Calls to ban powerful bikes

MPs have been urged to ‘insist’ Government looks at ‘downsizing’ motorcycles in a letter signed by some of the UK’s most influential road safety groups.  

The letter, dated August 1, 2007,  says Government should look at placing restrictions on the power, weight and speed of motorcycles. It makes no mention of cars.

It’s signed by holders of senior posts at Transport 2000, Living Streets, RoadPeace, Sustrans, the Road Danger Reduction Forum, the Slower Speeds Initiative, cycling group CTC and the London Cycling Campaign.

It’s addressed to the Transport Select Committee, a group of MPs appointed by the House of Commons to examine Government transport policy. In April the Committee published a reported recommending that Government research the ‘viability of introducing speed limiters on motorcycles’.

A Government response in June said there was no safety or environmental case for such a move.

The letter from road safety groups says the Committee ‘should insist that the government looks again at reducing the permitted weight, power and speed of motorcycles’.

Click here to read the full letter.

Get MCN on September 5 to read why a riders’ rights group thinks Government may listen to the demands.