LIZ GETS ON HER BIKE FOR ROAD SAFETY

5.00.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Wed 5th Sep 2007

Liz on her bike in Strasbourg

West Midlands Liberal Democrat MEP Liz Lynne has once again hosted the annual MEP's motorcycle ride in Strasbourg.

This year, the tour has taken on the theme of road safety with organisers FEMA (the Federation of European Motorcyclists' Associations) taking the opportunity to launch their European Agenda for Motorcycle Safety (EAMS).

The EAMS outlines, amongst other things, the fact that motorcycles are less congesting and polluting than most road vehicles and have little impact on traffic infrastructure.

Speaking shortly before the event, Liz said:

"The yearly ride is a wonderful opportunity to take a brief break and enjoy some of the beautiful local scenery I rarely get to see, but naturally there is also a serious side to today."

"It is often forgotten that motorcyclists have different needs to other road users and are particularly vulnerable in the area of safety. Today we have the chance to raise those concerns and present FEMA's findings to those forming Europe's road policy."

"Let us not forget that motorcycles are also more environmentally-friendly than the typical car and cause less traffic jams. With numbers increasing each year they really do have a place and value on today's roads."

"I hope that the Commission will thoroughly examine the EAMS and take it into account when publishing its Green Paper later this year and Action Plan in 2008."

ENDS.

Liz taking part in the MEP's ride 2007

Notes to Editors

The participants will meet at 18.00 at the Strasbourg European Parliament building, departing at 19.00. The tour takes in the sights of the city of Strasbourg and the Alsatian countryside.

FEMA's earlier contribution to the formation of the Green Paper on Transport can be found at: http://www.fema.ridersrights.org/docs/FEMA_consultation_urbantransport.pdf

More information on the 2007 MEPs' motorcycle ride, including further information on the European Agenda for Motorcycle Safety (EAMS) can be found at: http://www.mep-ride.eu/