Bikers hit the road to protest at new law

 

Rob Hastings
Sunday 25 September 2011 19:00 EDT
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Several thousand motorcyclists were joined by four MPs for go-slow protests on major roads across Britain yesterday, in a rally against EU legislation they claim threatens their hobby.

The 106 protests, in some cases attended by 1,500 bikers, were organised by the Motorcycle Action Group. Its chairman, Paul Turner, said the EU wanted to restrict the parts used to modify bikes and who could carry the work.

"It would basically stop all DIY work on bikes," said Mr Turner. "It will kill local garages and ruin the custom trade, where people's hobbies are building and converting motorcycles into the fantastic machines that you see."

The legislation is aimed at preventing illegal parts being fitted to bikes, modifications being carried out badly and the machines being made too powerful. But Mr Turner said such concerns were unfounded: "Very little of that happens, because people have the sense to realise that it invalidates your insurance."

A vote on the regulations due in November has been delayed until February.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in