Motorbike Insurance

The Motor Cycle Industry (MCI) has launched two new online fact sheets so as to help bike-makers, sellers and trainers accommodate changes in European licensing laws.

Next year, the EU will implement its second licensing directive, which is expected to initially reduce the number of budding motorcyclists taking riding tests in the UK.

It is anticipated that this will be followed in around 2012 by the introduction of its third directive, which will prevent young riders from using bikes more powerful than 125cc.

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These new fact sheets are therefore designed to aid the motorcycling sector in adjusting to these legal changes and the MCI hopes that they can be utilised in making Britons aware of the benefits of using a motorbike for transportation.

Director of public affairs Craig Carey-Clinch explained: "These directives pose significant challenges to the industry, but there are also great opportunities.

"MCI's aim is to assist forward planning and improve knowledge about these directives, so the industry is better placed to prepare itself for the changing motorcycling environment."

He said that, given the increasing congestion and growing costs faced by Britain's road users, it was important to highlight the greater freedom and savings that motorcycling can offer.

However, other organisations are far less optimistic about the impact the new legislation will have, with both the British Motorcyclists Federation and the Motorcycle Action Group arguing that the third directive is overly draconian and unfair.

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