Brussels 15th October 2010

This is the main conclusion reached at the workshop organised by the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) European Bureau on the 14th of October 2010 concerning Anti–lock Braking Systems (ABS) for motorcycles. ABS has proven to be the most effective of the recent braking systems, not only in terms of reducing the emergency braking distance, but also in terms of improving driving stability during braking.

Accident research by FIA member motoring and touring clubs shows that ABS could reduce motorcyclist fatalities by some 20% in 2020, if it would already be mandatory in 2011. This early introduction would correspond to a reduction of some 5.500 fatalities in a period of 10 years, representing a major improvement considering the fact that the fatality risk of motorcyclists is 16 times higher than car drivers’. Furthermore, the number of fatalities of motorcyclists increased by some 10% between 2000 and 2008. ABS will not only reduce fatalities; it will also decrease the number of accidents and mitigate the risk of serious injuries.

The European Commission’s proposal  includes the mandatory fitment of ABS as from 2017. Unfortunately, the proposal applies only to motorcycles of more than 125 cc. According to the same accident research, this would only reduce motorcyclist fatalities by some 8% in 2020. This later introduction would correspond only to a reduction of some 1.100 fatalities in a period of 10 years.

The FIA European Bureau and its member motoring and touring clubs are therefore requesting motorcycle manufacturers to fit ABS on all motorcycle categories, from 50 cc upwards, as soon as possible.

FIA member motoring and touring clubs will advise consumers to consider only motorcycles fitted with ABS. In addition, the FIA will recommend that riders follow adequate training on how to use ABS in order to benefit fully from its safety advantages in the best conditions.

Last but not least, the FIA European Bureau is requesting that the European Parliament does not water down the proposed regulation. For the sake of improved road safety, they should vote in favour of mandatory ABS, not only for medium and high performance motorcycles!

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Notes to editors

The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), Europe’s leading motoring organisation, represents via its 71 affiliated members, national motoring and touring organisations, 35 million motorists in 47 European countries. Europe’s motoring and touring organisations hold road safety as one of their highest priorities in order to make mobility more sustainable and reliable, while keeping it affordable for all.

By ABS, the FIA European Bureau understands Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), which is a braking system that prevents the wheels on a motorcycle from locking up (or ceasing to rotate) while braking. Very often, motorcycle manufacturers refer to ABS as Advanced Braking Systems, implying the combination of different braking systems, for example, CBS (Coupling Braking Devices) and RLP (Rear wheel Lift-off Protection), also including Anti-lock Braking Systems. This has a very different meaning.

For more information contact:
Sinziana Gille Tel 02 282 0816 or s.gille(at)fiabrussels.com