UN plans worldwide bike laws

British bikes could be forced to meet the same strict rules and regulations as in California, thanks to the United Nations.

The UN aim to create world standards for motorcycles, beginning with motorcycle braking, and emission testing. Both Britain and America belong to the World Forum for the Harmonisation of Vehicle Regulations, which may mean bringing Britain in line with tighter controls in place in other countries.

Motorcycling groups are involved in their capacity as non-governmental-organisations. These include the FIM and the Federation of European Motorcyclists Association.

The proposal for testing motorcycle emissions could be drafted as early as summer 2003, with braking regulations expected the following year.

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