ABS for Motorcycles: FIA welcomes IMCO support for earlier 2016 introduction

Brussels, 6 December 2011

IMCO MEPs’ support for the mandatory EU-wide introduction of the Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) for all new type-approved motorbikes over 50cc from 2016 rather than 2017, has been welcomed today by the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) – a consumer body representing 104 Touring and Motoring Clubs as well as 36 million members from its Brussels office. The Internal Market and Consumer Affairs committee (IMCO) voted on 5 December 2011 on the first reading of the report.

“Motorcyclists are still exposed to an unacceptable level of risk on our roads and the fatality trends have not been encouraging. By lowering the mandatory introduction date for ABS on new bikes from 2017 to 2016, MEPs have taken an important step which we estimate could save almost 500 lives up to 2020”, said Jacob Bangsgaard, Director General of the FIA Brussels office. He added, “Delaying the mandatory introduction of the Anti-Lock Braking System cannot be justified on the grounds of availability or price. We hope that all MEPs will support this position when it comes to plenary vote.” The dossier will be voted on by the full European Parliament on 13 February 2012.

As a safety technology, ABS has a price which is negligible compared to the overall cost of a motorcycle: a simple FIA calculation based on available figures shows that ABS costs approximately 2% of a new motorbike of 125cc. Mandatory implementation will contribute to lowering the cost of ABS, thus helping to make it broadly available to consumers.

Latest FIA figures (see graph below) clearly show that an early introduction would save the greatest number of lives on European roads with a mandatory introduction of ABS for all motorcycles in 2016 saving approximately 500 lives up to 2020. These figures allow for a clear view of the safety benefits to be expected from a mandatory introduction of ABS for both large and smaller motorcycles. Additionally, it uses as a basis a voluntary uptake of ABS technology of 5% a year, in the absence of any legislative measure. 

Evaluation of the number of lives saved in relation with the year of mandatory introduction of ABS compared to voluntary equipment (the expected voluntary equipment rate of ABS is considered to be 5% per year, according to current figures).

Accumulated lives saved up to 2020 (Figures: ADAC, 2011)

Total of lives saved (motorcycles > 125 cc)

Total of lives saved (motorcycles < 125 cc)

Total of lives saved (all categories)

Note to Editors:

Legislative Process

Dutch MEP, Mr Wim Van de Camp, is Rapporteur for the IMCO report on the Commission proposal on the approval and market surveillance of two- or three-wheel vehicles and quadricycles (COM (2010) 542.). Mr Van de Camp’s report was voted on by the IMCO committee on 05 December 2011. The Council of Ministers still has to approve the compromise. The European Parliament plenary vote on the IMCO Report is currently scheduled for 13 February 2011.

The FIA Brussels Office

The FIA Brussels Office represents 104 Touring and Motoring Clubs in the European Union, as well as Africa and the Middle East, which total more than 36 million members. The FIA represents the interest of these members as motorists, public transport users, pedestrians and tourists.

The FIA’s primary goal is to secure a mobility that is safe, affordable, sustainable and efficient. With these aims in mind the work focuses on Road Safety, Consumer Protection, Environmental Protection, and the promotion of Sustainable Motoring.

For more information please contact Niall Carty, Communications Manager, FIA Region I: ncarty@fia.com (Tel: 0032 2 282 0812 or 0032 486 650 216).