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ABS, daylight running light becomes mandatory for motorbikes
Posted: Fri Nov 23, 2012 10:07 am
by D-Rider
Well, we knew that ABS was going to be introduced but how come nobody told us that we were going to be forced to light up like Christmas trees?
What chance have we had to object to this and put up the arguments as to why this is a counter-productive measure?
New rules to make motorbikes safer and greener got the thumbs up from the European Parliament this week. They are to apply to all powered two- and three-wheel vehicles, from mopeds to heavy motorcycles, and also quads, as of 2016.
As these vehicles account for 16% of accident deaths on Europe's roads, but only 2% of road traffic, MEPs approved more stringent safety requirements for them, as well as tougher emission targets.
Under the new rules, anti-lock braking systems (ABS) will have to be fitted to all " motorbikes over 125 cc, while ABS or combined brake systems (CBS) could be fitted to smaller ones (under 125 cc), including scooters.
By the end of 2019, the Commission should present a cost-effectiveness analysis, with recommendations as to whether the rules should be revised to make ABS mandatory for smaller motorbikes, too.
MEPs also welcomed the measures to improve the visibility of motorbikes and riders by introducing automatic switching-on of lighting when the engine starts.
As L-category vehicles emit disproportionally large amounts of pollutants the European Parliament voted to extend Euro 4 emissions standards to motorbikes from 2016, mopeds from 2017 and Euro 5 standards to all two- or three-wheel vehicles from 2020.
MEPs also backed the gradual introduction of increasingly advanced On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) systems, to monitor malfunctions and hence make information on emissions easily available so that the bike can be repaired promptly.
The new regulation has to be formally approved by EU member states. It will apply only to new two- or three-wheel vehicles and quads sold from 2016.
http://www.electronics-eetimes.com/en/a ... 09&vID=209
Posted: Fri Nov 23, 2012 5:41 pm
by randomsquid
Thought the manufacturers had already decided we were having our lights on all the time anyway. Both my bikes came without an off switch for the lights.
Posted: Fri Nov 23, 2012 6:17 pm
by D-Rider
Wonder what the view will be about fitting one as an upgrade ....
Probably invalidate your insurance and then get sent on an Illumination Awareness course to avoid points on your license ...............
..... whereas it might be better for everyone to send motorists on a "There might be something else trying to use the road and you'd better start looking and concentrating Awareness Course"
Posted: Fri Nov 23, 2012 6:19 pm
by Willopotomas
I refuse to put myself in danger.. Even if the law requires it. F'ukum. Gotta catch me first!
Posted: Fri Nov 23, 2012 7:08 pm
by BikerGran
Seemples! Don't buy a new bike!
Posted: Fri Nov 23, 2012 7:13 pm
by fatboy
Not seen a Think Bike ad on telly for years,
Better training for car drivers is the sensible answer.
I do ride with my lights on, its my own choice and it should remain so.
If I get knocked off by a deaf,dumb and blind car driver,how the hell can I be to blame for not having my lights on in daylight
Posted: Fri Nov 23, 2012 8:02 pm
by randomsquid
I tend to ride with my lights on. Seems to help while filtering through all the lines of traffic we get round here. Except in the winter when you just disappear amongst all the car headlights. As do the arseholes on scooters coming towards you down the white line at 50.
I'm really looking forward to when they make running lights on cars compulsory...
Posted: Fri Nov 23, 2012 8:13 pm
by D-Rider
randomsquid wrote:I tend to ride with my lights on. Seems to help while filtering through all the lines of traffic we get round here. Except in the winter when you just disappear amongst all the car headlights. As do the arseholes on scooters coming towards you down the white line at 50.
I'm really looking forward to when they make running lights on cars compulsory...
I look forward to returning to the days of when everybody only turned their lights on when it was actually necessary to do so - so that you could actually see pedestrians, cyclists, road-furniture and us bikers.
The times you ride or drive along against a stream of "searchlights" (unable to see much else) and then a quick glance to the side reveals acres of fields over which you can see everything perfectly clearly.
Madness (and it needlessly uses up fuel and increases emissions)
Posted: Fri Nov 23, 2012 10:53 pm
by Gio
D-Rider wrote:randomsquid wrote:I tend to ride with my lights on. Seems to help while filtering through all the lines of traffic we get round here. Except in the winter when you just disappear amongst all the car headlights. As do the arseholes on scooters coming towards you down the white line at 50.
I'm really looking forward to when they make running lights on cars compulsory...
I look forward to returning to the days of when everybody only turned their lights on when it was actually necessary to do so - so that you could actually see pedestrians, cyclists, road-furniture and us bikers.
The times you ride or drive along against a stream of "searchlights" (unable to see much else) and then a quick glance to the side reveals acres of fields over which you can see everything perfectly clearly.
Madness (and it needlessly uses up fuel and increases emissions)
I think all vehicles now have running lights my Caddy does, as for common sense using lights when it warrants on those vehicles that don't have auto on at start up, people in the stupid brigade in Surrey have no lights on when its pissing down with rain. They also shave and apply makeup according to their genders habits, while using a mobile phone.
Posted: Sat Nov 24, 2012 2:55 pm
by randomsquid
I'd like some of those handguards with leds in. So I can pretend to be a small Audi that's just taken off.