New rules on motorbike safety

New rules to make motorbikes safer and greener have been given the thumbs up from the European Parliament. They are to apply to all powered two- and three-wheel vehicles, from mopeds to heavy motorcycles, and also quads, as of 2016.

As these vehicles account for 16% of accident deaths on Europe's roads, but only 2% of road traffic, MEPs approved more stringent safety requirements for them, as well as tougher emission targets.

Under the new rules, anti-lock braking systems (ABS) will have to be fitted to all "bigger" motorbikes (i.e. those over 125 cc), while ABS or combined brake systems (CBS) could be fitted to smaller ones (under 125 cc), including scooters.

By the end of 2019, the Commission should present a cost-effectiveness analysis, with recommendations as to whether the rules should be revised to make ABS mandatory for smaller motorbikes, too.

The new regulation, adopted with 643 votes in favour, 16 against and 18 abstentions, still has to be formally approved by EU member states.