3. Emissions
Any further lowering of the extremely strict limits as set out in COM(93)449 in the absence of proper investigation into the consequences is opposed. Restrictions on the use of cost- effective motorcycles made in Europe which are in total much more environmentally-friendly than cars could have the direct opposite of the intended effect. We agree with the concept of maximum emissions levels and fully support the introduction of the United Nations Regulation 40 to deal with the problem pending proper research.
M.A.G. Ireland is concerned that a strict implementation of type approval will prevent individuals from customising their motorcycles to better suit their requirements. Motorcycles are modified for safety, comfort, aesthetic and performance reasons. Subject to a roadworthiness test these modifications should not be prohibited. Type approval only applies to motorcycles when at the point of sale, not in use.
5. Training
M.A.G. Ireland supports proper basic training for all road users prior to the granting of a provisional license. With the vast majority of accidents due to driver error, quality training emphasising defensive riding techniques for motorcyclists and motorcycle awareness for other road users is seen as the most effective approach to overall road safety.
M.A.G. Ireland is opposed to stepped licensing in Ireland as it is based on the flawed assumption (used in the abandoned German driving license system) that larger motorcycles represent a larger accident risk. Having passed the driving test a motorcyclist should not be limited in the choice of motorcycles. Limiting riders to low capacity machines actively encourages the use of these machines beyond their design capabilities and has been shown to decrease overall road safety.
7. Safety aids
Prevention is better than cure and technological gimmicks lacking conclusive proof of their benefit are opposed. These include conspicuous clothing, daytime lights, leg protectors and airbags. These devices distract political attention from the real causes of accidents which are seen as a lack of quality training and subsequent careless driving.
M.A.G. Ireland is completely opposed to leg protectors in particular. Government research in other countries has repeatedly shown that these devices are inherently dangerous and that their use should therefore be actively discouraged for road safety reasons.
Civil liberties are also a factor in this area and the use of a safety aid without proven benefit in all accident cases should be at the informed discretion of the individual whose safety is affected. Education not legislation basically.
As the users representative organisation MAG Ireland abhors the theft of motorcycles or the use of stolen motor cycle parts. Motorcycle theft insurance is expensive so which means most motorcycles are not covered. Motorcycle theft therefore becomes more than a serious crime against property to the owner. The full force of the law should be brought to bear on the perpetrators of this crime. (View MAG info sheet on Anti-Theft)
M.A.G. Ireland very strongly disapproves of and actively discourages the practice of driving under the influence of alcohol or other drugs whose use while driving has been proven to be unsafe.
MAG has consistently promoted motorcycling as an important part of the solution to many modern road traffic problems including congestion, parking spaces and traffic pollution.
Motorcycles also require less materials for their manufacture, cause
negligible road wear and their parts are already extremely recyclable. In addition motorcycles have a higher fuel efficiency than other vehicles.
Note:The level of recycling already in place in the motorcycle world has been recognised by the Parliament and the Commission in the End of Life Vehicles Directive.
11. VAT rates on safety equipment
Despite being told that helmets are legally mandated safety equipment motorcyclists are forced to pay luxury tax rates on both these and more accepted protective equipment such as motorcycle gloves and protective clothing. These VAT classifications should clearly be changed to standard safety equipment rates.
Motorcycle tyres should also be exempt from VAT or charged at a lower rate.