The Federation Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) and European Association of Motorcycle Manufacturers meet with EU leaders to discuss motorcycling.

Ahead of the new political term in Europe two leading motorcycle organisations in Europe, the Federation Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) representing riders and sport as well as the European Association of Motorcycle Manufacturers representing industry, met with leaders from the European Union institutions in Brussels.

Michele Colaninno, President of ACEM and CEO of Piaggio and Jorge Viegas, President of FIM, Stefan Pierer CEO of KTM, Eric de Seynes Chairman of Yamaha Motor Europe, Michele Colaninno CEO Piaggio and ACEM President met together with prominent representatives from the European Commission and Parliament, Magda Kopczyńska and Bernd Lange respectively.

“Cultural and economic activity that supports hospitality, tourism and rural economies”

This kind of suit and tie wearers social gathering might sound like it has nothing to do with off-road bike sport but we want to keep riding don’t we?

The wider implications of keeping governmental control on our side is extremely important and as the FIM President, Jorge Viegas points out, motorcycle sports have a wide cultural and social impact beyond the noise of exhausts: “For 120 years, the FIM has been at the forefront of developing and improving motorcycling and it was good to be able to show that to members of the European Parliament and European Commission last night.

“It was also important to highlight that motorcycle sport isn’t only a marketing or research tool, but also an important cultural and economic activity that supports hospitality, tourism and rural economies.

“This message was clear and we hope that politicians will understand the need to protect and nurture this activity in the future.”

Ahead of coming policy and legislative discussions, ACEM and FIM presented its vision for the good of the users, the industry and, above all, the society. Concretely, the roadmap for the motorcycle sector stands on five pillars encompassing road safety, sustainability, industrial competitiveness, research and innovation, and tourism and motorsports.

The social part of the reception, presented by Reuters correspondent Julia Payne, had as special guest the double World Superbike Champion James Toseland. As professional pilot, he described the values of motorsports and leisure providing a unique opportunity for public institutions and manufacturers to reach European citizens. In this sense, only a combination of legislators, politicians and business working towards a common goal will firmly help to turn “Riding together for Europe” into a reality.

Photo Credit: FIM