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European Elections 2004
European Bikers are Voters Pack
Why Bikers Should Vote
Why should you vote in the European Elections on 10th June 2004.
Most of the laws and regulations motorcyclists have to comply with come from the European Parliament EU and its institutions they have influence over your life, from deciding apparently how bendy bananas are to Motorcycle Emissions, Noise Regulations, BHP Limitations, Anti Tampering, Design, Road Safety, Secondary Safety such as Air Bags, Leg Protectors and Protective Clothing, VAT on Helmets, EVSC (External Vehicle Speed Control).
Recently there have been consultations on a Motorcycle Single Vehicle Approval Scheme Directive, Driving Licence Directives with just over 2,500 EU directives in force.
It is therefore crucial that a European representation of motorcyclists exists so that riders can act directly on these regulations before they are implemented in the EU Member States through elected MEP’s.
This representation at European level is by the Federation of European Motorcyclists Associations (FEMA) and at International level through representations within the United Nations Working Groups.
In Great Britain, at the end of 2003, the annual turnover for sales, repairs and after-market products of motorcycles, scooters and mopeds, was almost £2 billion. This excludes peripheral suppliers such as motorcycle insurers whose annual income alone is estimated at over £405 million.
There are over thirty manufacturers selling motorcycles, scooters and mopeds through more than 3,000 franchise outlets, operating from 1,500 motorcycle dealerships, represented by industry and retailer associations.
Data provided by the Motorcycle Industry showed that the registration figures for 2003 totalled 155,693 motorcycles, scooters and mopeds combined. Overall, there are 1,256,400 of these vehicles in circulation and based on survey data from the Motorcycle Action Group, their value is estimated at more than £4 billion.
This is a reflection of the voting power of riders in the UK, multiplied through riders representation in European National States the “Bikers Lobby” has never been stronger.
European Institutions
European Parliament (elected by the peoples of the Member States);
Council of the European Union (representing the governments of the Member States);
European Commission (driving force and executive body);
Court of Justice (ensuring compliance with the law);
Court of Auditors (controlling sound and lawful management of the EU budget).
There are five other important bodies:
European Economic and Social Committee (expresses the opinions of organised civil society on economic and social issues);
Committee of the Regions (expresses the opinions of regional and local authorities);
European Central Bank (responsible for monetary policy and managing the euro);
European Ombudsman (deals with citizens' complaints about maladministration by any EU institution or body);
European Investment Bank (helps achieve EU objectives by financing investment projects)
A number of agencies and other bodies complete the system.
UK Representation
The UK is divided into twelve regions. Each region has between three and eleven MEP's and each MEP in a region represents each person living there.
For example, if you live in Cambridge, all eight Eastern MEP's represent you and you can contact any or all of them.
There are 78 MEP’s in the UK.
How to Raise the Issues
MAG has produced a “European Bikers are Voters Pack” which includes a letter template and suggested questions to send to candidates for European Parliament.
You may wish to use this template as is or modify it using your own words.
There is also a further list of universal questions covering motorcycling issues through out the UK.
You may wish to include these when contacting the candidates.
FEMA needs to know where candidates who could drive future policies in Europe stand on motorcycling issues.
This also helps form the views of the candidates by demonstrating the strength of feeling of the voters that ride bikes.
Don’t forget “Candidates May Be Bikers”
European Bikers are Voters Pack
Returns
MAG intends to built a complete picture of candidates’ views on PTW’s we would ask you to return replies to MAG’s Director of Public Affairs, Trevor Baird at public-affairs@mag-uk.org or send copies to the MAG Office at
MAG UK
P.O. Box 750
Rugby
CV21 3ZR
MAG Group returns will be organised through the Regional Representative and fed into MAG’s Bikers Are Voters database.
Candidates by Regions
London : 9 seats
Northern Ireland : 3 seats
Scotland : 7 seats
North East : 3 seats
North West : 9 seats
Yorkshire and the Humber : 6 seats
Wales : 4 seats
West Midlands : 7 seats
East Midlands : 6 seats
South West : 7 seats
South East : 10 seats
Eastern : 7 seats
SOURCES UK OFFICE OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT - EUROPA - EUROPE COUNTS
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