Press Release: 27 April, 2000

The loss of what is called Direct Access, at age 25, with the implementation of the new vehicle licensing laws, which came into effect on 26 November, unfairly discriminates against motorcyclists.

Under the 2^nd European Directive on Vehicle Licensing, a stepped licensing system provides that new motorcycle license holders (A1) may only ride a motorcycle under 25kV (approximately 250 cc) and, after passing their test, are restricted to that power limit for two years before they can progress to the A class license which has no power limit. The Directive provides that this restriction may be waived if the motorcyclist is age 21 and passes a test of competency.

The Irish government, which was last of all the EU nations to implement the Directive, and contrary to the majority of other nations, chose not to provide for Direct Access at age 21, despite drastic improvements in motorcycle safety records and the development (by MAG Ireland) of a motorcycle training program. Under the old licensing system, Direct Access was available at age 25.

"Motorcyclists are very angry at the changes", said Herb Finnegan, chairman of MAG Ireland. "A jet-fighter pilot, with a full car licence, and years of road experience is subject to the restriction of two years on a small motorcycle, while an 18 year old with no road experience can step into a powerful sports car on a provisional license and drive unaccompanied (on a second provisional), and on motorways (due to non-enforcement), without restriction. What we have here is blatant discrimination against motorcyclists."

MAG Ireland, which has already signalled its dis-satisfaction with the implementation of the Directive to the Department, calls on the Government to implement the 2^nd. Directive in full and provide for Direct Access at age 21.

In support of this call, MAG has already commenced a campaign which includes petition signing and a nation-wide demonstration on 19 August.

The Irish Motorcyclists Action Group (MAG Ireland) represents over 5,000 motorcyclists in Ireland and is affiliated to FEMA, the European umbrella group of motorcyclist representative organisations. MAG Ireland was recently instrumental in improving insurance choice for motorcyclists, publishing a safety booklet which was distributed by the Department of the Environment and Local Government, and in leading the way toward the development of more motorcycle training instructors.