tel +32 (0)2 736 9047
  Mobile + 32 (0)484 976 170
  
  Email virginie.fema@chello.be
   

FEMA - Federation of European Motorcyclists Associations
Rue des Champs 62, 1040 Brussels, Belgium
Tel: +32 (0)2 736 9047 / Fax: +32 (0)2 736 9401
www.fema.ridersrights.org