Bike racing in danger as new insurance rules loom

The Motorcycle Industry Association has called on EU member governments and MEPs to reject the latest European Commission proposals, which have the potential to end all competitive motorsport across the UK.

The proposals arise from a newly tabled EU directive that amends aspects of the Motor Insurance Directive. The new directive also responds to the so-called ‘Vnuk’ judgment from 2014, which ruled that all mechanically propelled vehicles must have third-party insurance, even if they are only used on private land.

The insurance industry has already made it clear that it would be difficult to provide such insurance given the risks involved with racing and that doing so could be incredibly expensive. In other EU countries where this has already been applied, premiums have risen dramatically making many events unsustainable.

MCIA condemns European Commission move to end motorcycle sport!!! stop this madness now! #brexit #EU-stupidity! https://t.co/63Y1jna54I

— NEades (@MarketingNickE) June 1, 2018

The proposals represent a complete U-turn from the European Commission’s previous position in 2016, when it proposed to exclude vehicles not being used ‘in traffic’. This would have made all forms of motorsport exempt from the impact of the ruling. In doing so, the EC has ignored over 3,500 consultation responses supporting an exemption for motorsports.

“It is now vital that our motorcycle sport and industry partners across Europe move swiftly to lobby both the European institutions and other EU member governments,” says Tony Campbell, CEO of the MCIA. “In the UK alone, motorcycle sport is estimated to be worth £1 billion, which rises to around £11 billion across all forms of UK motor sports.

“We strongly support UK Government efforts, but our message is clear – whatever the outcome of these new proposals Government must take action in order to avoid the catastrophic damage that will be inflicted on motorsport across the board if this ruling turns into law. Even if this means defying Brussels.”