Bikers revved up over EU measures

BIKERS protesting against strict new EU modification measures proposed for the motorcycle industry staged protests around the country yesterday.

In Dublin, over 1,000 motorbikes travelled to the city centre and blocked Kildare Street.

In Cork about 200 bikers converged on the Opera House having travelled along all main routes to the city from early morning.

The EU regulations propose a ban on motorcycles over seven years old from urban areas, a series of anti-tampering measures that will make it illegal for bikers to carry out their own modifications and servicing and the mandatory wearing of high-visibility clothing.

Protest participant Ciaran O’Connor said the measures will do untold damage to the industry.

“This could spell the end of biking as we know it.

“They are proposing these measures under the guise of road safety, yet Ireland voted against removing dangerous crash barriers that pose a particular threat to bikers.

“If they really wanted to improve road safety they could introduce new safety programmes for car drivers aimed at raising awareness of motorcyclists on the road.”

There were also protests in Waterford, Wexford, Westmeath, Monaghan and Donegal and across Europe.