Federation of European Motorcyclists’ Associations (FEMA), Brüssel
Christina Gesios

Fellow Riders from Germany.

Firstly, I would like to apologise for not being able to talk to you in your own language. Heike Weller will help me and translate my words in German.

Let me say that I am very pleased to be here on behalf of FEMA to support this very meaningful demonstration, organised by the Motorradinitiative Deutschland, and supported by our German sister organisations.

The main reason of our presence here today is to bring a strong message to those people in power in the regions of Germany who are banning motorcycles on some of their roads.

We all agree: this practice is totally unfair and undemocratic!

In Europe, Germany is the country with the highest number of road bans. Noise, accidents, speeding are the reasons the authorities give to deny motorcycling citizens' basic right of free movement, on the territory where they live and pay taxes, just like the other citizens! They choose what is easier for them: repression.

Fortunately, there are rider groups in your country who are working hard to make sure that the voice of motorcyclists is heard, to promote and preserve your rights! They do this job for you. And it is your duty to support them, so if you are not a member yet, become a member now!

On the European front, FEMA is looking after your interests on various issues.

Reductions of motorcycle emissions, is one of the most important subjects. Yes, we want cleaner bikes, but not at any price. We want new limits to be set in a reasonable and cost-effective way, which takes into account the particularities of motorcycles. We are close now to achieve what we want, with the support of the people we have elected within the European Parliament.

Road safety is also a priority. The number of motorcycle accidents is always pointed out by the European lawmakers. FEMA has worked on projects to identify solutions to reduce the danger of existing crash barriers for motorcyclists, to promote a better rider training for novice riders.

FEMA national organisations are promoting better road surfaces, with alternatives to the slippery bitumen, campaigns are also organised against diesel spillage on the roads. If actions are taken on these problems which motorcyclists are not responsible for, it will at least reduce part of these accidents.

And there are many more subjects that are discussed at the European and International levels: driving license, Intelligent Transport Systems, worldwide construction standards for bikes, compulsory daytime running lights for all vehicles….

On all subjects that will affect riders from all the countries of Europe, FEMA will make sure that motorcyclists' interests are looked after. We want Europe to take riders into consideration, as road users, consumers and citizens.

The results achieved by FEMA depend greatly on the strength of its national riders' organisations. There are 22, who have unite their efforts to make sure that the voice of motorcyclists is heard by the European Union. Every single victory gained by FEMA, is your victory. Your victory as motorcyclists who take their responsibilities by supporting the riders' movement.

For that, I would like to say THANK YOU. And a big thank you also to the German organisations that are working hard every day to look after your interests.

And to end my contribution, I want to wish you a very good demo ride this afternoon and an enjoyable weekend.