02/05/2024
MAG Quits the Federation of European Motorcyclists’ Associations
The Motorcycle Action Group (MAG) which founded the European Riders’ Rights Movement in 1989, has quit the Federation of European Motorcyclists Associations (FEMA) citing its unhappiness with FEMA’s ‘gutless’ attitude to forced electrification.
MAG has repeatedly expressed its concerns about the gap between the clearly stated views of ordinary motorcyclists, and FEMA policy. MAG and FEMA surveys of riders have independently confirmed bikers’ overwhelming opposition to any ban on the sale of petrol-powered motorcycles.
MAG’s response has been robust and unequivocal ever since 2017 when the UK Government first announced a proposed 2040 ban before bringing it forward to 2030 and moving it back to 2035. By contrast, the FEMA board has obdurately resisted MAG’s calls for a hardline position and seems to see its role as being one of convincing and converting bikers to accept the ban.
In its latest move, the FEMA Board has adopted a joint so-called ‘manifesto’ written by FIM, the global governing body of motorcycle racing, and ACEM, representing European Motorcycle Manufacturers. The FEMA Board has now presented it to its member organisations as a diktat with Wim Taal, FEMA’s General Secretary, stating that he would “not have discussions,” would “not welcome comments,” and “It’s not a discussion paper, it’s fixed.”
As well as accepting forced decarbonisation, the document also omits any mention of historic vehicles. Asked the reason for that omission, FEMA said that ignoring owners of historic vehicles was the best way to get a three-way agreement between the FEMA, FIM, and ACEM boards.
MAG Chair, Neil Liversidge, said:
“No way does this document accurately represent the vast majority of riders’ views on forced electrification. FIM has concocted it, ACEM has watered it down, and FEMA’s Board has waved it through with no involvement from FEMA’s National Member Organisations.
What it does make clear is that democracy is dead in FEMA, and with it the independent European Riders’ Rights Movement. For ten years FIM has connived to control FEMA. It has now succeeded through the agency of self-interested people who have subverted it for their FIM paymasters. Now FIM will do what big business always does; adopt the path of least friction with governments and supra-national authorities, selling riders out in the process.
MAG is proud of its achievements for European riders in the 35 years since we founded FEM. We shall not be putting our name to this gutless betrayal.”
Following a unanimous vote by the MAG UK National Committee, MAG has resigned from FEMA with immediate effect, citing its complete lack of confidence in FEMA and its belief that FEMA no longer represents the interests of motorcyclists. MAG remains open to working with any and all organisations faithfully representing riders’ interests by continuing to fight forced electrification.
