The Federation of European Motorcyclists’ Associations (FEMA) and the FIM have this week formalised their relationship, as they claim bikers need to ‘stand together’ and ‘pool their resources’.
The two organisations have been working closely together since 2000, although yesterday they announced a formal understanding, claiming that ‘motorcycle sport and [recreational] motorcycle [use] are two sides of the same coin’. They claim that in the political climate of the modern world, the collective resources and experience of the two organisations can work together and benefit one another.
The move should give motorcyclists a louder voice in the European Union, and despite news this week that the UK government is looking into new UK-only type approval regulations, the chances are that what happens in the UK will still be influenced by lawmakers in the EU in one form or another.
Speaking of the news, FEMA President Odd Terje Dovik, said:
“FEMA commits to working more closely with FIM, to ensure a strong political voice for riders. With issues ranging from driver licences to road safety, from sound discussions to road bans, we need a strong presence in the political arena. Working together more closely and sharing our expertise, will ultimately be to the advantage of all motorcyclists.”
FIM President Jorge Viegas, added:
“We are pleased to welcome FEMA into the FIM family. FIM and FEMA share many aims and have cooperated for many years, so formalising this relationship is a natural progression. This will give us a more unified voice in Europe and better promote motorcycling in the region.”
FEMA is a collection of motorcycle organisations from across the European Union and currently comprises 20 member organisations. The FIM is the global organisation governing and sanctioning motorcycle sport. It comprises six continental unions and 121 national federations.
