From left; Stefan Pierer (CEO KTM), Jorge Viegas (FIM President), Eric de Seynes (Chairman YAMAHA MOTOR EUROPE N.V), Michele Colaninno (CEO Piaggio and ACEM President) © FIM
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Two of the leading motorcycle organisations in Europe, the Federation Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) representing riders and sport and the European Association of Motorcycle Manufacturers representing industry, came together last night to host a joint event showcasing a common goal to improve mobility together with leaders from the European Union institutions in Brussels.
Michele Colaninno, President of ACEM and CEO of Piaggio and Jorge Viegas, President of FIM, together with prominent representatives from the European Commission and Parliament, Magda Kopczyńska and Bernd Lange respectively, addressed keynotes claiming the contribution of two-wheelers vehicles to achieve EU objectives for roads and cities.
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.
However, further efforts from both parties are necessary to reach immediate ambitions. As vulnerable road users, riders require dedicated priorities in mobility and road safety plans at European, national and local level. In addition, the intrinsic light and small characteristics of mopeds, motorcycles, tricycles and quadricycles make them true allies towards an efficient mobility in urban and peri-urban areas, through their inclusion in future Sustainable Urban Mobility Plans.
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.
Commenting on the event, presidents of both organisations congratulated for the success of the reception and exhibition showcasing our mobility solutions to EU institutions.
Michele Colaninno, ACEM President and CEO of Piaggio, said “Riding together for Europe also means innovation. The motorcycle industry is committed to continue developing innovative mobility and leisure vehicles, but we need realistic policies to fully include these vehicles as part of future mobility. Competitiveness should be at the core of the coming European political mandate supporting manufacturers in adapting to future legislations while continuing promoting growth and creating qualified jobs”.
Jorge Viegas, President of FIM stated: “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”.