FEMA
On the 25th of September 2004, European motorcyclists met with their elected Representatives for the 8th MEP Motorcycle Ride
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Oct 20, 2004, 13:22

8th MEP Motorcycle Ride
Motorcyclists' Presence in Europe

On the 25th of September 2004, European motorcyclists met with their elected Representatives for the 8th MEP Motorcycle Ride, which has become an immensely popular event amongst riders' elected representatives. Traditionally taking place in the European Parliament in Strasbourg, this year's MEP Ride was hosted by FEMA in Brussels' famous Parc Cinquantenaire.

Until recently organised by the Federation of European Motorcyclists' Associations (FEMA) and the Strasbourg section of its French affiliate FFMC since 1997, the Motorcycle Ride has become an event very much appreciated, not least by Members of the European Parliament.

Traditionally taking place in Strasbourg, this year's participants were invited to gather in Brussels' Parc Cinquantenaire to choose their favorite motorcycle for a ride, and to adjoin to refreshments in the historic ambiance of the Autoworld museum. Motorcyclists as well as FEMA's member organisations very much appreciated the opportunity to talk personally to Members of the European Parliament and Commission officials.

Participants gathered around what proved to be a particular attraction of this year's event, a second generation simulator developed by Honda. The device serves as a training aid, and participants were keen to test their riding skills on it in various challenging settings. Integrating the benefits of e-learning into the context of Road Safety, the simulator exercise aptly highlighted FEMA's firm commitment to Initial Rider Training. The European bike manufacturers' association (ACEM) was present with an Information stand, close to FEMA's, a walking dinner and entertainment were also organised throughout the evening.

Having registered for a motorcycle of their choice, and far from contenting themselves with an electronic ride, the participants departed in two groups for a tour through Brussels' most beautiful parks seaming glamourous Avenue de Tervueren.

Dutch MEP Jules Maaten immensely enjoyed his ride, as well as his Danish colleague Mogens Camre who had chosen a Honda CBF600, and French MEP Patrick Louis, who had opted for the Moto Guzzi California. The event also attracted MEPs from the new Member States, and FEMA was happy to welcome Czech MEP Zuzana Roithova and Hungarian MEP Peter Olajas, who competently steered a Yamaha XJR1300.

MEPs were accompanied by representatives of FEMA's member organisations, coming from all over Europe to attend the event. The FEMA Secretariat also used the occasion to introduce their newly elected Campaigns Officer, who helped winners of the FEMA raffle to their presents of the famous Harley-Davidson make. As a souvenir of this memorable and unique event, gifts were also distributed to all participants.

Referring symbolically to vehicles of the past inside the museum, and vehicles of the future outside it, FEMA's Secretary General Antonio Perlot said: "The Brussels Autoworld Museum, holding a stunning collection of historic vehicles, is the ideal setting in which to establish and renew relationships amongst the people who have an interest and often a passion for this vehicle, providing a good answer to mobility needs in congested areas and an enjoyable leisure activity".

This 8th MEP Motorcycle Ride was once more a great attraction, proving to be as much of a success in its new surroundings as in its traditional ones, not least thanks to all who supported and contributed immensely to make sure that the MEPs and all participants enjoy this unique event and experience of riding a Powered Two-Wheeler.

FEMA wishes to thank the two main sponsors of the event, Harley-Davidson Europe and the Motorcycle Council Belgium. Our thanks go also to all the supporters of the event, the Belgian historic vehicle association (FBVA), the Belgian motorcycle industry association (FEBIAC), the motorcycle makes for providing some of their models for the event (Harley-Davidson, Ducati, Honda, Moto Guzzi, Suzuki, Yamaha, Peugeot, Piaggio and Aprilia). And to Hein Gericke and Lazer who provided respectively the rain suits and the helmets.



Christina Gesios
FEMA - Federation of European Motorcyclists' Associations
Rue des Champs 62, 1040 Brussels, Belgium
Tel: +32 (0)2 736 9047 / Fax: +32 (0)2 736 9401
www.fema.ridersrights.org

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