FEMA – An association run by and for European citizens!
The Federation of European Motorcyclists’ Associations is very proud to announce its 20th Anniversary. 2008 marks 20 years of pro-active lobbying in Brussels and in Geneva and will be celebrated with a series of events throughout the year.
Reducing congestion, pollution and accidents while at the same time increasing mobility is one of Europe’s main challenges. The use of Powered Two-Wheelers clearly offers major advantages to the transport mix as well as solutions to many of the transport problems faced by EU Member States.
Recognition of their positive contribution has been one of FEMA members’ main reasons for creating the Federation in 1988. 20 years later, promoting fairer and appropriate legislation for motorcyclists remains FEMA’s main task.
On 25 June 1988, motorcyclists’ associations from France, Germany, United Kingdom, Greece, Austria and Luxembourg decided to form a European citizens’ organisation in order to make European riders’ voice heard in the political debate: The Federation of European Motorcyclists (FEM) was born.
Ten years later, on 10 January 1998, FEM and the European Motorcyclist Association (EMA) merged to form the Federation of European Motorcyclists’ Associations (FEMA). The two associations joined their forces to offer motorcyclists the best representation possible. Today, FEMA counts on a 4 person office in Brussels.
In 2008, 24 national road riding motorcyclists’ organizations from 19 European countries will hence celebrate 20 years of riders’ representation in Brussels.
The 10th of January has been chosen to officially launch FEMA celebrations for this double anniversary.
Throughout the year, FEMA will disseminate information about its history and how it works, but it will also organise a series of activities, such as participation to shows, workshops and conferences, interviews of keynote representatives, and a special edition of the MEP Motorcycle Ride in Brussels.
The detailed programme and additional information are available on FEMA 20th Anniversary dedicated web space www.fema.ridersrights.org/20years
Aline Delhaye, FEMA General Secretary, says: “I would like to take this opportunity to underline how local decisions are increasingly linked to European policies. European motorcyclists need to get stronger to face coming challenges.”
“As in the early days, there is a need to ensure that motorcycling is rightly and fairly considered in crucial debates, such as Intelligent Transport Systems or Congestion Charging Schemes, to only mention 2 examples.”
“I warmly thank FEMA members and partners for their faith in the work of the Federation and I call all motorcycling stakeholders (industry, media, clubs, individuals) to support the Federation and give it the means to promote motorcycling through the next 20 years and beyond”.
Ends
Note:
Visit FEMA’s 20th Anniversary website Here
If you wish to support FEMA 20th Anniversary and become a partner, please contact virginie.fema@chello.be
Motorcycle Magazines willing to promote the event, or simply looking for additional information should also not hesitate to contact us.
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
FEMA National Member Organisations
MAG Austria – MAG Belgium – CMF Czech Republic – DMC Denmark – MCTC Denmark – MP69 Finland – SMOTO Finland – FFMC France – Biker Union Germany – BVDM Germany – Kuhle Wampe Germany – MOT.O.E Greece – MAG Ireland – Coordinamento Motociclisti Italy – LMI Luxembourg – NMCU Norway – MAG Netherlands – GAM Portugal – SMC Sweden – IG Motorrad Switzerland – BMF United Kingdom – MAG United Kingdom – AMM Spain – EMOK Turkey